New to Yoga

Our best classes for absolute beginners are Gentle, Restorative and Beginning Yoga. Depending on your level of physical fitness, Yoga Basics/Level 1 and Yoga Stretch may also be appropriate. Please read the Class Descriptions for more information about what to expect in each of these classes.

Yes, everybody can do yoga. And yoga is different for everybody. Yoga isn’t about doing the perfect pose; it’s about finding the right pose for your body. A common misconception about yoga is that we must be flexible in order to do the postures. The reality is that we practice poses in order to become more flexible. With continued, consistent and safe practice suited to your body's daily needs, you will notice increased flexibility over time.

The aim of yoga practice is improved health, strength, stability and happiness. Yoga doesn’t demand that you’ll ever have to bend in half, twist into a pretzel or hang upside down.

All of our classes are designed to stretch, strengthen and tone the body for students who want to experience and enjoy the many benefits of yoga, both physical and mental Ð and, most importantly, find balance between body and mind through the breath.

Stretching your body will help you become more flexible, bringing greater range of motion to muscles and joints, and over time, you'll gain flexibility in your hips, hamstrings, back and shoulders. Most yoga poses require us to support our own body weight in new ways; as we move through the poses we build strength and endurance. And, as we get stronger, a regular yoga practice will result in increased muscle tone, shaping long, lean muscles. Many yogis notice that they lose weight with regular, consistent practice. People, including athletes, practice yoga to prevent pain and/or recover from injury or illness. And for many, yoga helps promote better breathing and improved sleep.

Yoga increases our awareness of our own bodies. With teaching and practice, we are always finding new and subtle ways to adjust, re-align and refine our poses. Doing so helps create a better sense of ease and comfort in our bodies and in our lives. Asana practice is intensely physical for yoga students of all levels, requiring mindful concentration and rhythmic, steady breathing. Linking breath with movement, we disengage from our thoughts, helping us to calm our minds. Yoga requires practice and when we move with breath, our thoughts, worries and anxieties seem to melt away. When we are in the flow of yoga, we "let go" of our stressful thoughts, and begin to see ourselves and our lives with a different outlook.

Our students will tell you that they feel their best when they are practicing at least 3 times a week. And, recent research seems to bare that out. Yoga is most beneficial with consistent, continual practice at a rate of a minimum of 3 classes per week. We know that that’s a big commitment, but it’s worth it!

Everyone is welcome at InYoga. We provide a safe, supportive, friendly and nurturing environment for people who want to practice yoga regardless of age, ability, size or level of experience. Please read the section, "What People Are Saying," to get a sense of how our students experience InYoga.

Yes, the majority of our students are women. But we are increasingly seeing more and more men in class. They love it.

All of our classes are different. Some of our classes are slow and gentle. Some are rigorous and challenging. And some include meditation, pranayama (breath work) and chanting. If you're interested in yoga, there really is something for everyone at InYoga. Take a look at our Class Descriptions, and see what's right for you. Then, you just need to show up Ð and see what happens! You might find that you actually like it; it might turn out to be exactly what you need.

Personal hygiene is always appreciated; for those who perspire heavily, deodorant is recommended.

Dress appropriately; form fitting clothes are recommended; loose T-shirts and shorts are not ideal for yoga.

Refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or strong aromatic oils.

If you smoke, please change your clothes before beginning class.

Avoid large meals 2-3 hours prior to class. Light snacks are OK.

Drink plenty of water before and after class to prevent dehydration.

Turn OFF your cell, iPhone or Blackberry before entering class; please do not leave devices on vibrate.

Take off your shoes before entering the practice room; socks may increase the risk of slipping and injury, thus yoga is practiced with bare feet.

Bring or buy your own yoga mat. Mats of varying quality and price points are available in our boutique. Rental mats are $2/class.

Yoga does not require that you be anything other than what and who you are. You do not have to be on a strict diet to attend yoga classes. Going out for burgers and beer every once in a while sounds really good, huh?

Most women wear form-fitting athletic pants that have a drawstring or elastic waist. Athletic support tops are also recommended. T-shirts and looser fitting tops may slip over your head when you bend down; big t-shirts are not ideal for yoga class.

Men wear loose fitting athletic pants or shorts that have a drawstring or elastic waist. For men who wear loose shorts to class, we recommend wearing undergarments that keep everything in place. Athletic shorts with built-in lining are always a good way to go.

InYoga encourages all students to bring or buy their own mats for class; rental mats are available for $2/class. We also recommend towels (to wipe up sweat, and help prevent slipping) and water bottles (with easy-to-open tops).

We have found that students who invest in appropriate yoga attire (tops, pants, shorts) and accessories (mats, props, towels, water bottles) are most prepared and comfortable in their practice. InYoga's boutique offers high-quality, well-priced and fashionable yoga wear and gear for men and women. Our staff is always available and happy to assist you in choosing items that work well for you.

We believe yoga can help; there's certainly plenty of scientific research out there to prove it. But we also know our limits as teachers. We recommend showing up to class early to let the teacher know what you are working with so she or he can direct you appropriately. Listen to the instructor's guidance describing the poses; watch your teachers when they demonstrate poses. They provide cues to help you find appropriate alignment for your body; proper alignment not only helps keep you safe, but also leads to a stronger, healthier, more joyful yoga practice. Teachers will usually suggest alternatives, or modifications, for poses.

Our teachers are highly trained; several of them have specialties in therapeutics and healing arts. We are here to help you. At the same time, it's also important to know that part of being a yogi is acknowledging and accepting our own limitations, which means taking responsibility for ourselves during practice.

With respect to injuries, we are always careful in asking you to take care of yourself. You know your body best; and you are your own best teacher. You are always invited to skip a pose or take a break. Child's pose is always available to you. Private lessons or Yoga Lab sessions are great places to address and work with specific injuries, to help find a practice that is most safe and effective for you.

Yoga should not be painful, hurtful or injurious. But, it is OK for it to be challenging. When we are challenged by poses, it helps us take our practice to the next level; the next level often means getting stronger, becoming more flexible or more breath-focused. When we are stronger, more flexible and in tune with our breath, the poses and the practice become easier and more enjoyable. And that's when the transformation starts to happen!

Students come to practice at InYoga because we offer so much more than other studios. Our teachers are professionally trained and certified; they bring diverse and extensive experience in a variety of different yogic traditions and disciplines, including, Anusara, Ashtanga, Dharma Mittra, Ana Forrest, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Kundalini, Shadow, Yin, Yoga Therapy and more. Our practice space is beautiful, bright and spacious. It is the largest in the Valley, with warm maple wood floors, high ceilings and plenty of natural light. InYoga features clean, spa-like restrooms with changing areas and private showers for both men and women. We have complimentary filtered water (bring your own bottle), hot tea and light snacks. Our lounge area is cozy and comfortable. The boutique has high-quality, well-priced and fashion-forward clothes, accessories and gifts. We also provide lots of convenient, free parking!

© 2012 InYoga Center, Inc. All rights reserved.

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