Yoga FAQ

Why Triyoga of Cedar Rapids, Serenity?
We offer a quiet, peaceful setting, free of distractions, to practice yoga in. We offer classes every day of the week, except Fridays, with an open enrollment. Kali Ray TriYoga, is a method of "flow" yoga, which is based in Hatha Yoga, and unites the breath and mind with flowing and sustained postures; and Kundalini Yoga which works with dynamic exercises for strength and flexibility of the body, as well as breath work and energy awareness. All of our classes are accessible to both the beginner, and those who are continuing their yoga practice. Our instructors are all very knowledgeable, and capable of helping each of our students in deepening their practice, and attaining their personal goals.

Can I do this?
Whether you are a highly trained athlete, or a confirmed couch potato, either way, yoga is perfect for you, and YES!, you can do it! Because yoga is a combination of many different fitness elements, and so easily tailored to the individual, it can be practiced easily and with great benefit, at the beginner level, as well as the most advanced level. At Serenity, we have yoga "props" available, such as blocks, straps, and bolsters to aid students, of every level, in attaining correct alignment in all of the yoga postures. Triyoga is organized to systematically develop you, whether you are inflexible but strong, or whether your you need upper body strength but bend easily. We will remove tension, and teach you to breathe rhythmically The teaching method is supportive and calming. When the mind is clear it is easy move, learn, and become more aware...

What are the benefits of yoga?
* Yoga is a fun activity that can produce powerful results. Yoga will wake up your body, sharpen your mind, and clarify your Spirit. If you begin a regular yoga practice, you can be assured that yoga will transform the way you look, feel, move, breathe, and interact with friends, family, and co workers. Some or the great reasons to begin your yoga practice are: Yoga will tone your muscles, and trim excess weight.
* Anyone can do yoga. It is simply a matter of starting at the appropriate level, and remembering that you aren't competing with anyone.
* Yoga doesn't hurt. You go at your own pace, do what feels good, and stop before you feel pain. No sore muscles in the morning!
* Yoga will increase your energy level, and bring vitality back into your life!
* You can do as little or as much yoga as you like, and still receive the benefits.
* Yoga will help ease our aches, pains, and stiffness, and at the same time increase your strength and flexibility.
* Yoga reduces stress and improves concentration. It can even help lower your blood-pressure.
* Yoga helps prevent illness, and keep all the systems of the body in working order. It aids circulation, digestion, respiration, reproduction, and it also tones your organs, improves your posture, frees your breathing, and is cleansing, helping your body to purge itself of toxins that can negatively affect your overall health.
* Yoga helps you to reach the fullness of your human potential. You will be more confident, stronger, healthier, and more at peace with who you are.
* Yoga is fitness plus peace, and fitness plus joy!
* You may even get benefits from yoga that you didn't expect, so allow yourself to remain open to the infinite possibilities!

How do I get started?
You can learn from books and videos, but a real live teacher, in a real live class, can address your personal challenges and direct you in ways that a book can't. So, the first step is to come to class wearing comfortable clothes (loose and flexible, but not baggy), and since yoga is best performed with bare feet, no special footwear is necessary. We have everything else you will need: mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, and even blankets to use during deep relaxation. By far, the most important thing for you to bring with you is an open mind! Suspend any preconceived thoughts or ideas about what yoga is or isn't, or what it will or won't do for you and for your body, and simply open yourself to the many possibilities, body, mind and Spirit, that yoga has to offer you! It's FUN!

What level or class should I start with?
TriYoga fundamentals include relaxation-in-action, wave-like spinal movements and economy of motion. With the systematic approach, students can remain with Basics or progress to subsequent levels. Within each level, students increase their knowledge of posture and flow, as well as strength, flexibility, endurance and breath control. Through sustained awareness on all aspects of the practice, the movement of body, breath and mudra harmonize and the inner flow naturally emerges.

People enter into the flow at their own place. We recommend that people start with the basics. This makes sure that they have a foundation in the breathing, the proper motion, the understanding of alignments and presentation of the flow. The strength can become well rounded. If you have done yoga before in another system you can try another level. A higher level isn't just taking it up a notch, it is really about going deeper in relaxation, concentration, agility, flexibility, strength, and endurance. The essence of the flow is to keep the focus and relaxation even while doing something very challenging, the mood is joyful. Systematic development through the series and levels of Triyoga means you will have the strength and flexibility and understanding in flow...you will start to express from within...