First time?
We get it.
Whether it’s your first yoga studio or hundredth, stepping into a new place can feel like the first day of Middle School all over again.
Don’t sweat it (save that for class). Below you’ll find what to expect when coming to The Ashram, our studio etiquette, and best practices for booking our classes.
The Basics
It’s hot!
We are a hot yoga studio. Our Power & Bikram classes take place in a hot room between 90 & 110 degrees fahrenheit. Our restorative classes are slightly cooler (75F to 85F), and our sound baths are even cooler.
We ask that you come well hydrated before class and if you have to eat beforehand, make it a light meal.
Where to leave your items and change?
When you come into the studio, we will ask you to remove your shoes and leave them on the shoe rack before you enter the yoga room. Inside the yoga room, you’ll find a men and women’s changing room as well as a men and women’s bathroom.
Inside the women’s changing room we have two showers for you to freshen up after class. The men’s shower is located in the men’s bathroom. We ask that you keep showers to 3 minutes max.
The Class
The heat can be hard at first, so take plenty of breaks. We ask that you stay in the room during class unless you are not feeling well.
Surrender expectations. You are not going to get all the postures and flow the first time. Yoga is not about perfection; it’s about honoring your practice through best effort with the body you have that day.
How should you dress?
Wear what you feel comfortable moving in. Take into account that you will sweat a lot. If you would like more guidance on how to dress for class, just take a look at one of our livestream classes to get a better sense of what to wear.
Checking-in
If it’s your first class we recommend you arrive to the studio at least 20 minutes before class. That will give you plenty of time to settle into our space.
When you get here, go to the front-desk and introduce yourself to the instructor and let them know it’s your first time. The instructor will check you in, provide you a mat & towel and give you some pointers before class.
After Class
Take some time to decompress. The worst thing you can do to your post-yoga experience is to rush out of the studio—you’ll miss out on the post-yoga bliss.
Feel free to introduce yourself to a friendly face. We have a community of seasoned yogis who are welcoming to all new students. Most of our regular students have practiced at this studio or with Gary for over a decade. They are always happy to give you pointers or encouragement!
What do you need to bring?
You will need a yoga mat and a yoga towel (so that you don’t slip), and a bottle of water.
If it’s your first time practicing yoga and you don’t have a yoga mat and a yoga towel, you will be given a complimentary mat and towel rental during your first class. Afterwards, you can rent a mat and towel from us before class, or you can buy a mat/towel in our retail boutique.
Settling into class
Please align your mat with those in the same row and make your best effort to not block the view of the yogi behind you.
Our yoga room is a silent room, so keep noise at a minimum and whisper if you need to communicate. We also do not allow phones or other electronic devices in the room.
As you get ready for class to start feel free to stretch, be present with your breath, or simply lay on the mat with your head towards the mirror.
Studio Etiquette
We are a sanctuary. A place for presence and honoring yourself. Please follow these guidelines.
Silent Studio
This a space to invite stillness into your life. Please keep chatter to a minimum inside the yoga room.
Arrive early
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before class to give yourself time to set up and ground yourself.
Keep it Simple
All you need is a yoga mat, a non-slip towel, and water. We encourage a device-free practice (watches, fitbits, etc).
Cell Phone free zone
Let go of distractions. Please silence your phone and put it away.
Stay in the room
Please stay in the room during class. If you need a break, take a resting posture until you feel ready to rejoin.
Line up your mat
Please keep the mats organized neatly in rows. Be mindful not to setup directly in front, or behind, another yoga mat.
Hydrate
We recommend 2 liters of water 2 hours before class, though your body may have unique needs.
Clean up after yourself
Please clean up your sweat at the end of class and leave the space as you found it.
Booking Best Practices
Download the Walla App
Walla is our booking platform. Seamlessly register for class, buy a membership or class pack and stay up to date with studio announcements.
Register ahead of class
We love when students register before class. It makes the check-in process a breeze and ensures we capture proper attendance.
if you can’t make it, please cancel ahead
Things happen! We are pretty lenient about last-minute cancellations. All that we ask is that if you cannot make to class that you cancel online. Otherwise, a no-show will count against your class-pack.