What is yoga?
Yoga means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as “union” or a method of discipline. There are 8 limbs of yoga with the postures being “asanas” which you will find in your practice during a class at  Backwards Yoga. This is the program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide phsyical strength and stamina requred for long periods of meditation.

Do I need to be flexible for yoga?
No! That’s one of the greatest things about yoga, you don’t have to be flexible at all to start pracitcing! Throughout your practice, you will begin to be more flexible and in tune with your body. Just remember to not push yourself on your mat until your body is ready. Remember, yoga is about you and your practice, not what the person next to you is doing.

What are some benefits that yoga can offer me?

Benefits: improves flexibility, builds muscle strength, perfects your posture while protecting your spine, prevents cartilage and joint breakdown, increases blood flow, betters your bone health, drains your lymph nodes to boosts immunity, increases heart rate, drops blood pressure, regulates your adrenal glands, lowers blood sugar, makes you happier by finding a healthier lifestyle, helps you focus, improves your balance, maintains your nervous system, releases tension in your limbs to facilitate relaxation, helps you sleep deeper, gives you peace of mind, gives your lungs room to breathe, helps keep you drug free (over the counter meds), prevents IBS and other digestive problems, increases self-esteem, gives you inner strength, eases your pain, connects you with guidance, builds awareness, brings emotional healing, and benefits your relationships with others

How many times a week should I practice yoga?
Yoga is amazing, even if you practice for one hour a week, or 10 hours a week. You will develop your own personal practice and works best for you. Once you start practicing, you will experience your own benefits of the practice. Start with a few times a week, and after time, you will naturally expand your practice on your own! The more yoga you do, the more postive changes you’ll notice. You decide!

How is yoga different from other types of fitness?
Unlike stretching or other types of physical fitness, yoga is more than just the physical postures performed. There is more than the physical aspect during yoga. Within each practice, we connect the movement of our bodies in with the mind and body. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inwards and focus on ourselves. Through this process, we learn to recognize our selves, and become more aware of our surroundings. Yes, your body will become more flexible by doing yoga, but so will your mind.

I am a beginner, what do I need?
You really only need your body, mind and a little bit of curiosity. But you may want to dress in leggings, or shorts to make yourself comfortable. You do not need shoes because we will practice barefoot. You may want to bring a small towel for you, but we also provide them. We have mats to rent at the studio, but as your practice develops, you may want to buy a mat that fits best for you. We have a variety of mats at the studio to purchase.

First time to Backwards yoga?
Show up at least 15 minutes early so we can get you signed into our systems and show you around.