Getting Started

How do I get started?

Sign up at the studio for 10 days of unlimited yoga for $20. (This offer is for new students only!)
Take as many classes as you’d like during these 10 days and get to know the different yoga styles and teachers.
Additional special offers are available during these 10 days. You may purchase a:

• 10 class pass for $99 (reg. $130)
OR

• Monthly Unlimited w/Auto Renew for $95/month the first 3 months. (reg. $119/month)

Which classes should I come to?

Most of our classes are All-Level. In the All-level classes, options and modifications are offered to accommodate beginner-intermediate level students. For the most part, you will chose your class based on the style, rather than the level.
Click here for class descriptions and recommendations

Is there anything specific for beginners?

Yes. We believe that, as a new student you will greatly benefit from attending the Yoga 101 workshop. This, however, is not a requirement and ALL new students are VERY welcome to attend ANY all-level class on the schedule without attending the Intro courses.

Suggested Workshops

Yoga 101 Class

This is the perfect place to begin your yoga practice. Explore and learn at a comfortable pace in a supportive environment with others who are new to yoga. This 1.5 hour class is designed to provide you with a strong foundation for an educated practice so that you can feel confident and comfortable in the all level or basics classes.

It Includes:

• A brief discussion of the historical and philosophical background of Yoga
• Demonstration and practice of the fundamental Yoga postures
• Instruction on how to combine breath and movement
• Answers to frequently asked questions and misconceptions

You don't need to be flexible, strong, or be able to quiet the mind. Simply show up and do your best.

Preparing For Class

Apparel: Wear comfortable, fitted, stretchy clothing and bare feet.

Hygiene: Be clean. Wash your body, apparel, towel and mat regularly.
Please refrain from wearing heavy perfume, fragrance or cologne to class.

Punctuality: Please be on time. Arriving 10 minutes early to class gives you the opportunity to sign in, get your mat, meditate/stretch, and prepare for class. If you arrive late, please pause, take deep breath, and enter quietly.

Eating & Drinking: We recommend that you refrain from eating 1-3 hours before class begins, depending on your individual metabolism. (Also, do not come hungry.) Drink plenty of water after class as needed--sometimes drinking too much before or during can be uncomfortable.

Yoga Etiquette

To ensure you have a pleasant, rewarding experience at our studio, we ask you to please observe the following guidelines when attending classes at Asha Yoga.

Sign-In & Payment: Please sign in before class, by printing your name on the appropriate sheet at the front desk.

Ambience: Please enter/exit and speak quietly at all times. Turn cell phones off. (Please do not use cell phones in the yoga room at any time.) If you must leave early, do a short 3 to 5 minutes of savasana (final relaxation pose) and then leave the studio very quietly.

Yoga Props: You may borrow a studio mat for your first class and rent a mat for $1 after that. Please plan to purchase your own mat as soon as possible. When borrowing props, please spray and wipe down mats after use, roll straps and stack blocks neatly.

Injuries: Inform instructor about any injuries or pregnancy before class begins.

Mindfulness: Always practice within your own limits. Be kind to yourself in action and judgment. Approaching your yoga practice with expectations or ego may result in undue frustration and injury.

Please do your best to follow the above Studio Ettiquette, but if another student does not, be compassionate, understanding, and let it go.

FAQs

What is Yoga?
Yoga is a scientific system developed in India with roots going back over 5,000 years. The direct translation of the Sanskrit word “yoga” is “to yoke” or create union (between our mind, body and spirit). Traditionally the goal of yoga is to improve the quality of our lives by helping us to achieve our highest potential and experience enduring health and happiness. Many schools in the U.S., however, tend to focus on the aspect of improved physical fitness and/or physical therapy. At Asha Yoga we welcome you to appreciate the versatility of yoga. You may chose to focus only on the physical, the psychological, the spiritual, or all of the above.

Is Yoga religious?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a spiritual practice that can be (and has been) a part of many religions throughout history, but is not in and of itself a religion. At Asha Yoga most of our classes focus on the physical aspects of breathing and moving through yoga postures, but to cultivate union between “mind, body and spirit” it is essential to study the spiritual elements of the practice as well. While we do hope you feel the freedom and the space for the more personal or spiritual aspects of yoga to unfold naturally on an individual level we will offer the opportunity for students to learn and practice yoga fully in your life and not just in your body.

What is Ujjayi breathing?
Ujjayi is a breathing technique that makes a continuous whispering sound in your throat. The throat is slightly constricted, which slows the inhale and exhale, which allows more time for the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange process and consequently cleansing the body more thoroughly. Oxygen-rich blood also creates healthy blood cells and cellular regeneration, nourishing our vital organs. Practicing this technique also generates internal heat, which adds to the cleansing process, and the sound gives our mind something to focus on. If you are unclear in how to practice Ujjayi breathing, please request more details from any Asha Yoga Teacher.

What does Namaste mean?
The word Namaste (Pronounced Nah-Mah-Stay) is literally translated as “I bow to you”. More generally, it is an ancient sanskrit understanding of interconnectedness. Teachers will often say “Namaste” at the end or beginning of class as a way of acknowledging that we are all connected on a deep, non-physical, divine, level. If you wish to make that same acknowledgement you can respond by repeating the same: “Namaste”.

How often should I practice yoga and can I practice everyday?
Any yoga is better than no yoga and a little bit everyday is better than a lot every once in a while. To see and /or feel significant physical and mental changes however, we need to practice for 1-1.5 hours AT LEAST three times a week. Because yoga does not generally break down our muscle tissue the way other fitness activities do, it is not necessary to take a day off from practice. You can practice everyday as long as you feel healthy. Be conscious of modifying your practice when needed due to energy level and/or physical fatigue. Yoga should never deplete you.

What is Pranayama?
Pranayama is the science of breath control. It consists of breathing exercises especially intended to meet the body's needs and keep it in vibrant health. It is also a very important tool used for preparing to meditate.

Why practice meditation?
Meditation is a natural process of withdrawing attention from external conditions and directing it inward to a chosen focus of concentration. The side-benefits of regular meditation practice have been widely reported in a variety of secular news magazines and newspapers. These can include stress reduction, strengthening of our immune system, better organized thought processes, improved concentration, enhanced memory and refinement and enlivening of our nervous system. For these reasons, regular meditation practice is now increasingly recommended by many physicians and other health practitioners.

While the side-benefits can be welcomed and enjoyed, the primary purpose of meditation practice is to elicit clear states of consciousness and to facilitate progressive, authentic spiritual growth.