yoga for beginners
    What should I wear to yoga class? 
    You want to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in. Nothing too tight, or too loose. 
 
    What should I bring with me? 
    If you have a yoga mat, it is recommended that you bring it. (We do have mats for you to borrow, if you do not yet have your own.) It is also recommended to bring a towel and a bottle of water. Also, make sure that you bring your class cards, or a method of payment.  
 
    Do I do yoga in my bare feet? 
    Yes.  
 
    Do I have to be flexible to do yoga? 
    No. Yoga creates flexibility. It is not required that you already be limber in order to participate.  
 
    If I have never done yoga before, what is the best place for me to start? 
    We have a four week introduction course that we recommend for all individuals who have never tried yoga before. We limit the class size, and all of the students are brand new so it may feel less intimidating. It is also a great way to start making yoga a habit. Please see the "intro classes" page for more information. 
 
    What if I cannot attend the four week intro course? 
    If you can't attend the intro class, there are still other options for getting started. You could come to the Tuesday night gentle yoga class. You could also try any of our level 1 classes. It is recommended that you let your instructor know that you have never done yoga before class begins. You may also set up to meet with an instructor privately, or get a group of friends together who are also interested in getting started and we will find an instructor who can work with you. 
 
    Can I practice yoga with an injury or medical condition? 
    If you have any sort of condition or injury, it is always a good idea to check with your physician before coming to class. Please be sure to let your instructor know if you have any sort of injury or illness. This will allow your teacher to help you to modify your practice so that it is healing and appropriate for your body. 
 
 
yogaview procedures and etiquette
    What do I do if I am running late to class? 
    If you are running late for class you are still welcome to join in. Please check in the window before entering. If the class is still sitting in meditation it is best to wait until they start moving, or just go in and sit quietly by the door. 
 
    What do I do if I need to leave class early? 
    It is important to take some time for shavasana (deep relaxation) at the end of class. If you have to leave early, please be sure to take a few minutes for this final pose, and then be sure to exit the room before everyone else has entered shavasana so that the room can be as still and quiet as possible. 
 
    Can I bring my stuff into the studio with me. 
    Yes. There are cubbies in both studios where you can put your personal belongings. Please do not leave your bags and personal belongings on the floor and please make sure that your cell phone is turned off. 
 
    Can I leave my mat at the studio? 
    Students who are coming to the studio regularly can store their personal mats in the mat storage located across from the changing rooms at yogaview-elston. Please make sure to have your name on it, and a way for you to identify it. For example, tie a scarf around it, or keep it in a mat bag. Yogaview periodically cleans out the mat storage area and removes mats that are not being used or can not be identified. Yogaview can not take responsibility for mats that are lost or misplaced. There is no personal mat storage at yogaview-division. 
 
    Do I need to register for classes at yogaview? 
    No, you do not need to pre-register for any of the classes listed on the schedule. However, you do need to pre-register for special classes such as the intro to yoga course and workshops. 
 
    Does yogaview have mats that I can borrow? 
    Yes, we do have mats if you forget yours or do not have one yet. If you are not sure where they are, please ask your instructor so you do not take someone's personal mat. 
 
    If I have a monthly membership, can I use it at yogaview-division?  
    yogaview-division is a donation-only studio so monthlies will be asked to pay what they can and use their monthly membership at yogaview-elston.  
 
    Can I leave my mat at yogaview-division?  
    We do not have personal mat storage at yogaview-division. You are welcome to store your mat at yogaview-elston if you are practicing there regularly. Please make sure it has your name on it and is in a bag or has a strap around it. 
 
    What forms of payment do you accept at yogaview-division?  
    We accept cash and checks payable to "yogaview". Credit cards are not accepted.  
 
    If I have a purchased yogaview class pass, can I use it at yogaview-division? 
    Yes.  
 
 
yoga teachers and styles
    The types of classes aren't listed on the schedule. How do I know which class is the right one for me? 
    All of the teachers at yogaview are exceptional instructors. We recommend to come to the class that feels the most appropriate for you level, and to try different instructors. You may check the individual instructors' bios for a better explanation of the style that he or she teaches. In general, the teachers at yogaview offer various forms of vinyasa (linking breath to movement) classes. Some of the teacher's lean more towards an Iyengar approach, which focuses on alignment. Some of the teachers steer more towards and Ashtanga approach, which focuses on breath and movement. There are also teachers who are certified and trained in Anusara, Tantra, and Hatha yoga. 
 
    Can I practice yoga when I am pregnant? 
    It is important to speak with your doctor before deciding to do yoga if you are expecting. If you choose to practice while pregnant, it is important to let your instructor know before you begin class. We have a pre-natal class on Saturday mornings. It is recommended to attend this class, in addition to any other classes you may be doing. It will teach you how to modify your practice as your body changes. You do not need to pre-register for this class, please just drop in when it is convenient for you. 
 
    What is Freedom Style Yoga?  
    Inspired by Erich Schiffmann, this class is a free-form format to explore yoga without being directed by anyone other than yourself. Music is provided. 
 
    What is Ashtanga Yoga?  
    The method of yoga taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. This form of inter-linking yoga postures accompanied by deep breathing creates a purifying internal heat, realigning the body and calming the mind.