FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Q: Do I have to register for class?
A: No. All of our classes can be attended on a drop-in basis, no advanced registration is required.
 
Q: What should I wear?
A: Whatever clothes you would typically wear for exercise are appropriate. Making sure your clothes are somewhat snug, but not too tight either, allowing for free movement.
 
Q: Do I need to bring anything to class with me?
A: If you have a mat of your own you can bring that, otherwise you can borrow one from us. (If you don't currently own a mat we highly recommend using one of ours first before buying one to get a feel for what type of mat is most appropriate for you.) If you would like to have water for during or after class you can bring that as well.
 
Q: I'm not flexible, can I do yoga?
A: Yes. Anyone can do yoga. If you want to increase your flexibility, than yoga is a perfect activity for you. You can additionally improve strength and cardiovascular health, making yoga not just a great way to stretch out, but a means to improved overall health.
 
Q: How is yoga different from stretching?
A: Like stretching yoga will help increase flexibility, but the similarities end there. Physically, the body will become stronger, and more balanced. Perhaps most importantly, yoga cultivates a greater inner awareness that not only allows one to deal with the physical challenges presented in life, but ultimately will allow us to deal with the mental and emotional challenges of life as well.
 
Q: I've never done yoga before, what class should I start with?
A: Our Yoga Basics class is the most appropriate place for beginning yoga students. Classes move at a slower pace to allow students to learn the foundation of the poses and to gain proper breath awareness. If after taking the Yoga Basics classes you find that you want a more vigorous class please feel free to try our other classes.
 
Q: I've done some yoga before, what class should I take?
A: Our Yoga Basics class is not only great for beginners but is also a great class for those with some experience to brush up on the basics and take the time to find proper alignment in the poses. If you have previously taken flow styles of yoga and have a good knowledge of the basic standing poses and sun salutations, then the Easy Flow class would be a good place to start as well.
 
Q: I suffer from lower back pain. Can yoga help?
A: The short answer is yes. However, when one comes to yoga with preexisting pain, there needs to be a heightened awareness of what is going on in the body. There are some poses that can be wonderful for helping to relieve back pain, and there are others that may aggravate it. Bottom line, yoga can absolutely help. So, when you come to class please let the instructor know of your condition and you can work with the instructor to determine if there are any poses that are not appropriate for you or what modifications are most appropriate.
 
Q: Can men do yoga?
A: Yes. In fact yoga until recently was only practiced by men, and in India is still a male dominated practice. The lasted statistics show that about 25% of yoga practitioners in the U.S. are men, and we find that statistic to be consistent with our student body at Binghamton Yoga.
 
Q: How many times per week should I practice?
A: A minimum of one time per week is necessary to promote physical changes resulting from the practice of yoga. Consistency is critical. The more you can do the better. Practicing 2-3 times a week or more is ideal. We recommend trying to come to one or two classes a week and additionally finding some time to do a little bit at home.
 
Q: Is Yoga a Religion?
A: Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The traditional practice of yoga is a eight-limbed path of which practicing the physical postures and meditation are just two of the limbs. The practice of all eight limbs provides a framework for how one should live with the following of these limbs culminating in enlightenment. This framework can be a spiritual path of its own or can be interwoven with ones existing religious beliefs.
 
Q: Where are class cancellations posted?
A: All cancellations will be posted on our home page.
 
Q: What do the "levels" on the schedule mean?
A: Level 1 and 1-2 classes are suitable for beginners. Level 2 classes are intermediate. Level 2-3 classes are most vigorous. and require a reasonable level of fitness. Students should feel comfortable with the1-2 and 2 classes prior to attending Level 2-3 classes.