frequently asked questions about moksha!

How is Moksha Yoga different from other forms of hot yoga?

For your bod

Moksha Yoga builds upper and lower body strength, balance and flexibility, and cardiovascular health. The series also focuses on treating and preventing commonly cranky areas of the body like the lower back, knees and bellybutton lint. The cool part is that every body is welcome and everybody will benefit.

For your brain

A regular Moksha practice gives us the rare opportunity to slow it all down. The stress reduction associated with yoga helps to calm and balance the nervous system, increase blood flow to the brain, and help you remember where you left your keys.

For your breath

The average person takes 900 breaths an hour. Moksha Yoga encourages you to make each and every one of them count, on and off the mat.

For your being

The word Moksha means Freedom. A regular Moksha practice gives us the chance to explore what this means for each of us; whether it's finding freedom from chronic pain, freedom from self judgement, or freedom from playing Angry Bird marathons.

When should I avoid doing hot yoga?

If your health care professional has advised you to avoid cardiovascular activity it's best to avoid practicing hot yoga. We also encourage women in their first trimester of pregnancy to consult with their midwife or OB if they're new to practicing hot yoga. If you discover you're pregnant (congrats!) and have been practicing for at least 6 months, it's safe to continue throughout all trimesters, with your doctor's approval. Let your teacher know you're expecting, and consider setting up near the door if you want a slightly cooler place to practice.

We also recommend that a hot yoga practice is best suited for adolescents who have already developed their sweat glands, so that's normally around a girls first menstruation and a boy's growth spurt. Our minimum age for attendance at MYH is 16 years, with consent from a parent/guardian (up until 18 years of age).

If you have any questions or concerns, it's always best to consult with your health care provider before visiting a hot yoga studio. 
 

Is Moksha Yoga a cardio workout?

Yup, it sure is. 

What if I'm the least flexible person in the entire world?

Then you officially have the best reason ever to come to a Moksha yoga class!!  But really, don't worry about all the bendy people around you.  They've been practicing for a while or were born that way.  Flexibility will come with time and you don't have to be flexible to start.  Moksha teachers know how to modify postures to make every posture benefit even the least flexible student. 

What should I bring/wear? How long are the classes, and do I book in advance?

What should I wear?
It's best to come to a Moksha class in your comfiest, coolest set of yoga duds. And when we say cool, we don't mean hot pink leg warmers and a one piece leopard leotard. We mean cool as in light weight, breathable materials that will absorb sweat and dry quick. Men usually wear shorts with optional t-shirt or tank tops and women typically wear tank tops, shorts, leggings or loose fitting clothes. 

What should I bring?
Studios typically have water bottles, mats and towels to rent or buy, but if you have your own it's great to bring a water bottle, yoga mat, 2 towels (one for your mat and one to freshen up after class) and a sense of humour. 

How long are the classes?
Moksha classes are 90 or 60 minutes long. It's best to check the schedule to see what is being offered at a convenient time for you! 

For specific information or for class schedules, click here to find the studio closest to you.

Do I book in advance?
It is highly recommended that you book in advance. However, we reserve limited space for walk-ins, so if that's the route you choose to take, just make sure to be here plenty early! (And, as always, latecomers will not be permitted).
 
 

Will I lose weight?

Depends, are you going to come?  If yes, absolutely.  Along with becoming a happier, more stress free person, losing weight is among the benefits that is most appreciated from a regular practice.  Check out the testimonial on weight loss.