Answers to Other Common Questions     

Alan's Yoga classes are taught in a calm and non-competitive manner, promoting a positive connection with one's body, mind and spirit. Alan draws on traditional teaching styles to explain how to move into, hold, and release Yoga postures so that students can safely and effectively receive benefits. Alan explains the philosophy behind the postures, and outlines the mental, emotional and spiritual connections that students can experience if they wish to deepen their practice. Each week, Alan provides a well-balanced workout which includes a deep relaxation period at the end. His deep voice helps students come to complete rest and experience a sense of well-being.

Alan's Yoga teaching experience ranges from teaching in a pre-school, elementary and high schools, to his private classes, including ones with health professionals at the Southlake Regional Hospital. Participants report improved fitness, especially with respect to releasing tension from tight muscles and strengthening core body muscles, and they find the atmosphere relaxing and informative. The class-size limits help participants focus on oneself with adequate space in between mats and bodies. Students appreciate time to modify and relax into the postures through breathing and visualizing, and encouragement to work at their own rate, using modifications as needed. All participants fill out a PAR-Q form at their first class to determine if there are any medical concerns that need a doctor's approval or advice before joining the course. Information is kept confidential.

A few housekeeping items:

Students sometimes miss classes. They are welcome to drop in at another location during the same term to do a make-up class. We believe it is not reasonable to ask for a refund if a student gets too busy to attend the classes, or to drop-in a future course one is not registered in. All locations include ample and well-lit parking lots, accessible washrooms, and friendly, experienced Caretaker staff. Rooms are spacious, neat and clean. A mat is necessary for proper cushioning of the spine and bones. The mat should be greater than 5 mm thick. Alan sells proper Yoga mats if students need them. Participants who are under 18 years old must have written consent from their parents; teenagers often attend with their mom or dad as an activity they can do and share together. Those who have not been in the classes are welcome to try a class for $15 once. 

About the Classes:

The class format follows a traditional Yoga "workout" that starts with an introduction to the class - a theme while students are sitting quietly on their mat. Students then stand for the "Sun Salutation Exercises" which are done to warm up the muscles and lubricate the joints. Students are lead through a series of postures and movements designed sequentially to release tension, lengthen and strengthen muscles, nourish glands and organs, and improve co-ordination and balance. The most important postures in Yoga will be repeated weekly, whereas other postures that suit the weekly theme will be introduced accordingly. Breathing exercises are incorporated to maximize the effects of relaxation and revitalization as well as to calm the mind and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. This shifts the body from "reacting" to "receiving", preparing the student for a final relaxation exercise which concludes the class.

Explanation of the postures and their benefits is included before and during the movements, as is the use of music for motivation and relaxation. At the beginning of the course students are instructed to work at their own rates at all times, and during the course, it will come naturally through the non-competitive language and atmosphere. Modifications of the various postures are offered as gentle options or for advancement. A Par-Q form is used on the first night which will help you to determine if a doctor's advice is required. Students who have medical concerns should talk to their doctor first to establish personal guidelines and permission as Alan is not a medical doctor. Alan does read the medical par-Q forms and considers the whole class as well as individuals when designing and implementing his workout plan, but, ultimately, students are responsible for their own class experience as they choose what to follow and how much to do. It is important to listen to ones body, especially when beginning an exercise regime for the first time.

If you are pregnant, it is not suggested that you start a yoga course for the first time even though Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for everyone. We will refer you to a Prenatal Yoga class if you have never done Yoga before. Otherwise, if you are familiar with Yoga, have experience in Yoga or are continuing Alan's classes and are now pregnant, please note that on your ParQ form and speak to Alan before the class to inform him of your health status and week of gestation. There are some important modifications (e.g. not to lie on your back as it can put pressure on the vena cava, blocking blood to the heart) to utilize during the classes. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise during pregnancy, especially for deep breathing, relief of tight muscles in the legs and feet, and inner peace and relaxation, which lowers blood pressure and the negative effects of stress.

Additional questions:

These are questions we are asked on the phone, followed by some sample answers we hope will help you. Remember, you can always phone us and leave a message for Alan directly.  

                    Sincerely, Alan and Andrea Sargeant

The following questions are answered in order:

1. What will I do in class?

2. What do I need to do to prepare?

3. Do I need experience?

4. What are the benefits of practicing Yoga?

5. Can I learn to meditate?

6. How do I sign up and pay? 
7. Why is Yoga becoming so popular?

8. Where does Yoga come from?

1. What will I do in class?

Classes begin with quiet sitting to still the mind. Alan will give a focus for the class and then students will begin the sun exercises, which are a series of movements designed to limber up the body.  Students proceed to learn and practise positions or postures, called Asanas, designed to improve flexibility, strength, co-ordination and balance. Students are guided into the posture with proper alignment, and offered time to hold or modify the posture while slowly relaxing into the posture to lengthen and strengthening the muscles. Deep rhythmic breathing through the nostrils during the postures helps to produce further benefits to organs and glands by replenishing connective tissues with fresh oxygenated blood. Some classes will include specific breathing exercises, called Pranayama, that work on different aspects of the breathing apparatus with varying effects ranging from energizing, cleansing or developing mental focus. At the end of class, there is a period for deep relaxation which may include a sitting meditation or a visualization exercise or a tension-release cycle while lying down.

 

2. What do I need to do to prepare for the class?

Participants need to bring a Yoga mat made from a dense rubber material that is at least 5 mm thick. If you need a mat, Alan sells good quality mats (Relaxus brand) for $25.00. These mats are environmentally responsible, made of a non-toxic biodegradable material. The mats are individually wrapped.

Participants should endeavour to wear clothing that allows ample bending and stretching movements, and as well, that are modest so that reaching up, over, forwards or backwards does not overly expose the body. Shoes and socks are not worn during the class unless there is a medical reason. Meals should be eaten at least 3 - 4 hours prior to the class; light snacks at least 1 hour prior to the class. Water and fruit juice and be taken at least 30 minutes before the class.

 

3. Do I need experience?

Classical and Gentle Yoga classes are recommended by doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychotherapists and organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society, because Yoga helps people reduce stress, get fit and keep fit. Absolutely no experience is necessary to benefit from these Yoga classes!! 

4. What are the benefits of practicing Yoga?

Many people experience stress on a daily basis whether they are in peak physical form or not. Physical stress manifests in the body as muscle tension, joint restriction, irritability and fatigue. Emotional stress can additionally manifest in the connective tissues, organs and glands. Yoga offers a regimen that revives and releases tight muscles and joints through gentle stretching and deep breathing. Low-impact movements help to maintain or improve range-of-motion and increase blood flow to limbs and organs. Weight-bearing postures strengthen muscles, tendons, bones and build stamina. Deep relaxation and visualization exercises promote wellness by disconnecting the mind and emotions from stressful situations and thoughts, and by shutting off the autonomic nervous system, in favour of the parasympathetic nervous system. Toxins, acids, and carbon dioxide, as well as residual air trapped in the small alveoli sacs are released, cleansing the blood and lungs, fortifying the glands and organs.

Classes are non-competitive so students work at their capacity, with necessary variations. There is equal benefit to all by performing postures at one's ability level. Many students remark that attending the class provides them with a valuable opportunity to focus on their own health and growth which in turn helps them with their responsibilities on the job and at home. It is common for students to attend classes or practice Yoga for many years.

5. 5.Can I learn to meditate?
   

Meditation is an important practice in Yoga, and will be taught in stages. First lessons will include readying the body for sitting and focusing on body sensations such as the sound and feel of the breath going in and out through the nasal cavity, air passageways and belly. Later classes will incorporate students' active selection of a virtue (e.g. calmness, kindness) to build and strengthen character reserves. Regular home practise is the essential key to success with meditation. Alan has practised meditation on a regular basis for many years and has also attended the 10 day silent Vipisana meditation retreat program near Alliston, Ontario. Students are encouraged to discuss meditation or their home practise of meditation with Alan if they wish. 

 

6. 6.How do I sign up and pay? 
   

Students can register at the first class or call ahead to register and pay by cash or cheque at the first class. Some participants choose to use the Paypal. When using Paypal, the credit card number is only displayed to Paypal and not to Alan. For people new to Yoga who would like to try one class, payment can be made at the end of the first class ($15) or for the course if they would like to continue.   Late starters are welcome. There will be a pro-rated fee for joining late, or, students can choose to make-up the missed classes during the remainder of the course, at another location if they wish. Students who attend classes regularly receive the highest benefit so do endeavour to be regular and clear time in your weekly schedule for your Yoga class. If you become sick, have an accident or go away on a holiday, you may make up your missed classes during the remainder of your term at another location, but there will not be refunds for missing classes unless it is the location that has cancelled the class and an alternative could not be found.

Participants are asked to arrive 10 minutes early if registering for the first class so that the class may begin on time. Participants who arrive after the class has started should take a Par-Q form and fill it out, and join in with the intention of speaking to Alan afterwards, as long as the Par-Q questionnaire indicates it is safe to do so. It is in everyone's best interest to arrive early so as to not miss the sign-up procedure.

 

7. Why is Yoga so popular? 

Yoga addresses human development at a physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual level.  Yoga can help you to discover the cause and effect of everyday stress and events. It can assist you to address them more confidently while maintaining your health.  In this way, Yoga promotes well-being.  It is really up to each individual student how much they would like to learn about Yoga exercises and philosophy.  In class, students derive benefits from Yoga by practising postures and asking pertinent questions.  Students can study Yoga books and practice Yoga at home, at their own rate and interest. Alan can recommend books to read if students are interested.  

8. 8.Where does Yoga come from? 
   

Yoga originates in ancient India and is considered a spiritual discipline and not a religion. The word Yoga means, "to unite".  There are essentially 4 main branches of Yoga, each of which has developmental stages.  Many people in the west practise HATHA YOGA which is the combination of limbs 3 and 4 of the main branch RAJA yoga shown below.

The four MAIN branches of Yoga: 
1 BHAKTI YOGA - devotion, including prayer and chanting
2 KARMA YOGA - selfless service, including helping others
3 RAJA YOGA - mystical Yoga, as described below
4 JNANA YOGA - development of wisdom through study of scriptures, meditation and association with the wise

RAJA YOGA LIMBS:
1 Yama
2 Niyama
3 Asana             HATHA YOGA is the combination of limb 3 and 4
4 Pranayama
5 Pratyahara
6 Dharana
7 Samadi

Practicing all the branches was encouraged by Swami Sivananda who coined the phrase Integral Yoga or The Yoga of Synthesis. One of his main disciples in North America was Swami Satchidananda, who founded Integral Yoga at the Satchidananda Ashram. Alan is trained through the Satchidananda Ashram.

We hope this information helps with your understanding as a new or developing Yoga student.

Yoga is FOR LIFE!