New Students
So, you are thinking about taking a class at YogaSpa, but don’t know what to expect? Here are a few pointers:
First, welcome to YogaSpa and thank you for joining us.
We guarantee that a regular yoga practice will change your life physically, mentally and spiritually. Be prepared to sweat, work hard and feel great! You’ve embarked on a most incredible journey in our wonderfully supportive and nurturing environment. We will support you in every way possible to reach your personal goals.
Remember that yoga is NOT just for the incredibly flexible. There is NO requirement to chant or to be able to maneuver yourself into pretzel like positions. In fact, if you are not flexible, if you cannot touch your toes, or perhaps cannot even see your toes, you are a perfect candidate for the benefits of yoga. Most of our classes are heated, to varying degrees in order to aid in flexibility, promote release of toxins through sweat and deter, even alleviate injury.
As a beginner, it is normal to feel a little intimidated. With a consistent practice and some patience you will improve. Always take care of yourself in class. You will always feel challenged by the yoga, we all do. Our teachers will guide and instruct you and help you to discover your perfect position in that particular moment. Your body, your mind, your energy will be different every day. Stay positive, and keep trying, remember that everyone in the room was once a beginner like you!
Which class should I take?
“The postures are always the same but it’s different each day.” YogaSpa Bikram Student
We recommend that you start your practice with our Bikram classes. Bikram yoga consist of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced the same way each time at a temperature of about 100 degrees. (Remember the benefits of the heat!!) For your first class, you simply need to listen to the instructions from your teacher, try your best to do the postures and try to stay in the room. As Bikram says “try the right way” to achieve 100 percent of the benefits from every posture.
Take your second class within 24 hours of your first class. Your first class awakens and stimulates every system in your body. By your second class, your practice will already begin to create internal benefits which deliver 2-3 times more nourishment and healing to your organs, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems than they received in your first class. While the heat helps to reduce soreness, your body may experience some achy reminders that it appreciates getting flexible and supple again. Taking your second class within 24 hours will help to alleviate these aches and quiet the mind.
As such, make up your mind to take ten classes as close together as possible. You will feel some of the benefits of your yoga practice with your first two classes but the cumulative effect of at least ten classes WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
After your introduction we encourage you to try the other styles of yoga that we offer and try to practice a minimum of 3 times a week.
What if I’m uncomfortable being a beginner with experienced students?
As a new student, you may be intimidated by the public classroom environment. First of all remember that EVERYONE was a beginner! However, private yoga instruction can help you integrate into our public classes and can rapidly improve your practice. Private classes allow teachers the opportunity to focus on you and make sure you are getting off to an appropriate start. We can also provide one on one sessions with your teacher on an ongoing basis. Inquire about one on one sessions or small group classes at the front desk.
How do I get started?
- All new students to YogaSpa are required to fill out a registration/waiver form. This form can be filled out at the studio or PRINT IT HERE Please fill it out and bring it with you to class.
- Arrive 15 – 20 minutes early for your first class. This gives us time for registration and orientation. No reservations required when attending any of our regularly scheduled classes.
- You will need to bring a large towel, yoga mat and water (also available for sale/rental).
- Wear light, fitted exercise clothing such as sport bra/tank top, shorts or swimwear. Avoid sweats, heavy long pants, heavy t-shirts.
- Avoid eating 2 – 3 hours before class.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you’re well hydrated before coming to class. Good hydration supports the healthy function of all of your body’s systems, and it makes the heat feel comfortable rather than overwhelming.