The Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to book?

A: No, simply arrive 15 minutes before the class start time so that you can be registered, sign in and have a chat with the instructor before you start the class.

Q: What if I arrive after class start time?

A: The door is locked 1 minute before class start time - if you are late, you will need to come to the next class or come another day. Why? We create a 'cocoon' environment once the door is locked and it is disrepectful and disruptive to other students if we let students in past the official start time.

NB. Please don't knock on the door if you are late - thank you :)

Q: I'm not flexible - do you think I can do yoga?

A: Absolutely you can! It is certainly not about how 'bendy' you are...in fact, the opposite applies. The more inflexible you are, the more benefit you will receive in each class that you do (winning!). Yoga is a process and a journey and never a destination. The more you practice, you will will soon understand that power yoga is more than just 'stretching'.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Loose comfortable clothing / 'gym' or running gear etc...

Q: What sort of yoga is it?

A: Kozen Yoga is Power Yoga -  dynamic, flowing and energetic, our style incorporates flowing 'Vinyasa' sequencing. Kozen Yoga allows beginners, intermediate and advanced students to be challenged in the same class. It also blends and incorporates some of the Vinyasa sequencing and strength building aspects of Ashtanga (Astanga) yoga, the finer adjustments, alignments and the usage of blocks and straps from Iyengar yoga and the classic postures from Hatha Yoga culminating in a beautiful flowing form of yoga.

Q: What can I expect in a Kozen 'Power Yoga' class?

A: Great Question! Our classes are 75 minutes long (except 6am - 1 hour) and starts with a series of integration postures such as child’s pose (balasana) or standing forward bend (uttanasana). Integration postures are followed by a flowing series of poses (vinyasa) based upon the ashtanga sun salutation (surya namaskara) sequence. The vinyasa is repeated several times at the beginning of practice to warm the body and is then used throughout the practice to link together  poses and sequences. Classes will usually include a full range of yoga postures performed in sets (e.g. balancing, forward & back bending, twists and inversions) and conclude with 5 to 15 mins of rest / meditation (Savasana). No class will ever be the same but we follow a certain basic structure to ensure the entire body is attended to. Other techniques incorporated into our power yoga classes include: ujjayi pranayama (victorious breath), gaze/focus (drishti) and core stabilisation (uddiyana bandha).

Q: Is it 'hot' yoga? And do you have the heater on?

A: No - it is not 'hot' yoga. However, we do have the heater on (especially in the cooler months) and we do warm the room to a level (approx 25 to 28 degrees) that assists in heating and protecting the muscles from any 'cold strain', especially at the start of class. Heat creates change. Once we are into the 'vinyasa flow' we bring the heater down (just a little) and the natural body temperature heat takes over. The combination of external (atmosphere) and internal (bodily) heat enables the body to release toxins, metabolic debris and excess fluids and creates long lasting change. At first, you may feel a little uncomfortable but very soon you will enjoy the purifying power of heat. The heat also softens the muscles and protects the body from any injuries.

Q: How old do I or does my child need to be to practice at Kozen Yoga?

A: Any person must be 14 years or over. If under the age of 18 they must have the written consent and the parent or guardian must co-sign the waiver form before beginning any classes. NB. Kids Yoga now at Kozen - see Kids page above for details.

Q: Sometimes I feel emotional during yoga - why?

A: It is common for our bodies to store unconscious holding patterns of past traumatic experiences and emotional 'day-to-day' tension and it can sit in our bodies where the joints and muscles actually hold on to such memories. Yoga heals all wounds - physically and emotionally. Allow your body and mind to open up, look objectively at the resistance, observe the emotions, stay with the pose and release tension. Keep breathing and allow your body and mind to awaken to a whole new level of release.

Q: Sometimes I feel very lethargic and lack energy? Should I still practice?

A: Some days you will feel more energetic than others. Your body, similar to your mind, experiences mood changes too - you will tune into your mood the instant you roll out your mat. Some days your practice will flow beautifully and other days it will feel like swimming upstream through mud. Work your way through your practice and have a tenacious determination to push through....but remember to rest and come into Child's Pose as often as you need to. Consistency, persistence and commitment will pay off in the end. More importantly, just enjoy the journey.

Q: Sometimes I feel sore a day or two after class?

A: When first starting out your yoga practice or even as an experienced yogi, you will be conditioning and awakening deep internal muscles and practicing postures that you have never done before or certainly have not attempted for a long time. Initially, you may feel sore, be assured that this is a 'good' type of soreness. The technical definition is D.O.M.S. - ie. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Due to the healing and heating nature of yoga, we recommend that you keep practicing to wring out the metabolic acids and flush the muscles with fresh nutrient and oxygen-rich blood and you will notice the soreness fade away - it is all part of the greater healing and strengthening process. We also recommend a hot bath, swimming, walking, massage and/or a deeper treatment such as myotherapy. We highly recommend the therapists at Soma in Hawthorn - http://www.somahealthandwellness.com/

YOGA AND YOU

Age, gender and level of fitness does not matter when it comes to Kozen Yoga. Through regular and sensible practice, yoga will tone your body, burn calories and balance your mind. All you are required to bring to yoga is discipline, persistence, patience and faith in yourself. Results will occur, especially if you remain open and flexible with your ideas of yoga practice. It can take a few weeks to feel comfortable with the breathing and the postures. Total health comes from nourishing your whole being - body, mind, emotions and soul creating a wonderful sense of vitality and well being. Therefore, with time you may find you just cannot do without it!

Things You Need to Know When You Start

Try to refrain from eating a heavy meal before yoga for at least 2 hours prior to exercising. It is fine to have a light meal or a little liquid. Avoid caffeine/energy drinks.

Using the breath is one of the keys to yoga. Use slow, flowing and rhythmic breathing to increase energy and relax the body simultaneously; to release tension and stress, this will take you deeper into your practice.

Never hurry. Go into the postures slowly and with awareness - there should never be pain. Slow movements will allow your muscles to work more effectively without tension. Ease out of the posture as slowly as you went into it, with concentration and control building up strength, tone and flexibility over time. Be patient with yourself.

Concentrate on each posture you perform. Your mind will not wander if you focus on your breath. In the beginning you will need to be patient, training your mind to be still and focused.

Rest between postures wherever possible, and focus on your deep breathing. This gives you a little time to assimilate what you have just learned. The beauty of yoga lies in its gentleness.

Never force a posture. Never jerk or bounce in order to “go further.” Stretch to the point that is comfortable, hold it there, focusing on your breath waiting for your muscles to release. Pain is the danger signal devised by your body, telling you to stop immediately to risk injury. Learn to “listen to the body.”

Practice regularly, even if it is only a couple of postures a day. A little done often is more beneficial than a lot done infrequently. The benefits of yoga are instant and long lasting.

Whether at the studio or practicing alone, be in your own space and energy leaving your external troubles of the day at the doorway (resembled with taking your shoes off).

Never compare yourself to anyone else. Emphasis is placed on “personal progress.” There will always be people who can do postures better or worse than you. Some days you will stretch more than others. Be comfortable with yourself despite what level you are at. “Listen to your body” and respond lovingly to what it wants at any given time. Make your yoga class special time just for you- a place where no one or nothing else matters.

Please avoid using strong perfumes and scents as this can be a 'upsetting' for some people. Please consider your personal hygiene when attending classes.

Flatulence is a natural human process and some postures create the release of gas. Please view this with an understanding acceptance of yourself and others in class- there is no need for embarrassment.

Dress in comfortable clothing and remove any jewellery or accessories to avoid breakage or distraction.

Sleeping in relaxation does not take you into the same rejuvenating state as deep relaxation when you remain consciously aware.  If you are having difficulty staying awake for the guided relaxation, try lying on your side and focusing on your breath.

When starting out with yoga practice, symptoms such as slight headaches or nausea can occur. This is due to an increased influx of toxins and impurities in the bloodstream - it is like a mini detoxification. Regular yoga practice will cleanse the system more quickly, eliminating these symptoms.

Practice in bare feet so you can grip to your mat and stretch your toes out. Your connection to the earth is vital for your practice.

We encourage you to bring your own mat for sanitary reasons and over time your mat will hold a special sense of peace and comfort. However we sell mats for $25 or hire for $2.

Precautions

Pregnancy. It is very safe to practice yoga during pregnancy, however, check with your doctor first and we recommend commencing your practice at week 14 on the commencement on your 2nd trimester (unless you have an existing and very regular practice. Postures that open and strengthen the pelvis, loosen the hips and strengthen the back make this practice very beneficial. Most importantly, the breathing and relaxation techniques are incredibly beneficial. Your teacher will inform you of postures to avoid ie. strong inversions, back bends, twists and jumping.

If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, dizziness or detached retina (or any health condition you are unsure of), please check with your doctor prior to beginning a class.  All the forward bending poses are beneficial as long as you keep the breath flowing and free. Never hold the breath (breath retention) while doing postures. If there is ever any discomfort, please stop.

Light headedness or slight dizziness is quite normal in the beginning of your practice. If this does occur, simply stop and relax until these symptoms disappear. The body has to adjust to the increased volume of oxygen. Sometimes a slight headache can occur, for the same reasons.

Ladies, you may exercise during menstruation, but on a lighter scale than normal. However, if there is any pain or discomfort, or a change in flow, it is important that you stop and relax. On your heavy days, avoid inversions such as bridge pose, shoulder stand, head and hand stands and substitute these for legs up the wall pose.

If in doubt with any health issues, speak to your doctor or physician and discuss with your yoga teacher.

Congratulations for making the first step to your overall health and wellbeing via the means of yoga.