faqs

Q: What to bring to class?

A: We’re happy you can join us for a class at Shanti Yoga. This is what to bring:

• BYOG (Bring your own gear)
  To avoid the spread of germs, bring your own mat, towel, and props as the studio are not loaning anything at this time

• Comfortable Clothing
  Wear clothing that is loose, comfortable and will wick away sweat

• Water
  Bring bottled water to stay hydrated and make sure you drink plenty of H20 prior to coming to class.

• TIP

• An Empty Stomach
  It is highly recommended you practice yoga on an empty stomach; a small snack or meal can be enjoyed a minimum of 2 hours prior to your yoga class.

Follow yoga studio / yogi etiquette and guidelines. Thank you.

Plan to stay don’t leave early and unlock the door leaving the rest of our yogis exposed. We close our doors to avoid interruptions from late arrivals BUT most importantly we keep the doors locked as a security measure. We don’t have a front receptionist.

studio etiquette

Before Class Begins

• Arrive Early
  Please take some extra time to arrive early (10-15 minutes). Arriving early will help ease you into your practice without rushing. This gives you time to get set up, sign in, or use the restroom before class begins. Studio doors will be locked when class begins. 

• Unplug Technology
  No cell phones allowed inside our yoga space. You may silence your devices and store them inside your cubby or leave them in your vehicle.

• Open Mind
  Arrive to class with an open mindset, and create a space of non-judgment, gratefulness, patience, and kindness towards yourself and those around you. The best yogi is the yogi with a beginner’s mindset. Leave the ego outside.

• Enjoy Silence 
  Once you enter the yoga space, please refrain from loud conversations. Be mindful of others’ peace and quiet time.

• Listen
  Know that our instructors are committed to your well-being. Listen to your instructors’ guidance and directions. Your yoga experience will be based on you being present, open-minded, and willing to receive instructions.

• Declutter
  We ask that you do not wear shoes inside the yoga class space. Do not bring things that will clutter our meditation space such as food, extra bags, clothing, etc.

  • By clearing our clutter we create a zen space for physical and mental practice.

  • However, there is designated storage outside of the yoga space where you can keep your belongings. Since yoga is traditionally practiced on bare feet to help us feel stability and connect directly with the ground or mat under our feet, it's important to keep a clean yoga space.

• Introduce Yourself
  Introduce yourself to your yoga teacher and let them know if you are new. This will allow for the teacher to help modify any lessons for your body. They will want to know about any limitations or injuries to be aware of.

• NGLB
  No one gets left behind, which includes children in the waiting area. We do not allow children to wait during the time that parents are in class due to our concern for their safety and the safety of others. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed in adult classes. Children’s Yoga (ages 6-10) is available by reservation only.

During and After Class:

• Breathe
  It's common for new students to hold their breath during yoga poses they find challenging; breathing deeply can help you relax.

• Plan to Stay
  Do your best not to leave in the middle of class or during the final relaxation pose. If the class has become challenging, sit on your mat, or take a child's pose or corpse pose. Doors remain locked during the entire time of the class for security reasons and the safety of the students in class. If you know you can not stay for the entire class, perhaps attend a class that fits your schedule best. We believe the mat and yoga practice is each person’s sanctuary. By staying present during the entire class you avoid disrupting class or meditation for others in the class.

• Hear the Inner Cues
  One of the first challenges yoga beginners experience is the desire to "do yoga." Instead of doing yoga, be prepared to practice yoga and learn about its philosophy.  One of them is to practice self-care, in knowing and sensing your limits, and learning to be safe in your practice. Only you know how much to press yourself and reach your limits. 

• Namaste
  You will hear some words you are not used to such as Namaste-(nah-mas-tay). This Sanskrit word means "I honor you" and is said at the end of class to seal your practice.  It’s a word used to greet or to say goodbye.

• Chanting
  AUM/OM is a common mantra used in yoga as a chant. Chanting can take us to a meditative state to slow down our mind or thoughts of stress and anxiety. Chanting is an excellent way to let go of the reaction to the sensation through the throat and heart chakras; in essence, releasing the emotion through self-expression. Mantras align your vibration to create awareness. The vibrations from mantras have the power to rearrange your molecular structure. AUM/Om when received with an emphasis in the exhale will help us exhale deeply and consequently reduce stress.