We want you to feel comfortable from the very first moment. Below you'll find common questions and answers plus yoga etiquette tips that ensure a positive, peaceful and uplifting class experience for you and your fellow students.
General Questions
People who practice yoga consistently say that it:
- Relieves stress
- Reduces muscle and joint pain
- Improves head-to-toe strength and flexibility
- Improves balance and posture to maintain a healthy spine
- Increases energy
- Helps you find peace and serenity in the midst of everyday life
Yes. Yoga is not a religion. It is a collection of techniques designed to develop health and well-being. It is compatible with everyone's beliefs.
Not unless you want to. Our instructors use both English and traditional Sanskrit terms for yoga poses.
We teach alignment-based yoga, also called "hatha yoga," which simply means we teach yoga's physical form. We blend several styles of hatha yoga and each instructor has a distinctive approach. All of our classes emphasize body alignment, breathing and relaxation techniques, and meditation.
We do not teach "hot yoga." Our studio temperature is similar to your home's temperature.
Props provide physical support so that each student can practice poses as fully as they wish. These yoga aids were first introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar to help students practice poses that they might not have otherwise been able to do.
We also include the values of yoga in our practice, including compassion, integrity and non-harming.
Before class, mention any pre-existing conditions or injuries to your instructor so that they can help you modify poses.
Our class descriptions can help you learn about the kinds of classes we offer, and our staff is very happy to consult with on the best class to start with.
If you're new to yoga, or haven't practiced in many years, any of the following classes are good starting points: All-Levels Yoga, Level 1 Yoga, Chair Yoga, Back Care Yoga, and Restorative Yoga.
Pregnant students are welcome to attend Level 1 Yoga, Chair Yoga, All Levels, Restorative Yoga and Back Care classes. All Sunrise teachers are well-trained in working with pregnant students. We do recommend receiving your doctor's approval before your first class. Please let your yoga teacher know that you're pregnant prior to class.
If you have other health considerations, please talk to us about your concerns. We also ask that you get your doctor's approval before your first class.
All of our teachers are trained to work with a variety of student concerns. We have worked successfully with many different situations. Some of our classes are specifically designed for students with physical limitations or health concerns.
You may also want to consider a private yoga session prior to attending your first class.
We generally do not permit spectators because it can be distracting and disruptive for our students.
However, our New Student Special offers 30 days of unlimited yoga for only $49.
Another option is to pay the drop-in rate or purchase a class card, if you're interested in trying a specific class.
We also encourage you to visit the studio or contact us with any questions. We're here to help!
We find that students who attend at least two times/week see the biggest changes, the most quickly. Put it on your calendar just like any other appointment!
In general, our classes are only for people over age 15.
We do not offer childcare and cannot allow children to wait in the lobby during class due to space limitations and lack of supervision.
For children aged 12-15, feel free to contact us to discuss your child's situation and maturity.
Yoga Etiquette
Please be mindful of other students' mats: step over or around them.
Yoga is not competitive! You don’t need to “keep up” with anyone else or try to look like another student.
Getting Ready for Class
Yes. You're welcome to start any of our regular classes at any time. You won't have missed out on anything covered in a prior class.
If you have prior yoga experience and aren't sure which class to take, get in touch and we'll help you find the class that's right for you.
If you're brand-new to yoga, any session of the following classes is a great place to start:
- Level 1 Yoga
- Chair Yoga
- Back Care Yoga
- All-Levels Yoga
- Restorative Yoga
No. You're welcome to attend any classes that are appropriate to your yoga experience level.
All of our class cards and our monthly unlimited membership can be used for any of our regularly-scheduled classes.
Class sizes are limited, and pre-registration is required.
Signing up online for your class or via our app is the easiest method for most students.
Wear modest clothing that allows for easy movement. T-shirts, tank tops, workout pants, workout shorts, and leggings are all appropriate.
Formfitting or skin-tight clothing is definitely not necessary.
Bare feet are essential for the practice of yoga. Store your shoes in the space provided in the lobby.
Please don't wear perfume, cologne, or scented lotions.
We recommend that you have an empty stomach or eat only a light snack within 2 hours before your class starts.
The studio opens 15 minutes before your class starts.
Please arrive on time. We lock the front door when class starts.
If you arrive early, feel free to rest or practice in the studio.
We make cancellation decisions at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time for class. Classes that cannot be held at the studio will be held online instead. We post cancellations on the schedule page of the website and phone app. All students who are registered for the class will be emailed a Zoom link. Sign up at least 15 minutes prior to the start of class to receive the link. You do not need props to participate, and you may turn your camera off if you wish. If you cancel the class within the 2-hour limit or no-show, we will not charge you the associated fee.
No cellphones in the classroom area, please. Store them in the lobby.
If you wear an Apple Watch or fitness tracker that has audible notifications, place it in airplane mode or leave it in the lobby, muted, before class starts.