FAQ
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Come 15-20 minutes early to introduce yourself, receive a tour and fill out a client intake form.
Remove shoes in the designated area; all classes are done barefoot.
Let the instructor know of any injuries, limitations or other concerns you may have.
Turn off your cell phone and put it away.
Please keep conversations and your voice low around the studio. Please try to be silent in the yoga room. There is no talking as this is the quiet area.
Avoid wearing any strong scents. This is a scent free zone.
Your instructor is there to guide and support you. Please share any concerns with them – they will ensure you have a great experience!
Expect to feel awesome when you leave!
Every class is different, but there are some common elements to expect. The instructor will usually start you with a theme or intention (you’re always most welcome to come with your own intention that you’ll keep to yourself.) You will center yourself (connecting your body with breath), warm-up, poses linked together, cool down, and the final pose of bliss – Savasana (corpse pose) which is lying on your back.
Dress comfortably! Wear something that you will be comfortable in and will allow your body to move without fussing with what you’re wearing. For women, yoga pants and a supportive top. For men, comfortable pants and a t-shirt. I find moisture wicking fabric is best; when we start flowing it can get a little heated. Personally I wear yoga pants, a sports tank top and a light long sleeve shirt that I can remove when I get too warm. You’re on your mat so bare feet will ground you better and help with grip in most postures. Again, being comfortable is key. Clothing that will stay put so you don’t need to fuss and can stay in your yoga zone!
Yoga Mat – Any yoga mat will work. There are some mats available to rent for a small fee if you forget yours but they are limited. I recommend you bring your own.
Yoga Towel – A small hand towel is great. When we get our yoga flow on, it can get heated. A small towel on hand is beneficial.
Yoga Mat Towel – I find that my mat can sometimes get a bit slippery, so I always have a yoga towel to place on top of my mat. I find it helps with traction once I am all warmed up and flowing. A regular towel will work fine. Handy, but not necessary.
Water – Water, water, water. I can’t stress this enough. Staying hydrated before, during and after class is crucial to replenish your bodies fluids. Even in a gentle flow class if you feel like you didn’t do much…you did! We work both the biggest and smallest muscles in your body and they need to stay hydrated. Drink lots of H2O
Post-Yoga Snack – Avoid eating a large meal before class. We’re moving and bending and twisting, and this does not mesh well with a recently eaten meal. Try to keep the big meals 2-3 hours before class. Snacks are fine beforehand, such as a handful of almonds or a granola bar. If you have things to do after class make sure that you have a snack on hand so you don’t find yourself going through a drive-thru! It’s the worst when you have things to do and you want to gnaw your arm off! So, having a little snack on hand like a protein shake, granola bar, or some nuts is a great idea. Save yourself from stopping somewhere you don’t really want to.
Bring An Open Mind – Last but not least; an open mind is essential. I teach in a non-ego environment. Beginners can be hard on themselves approaching the practice of yoga for the first time. Without an open mind you’ll be quick to judge. Many people come to yoga and beat themselves up before the first downward facing dog. ‘Am I going to be able to do the postures? What is the person next to me going to think? My pose doesn’t look like the guy that’s next to me. I’m going to be bad at it. I’m not flexible enough.’ Remind yourself that you already did the hardest part and that was just to arrive on your mat. That’s it. Yoga is about linking YOUR BODY WITH BREATH. That’s it! No judgments. Not from me, not from the person beside you, and not from YOURSELF. Practicing yoga is about connecting the body with breath. Giving back to you. When class is over you’ll have a clearer, more grounded mindset. The strength and flexibility is a bonus!
No. No prior experience is necessary unless the class specifically states it. My classes are great for beginners and those more experienced. I like to give the best experience to all levels. It’s important to let your yoga instructor know if it’s your first class when you get there. Your instructor will make you as comfortable as possible. There’s no need to be nervous.
Everyone gets tired. Our bodies are different from day to day. We all have hectic schedules and have other things going on mentally and physically. What I do as an instructor is advise which pose to go into if you get tired or if your heart rate gets too high. The poses are Balasana (child’s pose) and the most wonderful Savasana (corpse pose). Please refer to my “There’s A Pose For That” section for a picture and description. These are resting poses that we usually practice in all classes and are always available to you if you need them. You’re welcome at any point in class to go into these poses to rest. If your body is telling you to stay in one of these poses for the rest of the class LISTEN TO IT. You can always join back into the current class pose if and when your body is ready. Please remember that Balasana and Savasana are yoga poses – you’re still doing yoga! Yoga is about body and breath, so it’s very important to listen to your body when it speaks to you. You’ll thank it later.
Many yoga instructors will bring in some spiritual concepts to the class. Chanting OM (pronounced AUM) is considered to be a form of mediation – clearing & calming of the mind before you begin. Namaste is a respectful greeting of one soul to another. Namaste means “I bow to you”. Your instructor will always end each class by saying Namaste to everyone, and everyone will repeat it back. It’s completely up to you if you wish to join in on the “OM” chant or to say Namaste. There’s no pressure to participate if you wish not to.
Yoga is a very quiet practice. No one wants distractions as it takes away from the experience. Your keys can be placed in your gym bag or coat. As for the cell phone, please do not bring your cell phone to class. It is wise to leave your cell phone in your car so you don’t have to worry about it being lost or stolen. **We are not responsible for lost or stolen items** If you happen to need your cell phone in the same room as you due to emergency, or you’re on-call, please speak with your instructor before class to discuss. It will be fine to keep beside you on vibrate/silent in these circumstances. I promise you will not need your cell phone during a yoga class. Yoga is your personal time to disconnect from the outside so that you can connect with your inside. You’ll thank yourself afterwards!
If you have an injury or a health condition that may affect your yoga practice, the best thing to do is to speak with your instructor before class. There are always modifications and sequences to help ensure your safety. Most importantly listen to your body. If the posture doesn’t feel good – don’t do it.
Class type, length, and times vary. Please view the “Schedule” page for class information.
If a class is a heated class it will always be specifically noted (heated class) on the schedule for your convenience.
Well, that’s very unfortunate but I understand. It’s always best to speak with the instructor before the class begins to discuss this. It’s beneficial to stay until the class is over but if you cannot your instructor will advise you on how you should leave the class.