FAQ's

Attending yoga classes for the first time raises uncertainties about many things --- Here are a few of the questions we encounter, and the answers we give them from an Iyengar yoga standpoint, to help dispel any misconceptions and make people realize that everyone is truly welcome.

1) "Can I attend yoga class even if I'm not flexible? - I can't reach my toes!"

Flexibility can be developed, and it is best to do so with awareness, and not just by flinging your body any which way. So yes, there will always be room for an inflexible student, because most people start that way. Besides, an Iyengar general class makes allowance for students of different levels -- you will only be asked to bend or reach as far as you are able, and nobody will force you to do otherwise until you can.


2) "Do you meditate or levitate in class?"

Many kinds of yoga include meditation in class, although by nature, an asana class (as most yoga classes in Manila are, unless otherwise specified) means doing the asana or poses, and that means moving your body. In Iyengar yoga, meditation comes in motion -- the mind becomes peaceful and refreshed even as your body is working hard and tingling with awareness. So if you are given a few minutes to sit in silence in a yoga class, be open and don't worry about not getting it right -- there is no one way to find inner peace.


3) "Will it hurt?"

In class, there is a critical distinction for students. If you feel discomfort, push it a little, as it may just mean that your muscles are coming alive. If you feel pain, however, stop immediately, and you can do a less intense variation of the pose. This will obviously depend on your current level of activity, but again, you can go only as far as you want to.


4) "But i don't want to stop eating meat!"

Some yoga teachers may recommend a vegetarian diet for various reasons, but no Iyengar teacher will insist that you change your diet. Be prepared, however, to discover that you may feel less and less like eating meat, whether it's because you feel lighter without it or because your attitudue changes. Either way, it is your option.


5) "What do i wear?"

Any comfortabe clothing. We suggest a fitting top and shorts or any attire that shows your knees to allow the teacher to check that your legs are aligned and working. Note that the poses include bends, leg exensions and, for advanced classes, inversions. Please tuck in your shirt.


6) "Will i get a six-pack?"

Yoga generally does not cause your muscles to bulk up away from your bones, but makes them develop closer to the bone to give the skeletal system greater support, so constant practice makes you look leaner and more toned instead of buff and beefy. Many avid practitioners do develop well-tones muscles, and more importantly, strengthen them.


7) "Do I have to change religion?"

This is a legitimate concern for many, especially since some organized religions frown on any "New Wave" or "pagan" (read: non-Christian) practices. The yoga classes will leave your personal religious beliefs alone, although you will be asked to be more internally aware and reflective. Iyengar classes begin with a chant of "Om," the Sanskrit word for the universal, and an invocation thanking Sage Patanjali for making the wisdom of yoga available to modern-day folk. Keep an open mind, though, and realize that religion is really about believing in a higher power, no matter what name he/she/it carries.


8) "What do i have to bring?" / "Can i wear yoga shoes?"

During class, it's strictly barefoot -- How else do you feel the connection to the ground that is so essential for a deeper understanding of asana? Bring a small towel if you're prone to sweat, and leave the bottle of water in the dressing area. Only drink before and after an Iyengar yoga class. Also, come to class on an empty stomach.


9) "Do you have a dressing room?"

Yes. Please come in a few minutes before class to change. There are two changing rooms in the studio and restrooms on the floor.