I am not flexible at all.  Can I do yoga?

Being flexible is not a prerequisite for beginning your yoga practice. It is one of yoga’s many benefits. The more you practice, the more your body opens up, becoming stronger, more flexible with improved balance. 

What should I wear to a yoga class?

Wear stretchy comfortable clothes that allows freedom of movement, without constricting. Clothing which is too baggy tends to get in the way, but it doesn’t need to be skin-tight either.

I have bad wrists and knees. Is there a yoga class for me?

Yes! Chair Yoga is a perfect class for people with bad knees or wrist issues. You can do a full yoga practice in a Chair Yoga class without having to get on a mat on the floor.

Restorative and Yin Yoga are also good options. Postures in Restorative and Yin Yoga are seated or supine, supported by blocks, blankets, and bolsters to ensure your safety and comfort.

I am 70 years old. I am too old to do yoga?

Absolutely not! Everyone can benefit from yoga. Depending on your fitness level, there are different classes from which to choose. If you have healthy wrists and don’t mind being on the floor, start with Gentle Yoga. Yin Yoga is also a good place to start. As familiarity with the practice increases, you can move on to Mixed Level Vinyasa classes.

If you have wrist issues, or bad knees, or problems with other joints, our Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Restorative Yoga classes are perfect for you.

Do you heat the room?

In the winter, the room is heated to a comfortable temperature. We do not offer “hot yoga” classes. If you like to sweat, our advanced classes will undoubtedly fit the bill. At Yajamahe Yoga, you create your own heat by the use of ujjayi breath, engaged bandhas, and mindful movement. You will not need artificial means to loosen up. Most people break a sweat in these classes.

Do you have a mat I can use?

Yes, we do have mats available for you to use. However, we do recommend you bring your own mat to class. We do not charge a mat rental fee. We only ask that you clean the mat after you use it.

Do you have classes for beginners?

Yes. The best place to start is with our Gentle Yoga classes. Then, if the Gentle Yoga classes feel too easy and you would like to go beyond a gentle practice, start taking Mixed Level Vinyasa classes.

I have been practicing yoga for many years. Do you have classes for advanced students?

Our Classical Yoga Masterclass on Sundays at 11:00 AM and Classical Yoga on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM and Thursdays at 6:30 PM are expressly for advanced students. These classes are challenging, strengthening, and include opportunities to practice advanced postures not usually offered in most vinyasa classes. Our weekday 9:30 AM Vinyasa classes offer advanced options for experienced students. Ashtanga/Vinyasa Blend, and the Full Primary Series are also classes that will challenge experienced students.

Is yoga a religion?

Persons of all faiths can practice yoga. While it is not a religion, spirituality is inherent in yoga. Yoga does not conflict with any belief system. Truth is Truth. There is only one God. Yoga, practiced with dedication and focus, can help you deepen your own faith and help you along you own spiritual path. If you are not a believer, or consider yourself agnostic, you can still benefit from yoga’s healing practices. Yoga is an all inclusive practice.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for a yoga class?

It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach, so wait at least two hours after a meal to practice, or one hour after a light snack. 

Shower before coming to class. Soucha (cleanliness or purity in body, surroundings, diet) is one of the tenets of yoga. Do it out of respect for yourself, your teacher, and your fellow students.

Refrain from wearing perfume or scented lotion or oil. 

Do not chew gum in class.

For hygienic reasons, it is best to bring your own mat, but if you forget it, or don’t have one, we do have mats available for your use or to purchase.

Hydrate before and after class.

Familiarize yourself with Yoga Etiquette.  

Yoga Etiquette 

Remove shoes upon entering the studio. Then sign in before entering the yoga room.

We observe Mouna in the yoga room prior to the start of class.  Mouna is the yogic observance of silence. If you need to catch up with your friends before class starts, please do so in the reception area with a lowered voice so as not to disturb those already in the yoga room.

Arrive early, so you have time to park, check in, put your things away, and set up your personal space in the yoga room. It is good to arrive early enough to be able to spend a little quiet time on your mat, centering yourself before class begins, letting go of the distractions of the day. If you walk in the door at the time class is scheduled to begin, you are late. We understand that sometimes circumstances out of your control may arise, that might prevent you from arriving early. We still welcome you to come to class. Be respectful of your fellow students and teacher as you enter the room. All classes begin and end promptly on time.

If it is your first time to our studio, please arrive 15 minutes early so there is enough time to enter you into our system prior to class. You may also do this ahead of time online without paying or committing yourself to any particular class by signing up here.

To get the most out of your experience, stay until the class is over. If you need to leave early, let the teacher know before class, and the teacher will let you know at what point in the class is best for you to take savasana, then roll up your mat. So as not to disturb your fellow students, please gather your things and leave quietly.

It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach, so wait at least two hours after a meal to practice, or one hour after a light snack. 

It is best to hydrate before and after class. This is not hot yoga. You shouldn’t need a water bottle in most of our classes.

Shower before coming to class. Soucha (cleanliness or purity in body, surroundings, diet) is one of the tenets of yoga. Do it out of respect for yourself, your teacher, and your fellow students.

Turn off your phone and leave it in the prop room; or better yet, leave it in your car.

Refrain from wearing perfume or scented lotion or oil. 

Do not chew gum in class.

Try not to step on other people’s mats.

Inform the teacher prior to class if you have any injuries.

Should the room be so full that mats are very close together, be mindful of your personal space. Try to keep your limbs over your own mat to avoid hitting your neighbor. This might mean making some modifications, especially during sun salutations. 

Avoid chatting during class. This is distracting to others around you and disrespectful to the teacher.

Don’t make a mess in the prop room. Put things away neatly out of respect for the students coming to class after you leave.

Enjoy your yoga practice. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t compare yourselves to anyone else. Don’t do anything that hurts, or doesn’t feel right for your body. This is your practice and every body is different. Modify postures when necessary. Always stay centered in your breath.