When is School Street Yoga Open?

The building is opened between 20-30 minutes before classes and workshops begin and for about the 20 minutes after sessions are finished. The building is often locked once class has begun.

How early should I arrive for class?

Plan to get to the yoga studio a few minutes before class begins to check in and pay for class. Also give yourself time to find on street parking. The doors will be open 20 minutes prior to class start time. It’s a good idea to let the teacher know that you are new to yoga. It is their job to welcome you, show you around and help you get comfortable. Before you enter the actual yoga studio, you will be asked to remove your shoes. This is the first step to leaving the world outside class. The yoga room, takes on a quality of sanctuary from the first step in the door.

What to wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. It can be loose or tight, depending on your comfort level. Make sure they are comfortable and will not constrict your breathing or range of motion as you move through your postures. Yoga clothes can easily be found everywhere. You won’t need special shoes as yoga is done with bare feet.

What equipment do I need?

We supply mats and any needed props free of charge. We ask that if you use a mat that you make sure to wipe it down when you finish, so that it is sanatized for the next student. Once you decide that yoga is a good fit for you, you may want to purchase your own mat and bring it to class. For some, rolling out their own mat for yoga helps to create a personal oasis for practice.

What’s the class like?

Our classes range from 60 to 75 minutes. Most likely the class will begin with a centering exercise. This may involve chanting the sound of “OM.” However, you do not have to do this if you feel awkward. The goal is to help clear your mind and focus using the sound to bring you into the practice space and the present moment.

Next is typically a series of gentle warm-ups and stretches to get your body and mind ready for more yoga postures to come. You will feel yourself warming up gradually, with the flow of energy building progressively to release tension and create a feeling of well-being.

At the end, the instructor will guide you through a warm-down series of exercises. Class will end with savasana (corpse pose) that involves lying on your back, eyes closed and body relaxed. Do not leave early at this point because it is a very important part of the class that ties the entire yoga process together.

Some teachers will end class with another “OM”. and will close using the word “namaste” at the end. This is a salutation to honor the light that lives within you and is your cue that the class is over.

What if I can’t do the poses?

All of our bodies are different. Remember, some people may never be able to look a certain way in a pose because of the way their body is built. That’s what makes us so interesting! In most cases, however, if you are not in the “Perfect” pose it’s okay. Your muscles need time to remember how to stretch back out again. Just attempting the poses allows the nervous system to begin remembering the pose. Many of the teachers will give you guidance to help enhance your pose so that it feels better and you can get more out of it. Each time will be easier than the last because of this ability of the body to remember.

Can I really do yoga?

Yes, if you can sit and breathe, then you can do yoga. If you are new to yoga choose the Foundations or schedule a private class with one of the teachers to help get you started. It may feel awkward at first, but if you keep at it you will be amazed at how quickly your body begins to open up, lengthen out and get stronger. Often our bodies are in seated positions in chairs for hours on end. We are not used to stretching in all kinds of ways, so be gentle with yourself.

Ok, Now I’ve made my decison to come to yoga, what else should I know?

• Try not to eat for 1 to 2 hours before your practice.
• Bring a water bottle which you are welcome to fill from our sink. Or purchase one of our new stainless steel bottles!
• Please shut off your cell phone once you enter the studio.
• Be on time. Give yourself extra time to park. If you’re late, please wait until the centering & OM has been completed before entering the room. We lock the outside door once the centering is completed.
• In being respectful to others, please refrain from wear strong perfumes or lotions & pay attention to your own hygiene.
• Please be present and have fun. Yoga is an opportunity to be with yourself with no other distractions. Enjoy and see what comes up!