1. What is yoga?

*The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.

2. 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.

3. How many types of Yoga are there?

*Many. There are four paths of Yoga: 1) Jnana, the path of knowledge or wisdom; 2) Bhakti, the path of devotion; 3) Karma, the path of action; and 4) Raja, the path of self control. Hatha Yoga, which includes postures and breathing, and is the form most popular in the West, is actually part of Raja Yoga, the path of self control.

4. Is it okay to practice Yoga while pregnant?

*It's okay to continue practicing Yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were practicing before conception. It can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed You want to avoid strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures, especially in the later stages.

5. Should women practice Yoga during their menstrual cycle?

*Mostly it's a matter of personal preference.  For women who do choose to practice, avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners, extended holding of any pose, or energizing breaths (kapalabhati). The issue is that these practices might interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort.

6. What is Om?

*It is a sacred Hindu sound symbolizing the Absolute. It can be spelled Aum. It is used as a mantra during meditation.

7. Is Yoga New Age?

*Yoga and New Age movements share a common focus on the improvement of the total human being. Yoga goes back thousands of years.

8. Is yoga a religion?

*No. Yoga developed in India alongside Hinduism and also has influenced and been influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. But yoga is not itself a religion.

9. Can I practice yoga with an injury or medical condition?

*If you have any injuries, medical conditions or other health concerns, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical professional before beginning practice and seek the guidance of a competent yoga expert, to safely guide you through the postures.