Yoga mat (back to top)
Although Yoga mats are not necessary for practicing, and in some case, act to limit a student's thinking and movement. However, some people find that the standard Yoga 'sticky mat' helps prevent slipping due to sweating. Having a yoga mat for your class is a personal choice. If you do not have a mat, a towel is a good substitute, and I can help you find the right mat if you decide you would like your own. We are currently recommending the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat . . . it is ecologically friendly, the company plants a tree when you order a mat and it is the best gripping mat on the market at the moment. We will have some in the studio for you to try out before you purchase if you like.

Physical boundaries (back to top)
Vinyasa Yoga is a graceful dance between movement and breath that has your body in motion and holding poses to create openness and stability within your joints and muscles, as well as building strength. While understanding and having a foundational basis of alignment is important so that the opening and strengthening occurs correctly, it does not suit the practitioner well to be wrapped up in the idea of doing a pose right or wrong. Instead, the body, mind and spirit connection guides you into an intuitive knowing of what is "right" because it feels good, can be sustained and doesn't create hops in the breath. Having said that, during the course of some class, I do give adjustments to your body to lengthen, deepen, encourage, relax, and help you hold poses. If you are uncomfortable with physical adjustments, please let me know ahead of time, as all physical boundaries will be respected. Also, please inform me of any injuries you may be experiencing before the class starts.

Payment (back to top)
Payments for classes are to be made before class begins so that you do not need to worry about having cash on hand while you are in your post-Yoga mind frame. This time is for you to relax and enjoy. Payments may vary depending on location, so be sure to check the Class page for what you will need as payment..

What to wear (back to top)
Vinyasa Yoga will move you, figuratively and literally. Your body will be moving up and down, back and forth, side to side and twisting around. Therefore, your clothes should allow for a wide range of motions with all of your limbs, as well as being comfortable on your skin. Women typically wear spandex pants or shorts and a sports bra, T-shirt or tank top. Men may also find comfort in spandex shorts or other athletic shorts with support. Tops and shirts that can handle sweat are helpful. Yoga classes aren't really for making a fashion statement, so there is no need to go buy a new wardrobe for your yoga practice. Just find something that you are comfortable and capable of moving in. As I have found from experience, wearing the wrong kind of clothing, makes it really hard to be in the moment in class. So, be sure to pick something that works exactly for your comfort needs..

Eating (back to top)
All Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. If you are practicing early in the morning, it is a good idea to have a glass of juice and water for energy, but nothing too heavy. For midday and evening classes, please give yourself ample digestion time after eating, at least 1 hour, even more if you've just scarfed down a huge burger, fries and soda (which I wouldn't really recommend at anytime anyway). The more time you have between food and a practice, the happier you will be all the way around. Something about a heavy belly that doesn't make for a comfortable down dog or headstand.

Before and after class (back to top)
Your classes are designed to relax yet energize your body. Through my own experience, I like to have a some time both before and after practicing Yoga to prepare and enjoy the sensations, respectively. If possible, take a few minutes before the start time to relax and create a connection with your breath, quiet your internal dialog, and prepare your body for a physical workout. Light stretches and movements are also helpful to begin to open tight muscles and joints (as you become more aware of your body, you will know what you need to give a little extra love to before class starts). Your classes will also have a short meditation and relaxation at the very end. This is a time for you to feel dissolve into your true essence, let your energy vibrate within and without and be completely at ease. Therefore, I also recommend some quiet time immediately following your class to fully absorb the benefits, mentally and physically, of Yoga. If you have questions about anything that happened during class or perhaps in your home practice, any Inhale teacher is available before class begins or after class to chat with you, do a demonstration or adjustment or help in what way we can.