TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Although we offer a variety of styles of yoga, all of our classes have one thing in common – a comfortable, safe and welcoming space in which to explore the body, mind and breath. We want your first class to be one of the best choices you’ve ever made. Once you’vechosen a class,here’s what you can do to be prepared:
Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Always check in at the front desk and sign yourself in – even if you’ve made an online reservation. Be sure to fill out a waiver or bring the one you brought from our website. Inform the front desk that you are a new student.
Practice on an empty stomach.
Do not eat 2-3 hours prior to yoga practice if possible. Juice or fruit are OK if you need quick energy before class. Drink plenty of water prior to class, but avoid drinking too much during class. We have spring water available at the studio if you bring you own bottle for $ .50 a fill, and we also have eco-friendly water bottles available for purchase.
You might ask, "Why are you supposed to refrain from eating two to three hours before class?" In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.
What to wear.
Wear comfortable, form-fitting workout-style clothing. Layers help to adjust for temperature changes during and after class. Form fitting clothes allow the teachers to be able to see your alignment in poses more easily, especially the knees, hips and spine. Be prepared to work in bare feet. Please refrain from wearing any colognes or perfumes.
Do I need a yoga mat?
Having your own mat supports your commitment to your practice, and it’s nice to have your own, clean mat. However, we do have nice mats available for your use at our Studio. We ask that when you use one of our mats that you wipe it down with our eco-friendly mat cleaner after use.
Remove your shoes before entering the studio.
Leave your shoes at the entrance of the studio along with your coats. This preserves the sacred nature of the studio space. We recommend taking your valuables inside the studio and placing them in the cubbies we have in the back room.
Turn off your cell phone.
This enhances your experience and is a polite gesture to your fellow students.
Start off on the right foot!
(Not literally but figuratively!) If you are new to yoga, the best way to begin is to attend a Beginner Class, an Intro Series or Yoga 101 Workshop. If you are planning to attend the Intro Series be sure to sign up in advance, as the small class size ensures the teacher will have the ability to give everyone personal attention. Also, please let the teacher know you are new to the practice.
Notify the teacher of injuries or medical conditions.
This helps the teacher know how to assist you and give you modifications.
Practice as often as you can.
Two to three times per week will show improvement for most students within three months, but quite often sooner.
Support your practice.
Allow yourself to experience a one-on-one, private yoga lesson. Spend an hour with one of our Lead Instructors and have them cater the practice to fit your needs. You can take these tips into a group class and begin to feel right at home.
Still have questions?
No problem! Give us a call at the studio and we can schedule you for a studio orientation. Learn where our cubbies for storage are, how to sign-in and get our best class pass deals!