Yoga FAQ

If you are attending your first yoga class, you’ll definitely have some questions: What do I need to do before class? What should I wear? What should I bring? For starters, be sure to check out our website to see our class schedule and descriptions. We recommend sticking to classes that are marked “All Level” if you are new to yoga. Feel free to sign up online for a class to ensure that you’ll have a spot. Arrive early and we’ll give you a min-tour of the studio! We’ll show you where to keep your shoes and belongings, where to sign in, and give you a general feel for the studio layout. We encourage you to use this extra time to introduce yourself to the instructors and inform them of any injuries or concerns you may have before beginning your practice.

For your first class, be sure to dress in comfortable clothes that will move with you and avoid overly baggy tees that tend to fall over your head when you bend over, and overly tight clothing that limit your movement. The only thing you have to bring is an open mind and a healthy attitude. If you have your own yoga mat, bring it. If not, we have mats available for our use for $1, and for sale, in the studio. If you are attending a Heated Vinyasa class, you will need to either buy or bring a mat. You may want to bring a towel, and definitely a water bottle. While we do have props available (blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps), feel free to bring your own! And be sure to properly hydrate before (as well as during) class to avoid fatigue and dehydration.

At WBYS, we offer classes to fit any and all skill levels – from those new to yoga all the way up to seasoned yogis. In our beginner classes, you will learn the fundamentals of the meditative and physical asana practice that form a full yoga practice. Our instructors are trained to correct posture in order to allow you to build upon a growing, fundamentally-sound practice. We encourage you to attend any Restorative class, Gentle Yoga, or Hatha. These classes will help introduce you to the concepts of yoga in a manageable and encouraging way. As you progress in your practice, we offer classes like Vinyasa and Slow Flow for more intermediate students that wish to push the boundaries of their practice. For more advanced students, we offer Heated Vinyasa and Ashtanga, where the expectation is to challenge your body and mind to build on an ever-evolving practice. At every stage, our instructors offer guidance and posture corrections to lead you to your center of balance – both physically and mentally.

This question comes up frequently, but the reality of it is that people generally begin a yoga practice because they notice that their flexibility or focus is not where it should be. The typical work day for the average American tends to promote a sedentary lifestyle, which shortens our muscles and limits our mobility. When we practice yoga, we are working to lengthen and strengthen those muscles that rarely get worked while sitting at a desk. Think of your neck, low back, and shoulders after a long day at the office. They can feel tight and sore and in desperate need of a stretch! Even something as simple as leaning down to touch your toes can lengthen your back, neck, and hamstrings. As for your focus, we begin and end each class with a seated meditation that helps to quiet your mind and allows you to focus on your intentions. Our goal is that, with practice, you can train your mind to achieve this state of calm and focus even off the mat, promoting an overall healthier and happier lifestyle.

That is up to you. You always control the intensity of your practice and we encourage you to work at your own pace in every class. You’ll find that some days your practice will seem easy and some days it will kick your butt! Just go with the flow and step to your edge but not past it! Just remember that there is no pressure to follow the instructor’s cues exactly – if you feel like you would like to speed up or slow down, feel free to do so!

As often as you can! Keeping up a regular practice can only help you in your fitness goals. Consistency is the key to experiencing the full benefits of the yoga practice, and to making connections with fellow yogis! Whether you practice at home or in the studio, a daily practice, even a 20 minute daily practice, is a solid and achievable goal. But don’t feel like you have to jump right in all at once – start small, come to class 2-4 times a week. Don’t forget to take rest days, too! It is important to listen to your body and know when to take a day off.

At WBYS, we offer classes to fit any and all skill levels – from those new to yoga all the way up to seasoned yogis. In our beginner classes, you will learn the fundamentals of the meditative and physical asana practice that form a full yoga practice. Our instructors are trained to correct posture in order to allow you to build upon a growing, fundamentally-sound practice. We encourage you to attend any Restorative class, Gentle Yoga, or Hatha. These classes will help introduce you to the concepts of yoga in a manageable and encouraging way. As you progress in your practice, we offer classes like Vinyasa and Slow Flow for more intermediate students that wish to push the boundaries of their practice. For more advanced students, we offer Heated Vinyasa and Ashtanga, where the expectation is to challenge your body and mind to build on an ever-evolving practice. At every stage, our instructors offer guidance and posture corrections to lead you to your center of balance – both physically and mentally.

When paired with a healthy diet, yes! Our Vinyasa Classes, Ashtanga and Hatha classes offer the combination of strength and cardiovascular exercise, and the heat also helps to raise the core body temperature to a level that helps regulate metabolism and appetite. Additionally, studies have shown that yoga’s stress-busting benefits help you stay committed to good nutrition and fitness habits. The benefits of yoga go beyond the physical, as well. Achieving a holistic wellness demands fitness in both mind and body. Yoga is unique in that it works to challenge and strengthen both.

We suggest speaking to your doctor, but in most cases, gentle yoga is WONDERFUL for pregnancy. During pregnancy, yoga can help strengthen body and mind for labor, as well as ease nausea, back pain and swelling. It’s also a great social opportunity! While pregnancy is a journey unique to each individual woman, it’s always beneficial to create a community of like-minded individuals.

As with any exercise program during pregnancy, you’ll want to consult with your doctor before starting or continuing your yoga practice. We offer prenatal classes, as well as Gentle and Restorative classes that are thoroughly appropriate for pregnancy. Unless you have an existing yoga practice, some of the more dynamic classes should be avoided.

This is totally up to you! Tracking your progress is a great way to stay focus and avoid straying from your goals and intentions. The great thing about a studio which offers classes with varying levels of difficulty is that you can see how you are improving while you practice! You may find that one week, a particular class is difficult, while a month later you are holding postures longer, stretching deeper, and feeling more centered. Feel free to share your progress with your instructor or your fellow students! We love hearing about our students’ improvements and we are constantly working to create an open environment of communication, collaboration, and a shared celebration of individual achievements.

At the end of each class, our teachers offer the ancient Sanskrit word ‘namaste’ as a symbol of gratitude, respect and connection. Students answer with ‘namaste’ in the same spirit. This exchange allows us all to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness. A short translation is: The Light in me sees the Light in you, and all I can do is bow.

That’s great news! At WBYS, we offer regular teacher trainings to allow you to deepen your practice, learn more about the physical and spiritual rituals of yoga, and become comfortable teaching to a group of students. Be sure to check our website for more information on teacher training sessions or give us a call to discuss your goals for teaching!