FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome! Whatever your age, condition or background, Sumits Yoga is a yoga practice for you. Designed for all levels from beginner through advanced, Sumits Yoga is a balanced and complete mind-body-spirit practice that develops strength, flexibility, focused awareness and overall wellbeing.

COME PREPARED TO MOVE AND BREATHE, SWEAT AND ENJOY!

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST CLASS?

Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled start time to register.
Discuss any injuries or health issues with your teacher before class.
Wear something you are comfortable sweating in. Breathable fabric is most desirable.
Come to class fully hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you are prepared. Bring a large bottle of water with you to class or purchase chilled water at the studio.
Come to class on an empty stomach. Most people find they need to leave at least 3 hours between their last meal and the class.
Yoga mats and large towels are required in the studio. Please bring your own or purchase at the studio.
Stay in the studio during class. Feel free to sit or lay down if you feel dizzy or nauseous. As you build the ability to focus your mind and still your body, the struggle will disappear. If you need to leave class early, please let the teacher know before class begins, and do not leave before savasana (resting pose) begins to avoid disturbing other students.
Remember that savasana is a crucial element of yoga class – and it does not take more than a few minutes.
Yoga is a practice as well as a life long process. It is not about doing the postures perfectly. As long as you give your best effort, you will receive the same therapeutic benefit as someone who has practiced for years and obtained a high level of flexibility, strength and balance.
We recommend practicing 4-5 times per week to obtain the maximum benefits. Of course, you will receive the same benefits with a reduced practice – just in a longer time

HOW CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL AFTER MY FIRST CLASS?

You might feel very tired after class. This is absolutely normal and a good sign that your body is cleansing. Your energy levels should be restored to normal within several classes.
You might find yourself feeling extremely energetic and experience difficulty sleeping. Don’t worry – this is a good sign that the yoga is truly filling you up with energy. You don’t have insomnia. You just have more time to do the things you enjoy.
You might feel sore or stiff the day after your first class. Come back to class as soon as possible! Your body is waking up and coming alive and you want to keep the process going!
You might feel nauseous, dizzy or have a headache after class. This could be a sign that you are dehydrated. Please drink lots of water before returning to class. Or it could be a sign that you were trying so hard that you weren’t breathing normally. Please breathe normally during every posture.
You might experience some skin irritation. This too is normal, it means that the skin is releasing toxins. Showering directly after class will wash the toxins away. It will also help normalize the body temperature.
You might feel very hungry after class for a while, or you might lose your appetite completely. Both reactions are normal. If you are concerned about your weight, don’t worry too much either way. Once you get into a regular practice pattern, your appetite and your weight will normalize. You’ll find yourself feeling and looking leaner and younger.

WHY IS THE PRACTICE ROOM HEATED?

The heat makes muscles more elastic and pliable which allows for deeper safer stretching.
The heat helps you sweat; sweat detoxifies your body by flushing, toxins from your blood and metabolic waste from your muscles.
The heat enhances blood flow so that more blood (and oxygen) is delivered to the the muscles, the joints, and the endocrine, thyroid and lymphatic systems bringing natural healing and balance back into your body.
The heat speeds the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
The heat thins the blood, increasing the heart rate for an excellent cardiovascular workout.
And it feels really good to just let the sweat pour out of you!

WHAT IF I’M NOT FLEXIBLE?

It’s important to understand that Yoga is not about flexibility. This misconception keeps many people from coming to a Yoga class.
Yoga is about stretching your spine and body in all directions. From the very first class you will learn the concept of “trying the right way” enabling you to receive the benefits of each pose according to your own ability.

IS THIS A CARDIOVASCULAR WORKOUT AND CAN I LOSE WEIGHT?

Yes! Regardless of your fitness level, hot yoga can be challenging. Muscles are toned and strengthened. All of the body’s systems are brought into balance.
With consistent and dedicated practice you will lose pounds and inches.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HOT YOGA?

The benefits you receive from a regular, devoted yoga practice will vary depending on who you are, your health history, what you put into your practice, and what you may be strug gling with physically or mentally.
The most frequently reporting benefits include the following:
- - Escalation in energy and metabolism
- - Weight loss and increase in muscle tone
- - Increase in balance, strength and flexibility
- - Reduction in heart and respiratory rates
- - Decrease in blood pressure
- - Improved functioning of the internal organs
- - Reduction of insomnia and depression
- - Strengthening of the immune system
- - Alleviation of symptoms of chronic disease and energy
- - Reduction in stress; less reactive in stressful situations
- - Rejuvenated sense of calm and well being
- - An inspired positive outlook on life
As with anything, the amount of effort and focus you put into something is directly proportionate to the results you will achieve.
Try your best. Your postures do not have to be ‘perfect’ in order to do yoga. It’s called yoga practice for a reason. All we can ask ourselves is to try the right way with our best effort. The benefits will follow.

IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULD NOT DO HOT YOGA?

If you have high blood pressure, particularly low blood pressure, or are pregnant or nursing you should check with your doctor before trying a class.
If you simply do not like the heat, you might find that your body learns to like it after a few classes!

WHAT IS YOGA ETIQUETTE?

Yoga is more than simply the physical poses; it is a process of understanding and respecting ourselves and those around us.
Please remove shoes upon entering the studio
Keep street clothes and other personal belongings in the cubbies provided in the changing rooms
No cell phones or beepers in the class room
No gum in the studio
Don’t wear heavy perfumes or colognes to class
No talking in the studio before, during and after class
Stay in the room during class AND feel free to take a break at any time by either sitting or lying quietly on your mat
At the end of class, please leave quietly being mindful that some people use that time for silence and meditation.

I thank my friend everyday for introducing me to Sumits Yoga, it has truly changed my life!" - Jo

WHAT'S NEW

News 03/29/12

SEMI-ANNUAL CLASS SALE ~ 20% OFF the Annual, Semi-Annual and 50-Class package April 1-30th! The most popular sale of the year!!

News 02/06/12

Join us ~ Yoga Friends + Wine + Chocolate Social! Arrowhead Studio, Feb. 17th 7pm

News 01/06/12

Resolve to Evolve in 2012! The 5-Week Group Yoga Challenge is On!! Check the Challenge page for Details!

News 12/27/11

Check your studio Holiday Class Schedule for updates!! Happy New Year ~ Namaste

News 12/18/11

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays from Sumits Yoga!!

News 12/05/11

The Gift of Yoga…Holiday Gift Cards and Certificates available NOW!

News 08/29/11

30-Day Yoga Challenges start the week of Sept. 5th!!

News 06/01/11

Community Classes start June 6th @ Arrowhead & North Scottsdale/McDowell!! Check the schedules for days & times

News 03/30/11

Check your local studio for Workshops & Events!!

News 03/15/11

Join us for Candle Light YIN each Thursday at McDowell 7 PM!! (check your location for available YIN classes)

News 02/08/11

Join us for Bryan Kest Saturday, Feb. 12 and Partner Yoga Workshop Sunday, Feb. 13th @ McDowell Studio!

News 01/13/11

Vinyasa / Power Flow Classes Start January 24th @ McDowell!!

News 12/27/10

January is Yoga Challenge time!! Check your local studio for details ~

News 12/22/10

Check out the Biltmore studio 1-hr flow classes M/W/F’s!!

News 11/16/10

Full Power flow schedule coming to McDowell Studio January 2011!

News 11/01/10

Restorative class series extended at McDowell & Arrowhead!

News 07/26/10

Sumits Yoga Boise Opening Sep 13!

News 06/24/10

Sumits Yoga Teacher Training starts Oct. 8, 2010! See more info here.

News 06/14/10

Our 2 Weeks for $20 offer has been extended to July 31, 2010. *new students only.

News 06/14/10

KALMAZOO Now Open Stop by & check out the best in Hot Yoga!!

[more]WORKSHOPS / EVENTS

Spread your Wings: Unlocking the Spine, Back, Shoulders and Neck

Join Desiree Lapre for this special workshop designed to unlock the Spine, Back, Shoulders and Neck!, McDowell, May 20th, 1-3pm

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