new to yoga

new to yoga

If you are new to yoga, our brand new video collection offers a welcoming and encouraging environment to explore the fundamental asanas (poses)  and breath work found in most yoga classes. Students will learn more about alignment and common cues used in instruction as well as the basic philosophy that underlie the practice of yoga.

Our senior staff teachers, Kathleen Yount and Jen Davis, offer a guided tour of what a sustainable yoga practice looks and feels like. In these six videos, you’ll receive the benefit of two seasoned teacher’s perspectives on posture alignment, breathing techniques, and everyone’s favorite posture: savasana, the final relaxation!

beginner series video collection

In the video series, you’ll explore the essential framework of vinyasa (flow) yoga, including:

  • The primary standing poses and how to find proper alignment in those postures
  • Sun Salutations
  • Backbends and seated forward bends
  • Twisting and balancing postures
  • Effective techniques to release muscular tension and build core strength
  • Breathing techniques to build focus and soothe the nervous system
  • Modifications for common postures to make yoga practice work for your body

Upon completion, you’ll feel empowered to attend group classes with confidence in your own ability to safely modify according to your own personal needs and goals.

Students will have access to these on-demand videos for 30 days after purchasing, during which time you’ll also be invited to join Kathleen’s online yoga classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, which you can attend live or via recording. AND, after your intro month, you will have the opportunity to purchase a discounted 10-class pass for $120 (good for two months) to use for any of our weekly scheduled classes.

Visit our MindBody online retail store to purchase this Beginner Series and start taking complimentary classes now! After registering, you’ll receive access to the videos and to Kathleen’s classes within 24 hours.

20 answers: what you want to know about yoga

Most people have so many questions when they first come to yoga that they don’t know where to begin. Here, we offer up some of the most common questions and answers. If your question isn’t answered here, we invite you to find us at the studio or send us an e-mail. You’ve heard it before, but really, there’s no such thing as a silly question. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible when you come to practice with us, so ask away!

What does “yoga” mean?

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite.” As a practice, it is a scientific system for achieving total health and mental and spiritual well-being — a means to unite the body, mind, and spirit. In the United States, the term yoga is often used to mean the postures, however the physical aspect of yoga is just one of the eight “limbs” of yoga.

Can beginners take virtual classes at blue lotus?

Absolutely! We offer a Beginner Series video collection that can be accessed for 30 days on your own schedule. This collection is for students who want a solid foundation in the breathing, alignment and basic philosophy of yoga. If you prefer to dabble at your own pace, many of our classes are accessible to new students. Please talk to us so we can help you select the right class to begin.

How often should I practice?

Ideally, yoga is meant to be a daily practice. As that is quite overwhelming to a beginner, we recommend you set a goal you can realistically keep. Consistency is the key — it’s far better to attend one class per week without fail than to attend four classes one week, none for the next two weeks, one the next week, etc. The more consistently you practice, the better you will feel, and the more you will want to practice!

How do I know which style of yoga to choose?

Depending on your physical condition, your health, and your motivation for practicing, we can help guide you to the right class. Vinyasa is an active, heat-producing style of yoga where the breath links one movement to the next. Yin and Restorative classes are much quieter, slower-paced classes designed for you to go deeper — into your body and into a quieter, meditative state. Classes like Flow & Stretch are a combination of both. Please talk to us if you are unsure where to start.

How do I know which class to attend?

If you are an absolute beginner, we suggest you begin with our Beginner Series, or with Private Instruction. Gentle Yoga, Deep Stretch and Guided Flow also have a slower pace where healthy beginners may feel comfortable to begin. Open level classes are appropriate for those who have some familiarity with yoga, as in any given class there will be a range of experience levels.

I can’t sit still for two minutes and can’t touch my toes. Is there a yoga class for me?

One of the great things about yoga is it brings us all to the same common denominator — we all have the same struggles and worries, and though everyone comes in a different body, each of us has a path to travel to make it a more comfortable place to live. People come to blue lotus with differing levels of experience, but there is room for everyone. We are ALL learning. Talk to us, and we can point you in the right direction.

What if I can’t do a pose?

One of the reasons we suggest beginners start with the Beginner Series is to help you learn the basic poses and modifications to suit your body. When you move from there into a different class and are presented with something challenging, ask the instructor for a modification if one is not offered, or safely explore what feels good in your own body. We stress the non-competitive nature of yoga and invite you to make the practice your own — honoring your body and doing what is best for you — not forcing yourself into a shape that you aren’t ready for.

Is yoga a workout? Will I lose weight?

The answer depends on the style of yoga you select, as well as the frequency and intensity with which you practice. Although the focus in yoga is about balance, healing, and reconnecting, a regular practice of Vinyasa will not only open your mind and offer you a fresh perspective on your life, but it also will absolutely change your body. While not an intense aerobic workout, it does burn calories as you create long lean muscles and cultivate flexibility and greater range of motion in the joints. Perhaps more importantly, as you move into an improved state of well-being, you will make better choices off the mat that also improve your health.

Is yoga a religion?

Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. You do not need to be religious to practice. It has been practiced by individuals of widely differing beliefs and any and all people are welcome at blue lotus. Yoga simply asks you to have an experience: to believe in the possibility that we can transform ourselves; that there is always more to learn; that there is a better way to approach life than the old habits that tie us down. At the heart of yoga is the openness to see we have not yet tapped into our highest potential as human beings, and the practice seeks to put us in touch with our spiritual core — our innermost nature — that which or who we truly are.

Sometimes the instructor uses words in another language. What is it?

The language of yoga is Sanskrit, a language of ancient India. Some teachers use it more than others, and it is nothing to feel uncomfortable about. Although you may never say the words yourself, you will come to recognize them over time. If this is an area of interest for you, we often offer Sanskrit workshops.

What is OM?

The sound of “om” is actually a-u-m — three separate tones/vibrations. It is considered to be the original sound from which all other sounds emanate. It is the sound of creation and life you hear all around you — the wind in the trees, the buzz of a bee, the hum of a car engine, the rumble of a train. In chanting om before or after practice, we are looking to create unity of breath, sound, and vibration, reminding us we are connected to each other, and the unifying power of the universe. The OM symbol represents the three states of consciousness — waking, sleeping, and dreaming–as well as the universal consciousness that underlies and connects everything.

What is Namaste?

Namaste is a word of greeting. It is in common usage on the streets of Nepal and India even in modern times, and is generally accompanied by drawing the hands together and slightly bowing the head. Translated directly, Namaste means “to bow” and is considered a greeting from the heart that is reciprocated in kind: the light and goodness in me honors the light and goodness in you.

What should I wear?

We suggest comfortable, stretchy clothing that is not too loose or it will get in your way, and make it difficult for the instructor to check your alignment. Most women wear a tank or tee with leggings and men wear a tee with shorts. Plan to practice in bare feet and remove large jewelry and watches before class begins.

Do I need to sign up in advance?

For regular classes, you must make a reservation at least 30 minutes before the start of class. Registration closes one hour in advance for all outdoor yoga classes and workshops. All online registrations and purchases can be made through our WebScheduler. You can even do this right from your smartphone with the MindBody app.

I’d like to bring yoga to my workplace. Do you offer that service?

We do! Our instructors have experience in offices, hospitals, and schools, and can offer special team-building classes at the studio for corporate groups. We want to promote yoga as a practice for living a happier, healthier life; a practice that is accessible to everyone. We are committed to sharing yoga anywhere and everywhere we can! To arrange a corporate yoga class or series, please contact us.

Why should I come to blue lotus?

That is a question only you can answer. In order to move forward on any new path, you need a qualified guide and a supportive community. blue lotus was created to offer you both. Our instructors are of the highest caliber, are dedicated to daily practice, and regularly study with senior teachers around the world. Each has chosen to offer up a large part of their lives to share this practice with others. blue lotus is considered Raleigh’s “yoga home” by both newcomers and experienced practitioners because of not only the teachers, but also the supportive, fun, student base that has grown over the past decade. The blue lotus community is something truly unique, and we welcome you to be a part of it.

OK. I am ready to take my first class. What should I expect?

If you’ve purchased the Beginner Series, you can expect to receive a link to your six-video collection within 24 hours of purchase. You will also begin receiving the emailed links to Kathleen’s virtual classes around that time.

If this is your first virtual live class, we recommend downloading Zoom prior to the start. Approximately 20-30 minutes before the start of your class, check your email for a note from your teacher with the Zoom link and any other details about class that day. If the email isn’t in your inbox, please check your spam folder (once the email is marked as safe and moved to your inbox, it should arrive there in the future!). If you have any issues, please reach out to us!