What is Yoga?

There are many ways to describe Yoga, and we encourage you to dive deeper through readings and research! To summarize, Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that goes back thousands of years. The term “Yoga” means “to join” or “yoke” with the goal of unionizing the individual to the universal.

In a typical Yoga class, we are utilizing a few of the approaches to the practice (eg. asana, pranayama), however there are many ways to practice Yoga that can be implemented in your daily life.

We like to think of a Yoga class as a “rehearsal space” for how we can move through the world, treat ourselves, and interact with others with more ease, grace, and compassion. For the curious minds, we would recommend starting with learning about Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, as well as the Yoga Sutras.

What should I wear and/or bring?

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in. Typically, people will wear stretchy, loose, and/or soft pants and a breathable top. Bring your water, a Yoga mat if you have one, and yourself!

If you are joining us on an outdoor adventure, be sure to wear layers/weather-appropriate clothing, sneakers or hiking boots, pack an extra water, a snack, bug spray, and sunscreen.

I’m new to Yoga, where do I start? What can I expect?

New things can be intimidating at times, but you are welcome in this space. Drink extra water during the day before you plan for your first class and try to leave space between your meal and coming to the studio (an hour or longer). A great start would be joining a Level I class to learn the foundations of Yoga asana.

We will start with grounding and deep breathing (pranayama) before warming up the body to prepare for our sequence of various postures (asana). After our sequence, we will cool down and transition into stillness with our final resting pose (savasana).

Do I have to be flexible?

You absolutely do not need to be physically flexible to participate in Yoga asana! Physical flexibility is not the point of Yoga, but it can be a result of consistent practice. Having a flexible mind, however, will be helpful to remain open-minded and curious of the practice, but that may also come as a result of showing up consistently. Show up for yourself and you’ll see what can happen!

Who can join a class?

If you are a human with a body, you can join! Everything offered during a class is optional, and you are required to listen to your own body’s needs, your medical and physical limits, and do what feels right for you. But this is a place that welcomes all folks.

We are a safe space for LGBTQ+, people of color, people in big bodies, people in small bodies, people in older bodies, people who need chairs to practice (just let me know ahead of time and I will have a chair ready for you). If you are under 18 you must have a parent/guardian with you. Again, humans with bodies are welcome!

What is typical etiquette for a Yoga studio?

Best practice is to arrive 5-10 minutes early to get settled in and ready to start on time. It is appropriate to stay for the entire class, including savasana (final resting pose), as it can be disruptive for the other students if they are resting while you’re packing up your things. Of course, if you need to step out for the restroom or any other reason during class, you are welcome to do so. If you have a mat, bring one! We do have some to borrow for class if needed, as well as other props to use.

Please keep your phone and bag put away in the designated storage area. This studio doesn’t allow recording during class to respect the practice of Yoga, as well as the other students’ privacy. In the rare event the teacher wants to take a picture, they will ask ahead of time for permission. You always have the right to say no!