FAQ

You know your body best. Let yoga meet you where you are. Rest when you need to in any class. Ease up if any pose feels too strenuous. The goal of every pose is to find the balance between tenderness and strength, effort and ease - enough effort to feel the stretch, but enough ease to feel relaxed in the pose. While yoga instructors are trained in anatomy, remember that we are not medical providers. For specific medical conditions, we always advise consulting with your medical provider.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be flexible to practice yoga. In fact, yoga is appropriate for just about anyone. If you’re interested in achieving a greater mind-body balance while enhancing strength, flexibility, and range of motion, you can enjoy the benefits of yoga.

Yoga is a lifelong practice and you can begin at any age. Many people are drawn to the practice for relaxation, so it’s common for the age range in local classes to be 25-80+. Practicing yoga regularly is also a great way to age gracefully!

Yoga is growing in popularity with men – even here in Sault Ste. Marie. Men of all ages are committed to practicing yoga regularly since it complements other fitness routines like running and weight lifting. Candlelight yoga can be a great date night for couples. Many of our classes are 30-40% male, so you won’t be the only one!

The only person watching you in a yoga class is the instructor whose role is to keep your body in safe alignment. Most people are so focused on what is happening on their own mat that they are not paying any attention to others around them – and that’s part of the practice – to tune into your own mind and body and disconnect from distractions around you.

When you engage your body in any new activity, you’re bound to feel it the next day. If you played basketball for an hour after not playing for twenty years, you’d feel the effects too! The same is true for yoga, but the more you practice, the better the body adapts. Students who have a dedicated, once-a-week practice often share that they can tell a big difference if they miss class because their body has been conditioned to the practice.

Yoga meets you where you are, and it’s your practice, so you can always modify based on your energy level and how you feel each time you come to the mat. The basic rule of yoga: always listen to your body and rest when you need it. All instruction is a suggestion, so taking the guidance and adjusting for your own body will ensure you have a good experience.

Be sure to choose a class that is beginner friendly, often labeled as “level 1.” It’s best to start in a gentle yoga class that moves at a slower pace, allowing more time to adapt to the poses as well as learn how instructors cue body alignment. Instead of choosing by the schedule, be sure to choose your class by the description that best fits your needs.

Consider what class you need to bring balance to your life. Perhaps a yoga flow class will energize your body in a new way if you’re feeling stagnant. Perhaps gentle or candlelight yoga would best suit you if your schedule is overflowing and you need some peace of mind. Our 3-week introductory offer enables you to experience a variety of classes, allowing you to discover which styles resonate with you most, and how you can incorporate yoga into your weekly routine.

· Brings balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit

· Helps with strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance

· Calms the mind, reduces stress and anxiety

· Revitalizes the body and mind

· Slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure

· Increases circulation

· Strengthens and tones muscles

· Improves functions of internal organs

· Increases metabolism and energy

· Helps reduce symptoms of depression and insomnia