Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the yoga classes like?
I'm a beginner. Can I come to an All Levels class?
How do I prepare for class?
Do I need any equipment?
Can I do yoga when I'm menstruating?
Can I do yoga when I'm pregnant?

What are the yoga classes like?
Yoga Center classes teach physical poses and relaxation techniques that counteract our modern addiction to activity. Often, people multi-task out of habit, or to avoid focusing on something that might be inconvenient, such as their bodies' needs. The result is stress. Yoga relieves stress by helping the brain and body work together. The yoga poses also build stamina, improve circulation, breathing and digestion, and soothe the nervous system. As the body feels better, the mind lets go of unhealthy thought patterns. We feel relieved, more effective, more confident, and happier.

Most classes are 75 minutes long. There are various types of classes for beginners and intermediate students. (See Classes for a full description.) We encourage students to try different classes and teachers.

I'm a beginner. Can I come to an All Levels class?
Yes. Students of all skill levels are always learning the poses. Beginners learn the basic forms and how to do poses safely. Advanced students learn the subtleties of the poses as they gain more awareness and control of their bodies. At every level, people are focused on their own practice, so there is no feeling of competitiveness. You do not have to be "good" at yoga to attend an All Levels class.

You do not need to wait until the beginning of a session to try out a class. Come any time.

How do I prepare for class?
Do not eat heavily before class. Dress in clothes that allow easy movement, such as T-shirts, sports pants, tights or shorts. Avoid baggy clothes, so teachers can see your alignment in the poses. We do yoga barefoot. Please do not wear perfume or fragrant body care products, because the smell can make it difficult for other students to breathe. Come 5-10 minutes early to your first class and introduce yourself to the teacher as a new student. She will give you a registration form and show you how to set up for class. We have two restrooms available for changing clothes.

Do I need any equipment?
Props, including yoga sticky mats, are available for use at the Yoga Center. If you continue with yoga, we recommend that you purchase your own sticky mat, because it is more hygienic and you can use it to do yoga at home.

Can I do yoga when I'm menstruating?
Yes, paying careful attention to how you feel. When menstrual flow is heaviest, avoid inversions (poses with hips above head) and poses that strongly stretch the front body. Restorative yoga poses can relieve cramping, swelling, and headaches.

Can I do yoga when I'm pregnant?
Yes, but some of the poses taught in a regular class must be modified or discarded. If you come to a class, please tell the teacher if you are pregnant! If you have a history of miscarriage, do not practice yoga during the first trimester. The teacher can help you modify poses in an All Levels class, but you will get more benefit from a class or private lessons designed especially for the needs of pregnant women. Generally, be vigilant about how your body feels in a pose and always treat it with tenderness and care. Do not stretch too much; the hormone relaxin can allow you to overstretch ligaments in your pelvis and spine. After the first trimester, avoid poses where you lie on your belly, poses where you lie on your back without support, any pose that contracts your abdominal muscles, twists that compress your abdominal muscles, or any pose that doesn't feel good. Unless you are experienced, it is also recommended to avoid inversions. That said, yoga poses can help to relieve headaches, backaches, excess fluid in the lower limbs, constipation, depression, and anxiety, and can be useful in toning abdominal muscles after birth.