I’m not flexible… Can I do yoga?
YES! If you can breathe, you can do yoga. Yoga will increase both your strength and flexibility. If you’re not very flexible, that’s an even bigger reason to do yoga!
What do I wear to yoga?
Ladies: We may be doing a lot of bending, stretching, and inversions. This will require some flexible clothing allowing you to express your full range of motion while still keeping you comfortable in a forward fold. If you wear a loose top: consider wearing a tight one underneath to stay in place when we lean over.
Men: We know you are dying to rock your favorite spandex yoga pants. But if you’re not comfortable wearing those just yet, anything you would wear to the gym will do. Again keep in mind we will be folding and stretching so wear comfortable, flexible clothes.
Everyone: Yoga is typically practiced barefoot, so wear shoes to the studio, but please keep them off the mat and place in our cubby boxes against the wall.
What Class should I take?
There are many different styles of yoga. We recommend trying out different styles and teachers before you settle in to one particular practice. However we know your first impression of a yoga class is very important so allow us to make a couple suggestions.
- Accessible Flow – Vinyasa is an all-levels mindful, therapeutic, & spiritual flow class. Each class is a customized heart-centered themed flow that allows ample time to enjoy each pose and link your movement with your breath. It will build strength; increase flexibility and range of motion through flowing sequences and deep stretching. Also including meditation and relaxation techniques, perfect for stress relief. Overall this is a wonderful practice to get started with if you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years. A great practice for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, vinyasa flow will give you a yogic workout, but won’t leave you sweating puddles in a pretzel.
- Relaxation – Yin Yoga is all about releasing tension & stress. It is a quiet practice suitable for beginners & students of all levels of experience. Students are offered an opportunity to surrender, slow down and come back to balance. Many of the poses are seated, supine or prone and are held with muscles relaxed for 3-10 minutes per side in order to lengthen the connective tissue that surrounds the joints and increase its elasticity. The elasticity of our connective tissue diminishes with physical activity and aging, which makes Yin essential for injury prevention and joint health. There is a focus on the breath, being present in the moment, relieving tension and letting go. The Yin practice includes powerful mental and emotional benefits as its practitioner becomes quiet, still and mindful of the present.
- Vigorous Structure – Ashtanga Yoga is an in-depth study of union between mind, body, and Spirit. Ashtanga Yoga is a set sequence and must be practiced with devotion following the guidance of a qualified teacher. Ashtanga Yoga practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness – physical, psychological and spiritual. Through the practice of correct breathing, postures, and gazing points, we gain control of the senses and deep awareness of ourselves.Mysore is a community of Ashtangis coming together for self-practice in the same space under the same teacher. In the Mysore room we start with the Primary Series, which helps to detox the body and build endurance. Everyone is on their own level, goes at their own pace and there is a mixture of advanced and beginner students. The instructor moves around the room helping and adjusting the students one on one as needed.
After you have finished the beginners program, every week you come to the Mysore room, we will add on a new posture until you reach a posture you are unable to do. The instructor will keep you there until you are able to complete the move efficiently, and then move you on to the next posture. Some postures take years to get, so try not to hold an agenda in your practice.
Come with an empty stomach, no lotions or perfumes please and wear comfortable fitting clothing. If you would like to bring a hand towel it will get hot and sweaty in the room as our bodies are preparing to detox.
Can I use my electronics during class?
We know everyone loves talking about yoga, and sharing their practice. However, please silence your phone and put away all electronics during class. This is a time to dedicate to your body and mind, reducing all other distractions. If you want a picture of yourself in a favorite yoga pose, wait ‘til after class and kindly ask someone to snap a photo of you.
Is it okay to talk during class?
We want to keep all distractions to a minimum so please don’t talk to your neighbor throughout class. However, if you need assistance, it is always okay to ask your instructor for help.
What should I bring?
Bring a water bottle! It is so important to stay hydrated before, during, and after class. If you think you might sweat, bring a towel to lay down on your mat. Lastly, bring a mat! If you haven’t invested in one yet, feel free to rent one for $1 from our studio.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to class time. This way, we can get you signed in and you can settle into your own spot in the room. Please try your best to make it on time so that you may go through the warm up before diving into any deeper stretches. If you are late, try to either tiptoe in very discretely, find a open spot to place your mat and plug into the flow.