Are You a Beginner?

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We love beginners!

We understand you might be a little nervous coming in for your first yoga class and we want to reassure you there is NOTHING to worry about.  Here’s a few details to help you prepare and let you know what to expect.

First, let me dispel one common myth:

You do not need to be flexible to do yoga. Increased flexibility is a benefit of yoga, not a prerequisite. If you aren’t flexible now that’s all the more reason to come! Some of our classes will warrant some current flexibility and strength but others will require VERY minimal. If you can get to the ground and then back up to standing you can do a mellow yogi class and most likely a balanced yogi class. If you can touch your toes while standing (even if you have to bend your knees) and want to build some strength along with more flexibility,  then the yoga world is your oyster! (Though I’m not really sure that makes sense…??)  More about our classes.

Ok, now that we’ve cleared that up…

Dress in something stretchy.  Fitted is better than loose, but the most important thing is that you are comfortable. You can come in your P.J.’s if you want. (As long as they are clean! -See Yoga Studio Etiquette) HOWEVER, if you’d like to have something specifically designed for movement, something that looks good and feels good, we have a boutique with the largest selection of yoga appropriate clothing and gear for both men and women in Sacramento. Come in and pick something out.  Boutique Hours.

Come in at least 15 minutes early for your first class. This gives you time to fill out the waiver, turn off your phone, take off your shoes and settle into the candle lit space you will practice in.

You will need a yoga mat, which you can borrow from us on your first visit, rent for $1 after that and hopefully very soon purchase your own. (The cost of a mat ranges from $23-$99)

It’s always advisable to let the teacher know about any physical issues you may have before class, so that they can offer you the individual support you may need. Although the teacher will provide you with educated options throughout the class, you are the one who makes the final call. If something hurts or doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. The teacher will not be offended. We are all here to help you. Ask any teacher before or after classes if you need more information or even more personalized options.

A yoga pose is more than a position you take with the body. Sometimes they are called “postures.” The Sanskrit word for a yoga pose is “asana.” [AH-suh-nuh]. Poses are designed to give the body and mind maximum benefit. What makes it a yoga pose is the way you do it, not the shape you take. It’s officially a yoga pose when you are breathing consciously, have a balance of effort and ease, and are not competing with your self or anyone else. (Darn, turns out it’s even harder than putting your foot behind your head!- That’s why we call yoga “a practice”.)

During the class, the teacher will lead everyone through a variety of yoga poses, with directions for healthy alignment of the body. He or she will also offer breathing directions, moments of silence and they may or may not play music. Some teachers are more conversational, with questions and answers as part of the class; other teachers are more formal and will assist individually while they walk through the class as they teach. Some classes are very slow and methodical and focus on a few specific poses, while others may flow and move through more poses with less emphasis on each pose. Some classes will focus more on relaxation, while others will give you a more physical work-out. Again, you can learn more about our class styles here, but know that there is also variety within a certain style from teacher to teacher.

If you’d like to find out more about a specific class or teacher, feel free to call the studio and ask, or send an email. We would love to help you find a class and/or teacher that is a good fit for you.

The last pose is a resting pose, in which you lie on your back on the mat and relax for anywhere from 5-10 minutes. The Sanskrit term for this pose is Savasana [sha-VAH-sah-na]. This pose is all about comfort and rest, so if lying on your back is not comfortable for you, let the teacher know! He or she will offer modifications. A simple Savasana modification that you can do yourself is to  place a bolster (long black cushion available at the studio) underneath your knees. This releases the low back and reduces discomfort.

To close class, it is traditional for the teacher to say “Namaste” and for the class to repeat it back to the teacher. The word Namaste (Pronounced NAH-mah-stay) is literally translated as “I bow to you”. More generally, it is an ancient sanskrit understanding of interconnectedness, acknowledging that we are all part of the same beautiful, united whole. If you wish to make this acknowledgement you can respond the teacher by repeating “Namaste”.

If you are ready to get started

If you’d still like some more information, continue on to our Getting Started page. We look forward to meeting you!

More information for beginners can also be found on the following pages:

Important Information

Getting Started

Class Descriptions

Yoga 101 and Foundations Series Workshops 

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