Frequently Asked Questions
What style of yoga do you teach?
We teach Hatha Yoga which is the physical practice of asanas, a sanskrit word meaning postures. All of our teachers have studied within more than one school or style of yoga and have varying certifications. None of our teachers teach one specific style as they have each taken all they have learned over their years of study and bring it together in their own individual style of teaching.
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Are HeartSong Yoga teachers certified?
Yes. Each of our instructors has completed a certification program and is registered with the Yoga Alliance which is the only organization to oversee yoga instructors from a wide range of certification programs.
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What if I am not flexible? Can I do yoga?
While many of the more advanced yoga postures certainly take a fair amount of flexibility and strength, you can start yoga from wherever you are. We offer classes for just about anyone. Our beginning classes are truly for beginners and will help you to gain flexibility and strength over time. We also have gentle and even an adaptive yoga class for people with more serious injuries or physical limitations.
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I have an injury, what class should I take?
Call us at (503) 644-1865 or contact us. If you talk with us directly and we can help you to determine what class to take. If you have an acute injury, you should get a release from your doctor or physical therapist before beginning yoga. We do offer private lessons in addition to classes and have a lot of success helping people to use yoga to help support the healing of injuries and chronic physical problems.
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My doctor told me to do yoga but I am not sure what class to take.
Call us and talk with us directly and we can help you to determine what class to take. If you have an acute injury, you should get a release from your doctor or physical therapist before beginning yoga. We do offer private lessons in addition to classes and have a lot of success helping people to use yoga to help support the healing of injuries and chronic physical problems.
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What should I wear?
Comfortable, fitted exercise clothing that you can move easily in is best for yoga. Tights, fitted pants or shorts and a tank top or t-shirt are all appropriate. It is good to layer so that you can remain comfortable throughout the different phases of the class. Clothing that allows your instructor to see the shape of your joints also allows him or her to give you the best individualized instruction. Please remove any heavy jewelry and watches before class. We all appreciate it if you do not wear perfumes, essential oils or scented make up and hair products on yoga days as many people have allergies and sensitivities and these scents makes it difficult to breathe well.
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Do I have to go barefooted?
Yoga is generally done barefooted for several reasons. First, the health of most people's feet is compromised by wearing shoes all the time and going barefooted allows you to stretch and strengthen your feet for better health. Socks tend to be slippery on the mat and our wood floor so we do not recommend wearing them for your safety. If you feel you must wear socks, we ask that you get some non-skid socks and preferably ones with individual toes in them so you can emulate the barefoot experience as much as possible.
If you feel you must wear shoes due to foot pain or doctor's orders, we allow only non-skid soles and shoes that are not worn outdoors. When working in shoes we ask that you not stand on our yoga mats; you can bring your own or work off the mat for standing postures.
What should I bring with me to class?
All you really need to bring is yourself and an open mind and for best results, an empty stomach! (It is recommended that you not eat within 2 - 3 hours of yoga class other than a small snack if you just can't wait.) We have yoga props here for you use; you can bring your own mat and many students prefer to have their own for hygiene reasons. We do sell mats at the studio if you would like to purchase one.
If you tend to sweat easily, you might like to bring a hand towel and you can also bring a water bottle that closes securely if you like to have water with you.
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How often should I plan to attend class?
Like anything, the more frequently and regularly you practice yoga, the more proficient you will become and more you will get out of it. Most people find that they feel better when they leave class than when they started, so even one class has its benefits. A weekly class will give you that regular time to check in with yourself, stretch and relax and will add to your overall health and wellbeing. You will gradually build more strength and flexibility too.
That said, if you attend class 2 or 3 times/week, you will receive more than double or triple the benefit of coming once a week. Each class during the week will have some variation in it so you will have the opportunity to work different parts of the body. Your muscles also have memory so stretching them and working them more frequently, will have a great cumulative effect.
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Will I get any benefit if I can only go once a week?
Attending class once a week is beneficial in that it gives you a regular time to slow down, check in with yourself and stretch and relax. Most people report they feel better after class than when they first arrive at the studio and this is a great stress reducer. You will gradually build strength and flexibility if you attend regularly, even if it is just one time per week.
That said, if you attend class 2 or 3 times/week, you will receive more than double or triple the benefit of coming once a week. Each class during the week will have some variation in it so you will have the opportunity to work different parts of the body. Your muscles also have memory so stretching them and working them more frequently, will have a great cumulative effect.
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When do you have class?
We offer classes 7 days / week and have morning, afternoon and evening options. Each day's schedule is a little different and when you attend will depend on what level class is appropriate for you. Check our yoga class schedule here.
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How much does it cost?
We offer your first class for free and have a great deal for new students with 50% off your first month. After that class prices range from around $9 - $13 depending on what package or membership you choose. To see a full list of our rates, click here.
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Do you have classes for kids or families?
Yoga is a great activity for kids and for families to do together. We occasionally offer special yoga workshops for kids and/or families - check our current yoga workshops to see if there is anything currently scheduled. If you are interested in these types of workshops please let us know. We are also willing to set up a private class for your family, you and friends or your child and his/her friends. Contact us to let us know what you want.
In addition to classes at the studio, we have also conducted kids classes at some local schools and for summer programs. If you would like to see yoga offered at your child's school, please let them know we are available to teach. They can contact us anytime for more information.
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Can my teenager come to class?
We have quite a few teens who attend our classes either with a parent or on their own. As long as they are interested in yoga and willing to participate in the whole class they are welcome to come and try a class out anytime.
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I have a hard time slowing down and haven't enjoyed yoga classes in the past because they are too slow. But, I think yoga would be good for me. What should I do?
We hear this from a lot of people. Our lives are so busy and most of us are used to going full tilt all the time. Many of us thrive in a fast paced environment and with fast paced activities. However, it is hard on our bodies and psyches to always be on high speed. If you think yoga would be good for you, then give it a try. Come with an open mind and even if it is uncomfortable, stick with it for a while - you may be surprised to see what you find out about yourself. Just like working through a routine to strengthen or stretch some part of your body will be challenging and take time, working through the discomfort of being with yourself may also take some patience. It will be worth it!
If you come and our classes are really too slow for you, you might see if you can find a vinyasa or power yoga class which tend to be more fast paced. But really, wouldn't it help you to slow down a little?
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What is an RYT and an eRYT?
RYT and eRYT are designations given through the Yoga Alliance and indicate that an instructor has met minimum requirements in training and continuing education. An RYT is an instructor who has completed either an approved 200 or 500 hour training program. An eRYT has completed the training plus has a certain level of experience teaching beyond that initial training. eRYT's are also approved to train other teachers.
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Have other questions that we haven't answered? Give us a call at 503 644-1865 or contact us here and let us know what you need. |
