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:

Devi Das
Karina Ayn Mirsky

Read Karina's Bio

Our Director 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 article below to read it >>>


Click on anyone of our smiling teachers to learn about us...

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

Philosophy from Himalayan Institute Press:

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

On 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.

Karina's top 3 Bihar picks:

1. Four Chapters on Freedom
--Yoga Sutra translation
2. Hatha Yoga Pradipika
---important practices
3. Bhagavad Gita  
---an epic tale for all yogis

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

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

SANGHA CONTACT LIST:

CLASS INFO & GENERAL QUESTIONS
For all on-site class, workshop & registration inquiries or general questions about our services, gift certificates or community outreach:
Contact Lucia: lucia@sanghayoga.com

OFF SITE TEACHERS
Sangha Yoga is yoga center, NOT a yoga teacher finder service. - Sorry but we do not respond to inquiries about providing off-site yoga teachers.

MARKETING & PROMOTION
For marketing, advertising, website & promotion inquiries: Contact Kiayan
kiayan@sanghayoga.com

STAFFING
For all front desk staff & work study information.
Contact Kristin:
kristin@sanghayoga.com
Seva Program (work study)
Application

TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES
To inquire about teaching our weekend Community Classes, Contact Suzi:
suzison@yahoo.com

 

 

Bulletin Board

Updated July 10th

UPCOMING EVENTS
Neck & Shoulders: July 18
Melissa Spamer: August 2011
Aromatherapy events: 8/15

SAVE THE DATE

Costa Rica Retreat Jan 2011
Rod Styrker Weekend @ WMU March 11- 13, 2011

KARINA'S TEACHING DATES
Our director is a nationally renowned teacher. Don't miss your chances to study with her when she's here.

To see Karina's 2009 Sangha Yoga teaching dates visit: Karina's Sangha Calendar.

To see her complete workshops schedule, visit:
Karina's National Calendar.