hothouse

What is yoga?
Yoga means union of body, mind and spirit. Hatha Yoga is the physical form of yoga designed to bring balance and well-being into your life. It is the perfect lifetime fitness program and totally different from any other kind of exercise. We stretch the body from the bone to the skin and from the head to the toes, which helps to quiet the mind, and energize the body. The movements of yoga reach deep into the tissue, relieve tension and stress, revitalize and assist in overcoming many physical and emotional problems, such as sciatica, back and neck problems, and depression. [top]

Why is the room heated?
The room is intentionally warm. It is heated to warm your muscles, prevent injuries and allow for a deeper release in your body. Sweating will also help flush toxins and poisons from your body. [top]

What if I am not flexible?
This is the most common misconception that prevents people from coming to a yoga class. Yoga is not about how flexible you are; it is about stretching your body, quieting the mind, and healing the soul. The more inflexible you are, the more you need yoga. You become flexible by doing yoga. [top]

I've never done yoga before. Can I do this?
Anyone of any age and physical condition can do this yoga. All students work at their level and beginners work right alongside more experienced students. The aim of this system is to strengthen the body's natural range of motion, to restore flow throughout all bodily systems. The students at our studio range from people with chronic illness to athletes, every body shape and size. [top]

Is it a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?
No matter what your level of fitness, you will find the yoga challenging. Each posture combines flexibility , strength, and balance to work your whole body. With persistence, patience , and dedication, you can lose inches, and develop muscle tone and strength that might never come from other forms of exercise. [top]

How does yoga work?
By the tourniquet effect: stretching, balancing, and creating pressure all at the same time. The blood supply in arteries and veins is being cut off, creating pressure. When released, a lock gate effect is created, causing blood to rush through veins and arteries, flushing them out. Also, pressure is applied to the heart by its relative position to the rest of the body. [top]

What are the higher goals of yoga?
Deep breathing is the key to longer life. Yoga achieves union of body, mind and spirit. It stills the thought waves of the mind and helps achieve liberation and relief from suffering of all kinds. [top]

Show up 15 to 20 minutes early for your first class, and 5 to 10 minutes early thereafter.
It's best to practice on an empty stomach. If you do eat try to eat something easily digestible, such as fruit.
Inform your instructor of any serious health problems or injuries.
Dress lightly. The room is hot and you WILL sweat. Tank tops, shorts, yoga pants...But no sweat suits.
Practice - Watch - Listen - Do. Focus your attention on your own body when in the postures, listen to the verbal cues from your instructor and apply what you see and hear to your posture.
Remember to breathe! Yes, it's true; many of us will hold our breath during physical exertion, so keep breathing even if you are only taking small sips of air.
Patience is one of the most challenging aspects of Hatha Yoga. Listen to your body and advance at your own pace.
Finally -- "It's the intention, not the perfection" - see you in class! [top]

Yoga Etiquette
wants you to have the most enlightening experience whenever you're attending classes here, so we ask you to please follow a handful of good, wise and gracious yogi and yogini etiquette guidelines:

1.	Please turn off all cell phones and pagers the moment you walk into the studio. And if for some reason your phone does ring in class, please don't answer it! Namaste.
2.	Please take off your shoes in the lobby and leave them in the front foyer area.
3.	If you need to leave class early, please let the teacher know before class begins, and please leave before savasana (resting pose) begins to avoid disturbing other students as you creep toward the door in the dark. Remember that savasana is a crucial element of yoga class — it doesnt take more than 10 minutes or so.
4.	In order to optimize space, please place all of your bags and belongings in the locker room, rather than behind your mat.
5.	Be generous with your space and move your mat to accommodate other students who need a place. And do try not to step on other students' mats while you're setting up.
6.	Please use the time before class to quiet down, stretch, meditate and become attuned to your yogic frame of mind. The teacher shouldn't have to call for your attention or interrupt a loud conversation to begin class.
7.	No chewing gum. It's a pet peeve of 's nice instructors.
8.	Be aware of your neighbors when you're practicing an asana that could interfere with their practice. Shift your body so that you give them — and yourself — enough space.
9.	If you sweat profusely and leave a small puddle around your area by the end of class, please clean it up with a towel! Namaste.
10.	Try not to eat a meal too close to your practice, when a full, heavy stomach and busy intestines will distract you from your practice. [top]

All other questions can be answered via phone or email.

Frequently Asked Questions