How do I begin a yoga practice?

You simply show up. We all began as new students once and showing up is the hardest part! Do not worry about what you cannot do. Work to your full capacity and in those moments of intensity or struggle, don’t worry!  If you aren’t able to do the pose the teacher is teaching, you’ll slowly ease back to child’s pose or downward dog and wait to catch up when you feel ready. No one is judging you. They are all busy doing their own thing!

Our city locations feature just one practice rooms and most classes are all level vinyasa flow classes. This means you’ll see a variety of abilities and the teacher cues poses from less to more challenging. We offer classes specifically for beginners called Flow foundations.  Our Walnut Creek studio features four practice rooms with a robust schedule for beginners and those who do not want dynamic, heated yoga.

Tips for Beginners

  1. 1. This is not a sport or competition. This is about you getting on your mat and doing what you are able to do and breathing slow and steady and accepting what you cannot do. The first tenant of yoga is ahimsa which means non-harming. Pain is not gain.
  2. 2. Arrive 10-15 minutes early and always check in at the front desk – even if you’ve made an online reservation.
  3. 3. Turn off your cell phone and don’t bring it in the room with you. Allow yourself this time to fully integrate your body, mind and spirit. Pending serious emergency situations of course.
  4. 4. Remove your shoes. Leave your shoes in a cubby. This preserves the cleanliness and sacred nature of the studio space. We recommend taking your valuables inside the studio.5. Purchase a yoga mat. Having your own mat supports your commitment to your practice and ensures its cleanliness. Mats and towels can be rented for $2 – $3.
    6. Download our app for easy payment, booking and tracking. We also have a referral program – Give $20 Get $20. Every friend that you refer that signs up awards both of you $20 Yoga Flow Credit!
    7. Practice on an empty stomach. Do not eat 2-3 hours prior to yoga practice. Juice or fruit are OK if you need quick energy before class. Drink plenty of water prior to class, but avoid drinking during class.
    8. Notify the teacher of injuries or medical conditions.This helps the teacher know how to assist you and give you modifications. Listen to your body – rest when you need to, skip what doesn’t feel right.
    9. Practice often. 4-5 times per week for maximum benefit. 2-3 times per week will show improvement for most students within three months. Repetition makes the magic happen!
    10. Support Your Practice. By allowing yourself to experience a Private yoga lesson. Spend an hour with an expert teacher and have them cater the practice to fit your needs. Take these tips into a group class so you can flow like the rest of them!
    11.  Drink at least 16 – 32 ounces of water afterwards to replenish.
    12. Practice on an empty stomach. Do not eat 2-3 hours prior to yoga practice. Juice or fruit are OK if you need quick energy before class. Drink plenty of water prior to class, but avoid drinking during class