FAQ's about Udaya Yoga:

It is understandable that you might have questions if you are new to a yoga practice, or new to Udaya yoga studio. We created this page to help new and current students have a better understanding of their yoga practice.  Please see our practice guidelines page for more information.

Q.  What is yoga?
Yoga can be traced back to 5,000 years ago and is a Sanskrit word meaning to join, or yoke; union. Its' full meaning is about the union of body, mind and spirit. It also is about the ending of the chatter of the mind, so that the mind can experience stillness, thus a meditative mind can be nurtured.  In the West, yoga is about the lessening of stress and anxiety of modern life; about relaxation, strength, and flexibility. A quiet mind and body can awaken the depths of being.

Q. Why should I practice yoga?
Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body. It teaches us to take slower, deeper breaths, which improves lung function and overall health. It helps to improve flexibility and increases strength.   Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem. Yoga helps to improve circulation and, as a result of various poses, more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body's cells. Even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise. Yoga helps to improve body alignment, resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems. Yoga helps us to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind body health. It opens the way to improved coordination, reaction time and memory.

Q.  How often should I practice?
A successful yoga practice requires discipline, consistency and commitment. To experience the true benefits of a yoga practice, we recommend practicing four to six days per week. A practice of two to three days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. Develop the spirit of repetition and dedication in your practice and you will see results.

Q.  When can I expect to see progress in my practice?
Each individual will respond differently to yoga, based on a myriad of factors including age, physical condition, and genetics. What is far more important than measuring "progress" is to simply embrace where your practice is, and let go of any arbitrary self-imposed "goals." Yoga is truly a life-long pursuit, one that you can go on exploring as long as you live and never learn all there is to know. Yoga is about the journey, so enjoy the ride.

Q.  Why are some classes heated?
Heat helps stretch muscle fibers and tendons, and helps prevent injuries to these areas while stretching. The heat also helps increase circulation to tissues and organs, enhances the functioning of the immune system, helps to release toxins and provides great healing influence to the entire body.

Q. What does Namaste mean?
 This gesture is an acknowledgement of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow; "as" means I; and "te" means you. Therefore, Namasté literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you." This gesture is a deep form of respect.