Helpful Hints

Be on time and stay for the whole class!

Arrive a few minutes early. This will give you a chance to get into the room, set up and center yourself for your class. This is especially true for Hot 26^TM classes because it will take your body a few minutes to adjust to the high temperature.

Try to stay for the entire class! You'll get lots of cardio in the first part of class, but floor postures and savasana are where your practice really sets in and opening occurs. The last twenty minutes are just as important as the first, so try to make a commitment to stay in the room.

Introduce yourself to your teacher before class.

Yoga is a pracitce.

Yoga will never cease to challenge you! There will be days when every posture comes with ease, and days when you feel frustration. Our yoga classes will meet you where you are, so let go, listen to your body, and most importantly, do what feels right for you.

Remember to breathe.

The word vinyasa means, "movement with breath." In our Power classes as well as in our Hot 26^TM classes, we primarily use Ujayii ("victorious") breathing to accompany the postures, which helps to build heat in the body and increase flexibility and strength as well as calm the nervous system and focus the mind. If your breath becomes shallow or quick, you may be struggling, so back out of the posture, regain your breath and begin again.

Ask for help and listen to feedback.

If you are in a posture and it doesn't feel right, ask your instructor for help or for an adjustment. Our goal at Charlotte Yoga is to make sure that all our clients have the best experience possible.

If you are receiving hands-on adjustments, let the teacher know how it feels, or how it might work better for you. Hands-on adjustments from an instructor can greatly deepen your practice. If you prefer not to be adjusted, let the teacher know before class begins.

Keep an open mind.

Yoga is universal, but there are many styles. Charlotte Yoga offers 30+ classes a week with a variety of teachers so that we can give you the best experience possible. Remember as your practice evolves, so will your needs. What works today may not work tomorrow--stay tuned to your body.

Give yourself permission to rest.

At Charlotte Yoga, we believe the most important part of any class is you! We strive to provide you with a class that is both challenging and rewarding for your mind and body. No matter what, we want you to have a great yoga experience. If you need to take child's pose or a sip of water, do. As any teacher will tell you, a healthy yogi/yogini is a happy one.

Don't look for perfect postures, look for healthy ones.

Your body is unlike any other. Your postures may not look like anyone else's. We are all at different levels. We have blocks and straps in the studio to assist you, and they are a great tool for expanding your practice. A yoga class is a community and we honor every student's practice. At Charlotte Yoga we want to provide you with a competition-free environment where you feel safe and supported. Your teachers and fellow students are there to support you.