What you need to know and how to make the most out of your class:

 

• If you haven't exercised for some time and you have health concerns, you may want to talk to your doctor before starting a new yoga practice. You can also complete this Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.

 

• It is good to avoid any heavy meals for two hours before class.   You can have a light snack and make sure you are well hydrated.

• Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in but isn’t too loose. Socks can be worn before class and during the final relaxation but Yoga is generally practiced in bare feet.

• Please be on time, remove your shoes in the entrance, and enter class mindfully.  You can arrive up to ten minutes early to begin breathing and centering.  If you are late please inform your teacher as we do lock the door after class begins. 

• Please communicate with your teacher regarding any injuries or limitations.

• In order to practice safely please listen to and honour your body, if you feel any pain or sharp pain come out of the pose.  Yoga is a process, not about competing or keeping up with others. Give yourself permission to modify, use props, and come into balasana (child’s pose) anytime through the class. Be patient, be kind to yourself.

• Monitor your breath; if you are panting, holding your breath, or struggling to breath you have probably gone too far, so back off, take a modification, or child’s pose.

 

Location

• Yoga classes will take place at Tapestry Yoga Studio at 160 B 16th Street West. The door to the studio is green and on the west side of the building. 

• There is ample non-metered street parking; evening classes you can also park in the parking lot immediately adjacent to the building where Walter's Service is located. 

 

Some quick answers to questions you may have:

• No, Yoga is not a religion, though it can be spiritual or enhance your spiritual beliefs.

• Yes, men can join Yoga, in fact Yoga was originally practiced by men only. We have some men who practice and welcome everyone in the studio.

• No, it is not a must for you to be vegetarian if you practice yoga.

• Yes, some people pass gas in class, it is normal.

• No, you don't need the latest yoga fashions to attend a class.

• Yes, sometimes you get emotional during or after Yoga class.

• Yes, it’s good to attend one class a week however if you are serious about building strength, flexibility, and incorporating Yoga into your life then it is recommended to practice more often.

• No, you don’t have to be flexible to practice Yoga.  Saying you can’t practice Yoga because you are not flexible enough is like saying you are too dirty to take a bath.  Flexibility is a product of Yoga, not a prerequisite

• No, Yoga is not competitive, it is a practice for you and your body, and your attention should be on what is happening on your mat.