STUDIO ETIQUETTE
I’M NEW! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please take the time to complete your registration before you arrive for our session. If you do not have a chance to complete these ahead of time, you are of course welcome to fill them out here. Just be aware that some of your appointment time will be devoted to these little necessities.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
There is no specific dress code; wear something that is comfortable, non-distracting, and allows for full movement of arms and legs.
I will ask that you to remove your shoes at the door, so if you don’t prefer to be barefoot, please bring some non-slip socks.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Doors open 15 minutes before our scheduled session.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early so that you can settle in.
HOW SHOULD I SETTLE IN?
When you walk in, please place any personal items along with your shoes in a cubby or other designated spot.
Roll your mat out in any spot that suits you, with top of mat staggered relative to your neighbor (be aware that I may ask you to reposition slightly so everyone has equal room).
Grab a block. We will use them for more than just accessibility.
Feel free to bring a water bottle and anything else you may need during class to your mat, but please be mindful of space and keep these items to a minimum.
Some people will be settling into their practice early, so please wrap up any conversations outside.
Once you enter the yoga space itself, please keep noise to a minimum.
Pre-class stretching, seated meditation, or finding Savasana are all great activities once you’re settled.
I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO! WILL I BE ABLE TO FOLLOW ALONG?
Everyone’s been new to yoga at some point. Heck, yogis who’ve practiced for decades run into poses or transitions they aren’t good at. I certainly do! That’s why it’s really important to give yourself some grace.
Not being good at things is really good for our brains. It teaches us to stay calm in times of uncertainty and to keep an open, curious mind. I truly feel that yoga’s main benefit isn’t that it builds strength so much as that it helps us build resilience. If any any point you’re feeling overwhelmed (physically or mentally), taking child’s pose can provide a great reset. When you’re feeling ready to rejoin the group, just jump back in! I promise that, over time, you will improve.
If there’s anything about what we do in class that feels confusing, or really isn’t working in your body, come see me after class. I promise we can find a variation or alternative that both feels good and provides the same benefits.
Lastly, and most importantly: Yoga is supposed to create sensation, but it’s never supposed to hurt.
If something isn’t feeling right in your body, I absolutely want you to stop.
WHAT IF I HAVE AN INJURY OR FEEL UNWELL?
If you have an injury please get the all clear from your doctor before your session. If you have a cold or flu, stay home and take rest.
Listening to your own physical and mental needs is the highest form of yoga; pay attention, move mindfully, and think about the long-game.
I’M PREGNANT. IS IT SAFE TO PRACTICE?
Congrats! If you already have a regular yoga practice you are more than welcome to attend. I do however strongly encourage you visit your doctor, so that they might give you the all clear to practice. If you have never practiced yoga before, I truly believe you would get more benefit from a specialized prenatal class. Please contact me and I can point you in the right direction.
WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE TO BRING MY CHILD?
A yoga class is an adult environment and I do not have childcare services.
Public drop-in classes: Use your best judgement. If you have a child able to practice alongside you without disturbing your fellow students, they are always welcome. Should they become overly disruptive, I may ask you to exit the studio and try again another day. No big deal.
Private sessions: Persons 16 and over are welcome anytime. Children from 14-16 years old must be accompanied by a parent/adult. Children under 14 are not allowed into our session.
LATE ARRIVAL, CANCELATIONS, AND NO-SHOW POLICY
If you cancel last minute one time, you likely won’t pay a thing. If it becomes a habit, we’ll have a chat. If last minute cancelations continue, I will charge a no-show fee of 50%.
Public drop-in classes: If you arrive late, slide on in…just be mindful of your fellow students and try not to cause a racket.
Private sessions: Should you arrive to your appointment more than 10 minutes late, I may unfortunately need to shorten your session. Please note that your appointment has been prepared especially for you. If you need to cancel, this can be done via phone (voicemails are perfectly fine), text, or email.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
- Yoga may be physically strenuous and you voluntarily participate with full knowledge that there is a risk for injury. I am not a medical professional and I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Please be mindful of your own body’s fitness level, injuries, and comfort.
- I do not have a cell phone policy. While I do feel that your session is best enjoyed without interruption, I acknowledge that there are situations where this is not a practical option. Please be respectful of our time together and utilize your phone as little as possible.
- Please respect our shared space and refrain from leaving class early or skipping Savasana. An initial resistance to end-of-class rest is normal, but it’s usually a sign that you need more stillness, not less.