FAQs - Shanti Yoga Studio: 7646 West Touhy Chicago, IL 60631 (773) 774-8444

"The final mystery is oneself." O. Wilde

FAQs :

You may have a lot of questions. We hope we can answer a few of them!

Do I need to sign up? Do I buy a set of classes or can I purchase one class at a time?

Nearly all our classes are "drop-in" which means you do not need to sign up or commit to that time for practice. Consult our schedule to see which classes are sold as a series. Most of our students purchase a set of classes which can be used for any class in on our drop-in schedule. If you do not wish to purchase a package, a one-time drop-in rate is available. Ask your teacher or click on the classes tab to learn more.

What is yoga?

Yoga is a 5,000 year-old system of physical and mental exercise that began as a way to gain a healthy body and a heightened level of self-awareness. Today, yoga is practiced throughout the world as a physical exercise that often brings a sense of peace and a greater self-awareness. The word "yoga" in Sanskrit means "to join or yoke together" bringing the body, mind, and spirit into one harmonious experience.

Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?

Yoga is accessible to everyone whether you can touch your toes or not. People come to yoga to become flexible. Over time, your body will let go of resistance (both physical and mental) to allow you to go further in your practice.

I want a more physical form of exercise than yoga. Do you have anything like that?

Absolutely! Our classes range from the gentle to the athletic. Attend a gentle or beginner class to focus on stretching and relaxing. Take a vinyasa, or Ashtanga class and get a serious workout incorporating all the major muscle groups and a cardio workout.

What do I need to bring and wear to class?

Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that breathes well (like cotton or any athletic wear). Bring a yoga mat, if you own one. We have everything else you may need (mats, props, etc) to borrow at no cost. We do have bottled water for sale. If you have long hair, you may want to bring a hair tie with you. Yoga is done barefoot, so no special shoes or socks are necessary. If you wear dangling jewelry, you may want to remove it during class if it becomes an imposition or a distraction to you. Most importantly, bring yourself!

Does yoga provide health or therapeutic benefits?

Yoga can benefit your health in countless ways – from lowering your blood pressure to increasing muscle strength and stamina. Typical benefits cited by yoga practitioners include:

Weight loss
Reduced heart and blood pressure
Improved sleep
Improved posture and breathing
Increased range of movement and flexibility
Studies show that up to 80% of human illness is caused by stress. Stress affects your body by attacking your immune system causing the body to begin breaking down. You may see this in symptoms such as fatigue, skin problems, appetite loss, hair loss, etc.

Yoga utilizes physical and mental discipline to help achieve a sense of calm and peacefulness that you will be able to carry beyond the yoga mat into your life.

Is yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion. It doesn't have a creed or a fixed set of beliefs nor is there a god-like figure to be worshipped. Yoga combines techniques in breathing, exercise, and meditation to help achieve any number of goals from physical fitness, stress relief, mind/body connection, and a greater sense of self-awareness.

How long are your classes? How much do they cost?

Please see our Class schedule and rates pages by clicking on the appropriate tab at the top of the page. Our classes range from 60 to 90 minutes.

What's the best way to get started, especially if I'm out of shape?

Find the appropriate time/teacher/style and go at your own pace, while respecting your own current limitations. Never push yourself to do something which causes pain! Yoga is not a competition or a comparison to the person next to you; it is a personal process of growth. Remember, Yoga is designed to help everyone regardless of physical condition. Find a style that works for you and always listen to your body.

Why is it best to refrain from eating before a yoga class?

Yoga involves many twists, turns and bends. If food has not been fully digested before coming to class, you may feel uncomfortable or even downright sick. If you have a high metabolism or are afraid you might get sick from not eating prior to class, experiment with a small snack 30 minutes to an hour before class.

Is yoga aerobic exercise?

Yes and no and both. Aerobic exercise is simply exercise that improves oxygenation of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Some styles, such as those that have a strong focus on the flow of one posture to another will lead to a greater aerobic workout than other styles such as yin and restorative, which are more calm and still in practice.

Will yoga help me lose weight?

It can--that all depends on you. The exercises will help you burn calories, tone muscles and improve posture as well as helping you to incorporate a healthy impression of yourself. Another part of a yoga practice is healthy living, which includes a good diet. Be conscious of the foods you eat, sticking with natural, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, etc. as much as possible while limiting your intake of junk food and high fat foods. Combine all of this together and you are likely to look and feel better regardless of the intensity of your practice.

Is it okay to practice yoga while pregnant? Yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. In particular it can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalize thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed. In general, you want to avoid any strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures; as such, a traditional yoga class may not work well during pregnancy. IF YOU HAVE NOT PRACTICED YOGA BEFORE YOUR PREGANACY, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND OUR PRENATAL CLASS.