What is Yoga?

Yoga is the art of remembering our goodness. It is an art in which each person can creatively and uniquely participate in the process of aligning with the flow of nature using postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. The practice of yoga brings more awareness and integration of body and mind so that we can remember our spirit. Our hearts open and our lives begin to flow with more vitality and joy. Yoga means union of body, mind and spirit.

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What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa is a term that covers a broad range of yoga classes. The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” In other words, the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This technique is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance.

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Why do Yoga?

Yoga is a thorough system for maintaining health and slowing down the aging process. Your yoga practice will help you develop greater flexibility and balance, tone and strengthen muscles, boost your immune system, increase physical energy and mental focus, improve digestion, and soothe the nervous system. The poses and breathing exercises also give a massage to your internal organs and glands. Consistent practice at home as well as in class will bring the maximum benefit, and help you reduce the damaging effects of stress. It is never too late to begin. Yoga is a gentle and gradual way to gain flexibility, strength and stamina at any age.

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Do we wear shoes or socks?

Please remove your shoes and socks upon entering Golden Om Yoga Studio as a way of respecting the ancient tradition of the East and to provide a clean environment in which to practice.  It is best to practice in bare feet for best balance and traction on the yoga mat

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What does OM mean?

Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

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Can I do Yoga if I am inflexible?

Absolutely!  Through steady, intelligent practice, stiffer students will gain flexibility just as flexible students will gain more strength. Anusara Yoga is always taught as balanced action regarding strength and flexibility. They must be ' developed simultaneously for safety.

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Is Yoga safe for people with chronic or recent injuries?

Yoga is safe for people with chronic pain and/or injuries as long as it is taught according to the universal principles of alignment, by instructors who have experience and a good understanding of these principles and their application

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