New Student Etiquette & FAQ
Asana training (the physical practice) has countless benefits including conditioning the physical body, balancing the energetic body and focusing the mind. This is the inward part of the practice where students tune into their bodies and tune out the chatter in their minds.
As one practices yoga more and more, they cultivate a deeper awareness. Students begins to apply the principles of yoga off the mat in their engagements with the world around them.
It is a way of being that is most simply expressed as “mindful”.
We kindly ask The Yoga Loft community to observe and practice the art of mindfulness while at the studio.
Arrive
Late Policy: To protect the integrity of our classes and student experience, we have a 5-minute grace period. This policy serves both members and teachers. The first few minutes of each class are used to set the intention and prepare your body for a meaningful and safe practice. The 5-minute grace period is extended to accommodate members upon last minute arrival before the class is closed.
Early departure: Should you need to leave class early, please inform the teacher beforehand and position yourself at the back of the room. Please leave before savasana begins.
Unplug
Please silence your cell phones. Phones are not permitted in the studio space.
Silence
Please respect the studio atmosphere prior to the start of class. Conversations should be kept to a minimum in the studio space.
Frequently Asked Questions
We want you to feel comfortable the minute you walk through the door at The Yoga Loft. Below, please find some Frequently Asked Questions and commonly used Yoga Terminology.
What if I'm not flexible?
A good reason to begin a yoga practice! Yoga is appropriate for every fitness level and every stage of life. Each pose has many variations and modifications making it either more accessible or more challenging. Over time a student's flexibility (and strength) will improve.
What should I bring?
A yoga mat, or rent one from us. A towel and water bottle are recommended.
What should I do when I arrive?
Please arrive 10 minutes before the class start time to check-in at the front desk. Signing up in advance through the MindBody app will streamline your check-in process.
How do I choose a class?
We encourage students who are new to yoga to start with our Essentials and Slow Flow classes. Both of these move at a slower pace and allow more time for alignment instruction. The Slow Flow & Restore classes begin with beginner/intermediate yoga, followed by deep relaxation in restorative postures. Please read our Class Descriptions page for more information.
What should I wear?
Comfortable and appropriate clothing for movement. Layers are a good idea. Please refrain from wearing perfume or scented lotion/oils as other students may be sensitive.
Yoga Terminology
OM
Om is believed to be the mystical sound or vibration of the universe and represents the infinite or universal consciousness. Chanting the sound of Om at the beginning and/or end of a class creates harmony and unity among students and teacher.
Namaste
Namaste is a greeting, taken as a sign of gratitude or respect. It translates to "the light inside of me bows to the light inside of you". Namaste is often said at the close of a yoga class with hands in prayer position at the heart center as a way to acknowledge and celebrate our interconnectedness.
Asana
Asana translates into "seat", and was originally used to describe the posture yogis took for meditation. Over time asana became the word used to group all postures, since all poses are a preparation for meditation.
Savasana
Savasana, also known as "Resting" or "Corpse" pose, is taken at the end of a yoga class allowing all of the effort put forth in the practice to integrate into the body.
Pranayama
Pranayama is the word used for breathing techniques. Broken down, prana means "life force energy" and yama means "control". The most basic pranayama in yoga is to simply breathe in and out the nose, but teachers may guide students to practice other forms of pranayama which each have different physical and energetic benefits.