Frequently Asked Questions
I HAVE NEVER DONE YOGA BEFORE. CAN I DO THIS?
Yoga is not a means to an end; it is a practice. At DDY our instructors are trained to understand the functional movement of the body. This means instead of asking our students to create a pretzel shape with their body, we guide the student to move as their body allows them to move. Most anyone, regardless of physical condition or age can do yoga. Check out our class descriptions to see which ones would suit you or call Colleen @ 575-647-YOGA (9642)
WHAT IF I AM NOT FLEXIBLE?
Yoga is not about how flexible you are. It is about moving the body with the spine in mind in conjunction with the breath. Flexibility may end up becoming a result of your practice, but it certainly is not a prerequisite!
“Since moving to Las Cruces I have been taking Yin Yoga classes at Downtown Desert Yoga with Deidra Schaub for over a year and I have noticed a profound difference in my flexibility. I used to dread bending down to pick up a dropped quarter (I wouldn’t even bother with a nickel or dime). Now I can pick up lucky pennies, nickels, dimes, etc. with ease. I also used to have trouble just getting up if I was sitting on the ground. Now I get up without a second thought! Thank you, Colleen and Deidra for your wonderful studio and the difference it has made in my life!” ~Stew
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR/BRING TO CLASS?
Women often wear leggings, lightweight sweats, or workout shorts and a tank top for the more active hatha classes. Men wear workout shorts/lightweight sweats & tee; something you feel comfortable bending over in.
For the Yin & Restorative Classes – wear any loose, comfortable clothing or your usual hatha class clothes.
No Shoes
Bring a towel
Water to any class (Especially for the Hot Yoga Classes – we live in the desert!).
Mat – we have mats for rent or to purchase in the studio.
WHAT IF I HAVE A PREVIOUS INJURY OR ILLNESS?
As with any injury or illness, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor prior to any physical activity routine. When you do get cleared, during practice, you should not be experiencing any pain. Pain is our body’s way of letting us know that we need to take care of it. That may mean backing off in a pose, skipping a pose or a skipping a practice all together. Radical, we know! But sometimes our bodies simply need time to heal with some R&R. With that said, we can not speak for you, but we have had many students with chronic pain say that it has diminished or gone away over time with certain yoga practices. Feel free to call if you’d like to talk about what classes might be suitable for you – Colleen @ 575-647-YOGA (9642)
CAN YOGA HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT?
Yoga has helped many bodies realize optimization of the body systems. Digestion and respiration, as well as endocrine, lymphatic and elimination systems will begin to work together. As a result, your metabolism will normalize and you may notice unhealthy cravings diminish. All of these results may help to normalize your weight if you devote yourself to regular practice of any type.
Going to DDY daily creates more energy and peace in my life! I lost about 10 lbs since I started in Jan of 2016. I sleep better, smile more and yoga allows me to be a better therapist! Thank you!
WHY IS THE ROOM HOT or WARM?
Sweating has been considered a therapy since the Roman baths, Scandinavian saunas, and Native American and Aboriginal sweat lodges! Need we say more?
ARE THERE HIGHER GOALS BEYOND FITNESS?
Proper breathing is the key to a long life. Yoga achieves the union of body, mind and spirit through our movement in combination with breath awareness. It can still the mind and as a result, stresses of the outside world start to melt away.
“In Nov. of 2014 I tried a hot yoga class and barely made it through but I felt great! I tried another hot class and did much better but when I found Yin Yoga with Deidra I was hooked!”
“I lost myself the last couple of years and became hard-hearted and bitter. Yoga has helped me re-connect with my true self, my kind and compassionate self.”
WHAT ETIQUETTE SHOULD I FOLLOW AT DDY?
Leave your shoes and belongings outside the studio in a cubby so as to keep the studio clutter-free and allows the chi to flow as all of us practice.