Etiquette & FAQ

 

The Basics to make your experience more enjoyable

 

· First and foremost, leave all of your expectations and judgments (of yourself and others) and egos at the door.  We are striving to respect diversity in all beings.

 

· Please keep voices low in the lobby so as not to disturb the classes in session.

 

· You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga.  Yoga is about you and your body.  We promote the uniqueness of each individual and encourage each student to begin where they are, regardless of what anyone else is doing.

 

· You must sign in before class.  This is very important as it ensures that our instructors are paid.

 

· Please arrive to class a few minutes early to get checked in and set-up for class.  If you are late, please enter quietly and wait until opening breathing and chanting have finished before coming in to set up. Just sit quietly right inside the door.  DO NOT come in and start setting up during the opening breathing and meditation, please.  Respect the other people that did arrive on time and not interrupt their inward experience. We understand that sometimes you may be running late, but please no late entries after 15 minutes from class start time.

 

· Please respect the props that we provide to you by putting them away neatly after class.  Please make this part of your practice.

 

· Yoga is non-competitive.  Please respect your body and its limits.  Yoga is a life long journey not a finite goal.  Rest whenever you need to.  We encourage listening to your body and tuning in to what is right for you regardless of what everyone else may or may not be doing.

 

· Please notify the instructor of any injuries that you may have prior to the class.  They may be able to help you determine which poses to avoid or modify.  Remember, only you know what you are feeling.  Notify the teacher if something doesn’t feel right and do not go beyond your limits.  It’s just not worth it. 

 

· Please remove shoes before entering the yoga rooms. This is not only to protect the floors but also to respect the yogic tradition.  Please do not walk on the bamboo floors with shoes. 

 

· No cell phones allowed in the studio.  Please either turn them off or preferably, leave them in you car.  Please step outside if you need to use your cell phone.  This is a cell free zone.  No exceptions, please.

 

· Although yoga mats are available to borrow, it is recommended that your purchase your own mat for hygienic purposes.  We are happy to provide them for when you forget, but please consider having your own mat, not only for the obvious hygienic reasons but also to show a commitment to your practice.

 

· Sweating is good...we love to sweat!  It is a great way to release toxins in the body, however, if you sweat a lot, please don’t do it all over our blankets. Either bring a towel or purchase a Yogitoes mat to go over your mat.  We all appreciate your cooperation.

 

· Please do not wear heavy perfume as we will be doing deep breathing and perfumes can negatively affect other students, particularly those with allergies.

 

· Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach.  Please allow 2 hours after eating a heavy meal and 1 hour after something light before practicing.

 

· Yoga is practiced in bare feet.  Wear non-restrictive clothing that allows for ease of movement but nothing too baggy or loose.

 

· If you must leave class early, please notify the instructor before the class starts and always take at least 5 minutes of Savasana (final relaxation) before leaving.

 

Everyone appreciates your thoughtfulness!  Namaste.

 

 

Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions.

 

I’m not very flexible, so can I do yoga?

Yes, yes, yes!  Yoga is not just for the flexible.  Yes, you may gain some flexibility, but yoga is so much more than that. Yoga is about uniting the body, breath, mind and spirit, not touching your toes.  Each and everyone one of us is born with different levels of flexibility.  We teach you to start where you are and go from there.

 

Which class should I take first?

Anyone can start with a Restorative class which will allow for slow yet deep openings in the body while concentrating on the breathing.  A Gentle class will incorporate more moving and strengthening in a slow paced fashion.  The gentle and stretch classes are great for anyone to incorporate into their regular practice, but are particularly good for those that are new to yoga, those with injuries and limited mobility, those who are overweight, pre/post natal or those who are simply feeling run down.  If you are looking for more strength building and are in good physical condition, a Level 1 is appropriate.  After a few classes in Level 1, you may wish to also try a Level 1-2, which will introduce more challenging poses but is still appropriate for beginners.  Level 2, Level 2+ and Power Hour are for those familiar with the breathing and the basic yoga poses.  Advanced inversions, backbends and arm balances are incorporated into these classes and therefore, we do not recommend coming to these classes until you have a consistent practice and have talked to your teacher about if they think these classes are appropriate for you.  Remember, start where you are!  Don’t be in a hurry to get to the hardest class, it’s just not worth it and defeats the purpose of the practice.

 

How many classes should I take per week?

Anyone can benefit from just one class per week.  If that is all the time you have, start with that.  For more benefits and integration, we recommend 2-3 classes per week.  Yoga can be done 7 days a week (at home or in a class) and will compliment any other form of physical activity.  As you become more familiar with the practice, you may start to develop your own home practice, which we highly recommend, even if it is just 10 minutes a day...it will make a big difference.

 

How do I sign up?

All of our classes are on-going with no pre-registration required.  You do not have to commit to a particular class.  You can check our schedule, find a class and time that works for you and come on in!  However, your first time, we do recommend arriving about 15 minutes early to fill out the new student form, talk to the teacher about any physical limitations that you may have and get set up for class.

 

What if I have an injury?

Let the teacher know prior to class and they will be able to modify certain poses for you or maybe even suggest poses that can help to alleviate the pain and encourage healing.  The most important thing is to listen to your body and if something hurts or doesn’t feel right, stop and let the teacher know.

 

What is a community class?  Do I have to live in a particular area?

No, you do not have to live in the surrounding area.  A community class is a regular class offered at a discount price.  It is our way of giving back to those that might be on a tight budget.  Simple as that.  We offer 9 community classes per week and they are listed with a ** next to the teachers name.

 

I can’t do what everyone else can, is this right for me?

Please do not compare yourself to others.  Trying to be like someone else will only bring disharmony and division into your body, mind and spirit.  And seeing how yoga is meant to unite mind, body and spirit, you are missing the essence of the practice when you compare yourself to others .  You are unique and wonderful and no two people will have the exact same experience.  Make it your own.  Let go of judgment of your yourself and others.  Celebrate where you are and focus on what you are able to do rather what you are not able to do.  This is yoga. 

A blend of styles for all levels

Student Login

E-mail Us

1921 W. Magnolia Blvd.  Burbank, CA 91506   818-954-YOGA (9642)