The Center Yoga Collective

What do I bring to yoga class?

You! We have mats and all the props you will need to get started. You are also welcome to bring anything of your own from home if you prefer. We even sell yoga mats in our studio if you’re all in!

What do I wear to yoga class?

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing you can move in and nothing too baggy. T-shirts, tanks, shorts that cover the important parts, leggings, sweatpants, etc. Avoid things with belts and buckles. Sometimes the room feels chilly, sometimes warm, so we always suggest layers you can peel off or put on. Shoes are left in the lobby, too!

What happens in a yoga class?

Most often the class will begin with a welcoming and brief centering to help students to focus. This is often done with eyes closed, but you can keep them open if you prefer. Next, there may be some focus on the breath and then the movement portion of the class will begin with postures (asanas) sometimes pronounced in Sanskrit. Gradually, and class picks up and becomes a little more challenging according to the level and focus and often students get a little (or a lot) warm during this portion. Then the class will cool down and finish with a 5-10 minute relaxing pose called, Savasana (shuvasuna.)

I am not flexible at all! Can I still do Yoga?!

Absolutely! Stiff bodies are welcome and will become more flexible. More flexible bodies will become stronger with practice over time.

I’m injured and want to take class. Is this a good idea?

Very likely yoga can help you, but we always suggest talking to your doctor or physical therapist before coming to a group yoga class. We also suggest a one-one-one personal lesson so you know what is most beneficial for you and how to stay within your own limits. It’s also a good idea to let your teacher know ahead of time if you have an injury.

What is the difference between Hatha & Vinyasa/Flow?

All the classes that have traditional yoga postures (asanas) are actually Hatha classes. But the distinction here is that Vinyasa/Flow/and Power Yoga classes all are based on connecting movements and creating sequencing based on sun salutations and more fluid movement. Sometimes a vinyasa class will move slowly, sometimes at a vigorus and athletic pace. Hatha yoga classes typically focus more on holding postures longer, and these classes tend to break down the postures more and use more props.

How do I know where to start?

See above, the difference between Hatha & Vinyasa. Read the class descriptions and see what sounds like it is what you’re looking for. We have so many styles that each class and experience can be vastly different from another! Remember, you are also more than welcome to contact Suzanne with questions at any time!

Can I bring in my cell phone into the class?

This is your time to unplug! Cell phones can be a distraction in our lives and in yoga class, so we ask you leave them out of the studio and turn them off or turn on “do not disturb” mode. If you absolutely must be kept alert of a notice, you can leave them on vibrate during class and then turn them off during Savasana/Meditation (the last relaxation portion of class.) It’s also a good idea to let your teacher know ahead of time if this is the case. We thank you and your fellow students do, too!

What if I’m late?

It happens sometimes. We just can’t always control it, but please do your best to be on time and make every attempt to arrive to class 5-10 minutes early. If your Yoga class has already begun, we just ask that you stay in the waiting area until the centering is over so as not to disturb other students. If you are more than 10-minutes late, it is up to the instructor’s discretion whether or not it is ok to begin class late. Sometimes an essential warm-up may have been missed. PLEASE NOTE that the front doors are also sometimes locked after 10-minutes for the safety of our students and their belongings. We apologize for any inconvenience

I’ve heard I shouldn’t eat before yoga? Why is this?

There are no hard and fast rules. An empty stomach is just more comfortable for any physical exercise and meditation. Try eating a big meal and then coming to yoga and you’ll pretty quickly know why to avoid eating! If you need it, a light snack if perfectly ok. Listen to your body.

Can I bring my children to yoga?

Adult classes are intended for students 16 years and older. If you’d like to attend adult classes with your child, you must ask permission specifically from the class instructor at least 24 hours IN ADVANCE. It is then the teacher’s discretion to allow a minor into an adult class. With the consent of that teacher, younger students may attend adult classes, accompanied by an adult. Family Yoga, when available, is always open to any age child(ren) and to all members of the family.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Hushed Tones:
We know, you get excited to see your friends and teachers at the studio. Who doesn’t love the happy yoga vibe?! Let it flow, but please remember to talk quietly in the space (there may be massages, meditation, or savasana going on behind closed doors!)

Scents:
Please avoid strong perfumes, scented deodorant and other smells.

Studio Etiquette:
Please put your studio props away (blankets, blocks, straps, etc.) just as you found them and wipe down your borrowed yoga mat.