1. What to Wear - Clothing should be flexible, non-binding, and breathable, we keep the yoga room in the mid 80s so avoid wearing heavy sweatpants, etc. Shorts or leggings, and a t-shirt or tank top are popular choices. Avoid socks and baggy clothes.

2. When to Eat or NOT Eat - Practice is best on an empty stomach. Wait three to four hours after a large meal or one to two hours after a snack.

3. What do I need – Equipment -  A yoga mat. I have spare mats here for your use and yoga mats for sale.

4. Perspiration - Yoga is the “Art of Work”, meaning to act with ever increasing efficiency and intelligence. However, one should be prepared to sweat. Being “warmed up” is the best protection against injury, by helping one to move in an integrated and natural way. Do not wipe the sweat off with a towel or cloth, ENJOY IT! As our body releases sweat, not only are toxins excreted, but also beneficial minerals and hormones. As we practice some of these minerals are rubbed back into the skin. Sweat also produces a natural antibiotic, dermicidin, which helps to kill bacteria on the skin.

5. New/Full Moon - Traditionally no asana (posture) practice is done on new and full moon days. It is believed the moon affects the body much as it affects the tides (our bodies are 70% water!) and we are therefore at a higher risk of injury during these times. A softer practice or a meditative practice is appropriate for these days. This can help one not to be too attached to practice and routine. It also provides time for rest and recuperation.

6. The Menstrual Cycle - Practice should be easier during menstrual flow, this is not the time to practice a full Ashtanga series. This is a restorative time for the body. Postures like Janu Sirsasana A, Baddha Konasana, Balasana, and Upavishta Konasana relieve pain around the sacrum and hips as well as menstrual cramps. Modifying your practice to a soft meditative practice that includes deep breathing to calm the mind is recommended.

7. Pregnancy - Yoga practice is beneficial during pregnancy, and can ease many of the discomforts involved. However, certain postures are not advisable and, as fetal development proceeds, more postures need to be eliminated. What to practice depends largely on the level of practice of the mother before conception. New students should attend special prenatal yoga classes (with the consent of their physician!). Experienced students should not try new, challenging, or precarious postures which might endanger mother or fetus. It is a common sense matter.

8. Therapeutic Applications - Yoga is naturally therapeutic and generates excellent health. The use of yoga for specific problems is advisable but should be under the guidance of a physician as well.

9. Soreness - A pleasant soreness in the bellies of some muscles is not uncommon, especially if you are progressing with an intelligent enthusiasm. This is good. Pain in the joints is an indication of poor form and alignment. In this case one must pull back and study the posture more closely. Consultation with a teacher is always advisable.

10. Cleanliness - Heat increases odor. If you have had a stressful day, your body releases hormones that cause odor. Sweat from working in (yoga is a work in, not a work out) does not cause odor, it is the heat in the body that is accentuating the odor that was already there. Showering before and after yoga is appreciated. NO PERFUMES OR SCENTED LOTIONS IN CLASS PLEASE. Heat increases these scents as well and many people suffer allergic type reactions to perfumes.

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu
May all Beings everywhere be happy and prosperous.