Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions
I’m out of shape/too young/too old/too inflexible…can I join in?
Regardless of age, fitness level, or previous experience with yoga, everyone is welcome to practice in any of my Flow, Power, or Restorative classes. As long as any injury or medical condition that could impede movement is cleared by a doctor and/or discussed with me ahead of time, there is no reason why any able body can’t participate and benefit from Hatha yoga in all of its forms. If you feel inflexible, sore, and fatigued, yoga will help you almost immediately – there’s no time like the present to begin the practice. My youngest students have been elementary school-aged; my most mature students have long settled into the senior category…and are now fitter than some of my athletic peers!
Do you play music in class?
Sometimes I do; sometimes I don’t…I love music and how it can influence moods and emotions, particularly in conjunction with movement. However, this very influence makes music a tricky and personal thing – what suits some people can irritate others. I have enjoyed yoga with the strangest of music, and yet I love nothing more than a practice in utter silence with a crackling of burning logs in a woodstove or the sounds of waves crashing outside the window (when I’m fortunate enough to be in Tofino). For many people, a quiet practice can be just as effective if not more so than a music-accompaniment for pranayama exercises, and for bringing our awareness deep into our bodies and finding focus in the present moment of yoga. When I choose music, it is chosen based on the rhythm, the tone, and the general feel; music that is hopefully inspiring and ear-friendly, or at the other end of the scale, music that is hopefully deeply relaxing and meditative, neither jarring nor sleep-inducing. I have a vast appreciation for many types of music and am always open to suggestions or even requests!
How much/what should I eat before class?
This question is kind of like the music question; it’s a personal situation for most, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Traditionally, we are advised to eat nothing within two hours of practice and to wait an hour at least after practice. I try to stick with this because it is more comfortable to twist and move on an empty stomach and allows blood and oxygen to move those areas that need it and use it in yoga practice. Contrary to what you often see in gym settings or in ‘hot yoga’ classes, it is unwise to drink a lot of liquid before or during; hydrate yourself throughout the rest of the day. Unfortunately, this is rarely practical. (If class is at six, where does this leave the family for the dinner hour?) My basic recommendation is that you eat a larger mid-day meal on days you know you’ll be practicing in the evening, or, for a morning class, to simply feed yourself enough to have some sustainable energy but opt for easier to digest foods and save the big brunch for afterwards! Best morning bets are things like fresh fruit and yogurt, oatmeal, a smoothie drink, miso soup and a bit of rice. More substantial meals that are still fast and easy to digest will have some complex carbohydrates, with only moderate protein and fiber, both of which slow digestion. Again, save the stir-fried veggies and prawns for later!
How often should I practice yoga?
This is entirely up to you. How often and for how long depends on the experiences, benefits, and challenges you are seeking. Some people attend one or two classes per week and feel it is sufficiently fulfilling; others fit in more classes in addition to a home/personal practice. There is such thing as too much yoga – I’ve been there and learned my lesson…okay, I’m still learning that one! It feels so good, how can it do me any harm…? It can and it will if you aren’t paying attention to your body and respecting what it needs compared to what you may wish to force upon it. That’s the beauty of yoga – we learn as we practice, and no two practices are ever the same. Keep it simple, stay in the present, listen to and learn from your breath, and your routine will fall naturally in line with your needs.
Do you have a DVD of your class?
Ah, yes, the DVD. Those who know me have a good idea of how distant my relationship is with all things technical and while a DVD is no longer so difficult to produce, I haven’t done so. If you’re looking for a DVD that provides a basic yoga routine for holidays, travel or the like, there are plenty of great ones out there, by big names in the business who flew themselves and a few great bodies to exotic locations for filming. If, however, you are looking for a DVD of my class, or my teaching, I’m afraid you’ll have to come and experience the real thing! I do have handouts and fantastic stick-people illustrations to aid you in your practice. I am making these available via a link on my website. (And while it may seem like a comically giant step into the technology past, I may do a simple audio recording of a Flow class that could be enjoyed anywhere with an mp3 player or regular stereo.)