Class structure: Class can start many different ways, but it always ends with a few minutes of savasana- corpse pose- laying down, closing the eyes, emptying the mind, relaxing the body, and absorbing the benefits of your practice. Try to be still during your savasana. You might wonder why you should relax if you have so much to do and think about-- but think of it as clearing your kitchen counter before preparing a meal; you need a clean work space to carry our your work, so take the time to clear your mind once in a while. It took me years to learn how to close my eyes and relax in savasana- but when I finally allowed myself to relax, my practice took on new meaning and changed many aspects of my life. Find out what it does for you.
General Info on Yoga
Please call us with any questions at 202 265 YOGA.
Clothing: No shoes or socks necessary. Comfortable, breathable clothes are recommended. You can wear t-shirt/tank/long sleeved t and sweats or athletic shorts, but keep in mind you might want whatever you wear to be both flexible (moves with you) and also a little bit form-fitting, since in some yoga poses, your head comes below your hips and your shirt can slide down or you might have a wide-legged stance that loose shorts might be uncomfy in. Any exercise pants or shorts will do, although it’s best not to have super slick lycra-type pants since this may cause you to slip in some poses.
Mats: We rent mats for a dollar, or you can bring your own (free mat storage if you write your name on your mat and have it in a mat bag or with a mat strap or anything tied around it). We also have eco-friendly mats for sale (safer for the environment and for you too, since PVC mats are toxic).
Types of Yoga: There are many yoga traditions (Iyengar, Baptiste Power, Sivananda, Astanga, Bikram, Vinyasa, etc.), but Yoga District tries to steer clear of much dogma related to the different traditions. That's why we have so many class types so that you can pick a class type or an instructor that suits your individual needs. Our classes generally combine a few different yoga traditions, drawing from them whatever is appropriate for each classes' attendees. So, check our class descriptions on our brochure, or on our live class reservation system.
Food & Drink: Drink water! Not just the day of your yoga class- the day before and the day after too, especially if you take a sweat inducing class. Eating lots before a yoga class is not a good idea. Try to eat an hour or two before your practice, or if you do eat before your practice, make it something light and small. I personally like to eat after class- spinal twists make me hungry. Yoga can aid digestion too. If you drink booze after a yoga class, it can make you more loopy than usual, so it might be better to drink water instead. We have filtered water available for free at both our studios, but we prefer that you bring your own reusable travel cup or something like that so we can avoid doing dishes (and we don't offer disposables or bottles of water since they are not so smart for the environment).
Timing: Please come to class at least 10 minutes before class. We prefer cash payment, and we love exact change. If you need to pay by credit card, we recommend doing so in advance online through our online reservation system so that you don't have to have the hassle of waiting in line for your credit card to be processed. Please note we also have a $15 credit card minimum at our Dupont Studio and we have no credit card processing at our U St Corridor Studio at the moment.
Contact with Instructors: In our intake form, we ask if you mind if our instructor adjusts or assists you with your postures. This means an instructor might guide your arm to a straighter position, guide your shoulders away from shrugging towards your ears, or something else like that.
Contact with the Outside World: Turning your phone off during class at our studio or at your home is a good idea.
How Often You Should Practice: Come to class at least twice a week to see real changes in your body. Every other day or daily is ideal, since your muscles won't lose their flexibility or strength between classes. Try to develop a routine of classes you go to every week or month so that yoga becomes part of your lifestyle, rather than just something you do once in a while. If you can't come to class often, pick a few poses you can safely do on your own or just do some sun salutations. Even if you do just one yoga posture a day, you will see a difference. My favorites are cat and cow postures every morning before I even get out of bed, and then child's pose in bed before I go to sleep!
Benefits: Our yoga classes help shape your body to the way it was intended to naturally be. Yoga can also help inspire healthy decisions that go far beyond your mat practice. Yoga can help stop food cravings, alleviate stress, energize the body and mind... the list goes on. For a simple explanation of some of the physical and mental benefits, check out http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/benefits.htm or do a search on google about it or just take up a regular yoga practice to see for yourself.
Copyright Yoga District Inc 2008 - 2009