- It is best to practice on an empty stomach. Avoid eating for 2-3 hours before class unless it’s something light and easily digestible.
- Many people are sensitive or allergic to scents. Please do not use or re-apply scents or makeup before your class.
- Wear comfortable loose (but not baggy) clothing. Dress in layers if you tend to get too warm or cool.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early – 15 minutes if it’s your first time. You need time to get settled, select your props and set up your space to practice. New students need to fill out forms at their first class.
- The entry room has a coat rack, and shelves for your shoes. Take valuables with your into the studio.
- Enter the studio quietly, with respect for those who are preparing for their practice. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off. If you have a situation that requires that you leave them on, please inform your instructor.
- We recommend you use the time before class to sit or lie quietly, beginning your transition from your busy day to your practice.
- New Students, please complete the Serenity Yoga Health Awareness Form and sign our Release Form. These forms will soon be available to download so you can print and bring to class with you.
- Pregnant women must consult their health care provider and obtain written approval before enrolling in class.
- Ladies’ and Men’s bathrooms: go right as you leave our main door, and bathrooms are on the left, either side of the water cooler; and another set of bathrooms is in the opposite direction all the way to the end of the hall then go left. Each is a single user bathroom and you need a key to access it. Bathroom keys are in our office/entry and are clearly marked. Please make sure to return the key, and if you accidentally leave it in the bathroom, please let the instructor know. As a courtesy, please knock before using the key – there is no privacy once the door is opened; lock the door once you enter to prevent anyone with a key from entering while your in the bathroom.
- Listen to and follow instructions carefully.
- Ask questions if you are unsure how to perform a certain movement, if you would like additional instruction, or if you experience any discomfort.
- Breathe smoothly and continuously as you move and stretch.
- Do not hold your breath or strain to attain any position.
- Work gently, respecting your body’s abilities and limits.
- Awareness is fundamental to the practice of Yoga. Listen to your body. Do not perform postures or movements that are painful. If you feel any strain or pain, let your instructor know and we will help you to modify the movement.
- Menstruating women may wish to avoid inverted postures (ask for more details).
- Put everything away – all the shelves are clearly marked with what props are stored on each shelf.
- If you use our sticky mats, please consider using the spray we provide to do a quick spray and wipe down with a paper towel; then they are to be rolled tightly, never folded or rolled loosely as this will cause damage over time.
- Please fold blankets neatly and in the same way you found them.
- If you use our large ‘cushy’ mats, please use the long-poled lint roller to clean the mat; then fold the mat in half twice, and stack neatly.
- Blocks are stacked in pairs, one on top of the other or side by side on the appropriate shelves.
- Sitting cushions are stacked on the appropriate shelves.
- We have 3 types of Yoga straps/ties – each type should be rolled around your hand them placed in the appropriate bin which is clearly marked.
- Eye pillows go back in their bin – please discard the tissue you used with it.
- There are several kinds of neck pillows – place the one you used with the appropriate stack on the shelf.
- Be careful when stacking our large bolsters so each stack is stable.
- Return sandbags to their place on the marked bottom shelf.
- Please empty plastic water bottles before you put them in our recycle bag in the coat room/office.
- Remember – Students before you took care to leave the props in neat order for you, so we ask that you offer the same consideration to the students coming in after you.
