Red flower (salvia). Learn more about yoga and Pilates with these frequently asked questions. Follow a link below or scroll down for all information:

What is Pilates?
What is Hatha yoga?
How many times per week should I practice?
How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
Is yoga a religion?
I'm not flexible—can I do yoga?
What do I need to begin?
How do I start classes at the Yoga House at Civano?

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates called the method The Art of Contrology, which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles. It is an exercise program that focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of neutral alignment of the spine and strengthening the deep postural muscles that support this alignment, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain.

The key benefits of the Pilates method are:

Increases core abdominal strength
Improves balance, stability and flexibility
Reduces stress and fatigue
Improves posture and body awareness
Exercises the muscles without causing pain or risking muscle tear or jarred joints

What is Hatha yoga?

Hatha is translated as ha—meaning "sun"—and tha—meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects—active, hot, sun—and feminine aspects—receptive, cool, moon—within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures) and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely.

How many times per week should I practice?

Yoga is amazing—even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. To begin with a practice of two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. is ideal. If you can only do 20 minutes per session, that's fine too. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle—do what you can and don't worry about it. You will likely find that after a while your desire to practice expands naturally and you will find yourself doing more and more.

How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

Is yoga a religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path, not to be confused with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga yoga) is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.

It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.

I'm not flexible—can I do yoga?

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

What do I need to begin?

All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind and a bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of sweat pants, leggings, or shorts and a t-shirt that's not too baggy. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot. It's nice to bring a towel to class with you.

How do I start classes at the Yoga House in Civano?

You don’t need to phone ahead unless you have questions. The number is 520.731.0702. Leave a message and we will call you back. The classes are drop-in, so please come 10 minutes early for your first class so you can meet the instructor and let her or him know of any health concerns. You will also fill out a liability form and buy a class pass at that time. We have a variety of class levels, so if you need help finding the right class, please call: 520.731.0702.

Some information courtesy Yoga Journal.

For further information, please contact us.