Common Questions we encounter…
I’m a beginner, what class should I take?
Most of our yoga classes are designed to be “all levels” classes. This means that the class will have students of all levels of experience (including beginners) and the class will be structured so that all levels can participate. Balance, strength, flexibility and the capability to move into various poses will come with practice. Over time, with a frequent and consistent practice, and with self-awareness, self-discipline and compassion, progress will naturally occur.
In most cases, the best way for a beginner to get started is to jump in at a convenient class time and begin practicing.
For those that are coming back from injury, we recommend starting with our Earth class, a yin/restorative sequence, to allow time for you to reconnect with awareness to the body.
For those who want to try yoga for the very first time, we offer an Intro to Yoga Workshop to get you started with the core poses and context for your yoga journey.
What if I’m not flexible/not strong/ not “in shape”?
A very common misconception about yoga is that you have to be flexible, strong and have a certain typy of physical body to practice yoga. Unfortunately, this keeps a lot of people from trying yoga for the first time.
The truth is that our body attributes, shape and size are often more to do with our genetic predispositions and anatomy than how hard or often we practice yoga or other physical activity. Lifestyle impacts and choices made throughout life combined with the “modern condition” of sitting in cars, at desks and walking around texting etc. can have deep impacts that take time to change.
The good news is that yoga will teach you ways to observe and move the body to improve your physical situation over time. Within a matter of weeks you will notice a difference in your flexibility, strength, posture and general sense of well-being.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably in clothes that won’t restrict your movement, that are designed appropriately for yoga postures and for the sequence’s temperature and humidity. We practice in bare feet. Please remove your shoes when you arrive at the studio.
What should I bring? How should I prepare for class?
Bring your water bottle, clothes, and a yoga mat. If you are attending a Hot class, you may want to bring a towel or towel mat to avoid slipping. We do have yoga mats, water, towels, and any other amenities you may need available for purchase or rent.
Choose a class type and time that works for you and arrive about 10 minutes before the class starts (20 minutes if it's your first time at the studio). Be well hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to get your body fully hydrated (46-64 ounces over your normal intake). Chugging water right before class does not have the same effect.
There are showers available in our changing rooms should you wish to shower after class!
Where do I park?
We have a parking lot behind the studio, entrance is off California Blvd. Feel free to park in the lot and enter via our back door for the quickest and easiest access the studio, our changing rooms and your mat!
Can I bring my child/teenager?
1. Children (anyone under age 18) are NOT permitted to attend heated or hot yoga classes or level 2 classes under any circumstances.
2. Children over 14 years of age may be permitted to attend certain specific yoga classes under the supervision of a parent or guardian who is present in the same class. However, for safety and liability reasons, we reserve the right to restrict attendance to specific classes based on our evaluation of the child's capabilities to practice yoga, and may revoke permission if the child is disruptive or unable to follow along.
3. We recognize that some younger children may be more adept at practicing yoga than others, so we evaluate on a case by case basis. Please reach out to us by email before signing up to bring your child to a class so we can help identify suitable classes based on specific circumstances.
Yoga seems hard...Am I ready?
Yoga can be challenging, both mentally and physically. However, you will start slowly and go at your own pace, pushing yourself only when ready, and more importantly, when to slow down. Learn how to rest, not to quit! Wherever you are is more than perfect so long as you're doing your best and being safe. We have quality instructors and teachers to help guide your internal and external yogic process, but ultimately, you're in charge of taking care of yourself and knowing your limits.
Careful listening to the teacher's instruction, open-minded patience, determination, compassion, connection, trust, and discipline are required of you, in order to learn and grow..
What are the goals of my yoga practice?
How quickly you progress will depend entirely on you. On your natural ability to a small extent, but mostly upon the honest time and effort you give to yoga. It will have little to do with how perfectly you can do the postures. It will have far more to do with how well you understand what you are trying to accomplish in each pose, how honestly you try to accomplish your goals, and how supple your muscles and joints have become in comparison to the place at which you began. Do as much as your body allows you on that day, always respecting and listening to your body's needs. Continue to show up, practice in the present moment, and you may be delighted by the unexpected benefits that emerge.
Will yoga help improve my sports performance?
Not only is yoga a great cross training tool for virtually all sports, it is in itself, a total fitness package encompassing many different exercises, both aerobic and non-aerobic. Yet yoga goes well beyond athletics. Through its controlled and precise breathing; and through its strengthening, stretching, and endurance building exercises, your entire body is toned. Circulation is stimulated and the mind relaxes.
A principal impediment to maintaining a disciplined exercise program is that the older we become, the more difficult is to maintain a regular workout. The body resists and there is never enough time. It always seems like the more we need to exercise, the harder it is. Yet in order for exercise to be effective, consistency over time is required.
When time is limited, we usually focus on one or two activities and tend to "just do it" without an appropriate warm-up or cool-down. In a best-case scenario, "just doing it" leads to boredom and in a worse case scenario leads to injury. Although cross training is essential for maximizing physical health, we don't make time for engaging in multiple sporting activities much less take time for effective warming-up, and cooling-down. This is when yoga becomes so advantageous.
What if I have health issues?
Consult with your physician before beginning your yoga practice, and make sure to inform us of any injuries or pertinent information so we can be aware and keep you safe!
What if I feel sore after yoga?
Muscle soreness is a buildup of lactic acid. The best way to get rid of the lactic acid is stretching. It may seem hard to believe that coming back for more will help, but it is the best way to relieve the soreness.