New Students Info
ARRIVE EARLY
Getting to class about 10 minutes early can help you settle in and align your attitude with the purpose of the class. While you're waiting, you can practice a pose, do a few stretches, or just sit/lie quietly, breathe, and get centered.
BRING A TOWEL AND YOUR OWN MAT
If you sweat a lot, please use deodorant as well as a towel on top of the blankets and bolsters. Refrain from wearing fragrance of any kind that might distract or irritate others' ability to breathe deeply. If you do not have a mat, we have mats available at no charge but we ask that you wipe down the mat after use.
BE QUIET
It's great to share class with people you know, but it can be distracting to yourself and to others to have an extended or loud conversation in the practice area. Stay mindful of others when trying to get centered before class. Share the latest news in the lobby area before or after class.
EAT LIGHTLY AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE CLASS
If you practice yoga on a full stomach, you might experience cramps or nausea, especially in twists, deep forward bends, and inversions. Digesting food also takes energy and that can make you lethargic.
LET YOUR TEACHER KNOW ABOUT INJURIES OR CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT AFFECT YOUR PRACTICE
If you are injured or tired, skip poses you shouldn't or can't do, or try a modified version. If you have a medical condition that might affect your practice, let the teacher know before class. Or if you don't want to be adjusted in any way, please share that with your teacher as well.
CREATE AN INTENTION
To help you focus, you might find it helpful to dedicate your practice to a certain intention. This might be to become more aware and understanding, more loving and compassionate, or healthier and stronger. Or you can dedicate your practice for the benefit of a friend, a cause - or even yourself.
TURN OFF CELL PHONES
Leave socializing and business outside the studio, so the peace of the practice is not disturbed.
DON'T PUSH IT
Instead of trying to go as deeply or completely into a pose as others might be able to do, do what you can without straining or injuring yourself. You'll go farther faster if you take a loving attitude toward yourself and work from where you are, not where you think you should be. Try hard not to compare yourself to others who have been practicing longer.
PICK UP AND NEATLY PUT AWAY ANY PROPS THAT YOU USE
Part of yoga practice is practicing mindfulness when folding blankets and putting away props. Respect others space and boundaries and avoid stepping on their mat.