Welcome to your new yoga practice.

Derived from a Sanskrit word meaning to yoke or bind, yoga is a physical and mental discipline that unites the body and the breath to create wellness, awareness, and stillness within. It’s been around for 5,000 years, and modern science continues to prove its vast health benefits, including stress reduction, improved immune function, the easing of symptoms in patients with chronic illness and pain, and more.

Yoga is for everyone. You do not have to be flexible or fit to practice. You do not have to wear tight clothing. You do not have to chant. It’s a philosophy, not a religion, and it’s completely come-as-you-are. It has many forms, from meditation to gentle flowing movements to intense athletic workouts. The best part? Yoga can be tailored to each individual’s abilities and limitations, which means all ages, genders and body types can benefit.

If you are new to yoga, we recommend starting with one of our classes suited for beginners, or our free "Begin to Yoga" workshops (check our online schedule for dates and times, or sign up for our newsletter for workshop announcements, as these classes fill up quickly). Arrive 15 minutes before class is scheduled to start; this will give you time to get relaxed and ready for practice. Let the instructor know you’re new, and if you have any health concerns or contraindications. A bottle of water and a towel can be helpful. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move—stretchy workout pants or sweatpants and a not-too-baggy tee-shirt are great—with an extra layer in case you get chilly. Yoga is practiced barefoot, so no special footwear is required. We have yoga mats and props for you, though you may eventually want to purchase your own.

It is suggested that you not eat for at least an hour or two before practicing yoga; many of the poses and movements can be uncomfortable if your body is also trying to digest. If you must eat before class, try to keep it small and light.

For a great list of yoga class "etiquette" tips and suggestions, check out the post "Class Etiquette: The (Semi)Unspoken Rules of Yoga" on our blog.

If you have any questions about yoga, our studios, or our classes, please don’t hesitate to call us up or stop in and ask. We look forward to seeing you!