We get asked many questions, and these are our favorites.
Maintaining an open mind and a sense of humor seem to help, whether it's about yoga or any other quest in life!

Top Ten Reasons Not To Take Yoga

10. Life is for living. I'll relax when I'm dead.
This may seem like an extreme comment but many people ask, "Why would I want to be still? I have so many things to do." Dr. Barry Sears, New York Times best-selling author of A Week in the Zone, explains that we now have scientific evidence that time spent being still (sitting or lying down) in a focused, alert state (not napping) for 20 minutes daily has a profound effect on one's hormones. Specifically, the cortisol levels--the body's stress hormones--respond to stillness by leveling themselves, making you feel better and reducing blood pressure and heart rate, and improving immune function. The body has a need for stillness. It needs down time in addition to sleep. Dr. Sears calls this stillness a "proven drug" which alters the way we age and the hormonal environment in which the brain must function. You may want to reconsider your constantly-on-the-go philosophy. Your life may depend on it.

9. I can't understand what the instructor is saying.
He or she is probably using Sanskrit, an ancient language used in India where yoga originated. At Yoga on the Square we use the English translation of each pose. Should you want to learn the Sanskrit names and pronunciations yourself, an excellent resource is www.yogajournal.com. We have found that using English does not detract from the many benefits of yoga and allows us to reach a larger audience.

8. Who has 1-1/2 to 2 hours to learn how to relax? I could be napping.
We want to cater to your lifestyle. While there certainly are benefits to a longer class format, you can achieve many of the same benefits in our one-hour classes. Also, when you learn how to breathe in a yoga class and enter into deep relaxation, you will feel better than if you had napped!

7. Some people seem so serious about their yoga practice. I just want to exercise and have fun.
Like anything else in life, yoga is what you make it. Yes, some people are "serious" about their yoga practice because it has changed their lives in some way. But don't let the experience of others determine what your experience will be. Come and share your health goals with us; and together we'll work to achieve them and  have some fun along the way. Now that is serious!

6. I'm not flexible.
Many take people yoga to gain flexibility, and we all approach yoga at different levels and abilities. We at Yoga on the Square believe the successful yoga pose is the one you can do effectively. Start where you are, and build from there. All poses can be modified and props used to make each one right for you. Whether you can't even bend to tie your shoelaces, or you are an athlete and already have some strength and flexibility, we have a program for you.

5. I don't know what the mind-body connection is about or why it is important.
We all need to learn how to take care of ourselves better. Mind-body fitness--and yoga in particular--helps us learn to listen to our bodies and act intelligently. As we connect breath and movement, and increase our body awareness and comfort level with the body, we create connection between the mind and body.

4. I'm too old.
Beth Shaw, founder of Yogafit Training Systems, says you can reap the benefits of yoga at any age. You will notice an increase in strength, flexibility, grace, and balance. In just a few short weeks of regular (2 or 3 times a week) yoga practice, you will have renewed calmness. It doesn't matter how old you are: yoga will rejuvenate your body, relax your mind, and revitalize your spirit.

3. I don't know how to meditate.
To meditate means to ponder in stillness. Yoga allows you to discipline the mind by unlearning old habits and patterns. Then you can learn to harness the mind's potential rather than be distracted continually by its chatter and wanderings. Also, mastering the physical side of yoga--the postures--will ready your mind and help you be still in your body without discomfort.

2. I am on a spiritual path already.
We at Yoga on the Square like the way Alan Finger, a western yoga master and founder of Yoga Zone in New York City, explains yoga: "Yoga is not a religion, though it has been incorporated in various eastern religions. It can be a systemized method of exploring the depth of self. It is not uncommon to develop an expanded awareness of the world around you and an appreciation of who you really are and what holds the world together. Believing in God, or a Higher Power, is neither a prerequisite nor a hindrance to practicing yoga."

Drum roll please...........the number one reason people don't try yoga is:

1. I'd love to try yoga, but I don't have time.
We have all felt this way about many things in life, particularly when it comes to something good for us, like exercise. Most of us have to make daily choices about where to invest our time. When you make your health a priority, you will make time. Put it on your calendar; make a date with yourself. It's never too late to lose the old habits and replace them with new, healthy ones. You can always try a private session with one of our instructors who are all very flexible (no pun intended) and can accommodate your busy schedule either in your home or at our studio.

More Questions

1. Can I practice yoga if I am pregnant?
Yes, you can, and, like any exercise program, it would be better to start before you are pregnant. There are some wonderful modifications that will help ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy and greatly enhance labor.

Getting Started
Nervous about coming to your first class? It does take courage to start something new. We suggest coming to Yoga Basics, 6-7pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays or come with a friend. Or perhaps consider a private class so you can familiarize yourself with the basics in a one-on-one session. If you are not sure where to start, please call Joanne, the Director at (412)287-4591 so she can help you find the right fit for you. You success is very important to us. The beauty of yoga is that it meets you where you are. It’s never too late to start.

Even if you have been to yoga classes before, it would help us out and make you more comfortable if you read and follow these guidelines or “best practices” before class.

1. Arrive on time – late arrivals can be distracting to other class participants. If the class has begun, stand near the window so the instructor can see you and give you a signal as to when to come in.

2. Turn off all cell phones & pagers.

3. Remove shoes before entering the studio. In the winter months, please leave your boots in the hall (beyond the studio entrance).

4. Refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products to class – they may be bothersome to your classmates.

5. Refrain from attending class when you have a “cold” or other contagious condition. The close quarters, sharing of props, & deep breathing of class may make others susceptible to the germs. Additionally, a persistent cough may be distracting to others.

6. In the event that you need to leave class early, do so before final relaxation, in order to prevent distraction of the other class participants.

7. In classes that are particularly full, make every effort to share the space around you. Place purses & other personal belongings in the far corners of the room.

8. When waiting for class to begin, refrain from loud conversation. Many class participants enjoy silence during these moments.

9. It is best to refrain from eating 1 hour or so before class. This will help to eliminate any type of abdominal discomfort or embarrassment that you may experience during class.

10. Do not chew gum during class. This can create a choking hazard for you, as well as a distraction for your classmates.

11. While we have mats available for your free use, we do suggest that you purchase your own (and clearly mark your name on it) since this is a personal use item.