Frequently asked questions: Yoga

Absolutely none! Every class is taught to the midline of who is there – so even if it says “Advanced Vinyasa” or “Vinyasa III” and you have never practiced before, you will still have a place, and you are still welcome. That said, the best classes for beginners are Vinyasa I, Fit Flow, Restorative, and Yin. You are always welcome to get in touch with me to talk about which formats make the most sense for you at any given time.

Whenever you want! Generally, it’s good to have a basic understanding of some of the postures and concepts that are common in yoga. Again it’s something that doesn't have an easy, one-size-fits-all answer. Some folks are ready for Vinyasa II after a dozen or so Vinyasa I classes, and others prefer to wait much longer. Feel free to get in touch with me if you’re uncertain of when to add Vinyasa II into your routine.

Wear something comfortable that you can move around in, and wear layers! It is common to like an additional layer of clothing to slip on towards the end of classes when things wind down (or the whole time for yin and restorative!) because your body temperature will drop when you are physically at rest. You do not need to wear leggings or yoga pants. You can wear whatever you want, as long as you are comfortable in it!

First, you never need a mat to practice yoga. You can always practice on the ground, in a chair, or wherever you are, and there is nothing magical that a semi-squishy rectangle will do to change that. At the same time, it is nice to practice on a mat–it creates a space for you to tether yourself to, offers cushion for bones and bums against a sometimes-quite-firm floor, and can help reduce slipping due to moisture accumulation (read: sweating). If you are practicing at Minneapolis Bouldering Project, there are mats available for you to borrow at no cost. For sessions outdoors or in special locations, there are no mats available to borrow and you can bring your own if you would like one.

If you want to bring a yoga mat, bring one (see above). It’s also nice to bring layers in case you get chilly when resting (your body temperature will naturally drop when you’re physically still for a little bit), and water! Bring water everywhere you go, honestly. It’s good for you :) Whenever props are required or suggested for practice, they will be provided. You are always welcome to bring your own blocks, strap, bolster, etc. You do not need to bring your phone or smart watch. If you would like to, or need to for any reason, please keep your device(s) on silent and avoid checking messages or using them unless absolutely necessary. Even the light-up from a smart watch can be really distracting for some in their practice, so just be as respectful as you can while also meeting your own needs!