Getting Started
Yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. What's more, yoga:
Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
Reduces stress and tension
Boosts self esteem
Improves concentration and creativity
Lowers fat
Improves circulation
Stimulates the immune system
Creates sense of well being and calm.
And that's just the surface stuff!
Please come and try yoga. It is truly a wonderful experience, and will help you to feel better about yourself and accept who you are, your physical body, and your limitations. You do not need to be flexible to begin yoga. Yoga will help you to become more flexible, physically and mentally.
Cultivate a loving relationship with your body.
-Stephen C. Paul
Yoga is about 5000 years old. The yoga we practice at Yoga for Everybody includes body postures and breathing techniques. All classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes long unless otherwise indicated. Some postures are practiced lying down, others on hands and knees, and many are practiced while standing. Postures are also called asanas. They help to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and release physical tension. Some postures are held in a stationary position while others involve movement. Breathing properly is an important part of yoga, with lots of benefits to your health. Breathing is also called pranayama.
In the beginning of each class there is a centering time when the mind and body are quieted. Students may be invited to join each other in sharing the sound of "OM". You do not have to join in if you don't want to.
Relaxation occurs at the end of each class. During relaxation we are able to let go and to experience the benefits of yoga, before rejoining the day and our busy lives. Following relaxation, there is another centering time and again students are invited to join each other in the sound of "OM".
Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation.
–Stephen C. Paul
After practicing yoga, people generally notice an increase in flexibility, strength, and an overall sense of well-being. Students feel more relaxed. Your body will be healthier and you will have a peaceful mind.
The best way to start yoga is to come to the Introduction to Yoga class or to a Yoga Basics Workshop. Every Monday night is Introduction to Yoga. No reservations are necessary but plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of class. All classes are limited to about 20 students and there are usually a lot fewer in the class. Try a few of the teachers before settling into a particular class. The Level 1 classes are appropriate for many beginners. If you try Level 1 and it is too difficult, or if you have an injury or medical condition, try the extra-Gentle or Gentle class, or schedule a private yoga session. In a private yoga session, the yoga teacher will work with you so that you will be able to take one of our classes. How often you come to class is up to you. The more often you come, the more benefits you will experience, but even once a week will help you.
Try to bring a little bit of your yoga into your home, and develop a home practice. Start with 5 minutes a day. We look forward to practicing with you.
Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
Reduces stress and tension
Boosts self esteem
Improves concentration and creativity
Lowers fat
Improves circulation
Stimulates the immune system
Creates sense of well being and calm.
And that's just the surface stuff!
Guidelines for getting started:
- Equipment, including yoga mats, are provided. It is best to bring your own yoga mat. There is a $1 mat rental fee after your first class. Mats are also available to purchase from $25-$50. We provide blankets, blocks, straps, bolsters, chairs and eye pillows at the center.
- Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach so try not to eat for 1-2 hours before class. If you need to eat, please eat food that is easily digested, such as fruit or a few nuts for protein.
- Bring a water bottle into class. For your convenience, we have a water cooler in the lobby. Water bottles are also for sale.
- It is very important to let your teacher know if you are working with any injuries so they can suggest the proper modifications for you. Please let us know if you are pregnant so we can recommend a prenatal class.
- Dress comfortably with no belts or buckles, and be prepared to remove your socks (unless you have a foot condition that necessitates keeping your socks on).
- Please do not wear fragrances to class, as others may be sensitive or allergic to them. Breathing is an important part of our yoga practice.
- Please arrive to class on time--we recommend 10-15 minutes early. Sign in downstairs at our retail store Everything Yoga at Yoga for Everybody at 11 Unquowa Road, even if you are running late. After signing in downstairs, go upstairs to the studio. Claim your yoga space and take time to center. If the class is full, line your yoga mat up with the yellow dots so that the dot is at the center of the front of your yoga mat. If you find that you are late, be aware that class has started and enter the room as quietly as possible, waiting in the lobby until centering is over. Class Schedule
- Come into class quietly. If you want to have a conversation with someone, please do so in the lobby or even out in the hallway. Let your yoga class begin when you are on your mat, and be considerate of others who are already on their mats.
- Turn off your cell phone. Leave your "to-do" list at the door, as you come into a sanctuary-like space that you will come to know and love. Prepare yourself for a unique experience.
- Be patient with yourself when practicing yoga. Try not to judge yourself too harshly or negatively. Appreciate where you are and what you can do.
- Please sign in at the retail store downstairs each time you come to class.
- In case of inclement weather, please call the 203-254-YOGA one hour before class to listen for any cancellations, or check the Announcements page on this website.
- More classes are now being formed, based on interest on both the part of students and teachers. Please let us know what kind of class you would like to take.
- If you experience any problems at the center, please let us know. If you don’t get a chance to talk to one of us, please leave a note, send us an email, or leave a message on the office phone. We want to know if you are dissatisfied, so we can improve the center.
- INTRODUTION TO YOGA NOW RUNS CONTINUOUSLY EVERY MONDAY. COME JOIN US AND GET YOUR YOGA PRACTICE STARTED!! If you can't make it to Intro you can get started with any of our gentle classes. Please go to the schedule page to chose the class that works for you.
- SEVA Program Please go to our Announcements page to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Y4E!
Additional information for those who want it...
Please come and try yoga. It is truly a wonderful experience, and will help you to feel better about yourself and accept who you are, your physical body, and your limitations. You do not need to be flexible to begin yoga. Yoga will help you to become more flexible, physically and mentally.
Cultivate a loving relationship with your body.
-Stephen C. Paul
Yoga is about 5000 years old. The yoga we practice at Yoga for Everybody includes body postures and breathing techniques. All classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes long unless otherwise indicated. Some postures are practiced lying down, others on hands and knees, and many are practiced while standing. Postures are also called asanas. They help to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and release physical tension. Some postures are held in a stationary position while others involve movement. Breathing properly is an important part of yoga, with lots of benefits to your health. Breathing is also called pranayama.
In the beginning of each class there is a centering time when the mind and body are quieted. Students may be invited to join each other in sharing the sound of "OM". You do not have to join in if you don't want to.
Relaxation occurs at the end of each class. During relaxation we are able to let go and to experience the benefits of yoga, before rejoining the day and our busy lives. Following relaxation, there is another centering time and again students are invited to join each other in the sound of "OM".
Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation.
–Stephen C. Paul
After practicing yoga, people generally notice an increase in flexibility, strength, and an overall sense of well-being. Students feel more relaxed. Your body will be healthier and you will have a peaceful mind.
The best way to start yoga is to come to the Introduction to Yoga class or to a Yoga Basics Workshop. Every Monday night is Introduction to Yoga. No reservations are necessary but plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of class. All classes are limited to about 20 students and there are usually a lot fewer in the class. Try a few of the teachers before settling into a particular class. The Level 1 classes are appropriate for many beginners. If you try Level 1 and it is too difficult, or if you have an injury or medical condition, try the extra-Gentle or Gentle class, or schedule a private yoga session. In a private yoga session, the yoga teacher will work with you so that you will be able to take one of our classes. How often you come to class is up to you. The more often you come, the more benefits you will experience, but even once a week will help you.
Try to bring a little bit of your yoga into your home, and develop a home practice. Start with 5 minutes a day. We look forward to practicing with you.