Frequently Asked Questions about Beginning Yoga


Why do I keep hearing that I should try yoga?
Here is what WebMD has to say about the health benefits of yoga practice. Here is another great list of benefits from NursingDegree.com.


I've never done yoga before, how do I know if I can participate in group classes?
The eight week Pure Basics series is designed for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. This course is gently paced, mostly done on the floor. Students learn the foundations of yoga practice for centering and stress reduction. Simple exercises to build core strength, flexibly, balance and mindfulness will be learned. The six types of yoga poses and their therapeutic purposes will also be introduced.


What if I have chronic pain, bad knees, herniated disk or a more serious physical condition? Most chronic pain issues can be addressed through yoga practice. In fact, after taking a few weeks of classes, many students report a significant decrease in joint, shoulder,or lower back discomfort. "Bad knees" can be worked with as well, sometimes posture modifications need to be made. More serious health issues, especially concerning the spine in any way, (ie. disk issues,) heart conditions, blood pressure, or disability need to be reviewed by BOTH a medical physician and the director of the studio before enrolling in the Pure Basics series. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about participation in our classes.


I'm pregnant, can I take the Pure Basics course?
Yes, this course is safe for the FIRST trimester of pregnacy. However, this class is not suitable to beginning yoga students who are pregrant beyond the 12th week. The good news is that we offer Prenatal Yoga Classes and Private Sessions .


I really want to take the semester class but I missed the first session, can I still join?
Yes, but you must pay the full price of the course. Students who miss the first session, or any consecutive session can make up that session in the next semester. No refunds or discounts can be offered.


The times or semester dates of Pure Basics don't work for me, is there any other class that I can attend as a beginner? YES! Any class marked level 0-2, on our weekly class schedule. Avoid advanced classes marked level 2-3. Private sessions are also an option.


I've completed the 8 weeks of Pure Basics. Now what do I do? Pure Basics can be repeated as many times as the student wishes. When ready to move on there are plenty of options. Any class offered at Sangha Yoga starting with level 0 or 1 is appropriate for a student who has completed the Basics Series. Choose a class on a day and time that works for you, choose teachers who you like to practice with...feel free to drop into a few different classes or commit to one and prepay for multiple sessions for that class.

 

Still have questions? Contact Lucia in the Sangha Yoga office: lucia@sanghayoga.com

Our Director

Devidas Karina Ayn Mirsky was featured in the March 2008 issue of Yoga Journal as one of 21 teachers under the age of 40 shaping the future of yoga in America. (Click on the image below to read the feature)

Read Karina's Full Bio

Kalamazoo Teaching Calendar

National Event Calendar



Get a 2 year paper subscription of Yoga International magazine plus the digital edition for only $25.00!!! A 38% discount just for Sangha Yoga students! You'll also receive a basic membership to the Himalayan Institute for discounts.

Click here to take advantage of this amazing offer!

Sangha Yoga is pleased to introduce our sister business Shanti Massage & Healing Arts

Seva means "service with selfless intention." Below are just some of the organizations that Sangha Yoga has raised funds for or offered services to:

Himalayan Institute
Ministry with Community
Toys for Tots
West Michigan Cancer Center
American Red Cross
World Yoga Fund
Youth Aids
The Red Tent
Pretty Lake Camp
PeaceJam
SYTT Scholarship Fund

Philosophy

Start Learning Here
We carry many H.I. Press books at Sangha too!

Yoga Asana

Yoga for Wellness,
by Gary Krafstow

Classic Texts from the Bihar School:

Yoga Publications Trust: Purchases can be made through amazon or ATMA.
Three Bihar Picks:
1. Four Chapters on Freedom
(Yoga Sutra)
2. Hatha Yoga Pradipika
(important practices)
3. Bhagavad Gita  
(an epic tale for all yogis)

Sangha Yoga
157 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Mall Plaza, Suite# 140
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
location details

MapQuest directions

Sangha Yoga, LLC.
Voice Mail: (269) 232-0983
Fax: (269) 344-6469

GENERAL QUESTIONS
For all on-site class, workshop & registration inquiries or general questions about our services, gift certificates or community outreach please
Contact Lucia To contact our director, Karina Mirsky, please also email Lucia.

OFF SITE TEACHERS
Sangha Yoga is NOT a yoga teacher finder service. - Sorry but we do not respond to inquiries about providing off-site yoga teachers for others. (See Corporate Acts)

MARKETING & PROMOTION
For marketing, advertising, website & promotion inquiries: Contact Kiayan

STAFFING
For all front desk staff & work study inquiries, Contact Kristin.
Seva Program:
Work Study Application

TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES
To inquire about teaching our weekend Community Classes, Contact Suzi

Bulletin Board

Updated Sept. 2nd

UPCOMING EVENTS
Morning Intensives Sept 18-25
Nonviolent Communication 10/2
Shakti Day Retreat 10/30
(w/ Bhakti Vinyasa Project)
Satsang w/Devidas 11/9
Sankalpa Weekend 12/17

SAVE THE 2011 DATES
Teacher Training starts in Jan.
Costa Rica Retreat 1/28-2/5
Healing the Healer Retreat w/Tom Holmes Feb 19-20
Rod Styrker Weekend
@ WMU, March 11- 13

STUDIO CLOSED ON:
SEPT 6th: Labor Day
NOV. 25th: Thanksgiving
12/24/10 -1/2/11: Winter Break