Common Questions
Got Questions? We Have Answers
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Yoga places emphasis on alignment, meaning that how you are touching your toes is more important than whether you can actually touch them or not. Attention to the breath and tuning in to the subtle sensations of the body introduce a mindfulness to even simple yoga poses that is missing from stretching.
Many of today’s most popular yoga styles are vinyasa/flow. This means there is movement from pose to pose with an awareness of the breath, making this style of yoga very fluid. With that said, there are many different styles of yoga, many of which we offer at The Shiva Yoga Shala. Spend some time finding which style best fits your personal needs!
Asana, or the physical practice of postures, in only one aspect of a yoga practice, albeit the most well known here in the West. Even if you only engage in yoga through asana practice (an excellent place to start), feel free to google the “eight limbs of yoga.”
A yoga mat, a towel, and water. If you don’t have a mat, no worries! We have have rental mats available for $2. We also sell the highest quality Manduka and yoga products in our boutique.
We suggest you arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit to the studio to fill out the new student form and get settled. After your first time, please arrive at least 5 minutes early. You are welcome to come up to 15 minutes early to claim your spot and enjoy some “me time” before class begins.
Comfortable work-out clothes that allow you to move freely are best. Check out our Boutique for high-quality Yoga wear, apparel, and awesome accessories!
I’m new to yoga… Which class(es) should I attend first?
Good news! We offer several classes just for you!
Here are our recommendations:
- Beginner Basics :
This class will allow you to learn the lingo as well as build a strong foundation to your Yoga practice.
- Restorative :
All you need to do is relax, let go, and prepare to feel ahhhhhmazing!
- Yin Yoga :
Deep stretch. This class is perfect for you.
- Meditation :
Relax with guided meditation with gentle poses aimed at making meditation more comfortable, everything can be modified to be done from a chair. - Please note:
ALL of our classes are suitable for ALL levels and body types. Our educated and compassionate instructors can offer assistance and modifications.
Private lessons are a great way to get one-on-one instruction and help you feel comfortable with your basics and the new language of yoga. Your instructor will help you learn about what you need to feel comfortable, how to modify the poses for your body’s needs, and will answer all the questions you have about this ancient practice. Click here for private lessons.
The heat warms the muscles for safer stretching and increases the efficiency of our cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. The heat warms the muscles for safer stretching and increases the efficiency of our cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems. You will sweat more. Sweat helps to detoxify the body and is good for your kidneys.
We practice COMPASSIONATE HEAT. We do not heat the room to Bikram Yoga levels. Heat is generated from intentional breathing, movement, and setting the studio thermostat at 85-90ºF. We ask you to drink water before and after class. Always listen to your body. If you need to take a rest or a water break, take one.
We turn the heat off and turn on the AC/Fans about 3/4 of the way through class, helping your body to cool down during the resting phase of class.
Our team at The Shiva Yoga Shala are always available during business hours to answer any questions you might have. You can drop by the front desk, call 239.274.6683 or send your questions to: nick@elegantstudios.org