Dragonfly Yoga

Q1. What Is Yoga?

The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as "union" or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.

Q2. Is Yoga a Religion?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path, not to be confused with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga yoga) is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.

Q3. I'm Not Flexible—Can I Do Yoga?

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.

This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

Q4. How Many Times Per Week Should I Practice?

Yoga is amazing—even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time. If you can only do 20 minutes per session, that's fine too. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle—do what you can and don't worry about it. You will likely find that after a while your desire to practice expands naturally and you will find yourself doing more and more.

It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.

Q5. What Do I Need to Begin?

All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of yoga leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt that's not too baggy. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot. It's nice to bring a towel to class with you. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat, but most studios will have mats and other props available for you.

Q6. How Is Yoga Different From Stretching or Other Kinds of Fitness?

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

Q7. Is there an age limit in practicing yoga?

There is no age limit in practicing yoga! Some yoga studios may not allow people under 16 to join their studios but that’s because of liability issues because you’re not an adult yet. However, you can always get started on home practice using the online resources available until you are old enough to go to a yoga studio!

Most importantly, practice safely and know your body’s limits. That’s the best way to prevent injuries!

Q8. What Does Hatha Mean?

The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely.

200E-RYT, Yoga Alliance, over 1500 teaching hours

YACEP- Yoga Alliance continuing education provider

Laughter Yoga University Certified

ACE Stand Up Paddle Yoga Certification

Fully Insured

Advanced AED/CPR, child/adult

A. Private one to one Yoga- $50 (1 hr)Mats and props provided

B. Private one to one SUPYoga- $60 (2 hrs) Paddle Board provided

I attended my very first yoga class in 1996 as form of exercise. Seeking more I discovered it was very helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, and find peace within, thus the journey began.  The Asanas, the physical part of a practicing Yogi, was a key element in my daily exercise routine. 

Through the journey of Mind, Spirit and Body, and with encouragement from my Yoga instructor Gail Marshall, in 2011 my yoga journey led me to the 200 hr RYT Yoga Alliance Certified teacher training course led by Nancy Curran of Yoga on the Beach, Key West, FL.

Beginners to advanced, youngsters to oldsters

Yoga in Lake Eola Park presents 'Central Fl Yoga Mass 2016! '

We're making history!
Join us to create Orlando's LARGEST outdoor yoga practice EVER in honor of International Yoga Day! 
We have a record of 555 yogis to break. Invite EVERYONE!!! 
PARKING- There is FREE parking along the side streets surrounding lake eola. Paid parking options in the parking garage on Central & Eola and on the corner of Robinson & Eola.

Be open minded, there are some yoga instructorss that have acquired "Registrations" throuh "online" yoga courses.

Seek a "Certified" Yoga instructor that has been given hands-on training, by a certified instructor/studio and insured

Students should ask questions freely..