Q: I’m new to yoga. What class should I take?
A: This is tricky. Being new to yoga does not necessarily mean you need a class that is gentle or labeled “beginner.” We advise new practitioners to ask themselves what they want from a yoga class, and if they eventually want a more advanced practice. If you want to learn basic poses, relax, meditate, stretch, and move gently we recommend Beginner Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Unwind. If you are new to yoga but want a little less instruction with more challenging movement, we recommend Sunrise Yoga, Flow & Go, and Mixed Levels Flow. If you are a beginner who wants to learn as you go, enjoys vigorous movement, and wants to learn advanced options, we recommend Hot Vinyasa, Focus On, Ashtanga, and Rocket.
Q: What should I bring to class?
A: Bring a yoga mat if you have one. We also rent Manduka Pro and Liforme yoga mats for $2 (we do not take card payments under $5). Bring water or you can purchase a bottle of water for $1. All other props and hand towels are provided, however, we do not rent mat towels for heated classes. Besides that, bring yourself, a good attitude, and an open mind. (Honestly, we don’t care if you bring a bad attitude and any state of mind. Just show up.)
Q: What should I wear to class:
A: Wear what is comfortable. Most people wear leggings or shorts and a comfortable tank or shirt. In hot classes, women may be in short shorts or sports bras, and men may remove their shirts. We recommend wearing a form-fitting shirt in any class because many yoga poses may cause a loose shirt to fall over the head. Most people practice barefoot, however, socks are optional. Shoes are not allowed in the yoga room unless required by a doctor.
Q: Do you provide props?
A: Yes. We provide bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks, eye pillows, hand towels, and myofascial release balls at no charge. Manduka Pro yoga mats can be rented for $2. We do not provide or rent yoga mat towels.
Q: What classes are heated and how hot does it get?
A: Hot Vinyasa, Sunrise Yoga, Focus On, and Rocket are all heated. We pair far infrared heat so the objects in the room are heated instead of the air itself. When you walk into a heated class it may feel slightly warm, but after a few minutes in the room and once you start moving the heat intensifies. The black panels in the ceiling and the white bars on the walls are the heaters. For more heat, place your mat near one. For less heat, move away from them. Sunrise Yoga and Rocket typically reach around 85-90 degrees and Hot Vinyasa and Focus On reach approximately 100 degrees. Understand, though, that because we use far infrared heat, the temperature on the thermostat will not properly reflect the temperature you experience. Hot classes maintain approximately 60% humidity.
Q: Do you have kids’ classes? Or do you allow children to take class?
A: We do not have kids’ classes but we do allow children ages 8+ to take class if accompanied by a parent or guardian who can give legal permission for the child’s participation and will also be taking class. Children must not be left to take a class without a parent or guardian, as our teachers are not equipped to watch them. Please note whether or not a class is heated before bringing a child.
Q: I’m in good shape and want to try the harder classes but I don’t have a lot of experience with yoga. Can I still attend the more challenging classes?
A: Yes. None of our mat classes have prerequisites. Please let the teacher know you are new to yoga but wanted to try a more physically challenging class.
Q: I want to try Aerial Yoga. What do I need to do?
A: Before taking any aerial class, you must complete our 90-minute Beginner Aerial Yoga Workshop that is offered 1-2 times a month by our aerial teachers. This workshop teaches safety, setup, and basic movement. Attendance is non-negotiable.
Q: Do you Om, chant, or speak in Sanskrit?
A: Yes and no and all and none. It depends on the teacher. Know that all of these things may occur in a class or none of them may occur. Our teachers design their classes with certain intentions in mind so what you experience in one class may be very different than your experience in the next.
Q: I have an injury/recent surgery but my doctor cleared me to do yoga. What do I do?
A: If your doctor has cleared you to practice make sure you know what type of practice you’re allowed to do first. Many doctors do not understand that some yoga is relaxing while other yoga is acrobatic. We recommend you communicate your personal practice clearly with your doctor. After that, tell your teacher about your situation so they can help you modify accordingly and tell you what poses, if any, to avoid.
Q: Is there specific etiquette I should know when taking a yoga class?
A: Yes.
1. No cell phones allowed. Some exceptions may apply but should be cleared with the teacher first. Teachers bring their phones into the yoga room to work the sound system.
2. Because deep breathing occurs in every class hygiene is very important. Please have a clean mat, towel, and person. Too much fragrance can also be distracting so, if you do wear fragrance/oils/lotions/etc., please wear it sparingly.
3. Please arrive on time and stay through the end of class. If you must arrive late or leave early please inform the teacher. If you do have to leave early please leave before savasana and leave your props on the floor.
4. Please do not slam your mat down. Sound carries loudly in the yoga room.
5. Please do not talk over the teacher.
6. If you have a question please ask the teacher. They will be happy to answer your question.
7. There are no set spots or spaces. If someone has your “spot” please find a different place to set your mat.
8. No shoes in the yoga room. Most people are barefoot but socks are allowed. If you must wear shoes as prescribed by your doctor please inform the teacher.
9. Please wipe down props and put them back on the prop wall. All hand towels go in the hamper near the prop wall. Rental mats are to be left unrolled on the yoga room floor.
Q: I see teachers practicing in class. Is it okay to ask them for help?
A: Within reason. A quick question is fine but remember their class time is precious and when they are practicing they are students. Practicing teachers should not be asked for assists or adjustments on poses, that is the responsibility of the teacher leading class.
Q: I am a yoga teacher. Is it okay for me to help another student while I am practicing in someone else’s class.
A: It depends. It is considered disrespectful to assist or adjust another student in a class where you are also a student. The teacher will work hard to assist all students on his or her time and it is respectful practice to allow that teacher their authority during class time. Helping to a point is fine (short, quick answers to questions, prop help, etc.) but if possible we appreciate you defaulting more involved questions to the teacher who is leading class.
