The Union of Body, Mind, and Breath: Yoga Education

Yoga is not just an exercise system, but a thousands-of-years-old practice that seeks an inner balance and unity by bringing together the body, mind, and breath. In the speed and stress of modern life, it offers a pause to turn inward, listen to our bodies, and calm our minds. At Peska Sanat, we view yoga not as a competitive sport, but as a personal journey of discovery where every body's limits are respected. We are here to create a safe and peaceful space for you on this journey.

Why Should You Practice Yoga?

A yoga practice provides benefits that start on the mat and extend to your entire life:

• Physical Benefits: It increases body flexibility, strengthens muscles, corrects posture, and improves balance. Regular practice can help reduce bodily aches and pains.
• Mental and Emotional Benefits: Deep breathing exercises and meditation calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. It increases focus and provides mental clarity.
• Holistic Health: Yoga nourishes not only the body but also the mind and spirit. This quality time you set aside for yourself increases your overall quality of life and inner peace.
• Breath Awareness: It teaches you to consciously use the most fundamental action of life: breathing. Proper breathing helps you feel more energetic and balanced.

What is a Yoga Class at Peska Sanat Like?

Our classes proceed in a flow that participants of all levels can easily follow. In a typical class, you can expect the following:

• Centering and Breath (Pranayama): We begin the class with a short meditation to focus on the present moment and basic breathing exercises.
• Warm-up: We do gentle stretching movements to safely prepare the body for yoga postures (asanas).
• Postures (Asanas): We practice yoga poses determined by the theme of the class, which strengthen and stretch the body. Our instructors will guide you for proper alignment in each pose.
• Cool-down and Relaxation (Savasana): At the end of the practice, we complete the class with a deep relaxation where the body and mind rest and integrate what has been learned.

Who Can Do Yoga?

We embrace the philosophy that "yoga is for everyone." Our workshops are suitable for:

• Beginner-level individuals who have never done sports or yoga in their lives,
• Professionals with a busy work schedule who want to de-stress,
• Athletes who want to gain flexibility and balance,
• Adults of all ages and all body types who want to reconnect with their bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be flexible to do yoga? 
No, this is the most common misconception. You do yoga to become flexible; you don't need to be flexible to do yoga. Our classes aim to increase your flexibility over time while respecting your body's current limits.

What should I wear and what should I bring to class? 
It is sufficient to wear comfortable, flexible clothing (leggings, sweatpants, t-shirt, etc.) that you can move in freely. You can bring your own yoga mat or use the mats in our studio. It might be a good idea to have a water bottle with you.

What is the difference between Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga? 
Hatha Yoga is a slower-paced style that focuses on alignment, where poses are held for longer periods; it is great for beginners. Vinyasa Yoga is a more dynamic and fluid style where you flow from one pose to the next in sync with your breath.