- Arrive on an empty stomach. Heavy meal - three hours before, light meal two hours before, small snack - one hour before.
- Arrive early and allow yourself time to rest on your mat for a few minutes before class begins. Classes are structured with a beginning, a progression of postures, and a very important final relaxation time. If you do find yourself coming in to class late, please enter the room quietly and find your space. If you know you will have to leave early, please pre-position yourself at the back of the room near the door, and give yourself at least five minutes in final relaxation pose before leaving.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Practice in bare feet.
- Clean your mat regularly. Bring water and a towel.
- Inform the instructor of any injuries or health issues before class, such as neck, back or joint injuries, heart disease, high blood pressure, recent surgery and/or pregnancy.
- Please do not wear perfumes, colognes or other scented body products. Yoga classes heat the body and the effect of perfumes can be overpowering in this environment. This especially effects people with chemical sensitivities.
- Remove bulky jewelry.
- Turn off cell phones and pagers.
Helpful Hints
Down to earth and out of this world. Yoga.
Note
Your body is different from every one else’s body. Be aware of and listen to your body. Every day your body will have a different endurance level and your yoga practice will help to increase your awareness of this.
If you are feeling pain or discomfort, never be afraid or embarrassed to come out of a posture before others do, or before being told to do so by the instructor. Learn to distinguish between pain and sensation. Pain is a signal that you need to stop. Sensation is a new awakening from an unfamiliar movement. If you are experiencing pain during or after class, check with your instructor immediately. Real pain is an indication that you are doing something wrong or that the posture needs to be modified in some way to gain the greatest benefit and prevent injury.
Regular practice of yoga helps to develop awareness of the “edge” between challenge and unhealthy struggle. Always stay in the present moment and try to be mindful and focused moving into and out of the postures in order to avoid injury.
Women: Please be aware that certain postures such as inversions (headstands, shoulder stands, etc.) are best avoided during menstruation– especially during heavy flow days.
Above all, remain focused internally.
Your body is different from every one else’s body. Be aware of and listen to your body. Every day your body will have a different endurance level and your yoga practice will help to increase your awareness of this.
If you are feeling pain or discomfort, never be afraid or embarrassed to come out of a posture before others do, or before being told to do so by the instructor. Learn to distinguish between pain and sensation. Pain is a signal that you need to stop. Sensation is a new awakening from an unfamiliar movement. If you are experiencing pain during or after class, check with your instructor immediately. Real pain is an indication that you are doing something wrong or that the posture needs to be modified in some way to gain the greatest benefit and prevent injury.
Regular practice of yoga helps to develop awareness of the “edge” between challenge and unhealthy struggle. Always stay in the present moment and try to be mindful and focused moving into and out of the postures in order to avoid injury.
Women: Please be aware that certain postures such as inversions (headstands, shoulder stands, etc.) are best avoided during menstruation– especially during heavy flow days.
Above all, remain focused internally.
Tips for Teen Yoga
As per our Helpful Hints it’s imperative to bring a water bottle to class and to actually drink the water! During physical activity hydration is extremely important.
Remember to clean your mat weekly. Body oils and sweat build up on mats and can make them more slippery than sticky. Wash them in the bathtub with mild soap and luke warm water, or put them in the washer on Gentle with very mild detergent, like Woolite, then hang them to dry.
Not to replace the mat washing, another option is to get yoga socks or a yoga towel. Both have absorption and traction which are helpful if you have very sweaty feet and hands.
Wear proper clothing. The best clothes are slightly form fitting so the knees, hips, tummies and spines can be observed for proper alignment. Leggings and tanks for girls; shorts and tees for boys. Variations also work: form -fitting jazz pants or work out pants. It’s okay if girls want to wear shorts - but not too short.
As per our Helpful Hints it’s imperative to bring a water bottle to class and to actually drink the water! During physical activity hydration is extremely important.
Remember to clean your mat weekly. Body oils and sweat build up on mats and can make them more slippery than sticky. Wash them in the bathtub with mild soap and luke warm water, or put them in the washer on Gentle with very mild detergent, like Woolite, then hang them to dry.
Not to replace the mat washing, another option is to get yoga socks or a yoga towel. Both have absorption and traction which are helpful if you have very sweaty feet and hands.
Wear proper clothing. The best clothes are slightly form fitting so the knees, hips, tummies and spines can be observed for proper alignment. Leggings and tanks for girls; shorts and tees for boys. Variations also work: form -fitting jazz pants or work out pants. It’s okay if girls want to wear shorts - but not too short.