Can beginners attend classes?
How do I come prepared for class?
How challenging are the classes?
Should I bring water to class?
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
How often should I practice?
What if I'm not flexible?
What makes yoga at the yoga room so special?
How do classes at the yoga room differ from classes at health clubs?
Why does the yoga room heat the studio?
How old must my son or daughter be to attend classes?
Does the yoga room offer anything other than yoga classes?

Can beginners attend classes?

Absolutely! Because there are modifications for almost every pose, beginners are welcome to attend any class. However, if you have never done yoga, we highly recommend taking a few Yoga Basics and ViniStyle Yoga classes before attempting any of the Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, or Ashtanga Prep classes (please refer to the Schedule page for a description of the various classes offered at the yoga room). Yoga Basics or ViniStyle Yoga is a good place to start because they focus on foundational postures, alignment, movement and breath.

For best results, we also recommend that beginners try to complete 10 classes in three weeks. Within a short period of time, you will see and feel a definite transformation: improved balance; heightened awareness; more strength (not large muscles); increased stamina; the recovery of a certain amount of lost flexibility; and an improvement in mental clarity. Perhaps most important, you will simply feel better!

How do I come prepared for class?

• Wear clothing appropriate for exercise.
• Consume no more than a light snack an hour or more before class.
• Arrive 10 minutes before class.
• Bring one or two towels.
• Please turn off pager and cell phone or put them on vibration mode.

How challenging are the classes?

Whatever your level, yoga will provide you with a healthy, challenging workout. You're first few classes may be difficult. You might even feel a bit lightheaded, and it is not uncommon to experience slight nausea with vigorous exercise. To avoid these symptoms it is a good idea to practice on a relatively empty stomach, and get a good night sleep. But regardless of how challenging the practice, the important thing is to follow the ancient yogic axiom that states: Do only what you are able to do. Over time, the more you do what you are able to do, the more you will be able to do.

Should I bring water to class?

By far the most important preparation for practicing yoga has to do with hydration. It is essential to keep the body well hydrated by drinking lots of water on a regular basis. Sorry, but liquids like coffee, cola, and tea, do not count. A simple way to determine if you are drinking enough water is to observe the color and odor of your urine. Your urine should be clear and odor-free. Keep in mind that effective hydration requires drinking lots of pure water on a regular basis over a prolonged period of time. So you should be well hydrated before coming to practice. Drinking water during practice is discouraged as it tends to put out the very fire that is being stirred up.

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?

Yoga mats and props are provided free if charge by the yoga room. However, it is recommended that you eventually purchase your own mat. The cost of a good mat will range between $30 and $80 depending on material, quality, thickness, and where it is purchased (inexpensive "sticky" mats are not recommended). High quality Tapas Brand Ultra Yoga Mats can be purchased at the yoga room along with carrying slings. Yoga mats and exercise mats are not the same. Yoga mats are relatively thin, can be rolled up and easily carried from spot to spot. More important, they provide a slip-resistant cushion between your body and the floor. This is essential to a safe and enjoyable practice. Many students also keep a thin cotton blanket rolled up inside their mat. This blanket has several uses: it can be folded or rolled up and used to elevate the hips when practicing certain sitting postures; it can be laid on top of the yoga mat to absorb perspiration during your practice; or it can be used to cover your body at the end of practice during the resting phase to keep you from becoming chilled.

How often should I practice?

Successful yoga practice requires discipline and commitment. Consistency is the key to success. A practice of 2-3 days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. But for life-changing results, a practice of 4-6 days per week is recommended. The best rule is to develop the spirit of repetition and "everydayness" in your practice.

What if I'm not flexible?

Regaining flexibility is one of the many potential benefits of yoga. As a result of various factors most folks lose much of the flexibility they had early in life. But quite a bit of this lost flexibility can be regained. Over time, your range of motion will naturally improve, and you should begin to experience a more childlike suppleness. However, it is important to remember that the main goal of yoga is to build and maintain physical and mental vitality, not to wrap your legs behind your head (although this may eventually occur). So even students who are inherently inflexible can still enjoy and benefit from yoga practice.

What makes yoga at the yoga room so special?

Yoga at the yoga room is a no-nonsense yoga that is practical for this day and age. We encourage students to challenge themselves, but to stay within their limits. Our ultimate goal is to improve overall health by strengthening, stretching, and rejuvenating the body and mind, and providing students with proven techniques to manage stress on a daily basis.

How do classes at the yoga room differ from yoga classes at health clubs?

The atmosphere is completely different. Our studio is private and quiet, and provides a safe and noncompetitive environment conducive to the practice of yoga. We use a heated room with candlelight, aroma therapy, and soft music to create a relaxed environment. Relationships are built between students and teachers and between students and students. Teachers at the yoga room are specialists who must complete a minimum 150-hour apprenticeship program, and regularly participate in continuing education workshops.

Why does the yoga room heat the studio?

Depending on the type of class, the studio temperature is maintained between 70 and 78 degrees. A warm room keeps your muscles pliable, and lowers the risk of injury.

How old must my son or daughter be to attend classes?

Students must be at least 12 years of age to attend adult classes. Students less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent to the first class to sign a release form. Very soon we plan to offer Kids Yoga for ages 5 to 11 years.

Does the yoga room offer anything other than yoga classes?

Our studio is a dedicated yoga studio. In addition, for those who are interested in private training for weight loss and personal fitness, Private Fitness is located in the same center and is owned by the same folks as the yoga room.

Private Fitness was established as a One on One Personal Training studio. Together, Private Fitness and the yoga room offer students a unique program that integrates strength training, cardiovascular health, nutritional guidance, and yoga. Like the yoga room, Private Fitness is dedicated to helping clients of all fitness levels reach their goals in a safe, comfortable, and exclusive setting. Clients are coached, motivated, and trained by our knowledgeable and experienced trainers. Call for a free consultation and goal assessment at (714) 283-3411. See also our website at www.ocprivatefitness.com.

If you have other questions about yoga or the yoga room, please send us an email to info@ocyoga.com and we promise to get back to you right away!