This page provides answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about our organization, classes, and yoga. If your question is not answered here, simply e-mail us . Someone will reply as soon as possible.

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[-] Why Yoga?

Yoga improves your posture, circulation, and spirit... Mind, Body, and Spirit benefit from a regular Yoga practice.

[-] My teacher sometimes calls it Hatha Yoga. What does Hatha mean?

The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha Yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body, especially the main channel, the spine, so that energy can flow freely.

Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun," and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the existence of the masculine and feminine aspects within all of us. Hatha Yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting these opposite aspects. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha Yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

[-] How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?

Yoga is more than just physical postures. Yoga's purpose is to connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps direct our attention inward, and we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We also become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. This awareness is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

[-] What does Namaste mean? My yoga teacher always says it after our practice.

Aadil Palkhivala's reply:

The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you," or "I bow to you."

So Namaste is not just a word, it is also a gesture. To perform it, place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. Although in the West the word Namaste is usually spoken in conjunction with the gesture, in India it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste and therefore it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.

Ideally Namaste should be done both at the beginning and at the end of class. Usually it is done at the end because the mind is less active and the energy in the room is more peaceful. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward the students and the teacher's own teachers, and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage thereby allowing the truth, that we are all one when we live from the heart, to flow.

[-] What does the word Pranayama mean?

Pranayma is a Sanskrit term and it means breath control. The Yoga Journal has a very good online glossary of Sanskrit Yoga Terms you can use to look up other words you will sometimes hear your yoga teacher use.

[-] I remember the name of a pose I did, but I forgot what it looks like. Can I see it online?

The Yoga Journal has a list of poses you can browse.

[-] What makes up a typical Yoga class?

45 minutes of workout including postures (asanas) and stretches that will result in an increase of vitality, stamina, flexibility and coordination. 15 minutes of relaxation to refresh the mind and allow the body to relax, relieve stress and tightness.

[-] If I miss a class, how can I make it up?

All classes sponsored by The Yoga Teachers' Group can be made up between sites. You have a choice of daytime or evening classes, Monday through Sunday.

Classes taken through a park district, et al., must be made up at that park district.

[-] If I miss classes in one session, can I make them up in the next session?

Unfortunately not...

[-] Will this page ever have any more questions?

Yes, we still have lots of questions that will go here, and we're sure there's some we haven't thought of. After all, this is where frequently asked questions should go. Just keep checking back. And, like we said above, if your question isn't answered here, simply ask us; we're always happy to answer.