Here are a few tips that will help you prepare for your first class and answer some frequently asked questions:

• Please arrive 10-15 mintues prior to your class start time.  We begin and end promptly.  It's nice to have a few minutes to get settled, sign in for class and relax.  If you do arrive late, please wait outside the studio until the intial meditation is over and people inside begin to move.  Then come in queitly and join the group.
• We can't take credit cards at the studio.  Please bring cash or check.
• Refrain from wearing scent or fragrance of any kind as some people are allergic.
• Inform the teacher of any physical challenges or issues you might be having so he/she can help you modify the poses to best meet your needs that day.
• Please come to an appropriate level class.  Beginners can feel confident in any of our slow stretch/therapeutic or beginner level classes.  We recommed starting in an easier class and then building up to more challenging classes.
• Please turn off cell phones, or leave them in the car.
• When you come to class, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that won't restrict your ability to move and bend. Exercise clothing, t-shirts, sweats, leggings or shorts are all fine.
• We do yoga barefoot on the floor.
• Don't eat for at least one or two hours before class, or you will most likely "feel" your meal.
• It's polite to shower before coming to morning classes.  We share a small space together.
• Bring a yoga mat. If you don't have a mat, you can use one of ours, or purchase your own.  More on yoga mats below.

Q: How do I know if I'm doing yoga "right"?
A: There are no "right' or "wrong" poses in yoga. Rather, there is a greater or lesser degree of consciousness that each student can learn to bring to a pose. If you feel better in any way after class, you are doing it "right". 

Q:  Is yoga supposed to hurt or be uncomfortable?
A:  No.  Yogs should never hurt.  If you are experiencing pain or discomfort during class, it's your responsability to inform your instructor so they can help you modify or align more optinally so you are not in pain.

Q: I'm very stiff and overweight. Can I do yoga or should I wait to get in better shape?
A: Anyone, in any condition, can do yoga. It is an extremely flexible practice. You and your teacher can modify any pose to suit your particular physical abilities. Don't wait — yoga will help you to become more flexible and to feel better about yourself. Weight loss can be a natural off-shoot of this. One of our students lost 8 dress sizes without dieting, simply from doing yoga several times a week. There is a yoga level for everyone, regardless of physical condition. Talk to your teacher to make sure you are in an appropriate level class.

Q: How many times a week do I need to come? Is once a week enough?
A: The more often you come, the more results you will experience. However, once a week is a great place to start. For those who have scheduling constraints and cannot come more often, their weekly class often becomes a haven to carry them through the rest of the week. So, come and see what you want to do. Our different payment options offer you complete flexibility.

Q: What is the difference between hatha yoga and Anusara yoga?
A: All the various styles of yoga are in essence hatha yoga taught with different areas of emphasis. Anusara yoga is a particular style of yoga that offers a therapeutic, heartfelt approach. It is alignment oriented to prevent injuries and one of the safest forms of yoga you can practice. For more information on hatha and Anusara click here.

Q: Has it been proven that yoga is good for you?
A: Yes. Western science has been studying yoga for nearly 50 years, and the research suggests numerous physical and psychological benefits from Yoga. Interestingly, there seems to be something about Yoga - vs. exercise and controlled breathing - that is particularly beneficial. For example, a recent study with heart patients showed that those who followed a stress reduction program that included many yoga practices did better than patients who exercised or did nothing. Further, preliminary studies in the United States and India suggest that yoga may be helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, anxiety, stress and others.

Yoga Mat Care and Etiquette

Your mat is your sacred space on which to offer your practice and spend time with yourself. Think of it as a mini temple. Wherever we offer our practice, the energy of that practice builds. Over time your mat becomes a powerhouse of yoga for you. Below are some basic tips to help you keep it clean and to increase the good vibes in your mat.

1. Never step on someone else’s mat. Please walk around or over it. Our energy is transferred through our feet and it’s preferable to keep only our own energy in our mats and not to share it with other mats.
2. Keep your mat clean. PVC mats can often be washed in the machine on gentle and air-dried. Jade mats can be wiped down with a light white vinegar and water solution. A lint roller will also help remove lint from Jade mats.
3. Keep your mat fresh. From time to time our mats get worn out and no longer reflect a sacred space for our practice. Buy a new sustainable mat and donate the old one to Kula for Karma, who offer yoga free to under privileged populations. You can drop off your old mat at Shree, but please clean it first.
4. Keep your mat tidy in your car by using a mat bag or a tie of some sort. If it’s rolling around in your trunk trying to do poses without you, it will probably get somewhat disheveled.

Q: What is the best mat to buy?
A: This is a very personal preference and also depends on budget. Our favorite mat is the Jade Mat, made of biodegradable rubber. It’s dense to provide padding and sticky to provide traction for poses. It comes in fun colors, too.

A PVC mat is the most common sticky mat and easily found at many retailers. It’s cheap and comes in wide range of colors and patterns. It is often slippery when first bought due to factory residue from production. This can be cleaned with a light white vinegar and water solution.

There are a multitude of choices on the market and you can find more information on line. Here’s one site that can help: http://yoga.about.com/od/yogagear/a/Ultimate-Yoga-Mat-Review.htm

At Shree we carry two options: an affordable eco mat made by Barefoot Yoga and the Jade Mat in a range of colors. We also have yoga straps and blocks if you’d like to own the props you use or have a set at home.

Q: It’s my first time at yoga. Is it OK to use a studio loaner?
A: Sure. We always have mats you can borrow for class at no charge. They are used by many and have good traction from all the use. However, if you are thinking of making yoga part of your life, it’s highly recommended that you invest in a mat for yourself for the reasons above. Having your own mat also invites you to practice at home sometimes. Some people have a mat that lives in their homes for home practice, and a second mat that lives in the car for going to the studio. People who also do a hot yoga practice may have a third mat just for that, as it gets rather sweaty.

Q: Can I use an exercise mat?
A: Not really. They tend to be too narrow and don’t offer the traction needed for yoga. Another draw back is that they often lack the firmness to support balancing poses.  You're really better off with a yoga sticky mat.  Use one of our loaners until you're ready to purchase your own.