is it "hot yoga"?

No. This is not Bikram yoga where they attempt to re-create the climate of India. However, a warm environment is important for the safe stretching of your muscles: as Pattabhi Jois says, "even Iron will bend with heat". You are definitely going to sweat, but the heat comes from within. It's generated by you, not the thermostat.

do some people do yoga as their only "workout"?

Yes, most people who do yoga several times a week consider it their work out. This style of yoga in particular is a very vigorous physical practice that works all the muscle groups, stimulates your circulatory system, respiratory system and nervous system. You will definitely sweat. In my experience, yogis who do the practice consistently (6 days a week) do nothing else for exercise. They eat anything they want (and truthfully, as your body is cleansed of toxins, you'll crave healthier food anyway), and feel less stress than anyone who goes to the gym. You'll have to see how it works for you, but it's a 5 thousand year old tradition, so it's got a great track record of success! Plus, yoga is kind of addicting, so you'll actually ENJOY your "workout".

Yoga is an amazing self-contained system that uses your own body in place of free weights or any other gym contraptions. there is something really empowering, on and off the mat, to know that your strength and flexibity comes from inside of you, not a bow-flex machine.

"i'm not very flexible..."
"do we, like, meditate for an hour?"
"i've heard yoga is only for girls..."
"see, i have this old shuffleboard injury..."

These are some of my favorite "Why I don't do yoga" excuses. The truth is that anyone can do yoga if they want to (female OR male). Everyone's body is different, and they each have a history. The practice is completely unique to the individual.

Old injuries and your genes will define a lot about your practice to begin with. It is important to respect where your body is on any given day and know that it's going to change. The postures themselves come and go on a day to day basis. You can't become attached to a pose, because tomorrow it may not be there! By that same token, there's no pressure whatsoever to achieve a position that you're body is not ready for because you've got your whole lifetime (a couple of 'em according to the yogi's) to get there. Just breathe and be!

what can i do to prepare for a class? do i need to stretch or warm up?

The only thing you need to practice yoga is enough space for your mat! The practice is completely self contained with a built-in warm-up (sun salutations), stretching (forward bends), strengthening (vinyasas and arm balances) and cool-down (finishing postures). Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, no fancy yoga outfits required. I would suggest that you don't eat a lot before practice, because it can sometimes come back to haunt you in the twisted or inverted postures! However, a lot of students find that a little food is necessary to maintain enough energy throughout, so it's really up to you. Same goes for water, drink TONS of it, but AFTER your practice. If you're drinking you're not breathing! More importantly, water bottles can become landmines if you're working on a challenging balancing posture...that isnŐt quite so balanced. Falling over happens all the time in yoga, and is an essential part of finding your center. So feel free to "get down with your bad self" (just try to miss the water bottles).

*Your own mat is recommended, props will be provided.

is it okay to practice yoga in between private lessons or group classes?

YES. You can absolutely do yoga on the off days when you don't have a lesson, in fact it is encouraged! Generally, you take private lessons to have a teacher build a personal practice that suits your body and your life style. We work together until you're comfortable and we're both confident that you can practice safely alone at home (4-6 times a week traditionally). After that, you can take larger group classes a couple times a week for added challenge and new postures. You can also take a "brush-up" private class to add on to your personal practice. However, some people want the motivation of knowing a teacher will be on your doorstep a couple times a week, mat in hand. More long term private classes (and rates) are always an option.

what if i don't have more than an hour a day?

There is always time to practice yoga! I will teach you a modified class that will take you between 45 minutes and 1 hour a day. You will also learn what we lovingly refer to as the "MDR" (minimum daily requirement) which will take about 18-25min a day. The MDR alone is more than enough to keep you healthy, limber and strong! The best part about 'yoga as exercise' for busy people is that it can be practiced anywhere, at any time with no heavy equipment or boring repetition. Remember, YOGA IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN! If you're not having fun, why would you continue to practice? Your mind quiets, your spirit calms and your body thrives. NAMASTE!