Welcome to our öm time yoga community! Below, please find a few pointers to help you feel more comfortable and prepared walking into a yoga class for the first time.
We know that getting started with yoga can be a bit confusing. We have provided this page to comfort you and to help you to confidently step into a practice of becoming more fully yourself! Yoga has has many benefits physically, mentally, spiritually and socially! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our knowledgable staff at the front desk, our teachers, or email questions here. We are here to serve you and to welcome you to our öm!
Each class and each instrutor is unique, however, there is a certain broad based yoga class protocol. Arrive about 10-15 minutes early to register, kick your shoes off, hit the bathroom and settle in!
Generally, come in, set up your mat, collect any props (blocks, blankets, straps or pillows), if needed. Most teachers start with a beginning centering to prepare you mentally for the practice and to set the tone of the class. Your teacher will give the class general instructions about a pose, and they may also give you individual instructions to enhance your practice. They may even physically adjust your body while you are in the pose, to help you better understand the actions and movements of the pose. The class usually ends with a brief period of relaxation or meditation.
You may experience some soreness after your first class, rightly so, you are probably moving your body in ways that it is not used to.
Yoga Class Descriptions
öm time offers a plethora of yoga styles to the community. Browse the yoga class description page and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
If you are just begining yoga or starting again after a period of time we advise that you start with a Level 1 class, or a private lesson.
There are thousands of different yoga poses, each carrying a specific benefit to the body. It is important therefore, as a beginner student, to be comfortable with the beginner poses. Level 1 classes help the beginner connect the poses in sequences that create larger benefits to the body and introduce the student to the use of the breath in moving in and out of poses.
Then, when you’ve gained confidence and comfort in the basic poses, it’s time to move to more challenging levels. If you have a solid understanding of the sun salutes, standing poses, basic backbends and inversions, you’re ready for a Level 2 or 3 class.
Click here for more information about Class levels.
 If you are totally new to öm time or to a particular class, arrive a few moments early to register and to introduce yourself to the teacher. We are always happy to welcome new students! We want to meet you, know your name, your concerns about class and what your goals for practicing yoga may be!
It is very important to share with your yoga teacher any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Conditions such as recent surgury, or recent injury, any chronic aches or pains you might have, pregnancy, muscular or skeletal injuries or alignment issues, etc. Most Yoga Teachers are NOT DOCTORS and do not dispense medical advice, but they can modify poses to accomodate most conditions and to assist with the healing process. Please speak with your physician if you have any concerns about practicing yoga BEFORE you begin coming to public classes.
Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. It is recommended to allow 2 hours after a big meal and about 30 minutes after a snack before you practice.
Wear non-restrictive, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Classes are all barefoot.
Be kind and loving to yourself by accepting where you are. Rest sometimes. Do what you can, with what you have, and with where you are. Listen to your body, pushing yourself beyond comfort and pain is not part of any practice.
Abandon the competitive mind-set. Yoga is absolutely non-competitive. Yoga is a mindful practice which makes the body stronger, more flexible, and generally healthier. The aim is to calm the mind, open the heart, and accelerate our evolution as a whole. Have fun and celebrate where you are in the present moment!
If something hurts, or you don't "get it" ask your instructor for better clarification.
Drink plenty of water after practice.
Enjoy yourself!
Please arrive early for class, at least 10 - 15 minutes to give yourself time to register, settle in, connect with the teacher, and use the restroom.. This also gives you time to introduce yourself to other students and become comfortable in the room.
If you are late, please wait until the opening meditation has completed and then please join class quietly. Please do not enter or leave a studio when the class is centering, in savasana or in meditation. Let your teacher know if you have to leave class early.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELLPHONE! (This includes the vibration feature) Or better yet, leave it in your car or at home!
We are comfortable with your wearing whatever you are comfortable wearing. The best clothing for yoga is that which moves with you, does not distract you, and offers the instructor a clear view of your body to check for alignment.
Before entering the studio, please remove your shoes and place them in the appropriate location. This helps keep the studio extra clean and is also a symbolic gesture of your intention to be fully present and mindful during your practice.
Please, no perfume, oils, or fragrant lotions.
We have regularly cleaned studio mats available; however, we recommend that you have your own as soon as possible.
If a student arrives late, be gracious and make room.
|
