Helpful Tips Before Your First Class

Consult with your physician before starting classes if you are taking medication, are under a doctor's care or have severe physical limitations. If your doctor can't advise you, consult a different physician or contact the International Association of Yoga Therapists ( www.yrec.org ). They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Avoid eating at least two hours before class. It's best to practice on an empty stomach and empty bowels to avoid becoming queasy or nauseous during class.

Wear comfortable and modest clothing that you can easily breathe and move around in. (If you're worried about what's showing when you're bending over or lifting your legs up, it's hard to focus on the class!) Elastic waistbands and soft fabric pants are comfortable and allow you mobility while jeans do not.

When you arrive at the studio, you will need to remove your shoes. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. You may keep your socks on if you find that more comfortable for you.

Avoid wearing any body lotions or oils, perfume or fragrance and, be mindful of cigarette smoking. Your body will generate heat that will accentuate any fragrances/odors on your body, so we ask that you take all of these things into consideration before coming into class.

Leave the cell phone and pager turned off.

You will need to provide your own yoga mat if you desire to use one.

Bottled water is permitted. No other food items, please.

Please arrive on time. For your first class, you should arrive early enough to complete some paperwork.

Be sure to sign a waiver (Adobe PDF, 64K) and be honest about any physical injuries or limitations.

Don't be afraid to ask questions before, during or after class.

Never exceed your physical limits. Do only what's appropriate for you and how you feel. This is not a contest. You're not competing with anyone - including yourself. There is no goal - no place to ultimately "be" but where you comfortably are now.

"No pain no gain" has no place in yoga - if something hurts, back off and stop immediately. If you cannot comfortably breathe while you are in a pose, then you have gone too far.

Through consistent and patient practice you will begin to experience and enjoy the wonderful benefits of yoga. Remember, it's a process and the process will reward your dedication with increased strength, balance, flexibility, and a greater sense of well-being.