Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient age-perfected tradition of personal development and growth that came to the West from India. The word Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit. This “Union” is created between the mind, body and spirit through continuous practice of yoga. What is commonly referred to as "yoga" in the US can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. For more info go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga.

What are the benefits of doing Yoga?

Here are the top 10 reasons why you should do (or at least try) Yoga:

Yoga keeps you fit, toned, and strong. Classes can be as challenging as you want them to be. If you goal is to get a great workout – you will have it but at the same time, you won’t be collecting unnecessary tension in your muscles.
Yoga helps you to stay young. It stimulates and balances out the work of a thyroid and adrenal glands that are responsible for youthful look; it provides fresh blood to all the organs including skin which helps to prevent wrinkles, it keeps your spine healthy and flexible which is one of the main indicators of health and age.
Yoga makes you healthy.It provides intense massage to all your internal organs which stimulates and tones them. It also detoxifies your entire body and prevents future toxins from accumulating.
Yoga will give you more energy. It stimulates adrenal glands that are responsible for stress management hormones and energy levels. It also drastically improves the quality of sleep because it teaches your body to relax in a more efficient way.
Yoga reduces stress and teaches you how to recognize and control your emotions.
Yoga makes your skin glowing and radiant. Yoga in general and inversions especially help to eliminate exessive water retention and lymph and provide fresh blood, oxygen and minerals to your skin, especially face.
Yoga will make you comfortable in your own skin and increase self-confidence.
Yoga helps you to learn more about yourself & your body so you can build a healthier and stronger relationship with yourself and others around you.
Yoga is a great way to meet cool, free-spirited people in NYC
Yoga makes you happy, calm, and independent!

Will yoga help me lose weight?

Any style of yoga helps tone, lengthen, and strengthen the muscles, which can contribute to the sculpting of the body and to weight loss. Vinyasa yoga is especially conducive to weight loss and toning. It provides a necessary cardio vascular workout because of its faster pace and continuous movement throughout the class. Yoga also offers psychological benefits. Weight gain often brings with it a great deal of harsh self-judgment. Through yoga, we can counteract this by creating a safe, positive environment to reconnect with our bodies and quiet the counterproductive messages that often arise in our minds. Author, and yoga instructor Richard Rosen reviews a recent book, Yoga Burns Fat, by Jan Maddern (Fair Winds, 2002). He states, "The premise of the present book is that yoga practice has two prime benefits for people wanting to lose weight: one, it improves digestion and so eliminates constipation, water retention, and bloating; and two, it improves blood circulation to major endocrine glands (such as the thyroid and pancreas) that ‘control your appetite, moods and sleep patterns’ . . . as well as improved self-image."

Will yoga help me get in shape?

Yoga will have a very positive effect on your physique, and the way you look and feel about your body. The effect of yoga will be dependent on how often you practice and which style of yoga you choose. Vigorous Vinyasa style practiced 3+ times a week will help you build lean long muscle, tone your body & tighten up your core.

I am not flexible. Can I do yoga?

Yes you can and you should because it will benefit you immensely. It is a common misconception is that one needs to be flexible to do yoga. It is absolutely not true. Flexibility comes with time as a side effect of yoga practice; it is not required to do yoga, however. The same way as strong muscles are not required to start lifting weights but they develop over time from consistent practice. Anyone can do yoga. Whether young or old, healthy or right after a surgery, men, women, kids, at any stage of your life will benefit from a regular yoga practice.

How do I get started?

If you are looking to take a group class then check out my schedule at Strala and Yoga Effects and just drop by to any of my classes. No need to schedule.

If you are interested in discussing private or corporate classes, then call me at (646) 239-6623 or email at nadya@realyoganyc.com to schedule a meeting or just chat. We will determine the next steps together depending on your needs, interests, and schedule.

How much does it cost?

Group classes:

Strala classes are only $10, which is a great deal for NYC! Don’t miss out!

Yoga Effects: Single classes are $20. Class packages are available.

Private and Corporate classes: The cost of private and corporate classes depends on the time slot, location, and the number of classes you would like to take. Please give me a call at (646) 239-6623 to discuss available options and workout the best package for you.