Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga

What is yoga?

Yoga is a combination of exercise, stretching, and breathing techniques which combats stress, strengthens the body, and helps circulation and movement of the joints. To learn more, read this short overview.

Is yoga a religion?

No. While yoga is an ancient tradition based on Hindu philosophy, it does not belong to any particular region or religion. Its practical and scientific techniques work effectively regardless of a person's belief.

Is yoga new age?

The practice of yoga dates back over one thousand year. It is not New Age, though various New Age movements have adopted elements of yoga. In addition, yoga and New Age movements share a focus on the connection between mind and body.

Who can do yoga?

People of all ages and abilities can practice yoga, though it is important to chose a class that fits your abilities. If you have never tried yoga before, we strongly encourage you to start with our Beginner classes. Even if you are physically fit, our Advanced and Power Flow Yoga classes will be a challenge.

If you have limited flexibility or special needs, we strongly recommend our Gentle Yoga class.

Please note that if you have an injury, illness or limitation that could be affected by the practice of yoga, it is important to inform the studio and your yoga teacher before taking a yoga class.

How strong a workout is yoga?

Yoga practices vary widely, from gentle, meditative practices, all the way to strong, challenging classes that will leave you sweating. See our class descriptions to find a class that's right for you.

Where should I begin?

If you are new to yoga or need a refresher, we recommend the Beginner Series. This will give you a greater comfort level with breath awareness, terminology, and poses, etc., that are used in the more advanced classes.

What should I bring to class?

You should wear clothing that is easy to move in, such as loose fitting pants, leggings, t- shirts, sports tops, etc. Also be aware that yoga is practiced in bare feet. The studio does provide yoga mats, yoga blankets and yoga props. We encourage you to purchase your own mat and blanket if you plan on practicing regularly.

Will Doing Yoga Help Me Lose Weight?

That depends on the type of yoga you are doing and how frequently. Doing any type of yoga will build strength. Bear in mind that any fitness program requires a well-rounded or balanced approach. Certain forms of yoga are cardiovascular in nature and may help you lose weight if done regularly, along with proper nutrition and resistance training.

What are the different styles of yoga?

There are countless styles of yoga. The type of yoga we commonly see in the west is hatha yoga. Within the category of Hatha yoga there are many schools of yoga such as: Kripalu, Iyengar, Asthanga, Shivananda, and Power Yoga to mention a few.

What style of yoga does Plano Yoga Connection teach?

Many of our instructors are certified in multiple styles of yoga. In their classes they draw the best elements of each style to create an eclectic practice.