What happens in a yoga class?
Each class begins with a short period of centering. The teacher may have you focus on your breathing, and you'll contemplate an intention for your practice. After this contemplation, the teacher guides you through a set of poses (asanas, in Sanskrit) that build in intensity and then taper off gradually. You can expect to sweat during this more active part of class. At the end of each class, there is a five to ten-minute period of final relaxation, also known as savasana.

What does the word "yoga" mean?
Yoga is sometimes translated as "union" in Sanskrit. We move our bodies and observe our breathing so that we may better experience our connection, our union, with the universe we inhabit. The word yoga can also mean "engagement": the practice is a way of deeply engaging and savoring Life.

What is "Anusara Yoga"?
Anusara (a-nu-sar-a) is a Sanskrit word that means "flowing with Grace". Founded by master teacher John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga is a powerful hatha yoga system that unifies a philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of AlignmentTM. It is an exceptionally therapeutic, sophisticated, and athletic practice that cultivates confidence and joy. According to John Friend, "The highest intention of practicing Anusara Yoga is to align with the flow of Grace, to awaken to the truth that our essential nature is part of this divine flow, and to lovingly and joyfully serve this flow... Anusara Yoga is an all-inclusive yoga in which each student's unique abilities and limitations are deeply honored." For more information on Anusara, visit www.anusara.com.

Who is John Friend? Is that his real name?
Anusara Founder John Friend is one of the most charismatic and highly respected hatha yoga teachers in the world. Blending an uplifting Tantric yoga philosophy with an entertaining sense of humor and a profound knowledge of biomechanics, John's teaching style guides each student to live every moment fully from the heart. Students often comment in amazement that they can perform their yoga poses under his guidance with a level of creative freedom and inner power that they have never experienced before. Above all, John respects and honors his students with loving-kindness and inspires them to see their own unique beauty and worthiness. In 1997 he founded Anusara Yoga® to promote his innovative vision. Yes, it is his real name!

How is Anusara Yoga different from other styles of yoga?
Most yoga being practiced in the US today is hatha yoga; the word “hatha” means “forceful” and refers to the physical practice of performing yoga poses. Some other styles of hatha yoga you may have heard of are Iyengar, Ashtanga (also known as Ashtanga Vinyasa), Vinyasa, Kripalu, Kundalini, Sivananda, Bikram, etc. While all hatha yoga classes contain some sequence of physical postures or forms, they differ in approach both philosophically and stylistically. Some forms, like Ashtanga and Bikram, offer the same sequence of poses in every class. Some emphasize flowing steadily through postures, and some create a pulsation of effort by stopping for demonstrations or adjustments.

Anusara yoga is distinguished from others by its emphasis on Universal Principles of Alignment and heart-oriented Tantric philosophy. No two Anusara classes are alike, but they all carry a philosophical theme throughout the class, and demonstration of form is common.

Is yoga a religion?
While yoga arose out of the cultural matrix of Hinduism, it is not necessarily religious. Yoga is missing many things that are usually a part of religion: there is no defined deity, no worship services, no formal statement of religious belief, no ordained clergy, no institutional structure, no membership procedure, no congregation, no system of temples or churches. In any yoga class you are likely to find a plurality of faiths and beliefs among the practitioners, and many find that yoga enhances their experience of their own faith.

Why so many downward facing dogs?
Downward facing dog is widely used in many forms of hatha yoga because it is an excellent way to warm up and stretch the entire body before moving on to poses of greater complexity. During the course of a practice, downward facing dog becomes a sort of home base; after each pose or cycle of poses we return to down dog to rest or connect to other postures. Teachers will vary in their frequency of use of this posture. If you have wrist, elbow or shoulder issues, consult your teacher for alternatives. It is possible to do a full hatha yoga practice without downward facing dog if you wish to avoid it because of injury.

Can I do yoga if I am not flexible?
Sure! If you're stiff, yoga can help you become more flexible. If you're already flexible, yoga can help you become stronger.

Can I do yoga if I am pregnant?
Yoga can be a wonderful part of pregnancy. The enhanced awareness developed through the practice can deepen your experience of this magical time, and create tools for labor, delivery and recovery. Pre-natal classes also offer the support of an experienced teacher, and sharing your experience with other pregnant women. The physical benefits of practicing yoga while pregnant are many, and include increased circulation of blood, which delivers oxygen to mommy and baby (or babies), strength for the muscles to help carry the growing baby, and increased physical and emotional stamina for labor. Many students choose to make yoga postures and breathing practices a part of their labor and delivery. The Trikula teachers are trained to modify your practice in regular classes, and can refer you to specialty teachers or classes just for pre-natal yoga. Check with your doctor or midwife before starting or continuing regular yoga practice, and be sure to tell your teacher the news!

Can I do yoga if I am elderly?
Yes! Yoga is a wonderful way to maintain physical and spiritual strength and resilience as we age. A class that moves at a slower pace would be safer for an older beginner than a fast-paced class. It’s wise to consult your physician before starting a yoga practice, and if you have any health concerns, alert your teacher.

Can I do yoga if I’m menstruating?
Yes! In fact, many women find that certain yoga poses (such as hip-openers and seated poses) help alleviate discomfort and promote regularity of the menstrual cycle. Some poses (such as inversions) are not advisable during menstruation, but Anusara teachers are trained to offer alternatives. Check with your teacher.

Can I do yoga if I have an injury?
Because Anusara Yoga strongly emphasizes biomechanics, yoga with an experienced Anusara teacher is generally safe, and often therapeutic, for people with mild injuries. You may wish to begin your practice with a private lesson rather than a group class. If you are in a group class, be sure to tell the teacher about your situation, and check with your doctor.

Do I need special clothing or equipment?
Wear something comfortable, easy to move in, and not too baggy. Yoga is practiced barefoot. Most studios provide props and mats for student use.

Can I eat before yoga?
Physical activity on a full stomach is not advisable, so avoid eating for a couple of hours before yoga class. On the other hand, it's hard to do yoga when you're ravenous! Figure out what works for you.

What health conditions can yoga help?
We believe that the human capacity to heal and grow is infinite, and that Anusara yoga is a uniquely therapeutic way to magnify your body’s natural healing impulse, regardless of the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga promotes flexibility, weight loss, and balance; the clinic also reports that yoga helps manage chronic health conditions such as asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, low back pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, memory problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, stress and fatigue. Our students have reported improvement in a range of other ailments, including:

* Migraines
* Tinnitus/vertigo
* Neck pain
* Shoulder pain
* Frozen shoulder
* Tennis elbow
* Back pain
* Hip pain
* Knee pain
* Plantar fasciitis

Please remember that a yoga class is not a substitute for consulting your physician, but can aid in the healing process.