FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is yoga?

"Yoga is the name given to an ancient practice that helps to create a sense of union in all aspects of ourselves; in body, mind and spirit. People have been practicing yoga for thousands of years in order to feel at peace with themselves. Moving your body into poses and exercises is the most commonly known form of yoga. In yoga you will become more aware of your breath and the inner workings of your body and mind. Yoga also helps you become healthier and happier by circulating vital life energy through all your body systems."

(Source: "KISS Guide to Yoga", Shakta Kaur Khalsa)

Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?

Forget those images of acrobatic backbends and pretzel-like postures! You are not required to be flexible nor in perfect physical shape to start your yoga practice. To begin a practice, all you need is a flexible mind! With time and patience, flexibility will come. Yoga is very adaptable and exercises can be modified for different levels of flexibility.

If I am injured, can I still do yoga?

We recommend consulting with your doctor first. After obtaining permission from your physician, you might want to consider starting a Beginner class or a Restorative class. It's a good idea to notify your teacher of your injury before beginning the class. Most importantly, always listen to your body and make sure you're never pushing beyond your own limits.

There are so many types of yoga - how do I know which one is right for me?

As a beginner, we recommend starting with either the Beginner or Hot Beginner class. After attending a few beginners' classes, we suggest exploring the various other classes we offer in order to identify which style and teacher is best suited to you.

Your yoga practice will be what you make it to be: gentle/vigorous, relaxing, spiritual, etc. Anyone can participate: men and women of all ages are welcome!

Why practice yoga in a hot room?

We practice yoga in a hot room (usually between 86 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or 30 to 41 degrees Celsius) in order to stimulate detoxification of the internal organs and increase flexibility and endurance. In general, our bodies are more flexible in a hot room than they are at normal room temperature.

I am interested in trying a class, when and where do I start?

If you are a brand new beginner, we recommend signing up for one of our 6 week beginners classes. These classes will provide you with the solid foundation you need to continue on in other classes. With a little experience, you can join one of our many drop-in classes. We ask new students to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the start of their first class to fill in a new student form and to receive a short orientation session.

What should I wear to class and what do I need to bring with me?

The recommended clothing depends on how strenuous the class is and the temperature of the room. In general, we suggest wearing something you can move comfortably in. Tight, light, and fitted clothes are preferable for any of the classes in the hot room. Yoga is done barefoot so no special footwear needed.

When attending a class you will need a yoga mat (your own or one from Chinook Yoga) and water. For classes in the hot room you will also need a towel and a large bottle of water.  Please note that special non-slip mats are available to rent for all hot classes and also that rental mats are limited in number and therefore subject to availability, first come first served!

How many times a week should I practice?

A daily practice is ideal but not accessible to all of us. We recommend a minimum of one 90-minute class per week. Any yoga is better than no yoga! It has been proven that transformation will occur more rapidly if you can sustain a regular practice.

What services do you offer at Chinook Yoga?

We offer rental services for mats and towels. Our facility include showers and changerooms for both yogis and yoginis (in case you're wondering, "yogis" are male and "yoginis" are female yoga practitioners). Our boutique offers a variety of yoga props and accessories. And our Coho Lounge is place where you can sit and relax before or after a class and enjoy some yogi tea!