Clean:  You’ll notice that the studio is very clean.  In yoga we “clean” the energy blocks in our bodies from the inside out.  The cleanliness of the studio is simply a reflection of what we are striving for on the inside (and the newly refinished floors reflect that on a whole new level).

Light:  The space is light and airy, with plenty of windows to provide natural light.  Through yoga we are striving for a lightness of mind and body, and a sense of ease in the body.  This lightness and airiness of space helps us to get there.  During the winter when the studio gets dark, you’ll notice that only soft and warm light is used, and the instructors are very conscious of the softness of the lights, and the dimming of the lights as the class progresses.

Minimalism:  When you come to the studio, you’ll notice that there are very few objects in the studio room itself, and there is a reason for that.  This is to help you to have a one-pointed focus of mind.  That is, a mind that is focusing on your body.  With lots of knick knacks and distractions, this is virtually impossible.  This is how “regular life” is and we try to get you away from that for this 75 minutes!  The pieces of art and plants that are in the room are there to help you to focus, to relax, and to feel calm.  We strive to find just the right item, and place it in just the right place for you!

And so, in this clean, light and airy space, we guide you toward a sense of ease and peace through your yoga practice!

Scheduling Yoga with other Exercise

If you exercise regularly outside of yoga, you should schedule classes appropriately around your workout (or your workout around your class!).

Gentle Classes:  Choose a gentle class after your workout (not before), to stretch out tight muscles.  Also, the yoga practice helps to better integrate the strength or cardio benefits of your workout, so the health benefits of your workout actually increase by doing a gentle class afterwards!

All Levels Classes:  If you can, choose an All Levels class on a day you are not working out.  This class can be a workout.

Stretching before class

You don’t need to stretch before class at home! Many people tell me “I’m not flexible – I’m going to stretch before I come to class.”  This is just like cleaning for the cleaning lady – not necessary!

However, if you do get to class early, you can to do some light stretching on your mat before we get started.  This is less about getting flexible, and more about helping you to feel more settled and grounded in your space and on your mat when we start class.

Mat and Props

If you have a mat, bring it!  Karoun Yoga does supply community mats for free, which you are welcome to use for your first few classes.  However, it’s always nice to have your own mat, creating a sense of your own comfortable space in the studio.

Karoun Yoga also supplies blankets, straps, blocks, and eye pillows, which are all optional props used during class.  While most people use the supplies at Karoun Yoga, some people do bring their own.

What to Wear to Class

http://karounyoga.com/blog/2011/02/07/how-to-dress-for-yoga/

Eating

The amount of time needed to digest food before yoga class varies by individual.  The general theory is to eat no later than 2-3 hours before class, and to eat lightly.  Depending on how quickly you digest (a great example of why it’s good to know your body!), you will fall on either end of the range.  I’ve known people who needed 4 hours, and others who only need 1 hour to digest.  If you’d like, eat a piece of fruit or juice within an hour before class to keep the body hydrated with electrolytes.

Hydration

It’s always good to hydrate before class.  If you’d like, you can bring water or a Gatorade-type drink to class.  Some people feel more comfortable when they have water next to them.  Generally it’s nice to have it!

Hope this blog helps!  See you at your next yoga class!

Dress Comfortably

The general rule of thumb is to dress comfortably for ease of movement.  The clothing should not constrict mobility in any way.  Sweatpants, exercise pants, or spandex-type pants are ideal.  Pants like jeans or cargos are OK, but they probably will limit your mobility, and you won’t get your full stretch value out of the class!

Not too Loose!

The second rule of thumb is to wear something that is not too loose.  If you are comfortable in something that is form fitting, that is ideal, so that I, or any yoga instructor, can see your form in the pose, and help you with alignment when necessary.  If you are  not comfortable with form-fitting clothing, then wear something that is a little loose.  If the clothing is too loose however, the clothing will get in the way of the pose, and that, again will take away from your yoga experience.

Wear Layers!

The third point to keep in mind is to wear layers.  The warmth element of the yoga studio has been enhanced.  However, if you get cold easily, you might want to wear a few layers to stay warm.  During the active series, you can get pretty warm and will want to shed some layers.  During the deeper stretching the body starts to cool down.  And during final relaxation, the body temperature really drops, so people like to put layers back on, socks back on, and even cover up in a yoga blanket (provided at the studio).  All of this is recommended, as the warmer and more comfortable you feel in final relaxation, the easier it is to feel relaxed and calm, and get the most out of this part of the class.

Shop if you’d like….

Yoga clothes can get expensive.  Thrifty choices like Marshall’s or TJ Maxx have worked well for me.  If you want to be part of the yoga elite, and wear expensive yoga clothes, Lululemon and Lucy are the yoga outfitters of the day.

The Kate Gray Boutique in East Longmeadow has excellent comfy shirts and pants that can be worn to yoga, they are eco friendly, super comfortable, and will last a very long time.  You can find her at www.facebook.com/kategrayboutique.  She even carries necklaces with words like “Breathe” and “Namaste”.

So, stay comfy and layer-up, and I’ll see you at the next yoga class!