Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, yoga is for people with all sizes, shapes, and ability levels. I was trained in the “Yoga for All” method so I have the tools to support you and adapt poses for your body. Bodies are unique and a one size fits all mentality can lead to demoralization or even injury. Sometimes reframing a pose or utilizing a wall, block, or strap can transform a pose from intimidating or painful to a wonderful place to build strength and grow.

  • If you can breathe you can do yoga. Yoga poses can be adapted for you whether that means primarily a practice of meditation, breathing and relaxation techniques, chair or wheelchair yoga, or something else. For more aerobic asana it’s important to ask your doctor if it is safe for you to exercise. WYAY is about learning what your body needs and finding creative ways to get there.

  • Yes, you can practice yoga from a chair or even laying on your bed. Some of my clients found that after some strength and flexibility training with chair yoga they were able to get down to and up from the floor as they hadn't in a long time.

  • Yoga anytime and anywhere (with an internet connection) is something many of my clients appreciate. No commute, just roll out your mat in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Unlike watching a yoga video or attending a group online class you receive one-on-one coaching, attention and accountability. My setup means I can demonstrate poses for my visual learners. I am experienced in guiding with verbal cues to support my clients in their wellness journeys safely.

  • For those in the NY and NJ area I do also offer in-person yoga. Having one-on-one attention means you get the most out of your time on the mat. Being in-person means that physical cues and some light massage are available upon request. My yoga space has a variety of props to support your practice. Meditation practices with singing bowls or chanting can be much more powerful in-person.

  • Yes, contact me for details and availability. I have experience leading yoga at events and for organizations, churches and universities

  • Yes! Please give me at least 24 hour notice. My rate doesn’t change for up to 5 people so feel free to bring a friend or two. Many of my clients practice with a partner, or a spouse.

  • You only really need yourself, but most people prefer practicing on a yoga mat for more comfort in certain poses. For Chair Yoga its best to use a solid folding chair or dining room style chair with no arms. Depending on the style of yoga may also want props; yoga blocks, a yoga strap, a bolster or pillows. These other props aren't always necessary and sometimes household items do just as well as a stand in. Having a water bottle nearby is also a good idea

  • Comfortable clothing that you can move in.

Short answers to BIG QUESTIONS

  • Yoga is an ancient Sanskrit word which means to yoke, to join or to unite. The purpose of Yoga is to work toward unity in the mind, body, and spirit. The physical practice is called Asana, but the exercise and stretching which most of the western world has come to understand as yoga is only a small piece of what it means to work toward wholeness.

  • Yoga involves moral practices and restraints as well and physical poses, breathing practices, focus, and meditation. The 8 limb path is a road map to connection and peace and can be summed up like this:

    1. Yamas -Restraints: Ahimsa (non-harming), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-grasping)

    2. Niyamas- Observances: Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (zeal for life), Svadhyaya (self-study), Isvara-Pranidhana (surrender)

    3. Asana (postures)

    4. Pranayama (breath)

    5. Pratyahara (withdrawl from the senses)

    6. Dharana (concentration)

    7. Dhyana (meditation)

    8. Samadhi (oneness with all living things)

  • Yoga has been proved to have many benefits for health and wellbeing, but I’ll stick to what my clients have noticed:

    Improved strength, improved flexibility, less joint pain, ease or relief from back and neck pain, improved sense of wellbeing and relaxation, stress relief, improved physical awareness, improved focus, more vigor/zest for life, better ability to balance time and energy, feel healthier and report feeling that they are kinder to themselves

  • No, Yoga is a philosophy not a religion. People of many faiths (Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and others) can and do practice yoga. People who are Atheistic can also practice Yoga.

  • Check out the Classes page to see what kind of yoga WYAY offers. It’s ok if you’re not sure what is the best fit for you. Your instructor will work with you to craft an experience that serves your needs.

  • It is traditional to bow and say “Namaste” at the end of a Yoga class. Namaste just means “I bow to you”. It is a simple greeting of respect. Just like with anything it can be layered with other meanings to honor the student teacher relationship, to honor shared humanity, or to honor the light within.

  • I teach primarily in English, and to avoid confusion I often use the English name for a pose alongside the Sanskrit word, however I feel it is very important to honor the heritage of Yoga by speaking in Sanskrit whenever possible and overtime my students learn those names for poses. In addition I have heard it said that the vibrations of the name of a pose does similar things to you neurologically as physically doing the pose. Whether or not that is true I don’t know, but it is a beautiful language.