FAQ

1. What class is right for me?

   Make sure you review our class schedule and select an appropriate class for your level and your schedule. You can register online and even sign up for a class online or at the studio.

2. Where should I park?

   Make sure you allow for time to find parking and for checking in. Please note that we have an agreement with a nearby garage for $4 for 2.5 hours of parking. We must validate your parking ticket in order for you to get the discounted rate. Check out the parking info on our website.

3. What about bikes and public transportation?

   We highly encourage public transit and cycling - click here if you need directions. If you ride a bike, you may bring it upstairs and leave it in our secure reception area.

4. How do I pay for class?

   We are a donation-based center. All our regular classes are by donation. No one is ever turned away due to lack of funds. Workshops and trainings are specific rates. You may pay by cash or credit card. A recommended cash donation for one class is between $10-20. But this is only a guideline. We gratefully accept what you offer. A single class visit paid by debit/credit card donation is set at $15. You may purchase multi-class cards and passes online or at the studio.

5. Do you have mats and towels available?

   MATS: We do not rent yoga mats. Please bring your own. There may be a few “loaner” mats available for new students and for special circumstances. Once these are all taken, the only other options will be to purchase a mat or return for a different class.
   
   Traveling students who will be visiting San Francisco and who pre-register online for class, may contact the studio to request a loaner mat be held for them.
   
   TOWELS: You may rent a clean laundered 20"x40" towel for $2. We also sell mats, towels, and other yoga goodies in our rental area!

6. Do you have bottled water for sell?

   We do not sell or encourage use of plastic water bottles. Bring your own bottle or canteen and fill up at our Hydration Station, which pours forth pure, filtered water. We sell canteens, in case you forget yours.

7. What do I expect DURING the class?
   • SHOES: Remove your shoes BEFORE entering the yoga room. There are shoe cubbies in the reception area
   • PERSONAL BELONGINGS: feel free to bring them into the yoga room but please place them carefully in one of the storage cubbies. Please note: the studio is not responsible for your belongings.
   • CELL PHONE: Leave your cell phone OFF
   • YOGA MAT: Unroll your mat so that you have space in front of you, behind you and to the sides
   • PROPS: You may need a yoga block or a yoga strap. Look for these items in the room
   • HEAT: our classes use heat to get the body really warm
   • SWEAT: you will sweat but try not to constantly wipe it off the body. This tends to have the body create more and more sweat.
   • TOWEL: once you begin sweating, it may be wise to place a towel at the front and back of the mat in a single layer as to help with traction
   • WATER: only drink as needed during the class. Try not to ‘put out the fire' and do not use this as a method of mentally pulling yourself out of the practice
   • MUSIC: each teacher provides a variety of music based on their tastes and the rhythm of the class
   • INSTRUCTOR: each instructor is unique yet provides a compassionate and inspiring approach to a well-rounded, challenging vinyasa (flow-based yoga) experience. If you do not connect with one teacher's method, don't blame yoga and quit. Try another teacher. Find one who sparks your own inner fires and who leads by an example that inspires you. Please visit our teachers page on our website to review our bios
   • ASSISTANTS: many teachers have room assistants who are fully certified as yoga instructors. They may come by to help you in poses. Please let them know if you need anything or if you prefer not to be touched or assisted. We respect your needs.
   • INJURIES and HEALTH CONCERNS: please consult with your health care provider before beginning yoga. Please notify the teacher or assistants before class
   • PREGNANT: please consult with your health care provider before beginning yoga. Please notify the teacher or assistants before class
   • CLASS STRUCTURE: often we begin in a sitting position and the teacher guides you through breath work and a chant
   • CHANTING: this is a non-sectarian spiritual practice, just like yoga. The yoga of sound is integral to this experience and has no religious affiliation. It's okay if you do not want to chant.
   • SEQUENCES: each class begins with a warm up, often akin to sun salutations, and then moves on to various challenging standing poses, seated poses, and reclining poses. This is basically a full-body workout. There is relaxation at the end.
   • PERSONAL LIMITATIONS: know the difference between pain and discomfort. Pain is not allowed. Discomfort is quite alright. Ambition and greed on the practice only brings more tightness, which is counterproductive. Learn compassion for yourself and your personal evolution.
   • MEDITATION: many teachers offer a two-minute meditation at the end of the physical practice. Bask in this with great joy.
   • SAVASANA: this is your final relaxation. Please do not leave before the end of class, otherwise you miss out on the key element behind what we offer. If the teacher is running overtime, then please feel free to quietly exit the room as you see fit. Many yoga teachers have little concept of time. Sorry about this in advance! So, always remember that you are not held captive. Feel free to boogie. We love you just the same.
   • FINAL CHANT and CLOSING: often, the teacher repeats the initial chant at the end of class and then says a few words before we all bow to each other with gratitude. There is no hierarchy nor submissiveness here. We are all completely equal and utterly human. We say Namaste at the end to emphasis the equality of divine energy within every being. No one's got more and no one's got less!
   • FELLOWSHIP: we encourage our visitors to acknowledge one another before leaving. This is integral to our mission to shrink the world.
8. How is the class structured?

   Often we begin in a sitting position and the teacher guides you through breath work and a chant.

   • CHANTING: this is a non-sectarian spiritual practice, just like yoga. The yoga of sound is integral to this experience and has no religious affiliation. It's okay if you do not want to chant.
   • SEQUENCES: each class begins with a warm up, often akin to sun salutations, and then moves on to various challenging standing poses, seated poses, and reclining poses. This is basically a full-body workout. You may find this to be a cardiovascular experience. There is relaxation at the end.
   • PERSONAL LIMITATIONS: Know the difference between pain and discomfort. Pain is not allowed. Discomfort is quite all right. Ambition and greed in the practice only bring more tightness, which is counterproductive. Learn compassion for yourself and your personal evolution.
   • SAVASANA: This is your final relaxation. Please do not leave before the end of class, otherwise you miss out on the key element behind what we offer. (If the teacher is running overtime, then please feel free to quietly exit the room as you see fit.) So, always remember that you are not held captive. Feel free to boogie. We love you just the same.
   • FINAL CHANT and CLOSING: Often the teacher repeats the initial chant at the end of class and then says a few words before we all bow to each other with gratitude. There’s no superiority or submissiveness here. We are all completely equal and utterly human. We say Namaste at the end to emphasis the equality of divine energy within every being. No one's got more and no one's got less!
   • FELLOWSHIP: We encourage our visitors to acknowledge one another before leaving. This is part of our mission to shrink the world.
9. What should I expect AFTER the class?
   • Hydrate with clean, filtered water
   • Eat lightly (usually wait at least a half an hour or even more)
   • Shower
   • Over the next twenty-four hours really notice your body and any soreness or even openness. Don't worry if you feel very sore or even a little tighter. Just trust the practice and keep doing it. You can break down many walls by sticking with it! If you have real pain, check with your health care provider.
   • Also notice how you feel mentally and emotionally. Over time, most practitioners begin to experience mental clarity and heart-felt kindness in their daily lives. But often we do stir up a lot of different emotions in the process. There's no real need to worry about that, just let it flow but be careful what you do with it. Aim for great kindness always.

Thank you for checking out our studio and this information. I do hope it helps you realize that you are absolutely welcome at our center. Please call on us if we can be of support to your practice.

With love from the heart of the Beloved,
Rusty