So how can the practice of awareness be so popular and life changing, how can it get you in great shape, cultivate focus and help you find peace? Because all of your life comes down to what you perceive, because energy follows thought, your thought, because you can act how you want to feel and because you can control the direction of change in your life!
Now some people practice yoga by doing crazy cirque du soliel like poses while others will sit quietly focusing on colors above their head, some people do the same 26 poses in a 100 degree room and others marry fluid breath with fluid action. It is said that there are many paths to the same place and there are hundreds of ways to practice yoga and if anyone ever tells you there is only one way to do something they are usually trying to sell you something.

2. How do you practice yoga at APY?

My first goal was to make the powerful tools of yoga accessible to as many people as possible so the first thing you will find at APY is a friendly well-trained instructor who will teach you the practice of yoga in plain English. I know that the number one reason people don’t try yoga is fear, so we are here to help everyone discover the benefits of yoga.

We use over a hundred different poses to challenge, strengthen and open your entire body and every class is different so that you get the maximum physical benefit from each class. All the poses can be modified or intensified depending on your strengths and weaknesses. In APY all the physical poses represent the challenges you face throughout your day and besides getting us in great shape they remind us that we can use the challenges we face every day; that they are here to serve us, to make us stronger, deeper and in the end happier.

We also use a unique breathing technique borrowed from Tibetan kung fu which will give you energy and peace throughout your day, we use elements of Tai Chi to safely warm your body and link your breath and movement and even a little Chi Gung which a simple and very powerful practice which energizes you and detoxifies you!

APY is a warm practice, not a hot practice so the room is around 85 degrees. You will work up a sweat but not overheat and we use a little background music to keep thing grooving. You will find beginners and long time practitioners in every class because you get to set the intensity.

Every class is a little bit different and every instructor is as well. They have all been through the extensive APY teacher training program and are Yoga Alliance certified and they are all passionate in their pursuit to help you discover yoga.
I often get asked how to find a good yoga system or yoga teacher and I always say the same thing. Find a teacher that looks and more importantly feels how you want to feel. I remember a few times when a girl I was dating would come to me and complain because her trainer were bulking her up, then I would ask what her trainer looked like. “He’s huge.” People teach what they know, so find a teacher and class that is heading the direction you want to go. In the end yoga is a personal journey and you have to find something that resonates with you.

No matter how good a practice is for you if you don’t enjoy it you won’t do it for long, so please try a few of my instructors and I really hope you enjoy them, if APY isn’t right for you, keep searching. You will feel it when you find the right practice.

3. Which class should a beginner attend?

Level 1 or Open Level APY classes are specifically designed for beginners. All the instruction is complete and in English. Every instructor will offer modifications as well as intensifications so that everyone who attends can safely get the most out of each class.

4. What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes that you can move around easily in and don’t mind sweating in

5. What should I bring with me to class?

You will need a mat and a towel. We rent and sell mats at each studio or you can simply bring your own. Water is also available at each APY studio.

6. How often should I come to class?

APY is a mental practice, but it will also greatly improve physical condition. Some is better than none, but with two classes a week you will slowly begin to feel and see results. Three times a week is a great way to discover the benefits of APY almost immediately. Five times a week or more will change your life.

7. What is an APY Level 2 class?

APY Level 2 classes are designed for practitioners who wish to explore a more intense APY practice. In a level 2 class APY instructors can offer poses and movements that are a little more challenging and not as easily modifiable. Also, APY instructors can offer various themes and deeper or more complicated meditations. The only requirements are that the practitioner is familiar with a sun salutation, has enough core strength to feel comfortable in an upper push up position, and wants to explore the practice more.

8. How long are the classes?

Almost all APY classes are one hour. Extended classes and Level 2 classes are noted on the Studio’s schedule.

9. I can’t make it to class or I don’t live near a studio. Are there any other ways for me to get APY?

Yes! There are multiple ways you can still experience APY. Purchase a copy of Yoga for Life DVD, watch Yoga for Life on Veria TV, or purchase APY60. Look for APY OnDemand coming soon!

10. Do I have to sign up for a class first?

No, just come up to any class time that is convenient for you. We’ll help set you up with a User ID and Password so that you can used our online system to register and reserve your space. (Reservations are not required, but recommended for some of our more popular classes!)

11. How early should I arrive for my first class?

We recommend about 10-15 minutes before class time. There is one client information sheet to fill out that takes about a minute. New students should take advantage of our 5 days for 5 dollars challenge, so be sure to let the attendant know that you’re a newbie!

I often get asked how to find a good yoga system or yoga teacher and I always say the same thing. Find a teacher that looks and more importantly feels how you want to feel. I remember a few times when a girl I was dating would come to me and complain because her trainer were bulking her up, then I would ask what her trainer looked like. “He’s huge.” People teach what they know, so find a teacher and class that is heading the direction you want to go. In the end yoga is a personal journey and you have to find something that resonates with you.