Beginners
there’s a few things you may want to know…
beginners welcome. in every class. every day.
you don’t need to be flexible. you don’t need to know the pose names. you don’t even need a yoga mat.
yoga can be fun and helpful for every body…the benefits include everything from stress relief, decreased back pain, weight loss, increased flexibility and (we’ve noticed more than a few times) feeling really, really good.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
• come in about 10 minutes early for your first class
• wear comfortable clothes…you won’t need shoes or socks
• bring a mat if you have one (if not, you can rent one here)
• a towel and water bottle are also good to have with you
• our classes are open to everyone, ages 11 and up.
• we’re here to help…ask us anything!
yoga is...a physical practice that enables us to strengthen and free the body so that we may use it for greater purposes.
- Baron Baptiste
FAQ
answers to your questions.
WHAT IF I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE?
NO PROBLEM!
all of our classes welcome all experience levels, just let your teacher know that it’s your first time. our classes are organized by intensity level, not experience level. POWER classes are right for beginners that want to sweat (a lot), FLOW classes are right for beginners who want a more moderate sweat. SLOW FLOW is good when you want to unwind…JAM is for those who want to jump in with both feet and rock out!
WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
IT DEPENDS ON YOUR GOALS.
if you are in good health and looking for an active yoga practice, we suggest starting with our FLOW or POWER class. FLOW classes are taught at about 82 degrees to keep your body warm and provide a light sweat, POWER classes are heated to 90 degrees for a more intense experience.
if you are looking for a gentle yoga practice or recovering from a injury, we suggest our SLOW FLOW class. or give our restorative SILKS class a go.
WHY ARE CLASSES HEATED?
SWEAT DOES A BODY (AND MIND) GOOD!
heated classes encourage opening and detoxification of the body and the mind. our POWER classes are heated to around 90 degrees and allow you to safely achieve serious sweat and deep release. our other classes are kept around 82 degrees and our classroom is well-ventilated.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY FIRST CLASS?
NOTHING!
just come in about 10 minutes before the scheduled class time to register and sign in. we will help you get set up for your class and answer any questions you might have.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
BE COMFORTABLE!
you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that will stretch with you and avoid baggy tees that tend to fall over your head when you bend over. the studio will be warm, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. also…yoga is done in your bare feet, so no socks, no shoes!
WHAT DO I BRING?
IF YOU HAVE A MAT, TOWEL AND WATER BOTTLE, YOU ARE ALL SET!
If you have a yoga mat, please bring it. if not, we rent and sell mats in the studio. You will probably want to bring a towel and a water bottle to POWER and FLOW classes — we have filtered water available, as well as restroom facilities and cubbies for your things.
WHAT IF I’M NOT FLEXIBLE?
YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
you don’t need to be flexible to start yoga…but starting yoga can get you more flexible! the yoga we teach isn’t about putting your foot behind your head or looking like a magazine cover model. we focus on peeling back resistances, one layer at a time to undo tension and stress. it’s good for every body…especially tight ones!
I’M PREGNANT, IS YOGA SAFE FOR ME?
PROBABLY, BUT CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
during pregnancy, yoga can help strengthen body and mind for labor, as well as ease nausea, back pain and swelling. as with any exercise program during pregnancy, you’ll want to consult with your doctor before starting or continuing your yoga practice. we recommend our FLOW and SLOW FLOW classes and ask that you inform each teacher that you’re expecting.
I HAVE AN INJURY/ILLNESS, WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM?
PROBABLY NOT, BUT LET YOUR TEACHER KNOW.
as long as your doctor has cleared you for exercise, we can help you modify your practice to suit your needs. we cannot diagnose or treat any injuries, but will do our best to help you work with them.
SHOULD I EAT BEFORE CLASS?
IT DEPENDS.
it is generally best to avoid heavy meals for at least two hours before class, but depending on your routine a light snack about an hour before may be helpful…bottom line: you want to be comfortable, so make sure you’re well-fueled, but not full.
WHAT ABOUT WATER?
BE WELL HYDRATED!
we encourage you to drink plenty of water before and after class…and during class, as needed. if you are taking mostly POWER classes, you may also want to consider an electrolyte replenisher like Ultima or Gatorade.
HOW CHALLENGING WILL THE CLASS BE?
IT’S ALWAYS UP TO YOU.
you always control the intensity of your practice and we encourage you to work at your own pace in every class. in general, if you want a challenge, head to a POWER class; if you want something gentle, SLOW FLOW is your best option.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PRACTICE?
OFTEN!
yoga is traditionally practiced daily and consistency is the key to experiencing its full benefits…we recommend three days a week to see real changes in your body and five days a week will make real change in your life!
WHAT DOES THE WORD “NAMASTE” MEAN?
WE ARE ONE.
at the end of each class, we offer each other the ancient Sanskrit word “namaste” as a symbol of gratitude, respect and connection. literally translated as “I bow to you”, the implied meaning of the word can be summed up as: “the Light in me recognizes and honors the Light in you, and in that place of Light, you and I are one.”