Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What is Functional Yoga? Functional yoga classes are designed with specific purpose and true intention. In other words, they are crafted in a meaningful way as opposed to being taught a bunch of poses because they look cool. Functional yoga offers tools, education and insights that support the balance and regulation of your physical, mental and emotional health.
What do I need to bring? Just your wonderful self and a water bottle! Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in.
Do I need my own mat? If you have a yoga mat, I recommend bringing it as it’s always nicer to use your own! If you are new and just dabbling in your first few classes – I always bring spare mats for borrowing.
Do I need to be flexible? Absolutely not – this is one of the biggest myths of yoga! Flexibility is not a requirement and although it is a natural biproduct of practicing regularly, it’s not the main focus! Yoga poses are all adaptable to work for you.
Is yoga spiritual? Yoga Philosophy is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism BUT you do not have to follow these religions to practice yoga or to benefit from it. If you have different or no religious beliefs – no worries!
How do I know if yoga is for me? Honestly? Yoga is for everybody. If you have a body – you can do yoga. Every single human being can benefit from what yoga has to offer, most of the time you find yoga when you are seeking certain changes or remedies in your body, mind and life – more of than not, you will take away far more than you ever bargained for.
Is yoga easy? Is learning something new ever easy? Is climbing a mountain easy? Are the views at the top spectacular? It can be as easy or as difficult as you decide – you are in charge of your body.
Will I be able to keep up? Short answer – who cares. It’s not a competition, it’s not a performance and it’s really not about what anyone else is doing. You are not learning choreography that must be expressed in a certain way to a certain timing. When you come to your mat, you pop into your little personal yoga bubble and just do you. You are learning to listen to your body, to move with the flow of your breath, to challenge yourself when it feels safe to do so, and to pull back and slow down when you reach your limit.
What should I expect at my first class? My best advice would be to drop expectations of the class, of yourself and come with a completely open mind. Every yoga class, style and teacher is different! Rarely will you have the same experience twice.
Why do you 'Om' at the end of class? The sound of ‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ is said to be the sound of the universe, of the earth, of God or source, whatever sits right with you. For me, I close each class with 3 sounds of AUM to seal the practice in unity and resonance. The vibrational quality of chanting has enormous health benefits relating to the vagus nerve which plays a large part in the regulation of our nervous system.