FAQ

Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?

Many people avoid yoga due to a common misconception that yoga requires flexibility.  Although flexibility is something that is gained from yoga, it is not required to practice yoga, nor is it the primary goal of yoga.  Yoga is about strengthening all areas of your body and creating a healthier body.  Do your best and you'll receive all of the benefits that yoga has to offer.

 

What should I wear?

Ideal clothing for women includes: leggings, capris or shorts and a tank top or sports bra. Women are not permitted to practice fully topless.  Please refrain from wearing bikini bathing suits or underwear.

Ideal clothing for men includes: shorts (no boxer shorts/briefs or underwear) and optionally a t-shirt or tank top.  If wearing loose-fitting shorts, we recommend an under-layer of compression shorts. 

No shoes in the yoga room.

We recommend not wearing socks either, as bare feet will slip less than socks on a yoga mat.

 

What should I bring?

A yoga mat is required for class, but we also recommend bringing a water bottle. For your convenience, Peak Yoga includes mats in some of the pricing options (All-Day Pass, Week Unlimited, $49 for 30 days).  We also rent mats and sellwater.

 

Do I have to be in good shape?

Yoga is welcoming to any level of physical fitness - that's one of the beautiful elements of yoga. Start today!

 

Can I practice if I'm injured, have bad knees/hips/shoulders/etc...?

We of course recommend checking with your doctor before starting any new athletic program (including yoga), but most yoga poses can easily be modified to accommodate for physical conditions and many injuries.  Feel free to call ahead to discuss with us, and please tell your instructor of your condition before class.

 

Can I practice if I'm pregnant?

Again, please discuss with your doctor if yoga is appropriate for your body and how to modify to keep you and your baby safe. Most of our instructors are NOT certified in prenatal yoga and can not advise on WHAT to modify, but can suggest HOW to modify. For example, if you tell your instructor that you want to avoid twists or forward folds, he/she can offer modifications or alternatives to those types of postures.  Feel free to call ahead to discuss with us, and please tell your instructor of your pregnancy as well.

 

When should I eat before class?

Allow at least 2 hours between a full meal and your class start time.  If you are hungry, however, we recommend a light snack such as a banana or energy bar.

 

What are some of the benefits of yoga?

Yoga has an unlimited number of benefits.  Yoga reduces stress, increases blood circulation, improves function of digestion and the immune system while also building healthy joints as well as lean and supple muscles.  A regular practice (at least three times a week) can reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (i.e. arthritis, diabetes and thyroid disorders). It also promotes relaxation.

For more reasons to get started, read this article by Yoga Journal.

 

Which class is right for me?

All classes are "all levels" classes, which means that the poses will be offered with a variety of modifications to either reduce or increase the technical difficulty of the pose. That said, some classes are designed to be more aggressive/athletic than others. Class descriptions should provide a good overview of what to expect in each class, but call us if you have additional questions.  

If you're just starting out with yoga, a list of yoga classes which beginning students frequent the most is on the New To Yoga page.

 

Do you allow children in class?

We require that all students are a minimum age of 15.  

We understand that many children are already practicing yoga in schools, and that you might want to bring your children to class with you. What is most important to us at Peak Yoga is keeping people safe. Children's bodies are still in development, and because the tissues in childrens' bodies is different from adults's bodies their yoga should be different as well. This is why we do not allow any students under 15 to attend classes at Peak Yoga that are not labeled as "Kids Yoga". Children from 15-18 are welcome to attend classes at Peak Yoga, but they must have a parent or guardian sign their release form (no other family members or adults may sign this form). It is not required that a parent or guardian is present during class.

 

What is "Namaste"?

Namaste is a traditional greeting or parting which acknowledges that we are all connected. It is frequently translated to "the divine light in me acknowledges and honors the divine light in you".   Instructors will close class with this traditional parting.