Questions and Answers for New Students

General Information

Classes are suited for all ages and levels of ability. Each posture stretches and strengthens specific muscles, ligaments and joints stimulating the organs, glands and nerves to move fresh oxygenated blood to the entire body. With regular practice, yoga will improve health, increase energy, help prevent illness and injury and limit the effects of aging. A consistent yoga practice will change the body’s composition by boosting the body’s metabolic rate; in turn, you burn fat and increase lean muscle mass. As a mental challenge, this system combines the skills of concentration, patience and self-control to improve mental clarity and reduce stress. Grayhawk Yoga welcomes all first time yoga students and regular practitioners.

Why the heat?

Some of our classes here at Grayhawk Yoga are in a heated room. The room is intentionally heated to protect the muscles for safe deep stretches. The heat helps to detoxify the body by opening pores in the skin to flush out toxins. The heat increases the heart rate for a better cardiovascular workout, helps to improve strength by putting muscle tissue in its optimal state, and softens collagen around the joints for more freedom of movement. In addition, the heat prevents soreness and stiffness in the body.

How does it work?

The heat in the room helps ignite our body’s own heating system by warming the body from the outside in. The metabolism starts to speed up, preparing all systems to start working. As the lungs fully expand and take in more oxygen, the heart starts to pump oxygen-rich red blood cells.

The Heated Yoga System is sequentially designed to isolate portions of the body a section at a time by closing off circulation to a group of muscles, organs, and glands for a few seconds. Once released from the posture, oxygen-rich blood returns at a high speed to the closed part of the body, sending in nutrients and flushing out waste. By this method of stretching and contracting, circulation is improved and we open up blocked areas of the body.

By the end of class you received a full body work-out: every cell has been re-vitalized, the spine is strengthened, and all systems are restored to their intended 100% working order, giving you an energized body and a relaxed mind.

What happens 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 already, but about strengthening your body and spine in all directions and gradually improving flexibility. Through consistent yoga practice, your flexibility will improve, but it is not necessary to be flexible before coming to class.

What kind of benefits will I see?

To get the optimal results from practicing yoga, expect to practice at least 3 times a week.* Over a short period of time, with this frequency of practice, you can expect to see and feel the reshaping of your body. Physically you will lose inches, gain muscle tone, and improve strength and balance. Mentally, you will notice improvement in concentration skills, willpower, and a reduction in stress. Medically, you will notice that you are sick less and not as prone to injury. Yoga is proven to help those suffering from insomnia, depression, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, shoulder, knee and back injuries. Through these changes in the body, there will be changes in the mind, attitude and behavior. All positive changes to help improve your quality of life.

* Less frequent attendance will still impart benefits, but they will not be as quick or as complete.

What else do I need to know?

It is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration before beginning class.
Arrive 15-20 minutes before class time for a personalized consultation to prepare for your first class.
We encourage you to take a look at class etiquette section of the website for tips and information.
Please check the class schedule and class description before coming to the studio to ensure you are on time and in the appropriate level class.
All new students will be asked to sign a waiver form.

What to Bring?

Plenty of water
Hand towel to wipe sweat and hands during practice
Yoga mat (mats are available for rent or purchase if you do not have one)

What to Wear?

Wear comfortable, light, nonrestrictive, form fitting clothing you are able to move and stretch in. If you are in a room that is heated, the less clothing the better (cotton fabric, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts are not recommended). Also, wear flip-flops or shoes easily slipped on and off. There are no shoes or socks allowed in the classroom. Ladies you may want to remove make-up as well.

No perfume, cell phones or pagers in yoga room.
Always sign in before class begins.
We recommend you to come as many times during your first 2 weeks to get a good feel for the yoga, but we do not require that you come everyday.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our studio.

What if I am Pregnant?

If you are a regular yoga practitioner in most cases it has many benefits and is highly recommended. Most women are able to practice during pregnancy. However, it is strongly advised to seek medical advice before beginning any fitness routine including heated and non-heated yoga. What is right for some people may not be right for others. If you do practice, please proceed with caution and make sure you have medical consent.