FAQ

You don't need any fancy equipment to practice yoga, just some space and an open mind. 🙂 Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your range of motion. A yoga mat is helpful as it provides some cushioning. If you don't have a yoga mat you can practice on a non-slip carpet. A Yoga block, can be helpful for some poses but if you don't have one you can use something else in its place. I recommend keeping a towel handy for poses where you could use some extra cushioning. Keep a water bottle close by in case you feel thirsty during your practice.

Wear comfortable clothing to that allows for free movement. We recommend practicing with bare feet.

It is recommended to practice yoga on a light stomach. Wait 3 to 4 hours after a large meal and 1 to 2 hours after a light snack before practicing yoga. Make sure to drink water after your practice to stay hydrated and eat a healthy snack (if you're hungry) after your yoga practice.

Yes you can and its perfectly safe. Listen to your body and feel free to rest or do gentle stretching and more breathing exercises if that is what you prefer.

When choosing your home practice space, choose an area where you have ample space both horizontally and vertically. Make sure that any large pieces of furniture or walls are not in your way and that you have enough room to freely swing your arms around your body. If your space has access to an empty wall that is helpful but not required. Device placement: Place your device to your left facing the long side of the mat such that the device camera can see your entire body (standing up and lying down) and mat. This ensures that your yoga instructor can see you during the class and is able to provide personalized feedback and encouragement. Lighting: Make sure your space is sufficiently lit up so the instructor can see you. Front lighting is best, side lighting is okay. You can’t be seen if most of the light is coming from behind you. You might have to cover the light source if you’re unable to move your device.

You can practice yoga everyday. If you are just getting started, start slowly and gradually increase the number of days and duration of your practice to suit your lifestyle. When it comes to your yoga practice, remember that consistency is the key.

I offer yoga and mindfulness education for all ages. I am passionate about making these transformative practices accessible to all and bringing them to underserved communities through partnerships with community-based organizations. For collaborations/partnerships or to schedule a 1:1 session with me for yourself or your family or pod, please contact me at akirasyoga@gmail.com.

Absolutely! The style of yoga I teach - Hatha Yoga, is slower paced than a typical Vinyasa or Ashtanga class. The focus is on moving mindfully. Every posture is broken down, explained and demonstrated and thus great for yoga beginners who may not be familiar with the various poses. Whether you've never tried yoga before or are just getting started, I am happy to teach you and be part of your yoga journey.

I keep the group size small for my group classes. Small group size ensures that you get individual attention in my group classes and that you leave with a sense of connection with yourself and our community. Practicing with me will help you feel calm and centered while building strength, increasing flexibility, developing proper body alignment, and improving concentration and increasing energy. If you are looking for an opportunity to slow down and be more mindful, and connect with like-minded individuals then practice with me! No prior yoga experience necessary.

I do! Practicing yoga with your family is a great way to bond as a family and make memories. My family yoga classes are fun, playful and provide an opportunity for both parents and children to observe and learn from each other and spend quality time together. Please contact me at akirasyoga@gmail.com to schedule a family yoga class.

Children are born yogis but given that they are still developing their bodies, a kids yoga class looks very different than an adult yoga class. My yoga classes for kids are fun, interactive and fluid. My teaching style is gentle and encouraging and I tailor it to suit the needs and the ages of my learners. My classes for younger children are fun, playful and involve plenty of movement. I use songs, stories and games to introduce them to yoga poses. The goal is to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination, and give children the tools to focus and self-regulate. My classes for tweens and teens include more advanced yoga instruction. The goal of these classes is to promote self-confidence, build inner and outer strength, flexibility, and stamina and equip students with the tools to help them focus and stay centered. My goal as a teacher, always, is to prepare my students for life on and off the mat. Therefore, my classes are never just about yoga - I weave in elements of music, character development and a love for all living things and life.

My classes are a reflection of my training and practice. My training has been in the trauma-informed Hatha style of yoga. The practice of Hatha yoga is slower paced with more static posture holds than Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga. Hatha yoga involves mindful movement with emphasis on the breath and posture. This practice will challenge your strength and flexibility, while at the same time focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. Class typically starts with a centering exercise, followed by a gentle warm-up. The class then advances to more physical poses, and ends with a short period of relaxation.