Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: I’m intimidated. Will everyone in the class look like a model and have a yoga practice like you see in the magazines?
A: No! Most yoga students are relative beginners and many are absolute beginners. Everyone started as a beginner. Each class has a broad representation of ages and body types, but over time and with REGULAR practice, EVERYONE gets stronger, leaner, and healthier.
Q: How often should I practice?
A: As often as possible, but a minimum of two or three days a week is recommended. Practicing once a week is better than nothing, but greater frequency increases balance, strength, and flexibility. Make yoga a priority and the rewards are infinite!
Q: What are the benefits of yoga?
A: The physical and psychological benefits of yoga are innumerable and well documented. Just Google “benefits of yoga” and you’ll see. Some of the benefits of a regular yoga practice include: increasing flexibility; increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons; massaging of ALL organs of the body; complete detoxification; excellent toning of the muscles; and a state of calm and wellbeing. Recent research also supports the assertion that yoga even reverses aspects of the aging process.
Q: Which style is right for my first class?
A: The selection of your first class is very individualized. We often send beginners to either a vinyasa class or an Iyengar class. Vinyasa is a flow-based practice that synchronizes the movement with the breath and Iyengar does fewer postures, stays in them longer, and helps students understand the mechanics of each posture. See below for more information on each style. Please call or visit to discuss in more detail.
Q: Do you offer Hatha Yoga?
A: Yes, in fact every style we teach is considered “Hatha Yoga.” Hatha is an umbrella term that refers to the body of yogic practice that combines posture (asana), breath control (pranayama), and seals and locks (bhandas) as a means to stilling the mind.
Q: Is it OK to mix styles?
A: Absolutely! All of our styles have a common heritage and our teachers and staff encourage you to find the right style and teacher. Many of our students will vary the style on any given day. We are the only school we know of that has these three traditional styles under one roof, so take advantage of this.
Q: Do you offer anything else at the school besides yoga classes?
A: Yes and no. Yoga is all we do, but we offer many workshops designed to advance students understanding of the non-physical aspects of yoga, such as meditation. We also host lectures by various luminaries in related fields. Please check our Website for upcoming events and our photo album for an overview of some of our wonderful guests.
Q: What do I bring to class?
A: Bring something comfortable to wear, such as shorts or sweat pants and a tank top or t-shirt. Since you may be doing forward bends we recommend that shirts aren’t too loose. All classes are barefoot. We have mats for rent ($2) and towels ($1), but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Q: How is yoga at Yoga Sutra different from my gym?
A: Yoga Sutra is a center dedicated to the study and practice of yoga; think of us as a university that has freshman through PhDs (mostly freshman). Our teachers are among the finest certified, full-time yoga teachers and study regularly in India with the founders of their style of yoga. Unlike most gyms, our physical space is luxurious, intimate, and designed exclusively for yoga. Yoga Sutra has three “classrooms” dedicated to the practice of yoga, a large common area, and showers and changing rooms. We also have a full schedule of classes throughout the day, everyday in each style we teach.
Q: What are the costs?
A: If you live or work
in the New York area, purchase a single
class on your first night OR purchase a 7 day unlimited trial
membership for $30. (Either way, new students receive a 15% discount
on your first class package.) See the “Fees” section
of the website for more information. Please call with any specific
questions.
Q: Do I have to sign-up for an annual membership and initiation fee like I do at the gym?
A: No! We have a very flexible payment system. You can pay class by class (drop-in), purchase “packages” of 10 or 20 classes, or a monthly unlimited membership (which is month to month and can be cancelled anytime). As you might expect, the cost per class goes down as you buy the larger cards.
Q: Do you offer any group or corporate discounts?
A: Yes. We have many programs set-up with companies in the area. If you work for a medium or large company and think that your colleagues would be interested, give us a call and we can discuss the process. On occasion we establish programs with small companies where there are five or more people interested in practicing at Yoga Sutra. As a corporate partner, you would be entitled to 15% off all of our class packages.
