We all know that life can be super stressful which is why we're often told to take a deep breath, relax, and possibly even take up yoga. So we went to Katrina Amato who's not only a yoga expert, but teaches one of the most coveted classes in LA called Hollywood Detox Yoga to learn more about it...

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a class to teach you to take risks, to challenge what you think you can't do, and to make you realize you're perfect just the way you are! :)

The word yoga means "union" in Sanskirt, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. This "union" occurs in the mind, body, and soul throughout ones practice. Unlike other forms of exercise that are mainly concerned with transforming ones outer appearance, yoga takes it a step further. What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. When done regularly you can get those ripped abs, defined arms, and that famous "yoga butt." BUT you can also learn how to control your breath and to relax the mind, all while challenge yourself to do things you never thought were possible. This allows you to get in touch with yourself. Setting aside time in your day to literally rest the mind, breath deeply, and move. It will teach you how to listen to your body, understand how it works, and discover its very own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, this allows you to take control of your body, which will help you bring clarity and balance into your life.

What are the benefits of yoga?
The number of health benefits that are related to those who practice yoga or overwhelming! Besides the obvious increase in flexibility, strength, and possible weight loss that occurs; yoga helps with joint pain, depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, improves memory, concentration, hand-eye coordination, balance, corrects posture, tones the muscles, lowers the risk of injury outside the classroom, helps reduce cellulite, stabilizes one's metabolism, increases ones energy and core strength, and much, much, more! Most importantly, it keeps you young!

How can someone get started in yoga?
It is very easy to get started doing yoga, especially in the Los Angeles area. The first thing you must do is figure out what kind of class you are looking for! Its all about finding the style of yoga that suits you best.

You need to ask yourself a few questions:
Am I more about the physical practice or the mental?
Do I want to break a sweat and feel my muscles burn, or am I looking for something less rigorous?
Do I want to be in a crowded room with tons of sweaty bodies, or do I want room to breath?
Would I prefer to practice in silence or with music?
What's my budget?....

Seeing that yoga has been around for thousands of years, it has transformed into MANY different styles to suit everyone's needs. I suggest you search the internet for local yoga studios and read their description for each class. Don't get frustrated if your first attempt doesn't satisfy you. Try a few and see what you like and dislike. Take in affect your surroundings. Do you like the environment? Do you feel relaxed? Is the teaches voice soothing, or does it irritate you? This are all things you should consider.

If money is an issue, I know there are donation based studios all over the Los Angeles area where you decide how much to pay and I'm sure there are these types of studios all over the country!

You can purchase a yoga mat at any yoga studio, or find one at Target, Ross, Whole Foods, etc. The more expensive mats usually have a better grip on them, have more padding/cushion, and are sometimes longer. Again, its what you like... ask around for suggestions :)

What should someone expect from a yoga class?
You should expect complete and utter bliss from your first yoga class! Be ready to challenge yourself both physically and mentally. Its all about letting go of your ego and just trying! Don't get frustrated with yourself if you aren't able to do everything right away! Its about appreciating what you have now by accepting your strengths and your weaknesses, and eventually working towards the more difficult postures with ease and grace. Yoga is a noncompetitive activity, so don't judge yourself or the people around you.

Does yoga help with weight loss?
Weight loss is definitely one of the many benefits of doing yoga. It actually helps to stabilize your metabolism and stops fluctuation. Most importantly, as they saying goes "You are what you eat!" Its all about what you are putting into your body that will ultimately help you with weight loss. Its about finding that balance with food and exercise.

How do you know what kind of yoga class to take? What are the different styles?
There are many different kinds of yoga. Some concentrate on meditation, while others focus on the physical body. Seeing that there are so many different kinds of yoga, I will cover the more popular styles.

HATHA: Hatha is a very general term that can include many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

VINYASA FLOW, ASHTANGA, or POWER YOGA: All of these are very similar, in the sense that they are a faster pace class that flows through the sequences of postures that gradually increase in difficulty. These types of yoga are for those looking for a vigorous workout and body toning. These are the more athletic types of yoga.

BIKRAM: A fairly new form of yoga, that includes the same 26 poses done in a heated room (tempature varies from 90-100 degrees) to make the body sweat. *From my knowledge this is not the best thing to put your body through daily. Because of the intensity of the heat, your body can easily overstretch without you ever realizing the damage you may be causing. So be VERY careful when you practice this form of yoga.

KUDALINI: Kundalini is one of the more spiritual types of yoga. It goes beyond the physical performance of poses with its emphasis on breathing, meditation, and chanting. However, the Kundalini sequences are very physically intense. This type of yoga appeals to those who are up for both mental and physical challenges.

IYENGAR: Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props <http://yoga.about.com/od/yogagear/ss/props.htm> , such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

What is the biggest misconception people have about yoga?
Most people assume that they already have to be flexible in order to do yoga. I find this hilarious because the people who believe they are not "flexible" are the ones who need yoga the most. Yoga is there to guide you in becoming more flexible both physically and mentally on and off the mat. You are never too old or too young to start yoga because there are many ways to modify each posture to each persons needs no matter how inflexible one may think they are.

Thankfully, the stereotype that yoga is just for woman has slowly but surly started to go away. In fact, men who's regular workout regime is lifting weights tend to latch on to yoga much more quickly then woman! This is because these "manly men" who think they are oh so strong... are only strengthening specific muscles of the body at one time, rather then in yoga where you use EVERY muscle in your body at all times. They realize they can physically get that same toned look while strengthening the ENTIRE body while strengthening their mind... which ultimately makes them much more focused and calm.

Best piece of advice you can give someone who is just starting?

Appreciate and accept what your body is able to do at THAT moment. The second you get frustrated and push yourself too far, you will hinder your process of improving.

Don't get discourage if you aren't able to do everything right away. Don't try to impersonate your classmates, let your teacher guide you into the postures and feel what your body is doing. Your experience in class is whats going to make you grow as a person no matter what! If you do yoga at least twice a week for one month, you will be shocked at how much you have improved. I promise you, you will feel like a whole new person! All I ask is you try a little more each class, and believe that you can and will eventually be able to do anything your teacher throws at you.

How did you start practicing?
I began practicing over three years ago. A friend of mind who I had recently graduated college with, also a dancer, could not stop talking about this yoga class she started going to. She kept telling me how amazing she felt afterward and that I needed to try it! So one morning she brought me to her class, and my life has never been the same. Luckily, my first experience was amazing! I could not believe that I could stretch and strengthen my body the same way I did in ballet class, yet yoga was actually good for my bones! UNBELIEVABLE! I did however, almost faint because I pushed myself way too hard too fast. I quickly learned that it was more then just the physical practice, and I stopped being so hard on myself.

How has it improved your life personally?
How has it not?! Everything changed once I started doing yoga. I became much more at ease with myself and with life in general. I stopped getting all worked up over little things, and learned how to remain calm when things got tough. I could literally drive in LA traffic without getting upset and/or anxious because I realized I had no control over what was happening. I stopped living in the future, and started to appreciate the present moment. I started to eat healthier, and was much more aware of what I was putting in my body and how it made me feel.... My own yoga practice has affected my life so much, that I had to share it with all my friends and family... this is way it was only natural for me to start teaching. :)

If you're an LA lady and want to check out Katrina's fabulous class here's more information: 

Hollywood Detox Yoga Class!
Every Monday night at 7-8:30pm
90 minutes of cardio power yoga put to upbeat music. Only $13!

International Dance Academy Hollywood
6755 Hollywood Blvd. (2nd Floor)
Hollywood, CA

To learn more about Katrina check out www.yogatag.com/katrina.