FAQ
What should I bring?
Bring a yoga mat, a large towel, and a bottle of water. If you don’t have something, no worries everything is available at the studio for rental or purchase. Wear something you’re comfortable working out in and drenching in sweat. (Ex: tank tops, shorts, sports bras etc.)
Do I have to sign up ahead of time online?
Yes. Due to new COVID-19 measures, we ask all students to sign up online before arriving to the studio.
What if I have to leave the room?
Generally it’s better to stay in the room, especially when you first start out. You can always sit down or lie down and we will show you the proper breathing method to assist in your circulation. It’s normal to feel slightly dizzy or nauseous your first class, this gets better. Be patient with your body and take breaks when you need to. Of course, if there’s ever an emergency, take care of yourself and our teachers will always be there to assist you in any way that we can.
Can I leave to go to the bathroom?
We suggest bathroom breaks before class. Once you learn proper hydration throughout the day and your body becomes more efficient at sweating, you will notice your need to use the bathroom during class will diminish. Having said that, if you really, really have to go… we won’t stand in the way of nature’s call..
My muscles are cramping during class, what can I do?
Your best friend besides water is going to be electrolytes! If you’re asking what the heck are electrolytes- they’re basically ions that are electrically charged and help maintain proper function of your cells in your body. When there’s an imbalance of your electrolytes, your muscles respond by cramping. A great solution for class is to drink coconut water or to have some electrolyte packets handy. Luckily electrolyte levels are mostly determined by food and water consumption so keeping the right balance simply comes down to eating proper nutrition.
When is the right time to drink during class?
Water is delicious… no doubt about that. Especially in a hot yoga room. However try and keep your focus on your practice, rather then on your water. Remember little sips in between postures are great, just do it mindfully when others are not in the middle of a posture. Also help your body out by finding the best times that won’t be counterproductive to your practice.
How often should I practice?
You can practice as often as you would like to. In the beginning coming in as often as you can is a great way to start seeing and feeling the amazing results. 3 times a week is a great way to maintain or to start out. 5 days a week will keep you seeing incremental changes. 7 days a week will absolutely change your body and your mind.
How much water should I drink?
The key is to be well hydrated before you come to class. That means drink enough water throughout the day, and that will vary depending on your weight, the food you eat, how much you sweat during class and also how active you are throughout the day. Aim to drink between 2 – 3 liters of water a day…. more on the days you’re going to practice. Just avoid chugging it down right before class as it will only give you an uncomfortably full stomach, and drinking too much during class will inevitably make any postures where you are compressing your abdomen or laying on your belly that much harder.
Can I do yoga and keep doing my other activities?
Yes, of course. Yoga is a great balance for any other activity you do. This series is based on therapy… it allows you to diagnose where in your body you need to pay attention to and also how to therapeutically heal those parts. It will allow you to do your physical activities for longer with a much healthier, pain-free and able body. It’s a great companion to any other physical pursuit.
Will yoga resolve my… lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain etc?
Yoga will teach you how to diagnose any issues or pain you might be having, and will allow you to have a deeper understanding of and connection to your body. Through practicing this series you will empower yourself to learn to use these postures as tools to help heal and alleviate pain. If there are serious injuries we can work with you to figure out how to modify, and of course will always ask that you discuss medical details with your health practitioner.
I have a headache after class. Why?
Headaches after class are usually related to dehydration. Maintaining good hydration and eating well are pivotal for your overall well-being. Coconut water is a great natural source of electrolytes as are various fruits and vegetables. Finding the right balance of water and electrolytes is all part of keeping yourself hydrated. If the headaches persist after changing your hydration levels, check in with your doctor.
Why is the room heated?
At Stretch, we don’t use any props such as ropes, pulleys, bars etc. In order to protect your muscles to allow for deeper stretching, we use the 105 degree heat as that promotes warming of your muscles in a safe and effective way. The heat activates your lymphatic system to aid in detoxification of your body through your sweat as well as compression of your organs and glands. It also improves your immune system by increasing the body’s core temperature and increases your heart rate and thins blood for a better cardiovascular exercise. It also improves strength by putting muscle tissue in an optimal state for revitalization and reorganization of the lipids (fat) in your muscular structure.
Why are there mirrors?
To help you create good alignment while in the postures, to create and maintain stillness for your eyes and mind, to see what’s happening with your body, and to help you become comfortable with truly seeing yourself.
Will I lose weight?
Many people lose weight as they practice this series when accompanied with a good healthy diet and proper nutrition. You get out of it what you put into class; if you practice regularly and frequently, as well as work hard while in class, you burn substantially more calories than just going through the motions. This practice is never a ‘quick fix’ but it also changes your cells on a deeper more permanent level.
Why do you teach the same postures all the time?
Simply put, repetition works. Repeating the same postures allows you to see how your body is changing through the daily progress you are making. The 26 postures practiced daily allows beginners to develop concentration and mind- body awareness while keeping the focus of class on the student rather then the teacher and what they would like to work on in any given class. One of the most prominent teachers in our lineage, Emmy Cleaves, puts it best: “You need to reinforce the aspect of your change – reinforce it until your bio-mechanics have been rearranged how they should be. You do something once and you feel the benefits then slip back into your old bad habits. Repetition allows you to keep reinforcing the change. You keep resetting, realigning how nature intended things to be.” Your entire body is worked from top to bottom, inside and out, each and every single class. Never any exceptions.
How can I learn more?
Come take class. Be receptive and open to change. As long as you come with an open mind and good attitude, the changes and learning will never stop. Our team of teachers teach yoga because we truly believe in it. We are passionate about healing ourselves and also empowering our students to do the same. We are always around to talk before and after class and available to answer any questions or discuss any concerns. See you in the hot room!
Can I get a refund?
Not your cup of tea? No problem. We are happy to offer refunds for memberships and class packages within 30 days of purchase or before usage of package has started.