Most students choose to bring their own yoga mat to class, but if you don’t have one yet, you can always use one provided by the studio. You will also want to bring a water bottle that can be refilled as needed. Other items that can be nice to have on hand: a towel, a blanket (if you don’t want to use one provided by the studio), r oan eye mask to block light and other visual distractions during savasana and meditation practices.

Comfortable and breathable workout clothing are best. Also, it’s a good idea to dress in layers that you can remove as your body warms up, then put back on as you body cools down to allow you to rest comfortably in savasana (resting corpse pose).

It’s best to go barefoot. The contact of our bare feet with the floor provides stability for balancing and safety in general so we don’t slip and hurt ourselves during our practice. We are also able feel our connection to Mother Earth through the contact of our feet with the mat or floor. Going barefoot also means that your feet and toes, usually constrained within a shoe, have the rare chance to fully extend and stretch.

Yoga can be practiced anywhere with virtually no props, but there are a few basics that will best support your practice:

· A yoga mat

· A water bottle

· A blanket or two

Other items that can enhance your practice:

· 1-2 Yoga blocks (I recommend 4” blocks or a thick book or two can be used as a substitute)

· A Yoga strap (A kitchen or hand towel can be used as a substitute)

· A bolster

There is such a wide array of yoga mats on the market today, it can be overwhelming and confusing! I don’t recommend a specific brand, but that you take some time to think about your body and what type of mat will best support your practice. Yoga mats vary not just in colors and design, but in affordability, length, width, thickness, and type of material.

Length and width are especially important for taller students, while thickness makes a big difference to comfort levels. A yoga mat with additional cushioning can be beneficial for people with existing injuries or joint issues, such as sore knees and feet. Yoga mat thicknesses typically range from 1/16 – 1/4 inches (3-7mm). The thinnest Yoga mats are generally used for traveling purposes. These can easily be folded and packed into a suitcase or backpack.

Another important factor to consider is also the Yoga mat material, which can range from ingredients considered to be toxic (PVC) to more eco-friendly Yoga mat options. And the type of material can really make a difference in whether your hands and feet stay put on your mat or they slip, slide away! I typically recommend starting with a mat on the cheaper end of the price spectrum to get a feel for what works best for you.

Yes, absolutely! In yoga we learn to “meet ourselves where we are at.” Modifications are offered in every class to make the poses accessible to all body types and ability levels. Just as all bodies are formed differently, so every yoga practice will look different. And you will find yourself becoming more flexible and strong as you continue to practice yoga!

There isn’t just one “right” way to do a yoga pose. As we mentioned above, our bodies and bone structures are all so different, it’s about finding out what works best for our own bodies. Developing this body awareness takes time and practice. Try taking a beginners yoga class for more in-depth instruction and variations to poses. The main thing to know is that yoga is not meant to be painful. You should feel your muscles working and might feel the “burn” when muscles are waking up, but if you feel any type of pain such as sharpness or pinching, listen to your body and come slowly out of the pose.

For all classes, don’t be afraid to ask questions and let your teacher know if you need help!

For in-person classes, here are a few things to note:

· Take your shoes off before entering the studio.

· Avoid wearing strong fragrances. We will be doing lots of deep breathing and many people are sensitive to fragrances.

· Try to keep the studio quiet and peaceful. Socializing is strongly encouraged outside of the studio in the lobby!

· Turn your cellular devices OFF or leave them out in the lobby. We can hear them vibrating in silent mode.

· The studio can get full so please shift to make space for other students as needed.

· If you borrow any studio props, please use the disinfectant spray provided, wipe them down, and put them away neatly at the end of class.

· Plan to stay for the whole class! Savasana (restorative resting pose) is equally as important as the asana (movement) portion of the class. If you absolutely must leave early, let your teacher know before class begins and leave as quietly as possible before savasana.

It’s best to start class well hydrated and drink plenty of water after class to rehydrate. Try not to eat a full meal at least two hours before class. The process of digestion consumes a lot of energy in our body, and during yoga class our energy will be directed to the muscles we are exercising rather than our digestive system. We want to ensure ample time for our digestive process to do its thing prior to starting class.

Please be sure to notify your instructor about any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that you may have so they can help you with any necessary modifications. Yoga can be so beneficial for people with chronic pain by helping the body regain its balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility. PLEASE NOTE: it’s important to talk to your health care provider prior to starting any new exercise program.

Yes, as long as you are already a yoga practitioner and have been cleared by your physician. You will also want to be sure to notify your instructor of your pregnancy so they can guide you through the practice. There are some poses you will want to avoid, including twisting, inversions, abdominal strengthening poses, and any that involve lying on your belly. It’s also important to note that balancing poses will become more difficult as you progress in your pregnancy so you will want to be sure to use the wall for support and modify, modify, modify!

Yes, reservations are required to attend in-person and online classes.

IN-PERSON CLASSES: Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to class start time. LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO CLASS. If you cannot attend class, please cancel your reservation at least 4 hours prior to class start time to avoid a late cancellation fee.

ONLINE CLASSES: Please make your reservation at least 15 minutes prior to class time to make sure you receive your virtual class link. If you miss your online class or cancel late, don’t worry, there is no penalty for no-shows for online classes.

You will receive a confirmation email when you register for class that will include the Zoom link.