Welcome!! First, and most importantly, make sure you tell your teacher if you have any existing injuries, physical issues, recent surgeries, or if you are pregnant. While yoga is very physically strengthening and healing, there are certain things that we may need to modify for your personal practice. All of our teachers are very well trained to deal with all physical issues. Please wear comfortable, fitted clothing that you can move freely in. Although very loose, floppy shirts may be comfortable, we sometimes bend forward from standing, and a too-loose shirt may come too far along for the ride. Enough said. Don't eat for 1-1/2 to 2 hours before class. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We twist quite a bit, and sometimes our stomachs end up in a position higher than our throats. Please drink plenty of water before and after class. Unlike gym and aerobic exercises, we try to refrain from drinking water during our practice. Bring a towel. You may not expect to, but you will probably sweat. We warm our rooms to approximately 78-81 degrees in order to allow our muscles to stretch comfortably without injury. You don't need to bring your own mat if you don't have one yet. We have plenty of studio mats that we can lend. However, once you decide that you love yoga (and we're confident you will!), you'll want to purchase a mat of your own. Are you worried that you're not flexible enough? Strong enough? Can't balance? DON'T worry, that's what we're here for! Remember, we all start somewhere. Come with an open mind and a sense of humor, we'll take care of the rest. We look forward to seeing you! That's all great, but WHERE DO I START?? If you're brand new to yoga and are pretty active and in shape, try Level 1-2 or All Levels. The All Levels class does move a bit faster than the Level 1-2 and may also include some more challenging options (remember, though, options are OPTIONAL!). If you're not feeling your fittest or have spent a good part of the last few years on the couch, consider starting with a Level 1 or Gentle class. Both classes are taught from a very basic starting point. The Level 1 class includes detailed instruction on most of the common standing postures. The Gentle class focuses more on breathing and includes very little physical exertion. If you are very tight in the hips or back, or would rather find some stillness than muscle work, our Yin class is just the thing. Long-held stretches allow us to open stiff joints and give our over-active minds time to find our calm center. If you're very fit, like to SWEAT and challenge yourself, and have enough experience with yoga to know the basics, the Level 2-3 or Rock Your Asana classes might be your thing. These are fast-moving Vinyasa-based classes, and are not the best choice for those who are brand new. If you're pregnant (without complications and with your doctor's approval), we suggest that you begin with Gentle or Level 1 (if you're not active) or Level 1-2 (if you are active). All of our instructors have been trained in the special modifications needed for Prenatal Yoginis. If you're unsure where you should begin, please contact the studio.