Welcome beginners

We love beginning yoga students and realize that starting anything new can be daunting. Remember, everyone, including teachers, starts as a beginner. We provide several classes specifically designed to introduce students to the practice of yoga.

So often, new students comment apologetically on their lack of flexibility. Contrary to popular belief, there is no flexibility requirement to practice yoga. Increased flexibility is a by-product of yoga, not a prerequisite. Too much flexibility is actually not desirable as it destabilizes joints (yoga can actually help with that too!). Yoga offers stress relief, increased strength and range of motion, relaxation, and enhanced flexibility, no matter what your starting point.

It is an honor to be someone’s first yoga teacher. We hope to meet you soon!

Here are some ways to begin…..

1. Register for the Intro to Yoga series

This 4 week series, held on Mondays 5:30 to 6:45pm or Sundays 9:00 to 10:15am, is specifically designed to introduce the new student to the basics of yoga with small classes (12) and individualized attention. Upon completion, you will have the confidence and knowledge to step into any Fundamentals, Gentle, Whole Body Practice and Restorative class.

You MUST preregister. Check the SERIES page to sign up for the next series. The tuition for this series is $49. No make up session. These classes are sequential and are most effective if you can attend all of them.

Or……

2. Register for the Beginner Yoga Course

4 weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 to 8:45pm plus *****unlimited****** Whole Body or Fundamentals classes throughout the four week course.  For those brand new to yoga or those who have been practicing yoga who wish to deepen their practice or refine alignments and prevent injuries.   In an interactive and safe environment you will learn the Whole Body Sequence and fundamental principles of alignment that work quickly to to improve posture, alleviate pain and focus your mind.  In your first class you will learn eight to ten postures and leave stronger and more relaxed … yet energized. After twelve classes you will know why yoga is the oldest most effective system of wellness in existence!  Upon completion of this course you will have built a strong foundation for yoga practice – fully able to participate in many of the classes taught at Yoga Soleil.

You MUST preregister. Check the SERIES page to sign up for the next series. The tuition for this series is $119. No make up session. These classes are sequential and are most effective if you can attend all of them.

Or……

3. Sign up for the Intro to Flow Workshop

This workshop is held on Saturday afternoons and the tuition is $35.

Or……

4. Drop in to any Gentle, Fundamentals, Whole Body Practice, Restorative or Kundalini class.

These classes do not require pre-registration and are perfect for new(er) yoga students. Click here for a detailed description of the classes.

Simply show up 10-15 minutes before class starts to introduce yourself to the instructor and complete a student profile.

Or……

5. Still unsure? 
Make an appointment with one of us for a free 15 minute consultation.
Please call 253-446-7045 or email us info@yogasoleil.com to schedule it. Ask any yoga questions you may have and find the appropriate class for you!

Or……

6. Schedule a private session 
Get individual attention and sequences designed for your specific needs.

please
Arrive 10 – 15 minutes before class to complete some paperwork (or you can download the Student Registration Form and bring it with you).

Introduce yourself to the instructor and communicate any pre-existing medical issues or concerns you might have.

Dress comfortably. Classes are all barefoot.

Avoid Perfume. Please help us maintain a fragrance-free environment.

A light stomach will ensure you are more comfortable in class. Wait two to three hours after a meal or a half hour after a snack.

Yoga mats (and all other props) are available at the studio. We encourage you to bring your own mat if you have one.

Check in at the front desk, take off your shoes and turn off your cell phone. There is space in the studio to safely store your personal belongings.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the new information from your very first yoga class, rest assured: after one or two more classes, the practice will feel more familiar to you and you will feel more at ease. Give yourself at least three or four classes before deciding whether yoga is right for you. And, PLEASE, stay after class or email us with any questions or concerns you have. It is our goal and pleasure to make your yoga experience with us enjoyable, relevant  and valuable to your life.

What to Expect in a Yoga Class

Yoga Soleil, like most yoga studios, is a shoe-free zone. Yoga is traditionally practiced in bare feet on a sticky rubber mat.

The teacher may talk to you before or during class about your physical history, experience with yoga, injuries, etc. If you would rather do this in private, our teachers will be available before class, so feel free to talk to them then. It is always advisable to let the teacher know about any physical issues you may have so that they can structure the poses to fit your needs.

A yoga pose is simply a position you take with the body. Sometimes they are called “postures.” The Sanskrit word for a yoga pose is “asana.” (AH-sah-na). Poses are designed to give the body and mind maximum benefit. Doing yoga is called “practicing,” and a yoga class is also called a “practice.” Poses range from very simple to Cirque du Soleil – but, contrary to what is featured in the media, the majority of them are attainable for most bodies.

During your practice, the teacher will lead you through a variety of yoga poses, with directions for proper alignment of the body. Depending on the teacher, he or she may also offer breathing directions, lead you through a relaxing visualization, or play music. Some teachers are very conversational, with questions and answers as part of the class; other teachers lead a more guided practice, while they walk through the class and work with each student individually as they teach. Some practices are very slow and methodical and focus on a few specific poses, while others may flow and move through more poses with less emphasis on each pose. Some classes will focus more on relaxation, while others will give you a more physical workout.

If you would like to find out more about a specific class or teacher, feel free to call the studio and ask, or send us an email. We would love to help you find a class and/or teacher that is a good fit for you.

Classes traditionally end with a rest pose, in which you lie on your back on the mat and just relax for a while. The Sanskrit term for this pose is Savasana (sha-VAH-sah-na). This pose is all about comfort and rest, so if lying on your back is not comfortable for you, let the teacher know! He or she will offer modifications.

To close class, it is traditional for the teacher to say “Namaste” and for the class to repeat it back to the teacher. “Namaste” loosely translates to mean “The light in me recognizes and bows to the light in you.” It is a way of acknowledging that we are all part of the same beautiful, united whole.

Some Thoughts on Your Yoga Practice

• Yoga is not a competitive sport! Try to abandon the competitive mindset that permeates so much of modern life – and this includes being competitive with yourself, or the self you think you “should” be. How you approach your yoga is crucial to how you will feel when you leave class.
• Practice compassion toward yourself. Treat yourself with as much compassion as you would treat the person you love most. Rest whenever you would like – you never need to “keep up” with the rest of the class. Rest is one of the most important poses in yoga. As you progress, you will work toward finding your own balance of effort and surrender.
• The physical poses are a means to an end, not the end itself. The idea is to feel good – physically, mentally, and spiritually. The poses are merely a path to help you achieve this. As we once heard a teacher say, it is not about using your body to get into the poses. It is about using the poses to get into your body.
• Your yoga teacher is there to help you practice in a way that is safe and enjoyable and that will offer you the most benefit. All our teachers are highly trained and knowledgeable and love to talk about yoga (really, really love to talk about yoga!), so please ask any and all questions you may have.
• It is important to remember to approach your practice with kindness toward yourself and a good sense of humor. Taking time to practice yoga is not only a gift to yourself; it is a gift to everyone you encounter in your life!