New Students
Please use the links below to navigate our 'New to Yoga' guide:
New to Yoga?
What is Yoga?
Hatha Yoga
What to Bring
What to Wear
Do I need to sign up?
Self Conscious?
Before Your 1st Class
During Your 1st Class
After Your 1st Class
New to Yoga?
We are all beginners here. You don't need to be flexible to start yoga. You are welcome just as you are…young, old, overweight, inflexible, bad habits and all. All you need is a willing attitude.
Let your teacher know if you have any injuries or health issues or if you are pregnant so the practice can be modified for your safety. The props in the studio are used to help support the body so that everyone can achieve the benefits of the pose.
We are all different – try not to compare yourself to others. Competition with others - or with yourself – will interfere with your progress and may lead to injury. Healthy stretches can bring minor discomfort, but never pain. If you encounter any pain in the joints, back off and ask the teacher for a modification. Rest whenever you want. Do the best you can, and let go. You won't be able to do everything… yoga is more about the breath, the experience, and the process than the destination.
Please feel free to leave the room to use the restroom whenever you need to.
Yoga is not a religion. Whatever spiritual tradition you bring with you is welcome – you may find that the discipline can deepen the spiritual path that you are on. The Buddhas in the studio are not intended as objects of worship – they are gentle reminders to be happy and not to sweat the small stuff.
That said, we like to begin (or end) the practice with a brief chant. We use the sound "Om" which is often referred to as the universal sound of creation. We repeat it three times. If you want to sit still and remain quiet, that's just fine – be at home here.
At the end of class, we finish class by using the word "Namaste". Namaste is used as a greeting or a farewell – it means that the spirit in me acknowledges and honors the spirit in you.