Question & Answer

What is hatha yoga?
Hatha yoga is the practice of asanas (physical postures). At Yoga Haven we also bring into class pranayama practices (breath control) and meditation.

Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. The practice of asanas (poses) and breath control (pranayama) all aid a person to learn how to calm the mind and prepare for meditation.

Why do people practice yoga, and what is happening in my body?
People practice yoga for many reasons. Yoga helps to relieve stress by slowing down the breath and relaxing the nervous system. The body is stretched and strengthened there by enhancing all systems of the body, providing a sense of well being.

Is there a goal to yoga?
Yoga is not goal oriented. Poses, breath practices and meditation should always be practice with a sense of awareness and a level of personal comfort. Moving towards holding poses longer, strengthen the body, building endurance and mind awareness are things to focus on during a practice.

Why is practicing yoga in a studio different then a gym?
Yoga studios offer a quieter atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation. The classes are usually taught by a certified teacher. The availability of yoga props, proper temperature and lighting all enhance the practice. Studios tend to also offer class levels more appropriate for the beginner and pregnant woman.

What style of hatha yoga does Yoga Haven offer?
Most classes at Yoga Haven are vinyasa (posture flow classes) with an emphasis on breath and alignment. We also offer other styles of classes, such as Iyengar style, Viniyoga style and Anusara style. These classes are explained on the class description page.

Do I need to sign up in advance for classes?
No. All of classes are drop-ins. Just show up for class 15 minutes early to fill out a form and settle into a class. There is class size limit.

What class level do I start with if I have never done yoga or am relatively new to yoga?
We always suggest level 1 classes for students newer to yoga.

How long should I stay in level 1 classes before advancing?
This is a personal decision. Once you feel comfortable with the poses and want a little more challenge, please feel free to try a an Open level class or a level 2 class.

What should I wear to class?
Loose comfortable clothing. No socks. Sweatshirt for the winter.

What should I bring to class?
No need to bring anything to class. We provide mats, blankets, straps and blocks. If you have your own mat please feel free to bring it.

What should I expect in class?
The class format usually consists of warm-ups, 45 minutes of asanas (poses) and approximately 15 minutes of savasana (deep relaxation). A focus on the breath will also be incorporated throughout the class.

How long is class?
Most classes are one hour and fifteen minutes. Iyengar classes run one hour thirty minutes.

How many times a week should I come to class?
We always suggest beginners begin with putting two classes per week into their schedule. Try not to over do it at the beginning. Figure out what works for you and try to stick with it.

Should I try to practice at home if I can't make class?
Absolutely. At least try to do warm ups and the basic poses that you have learned in class, along with deep relaxation.

How much are classes?
All drop-ins are $18. Class cards for 5/10/20 classes, along with one month, three month and six months are all available at studio.

Should you practice yoga while menstruating?
Yoga Haven recommends that women may practice yoga when menstruation as long as the student listens to their own body and refrains when appropriate. A gentler practice is always a nice thing to do. Inversions such as shoulder stand, head stand and handstand, along with rapid diaphragmatic breathing (kappalabi) are not recommended during menstruation.

Should you practice yoga while pregnant?
At Yoga Haven students can begin a yoga practice in their first trimester as long as the OB/GYN approves of an exercise program.  The choice of moving to prenatal yoga or continuing one's practice is a personal decision.  Pregnancy women with yoga experience are welcomed in regular yoga classes.

Where can I buy yoga supplies (mats and blankets)?
Mats, blankets, straps, blocks, yoga books, videos and CDs are all available at Yoga Haven for purchase.

Should you practice yoga with high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure and you are medicated it is safe to practice hatha yoga. We suggest that you start at a lower level class. If you find that your practice is advancing please discuss this with your physician and instructor. If in class you have any concerns regarding your blood pressure, you should stop and notify the instructor. Inverted postures are a particular concern with someone with unmedicated high blood pressure.

Should you practice yoga with a back problem?
Over time, hatha yoga can be extremely beneficial to the support, alignment and function of your lower back. It is advised that for many back issues it makes sense to discuss this with your physician before practicing yoga. Those with disc issues are again of particular concern in practicing the postures and should address this with their physician and instructor