General Class Information

Etiquette: Think of the yoga studio as a sanctuary. Take off your shoes before entering, turn off cell phones (pagers, beeping watches, etc.), avoid stepping on other students' mats, and keep your voice down.
 

If you need to leave early or enter late: Do so as quietly as possible.

What to bring: Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Postures (especially standing and balancing) are easier without socks. Bring or purchase your own sticky mat. The studio provides blankets, straps and blocks.

Incense and candles: Please be aware that many teachers choose to burn incense and/or candles during class. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to a scent, inform your teacher immediately.

Adjustments: Most teachers give gentle and non-manipulative adjustments when leading postures. If you do not like to be touched inform your teacher.

Health issues: Talk to your teacher about any health issues or concerns. A few examples of health awareness's that influence which postures you should or should not do are: low or high blood pressure, recent surgery (especially abdominal), pregnancy, conjunctivitis, cataracts, chronic back, neck or shoulder pain, weak knees or wrists, and any other physical discomfort that is aggravated by physical movement. Breathing exercises can be difficult when you are experiencing nasal congestion. Consult a physician, as well as your instructor, to determine whether yoga is appropriate for you and what alternatives you have for postures not appropriate for your condition.

Stretch versus strain- Honoring body and mind: Often times while practicing yoga, we discover physical and mental challenges. Although certain postures will create sensation, come out of a posture if you ever feel faint, dizzy, a sharp pain, discomfort in your knees or neck. Every practice belongs to you, if you hit your limit, rest in child pose or ragdoll or modify the posture to meet your needs. Since we store emotions in our body, it is common to settle into a pose and feel overwhelmed by emotions. It is perfectly normal to cry or laugh spontaneously, even if you don't know why. Take the time you need to experience whatever emotion you feel. At the end of the class, take time to adjust before rushing out the door to your next appointment.

Most classes consist of: Warm-ups, Breathing (pranyama), Posture (asana) sequence, and Relaxation.