Yoga Education

What is yoga? What can I expect from a yoga class? What are the benefits of yoga? Find the answers to your questions here.

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient system of exercises (yoga postures or “asanas”), breathing techniques (called pranayama), and meditation that helps you to stretch and strengthen the body while calming the mind. Ancient yoga practitioners discovered that in order for people to be in harmony with themselves, they must integrate the body, mind, and spirit.

In order to achieve this balance, ancient yogis developed a system that combines:

• Exercise (yoga postures, or asanas)
• Breathing (Pranayama), and
• Meditation

A yoga class will incorporate all three elements together because each works interdependently to give you the full experience and maximum benefit of yoga.

Today, yoga has evolved into many different styles of yoga classes: energizing and flowing, relaxing and meditative, and balancing and therapeutic. A well-rounded yoga practice includes a blend of different styles of classes. Try to fit in a variety of classes each week to keep your mind and body challenged so your practice continues to grow.

Who should do yoga?

Everyone! Many people think that you have to be flexible to start practicing yoga, but that is simply not true! Practicing yoga will help you gain flexibility; it doesn’t matter how flexible you are to start with. There are modifications to every yoga pose so you can customize the exercise to your unique self. Regardless of fitness level or flexibility, everyone can benefit from yoga. There’s no need to feel intimidated about getting started. Just listen to and respect your body’s limits, and with a regular practice at our Langley yoga studio, you will see progression, improvement, and results.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga’s benefits are more than just physical; there are emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits that will come as well. With a regular practice at our Langley yoga studio, you can expect to: