What should I expect the first class?

Yoga is practiced barefoot. After entering the studio, we take off our shoes and turn off our cell phones. If you haven’t filled out the on-line registration form, then we’ll ask you to take a few minutes to fill out a registration card. See how you like the class first and then pay when it is over. How you feel after class will help you to decide whether you want to pay as a drop-in or for one of our packages.

What do I need to bring?

If you have a yoga mat already, then bring it. We have mats available at the studio, so you don’t have to buy anything to try yoga.

What should I wear?

Wear close-fitting, comfortable clothing. Try to avoid really tight-fitting, spandex workout clothes, as they can inhibit students from deeply breathing. Pick a shirt that fits closely so that when you do Downward Facing Dog (your hands and feet on the floor) your shirt doesn’t fall down around your neck. ;-)

Do I have to be flexible to do Yoga?

No. In fact, people who are less flexible often have an easier time learning the practice. Naturally flexible people will often get into what they think is the pose immediately, but they may not understand that it is about engaging the muscles.

Is there a beginning class?

All of the classes listed are appropriate for beginners. These classes are taught at a level that most studios on the coasts would consider Level 1 and 2. On some days, depending on who shows up, I might teach an inversion or some other advanced pose (these are considered level 3 or 4). I always give modifications and alternative poses in my classes so that everyone has something appropriate to work on.

What is the difference between the regular and gentle class?

In our regular classes we focus on learning correct alignment of the basic postures. Fundamentals of the practice are also covered including breathing exercises and meditation. We start our classes by flowing through the postures (called vinyasa in yoga or Sun Salutations). In our gentle classes many of the same fundamentals are taught but we do not include flowing through the postures. Instead we go slower and carefully transition between the postures. Often chairs are used to help participants. The gentle class is great for those who need to start very slowly, for a variety of reasons. Feel free to call us or e-mail if you are not sure whether the regular or gentle classes are best for you.

What is it like to be in Yoga Class?

Traditional Hatha Yoga classes are very different from typical modern exercise classes. Although we often break a sweat in yoga class, as the poses can be difficult, it doesn’t “feel” like an aerobic workout class. I tell new students not to think of yoga as your “work-out” but maybe more like your “work-in.”

I start class by asking everyone to begin to focus on their breath. We sit quietly for a short time and pay attention to the sensations of the breath coming in and out. This is a way of bringing ourselves into the present moment and letting go of whatever thoughts or problems we brought with us. After a gentle warm up, I lead everyone through what we call in yoga “Sun Salutations.” This flowing set of exercises uses all the muscles in the body and prepares us to do a variety of yoga poses (called asanas). Standing and balancing poses are usually done first, and then we work our way down to the floor for sitting poses and deep stretching. Poses range from standing, back bending, forward bending, twisting, shoulder & hip stretches, arm balances, and inversions. The diversity of poses is what keeps yoga class interesting; you never know what you’ll end up doing! I sequence the poses in such a way as to keep students safe. Modifications or alternative poses are always given, so that everyone who attends can participate in their own way. Class always ends with a pose called Shavasana, where we lay down on our mats, close our eyes, and focus on our breathing. Often times, if someone new is going to feel unsure, this will be it! Many times I’ve seen people raise their heads and look around as if to say, “is everyone really laying down in here? How weird!” After awhile though, if you give it a chance, you’ll learn to love this part of class. The big joke in my morning classes is “can we just do Shavasana today?” It is really the most important pose, and the heart of the practice. In order to help people relax into this meditative pose, I lead them through some gentle breathing exercises (called Pranayama). Once Shavasana is over we sit up slowly, take a few more breaths, and class ends. We always say “namaste” at the end, which is a tradition in yoga, and it means “the spirit in me honors the spirit in you.”

Are drop-ins from out of town welcome?

Yes! Lately, I’ve had yogis drop-in from all over the country as they travel to Norman and Oklahoma City for trainings and lectures at the University of Oklahoma, Tinker Airforce Base, the National Weather center, and the National Postal training center. We love to have visitors, so if you are traveling through and need a yoga home please drop-in and practice with us.