FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient system of Indian philosophy. It incorporates a range of practices from meditation, to physical postures and breath control. All of the yoga styles we teach at Yoga Dublin Studios come under the umbrella of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga combines movement and breath to exercise and purify the body muscles, nerves and glands and to focus the mind. There are many different styles of Hatha Yoga (Iyengar, Astanga, Viniyoga, Sivananda etc.). Each of these are explained in the Class Guide section of this site.
Who can practise yoga?
Almost anyone can practise yoga, regardless of your level of flexibility, strength or balance. Yoga is non-competitive. This means you learn how your body works and maximise its potential. Each individual practice is unique to that person. Everyone has different physical characteristics and history, and so competition or comparisons with others in the room are redundant. The ultimate goal of all forms of yoga is self-realisation, to help you discover your own true nature.
Is yoga for women only?
Not at all! While men are represented at the teaching level, in Ireland it is true that yoga classes have been dominated by women. This is changing rapidly as yoga matures here. While overseas the ratio is often 50/50, some of our classes are approaching a 30/70 boys to girls ratio. The boys will catch up in time.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Regular practice of yoga can bring about a profound effect on your physical and mental state. In physical terms you will improve flexibility, strength, stamina, balance, muscle tone. You will develop greater energy levels and increase body awareness. Mentally the benefits come in the form of relief from tension and stress, an increased sense of calm and an improvement in levels of concentration.
Yoga has also been shown to help alleviate many common complaints such as insomnia, anxiety, IBS, digestive disorders, PMS, stress, backache and headaches.
What happens in a class?
During a yoga class, you will be guided through a series of Yoga Postures (called Asana). The teacher will both explain and demonstrate. He/She may also help you learn a posture by adjusting you. Some classes include breathing exercises (pranayama). At the end of class there is a relaxation, which is generally done lying down.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in freely. You do not need shoes or socks. In the more dynamic classes you will tend to get hot, so we recommend that you wear thin leggings or shorts and light T-shirts. A good alternative to cotton is the polyester, Dry-Flo type garment, which draws sweat away from the body and so will not impede movement or cause cooling down too quickly towards the end of a class. For the gentler classes you might want to wear a little more clothing.
Eating and Drinking
Try not to have eaten heavy food at least 2 hours before a class. We do not encourage drinking water during a class, as we are heating up the body, but do drink lots after! Avoid caffeine, alcohol before class. Use the bathroom before your class.
What if I am pregnant?
Astanga Yoga is not suitable for pregnant women. Only experienced practitioners, with an extremely regular practice can consider continuing, with modifications, during this time. We cannot cater for pregnancy in our regular Astanga classes. Gentle Hatha Yoga classes may be possible following consultation with the teacher, especially if you have previously practiced yoga. We run a Pre-Natal Yoga class specifically for pregnant women as well as Post-Natal classes and also a Baby Massage Course.
For more information with regard to the subject of yoga and pregnancy, or with regard to specifically related classes, please contact Saffron or Colm at the Studios on 01-4982284.
Injuries, mobility problems, high blood pressure and other health problems
Yoga postures can be adapted for most conditions. We would be happy to discuss the most appropriate classes for you. If you do come to a class and you have any injuries or health problems, please inform the teacher before the class begins.
Menstruation
The more gentle forms of yoga such as Hatha pose few issues. With Astanga we recommend a modified practice, more static and much less strenuous than a normal practice, based mostly on forward bending and suspine postures. Inverted postures (headstand and shoulder stand) should be avoided as should strong backbends. Potentially unsuitable postures are highlighted during class and it is easy to modify or inconspicuously refrain from any of the postures.
What do I need?
Very little... just a yoga mat, we do yoga in bare feet, shoes are left at reception. You are welcome to bring your own if you have one, but be sure it a non-slip sticky rubber mat. We sell proper, safe and environmentally friendly mats. All props such as blankets, blocks, belts, eye bags etc., are provided, but these too may be purchased if you would like to have your own (which is more hygienic!). A hand towel is a good idea for the more dynamic classes.
What should I not do?
Have your mobile switched off!! We are trying to get away from the pressures of city life, it is so inconsiderate to use the mobile anywhere in the building. We don't care how important you are! They can wait..
Arrive late into classes, we are flexible, and the traffic sucks in this town, but please try and be on time, lateness is an interruption for the teacher and students.
No aerosol sprays in the building please.
The studios are a shoefree zone, use the shoe rack. We use our bare feet, and often lie on the floor, so no shoes please.
Respect your teacher and students, please have clean yoga gear, mats do get smelly, so wash them (30*C small amount of powder), and pay attention to personal hygiene.
Leave bottles of water here, PET plastic is a disgraceful waste of resources, for one use only. We don't need your bottles thanks!Take them away and reuse or recycle them. The water in our taps here is absolutely fine, and save some euros! Ask Eddie Hobbs..
Leave unhappy, we respect any feedback, and like to help people find suitable classes, teachers, times etc, if you don't tell us, we don't know.