Starting Out With Yoga

"The most helpful thing was that Starting Out With Yoga was really designed for actual beginners. I've seen many yoga classes referred to as 'beginner' or 'level 1' or 'easy,' but they do not actually meet the needs of the individual just starting out. This definitely did.”
- Cheryl Tobin (Starting Out With Yoga, May 2009 Program)

What is Starting Out With Yoga?

Starting Out With Yoga is a special 4-week program, designed specifically for new students or those starting over after a long absence.
The program provides a full introduction to yoga postures, gentle breathing exercises, meditation, body awareness, stress reduction, and relaxation.
You'll work gradually towards practicing a full yoga class by week 4.
It is pre-registered rather than drop-in.
To make it easy to remember when to sign up, a new 4-week program starts in the first week of each month.

What is the purpose of Starting Out With Yoga?

The purpose of Starting out With Yoga, is to take away the feeling of intimidation that often comes with starting a new activity like yoga.
In every class there will time for everyone’s questions, the teacher will give lots of examples and demonstrations, and they’ll be an opportunity for conversation on the key points.
Lots of time will be allowed to move along slowly through each yoga posture so that no one feels left behind.

Many people today want to try yoga but aren’t sure where to start. This program is designed specifically to be your starting point.

What are the benefits of the program?

There are number of very unique benefits:

Starting out With Yoga will familiarize you with the essential elements of yoga and get you started doing a manageable yoga practice.
You’ll have the chance to learn with one of the Yoga Loft’s senior teachers in the company of other new yoga students.
The tone of the program is relaxed and informal. Gentle humor is definitely allowed and no specialized yoga clothing is required.
To maintain the feeling of informality and make it an enjoyable experience for everyone, the program is limited to just 12-16 people.
There are no age restrictions. The programs are open to younger people and older adults alike.

Why Start Out Gradually?

By starting gradually, you’ll have an integrated picture of what yoga is about.
After 4 weeks you will already find yourself sleeping better, feeling more attuned to your body, less stressed, and making better food choices to give you more vitality.
You’ll also find that you have more mental flexibility, the kind that allows you to reflect upon your self in a less judgmental way and consider new possibilities.
To put it simply, it’s about living a life that for you feels new, vital, and more balanced.

The class is open to anyone who has been waiting to find the right place to start out with yoga.

Because Starting Out With Yoga is a pre-registered class, there are a few limitations that we’d like to let you know about in order to avoid any confusion.

You’ll need to register in advanced and pay the program fee. You can call the studio at 429-3330 to do this.
Because it’s not a drop-in class, punch-cards and monthly passes are not valid for it.
Unfortunately, any missed classes may not be made up in other classes or carried over to another 4 week program.
We are sorry but no refunds are available if you miss any of the classes.
The program is not intended for students who already attend regular yoga classes and have some experience.
It is for completely new students to have a thorough yet relaxed and easy-paced introduction to the principles, the postures, and the spirit of yoga practice.

Starting Out With Yoga: Programs and Dates 2009/2010

Tuesday 5:30 - 6:45pm with Paul Collins
$49.00 plus tax
(1 class per week for 4 weeks)

November Program: November 3, 10, 17 and 24
December Program: December 1, 8, and 15 (3 weeks: $39.00)
2010 Programs
January Program: January 5, 12, 19, and 26
February Program: February 2, 9, 16, and 23
March Program: March 2, 9, 16, and 23
April Program: March 30, April 6, 13, and 20
May Program: April 27, May 4, 11, and 18
June Program: May 25, June 1, 8, and 15
July Program: June 22, 29, July 6, and 13

Thursday 7:15 - 8:30pm with Jocelyne Tranquilla
$49.00 plus tax
(1 class per week for 4 weeks)

November Program: November 5, 12, 19, and 26
December Program: December 3, 10, and 17 (3 weeks: $39.00)
2010 Programs
January Program: January 7, 14, 21, and 28
February Program: February 4, 11, 18, and 25
March Program: March 4, 11, 18, and 25
April Program: April 1, 8, 15, and 22
May Program: April 29 May 6, 13, and 20
June Program: May 27, June 3, 10, and 17
July Program: June 24, July 8, 15, and 22

Saturday 12:30 - 1:45pm with Anna Stuewe
$49.00 plus tax
(1 class per week for 4 weeks)

November Program: November 7, 14, 21, and 28
December Program: December 5, 12, and 19 (3 weeks: $39.00)
2010 Programs
January Program: January 9, 16, 23, and 30
February Program: February 6, 13, 20, and 27
March Program: March 6, 13, 20, and 27
April Program: April 10, 17, 24, and May 1
May Program: May 8, 15, 29, and June 5
June Program: June 12, 19, 26, and July 3
July Program: July 10, 17, 24, and 31

Starting Out With Mysore Practice
with Robert Webber

Unlike our Starting Out With Yoga classes, which are taught on a group basis, Mysore Practice is an opportunity to learn yoga one-on-one while still practicing with other people.
You can start at anytime during the year and are taught a practice that meets your needs and level of experience.
Teaching you one posture at a time over a period of weeks and months, the teacher gradually builds your confidence and understanding.
It is open to people of all ages and all levels of fitness.
No previous experience of yoga is needed, just a patient and consistent attitude.
It is ideal for students with injuries or health issues, and for those who have neither but want to develop their own yoga practice, seek a deeper understanding, and are keen to learn.
Follow the link below and find out more.

Mysore Practice

What's after Starting Out With Yoga?

Going Further With Yoga

Tuesday 7:15-8:30pm with Denise Landry
$49.00 plus tax
(1 class per week for 4 weeks)

After you've got started with yoga or if you already have a little experience, try our Going Further With Yoga program to broaden your knowledge of what yoga has to offer.

November Program: Nov 10 17, 24, and Dec1
December Program: Dec 8, 15, 22, and 29
2010 Programs
January Program: January 5, 12, 19, and 26
February Program: February 2, 9, 16, and 23
March Program: March 2, 9, 16, and 23
April Program: March 30, April 6, 13, and 20
May Program: April 27, May 4, 11, and 18
June Program: May 25, June 1, 8, and 15
July Program: June 22, 29, July 6, and 13

Going Further With Yoga

Pictures from the Starting Out With Yoga program:

Congratulations to our Starting Out With Yoga program from May 2009

Student’s taking Starting Out With Yoga have found that it meets their needs:

Testimonials:

Although we learned different postures, the purpose of 'Starting Out With Yoga' was about yoga in a holistic sense, not just the physical movements.
I became comfortable in knowing that if I struggled a bit with the physical postures it was okay. Yoga, I discovered, is not about perfection; it is about taking the time to enjoy the practice. (Cheryl Tobin)

About 5 years ago I went to a beginner yoga class at a community center. I was nervous to go even though I wanted to, but then in the second class the instructor introduced headstands!
Needless to say, I was too frustrated to go back, and it took me another 5 years to go to a yoga class again. 'Starting out with Yoga' allowed no room for frustration, and most importantly it made me WANT to take more classes and learn more. (Cheryl Tobin)

Starting Out With Yoga felt like an introduction and a beginning. Sharon's sincerity and experience as a teacher, as well as her ability to help us stay focused, created an atmosphere that was perfect for exploring and asking questions.
The overall pace and tone of the program felt very natural, and I could feel my body’s natural intelligence revealing itself as I began to explore stretching. I can't think of an inquiry into the self, and perhaps beyond, that is more direct or meaningful than yoga. (Melissa Marr)

This was the first set of instructional yoga classes that I’ve attended and I really learned a lot.
The stretching has helped my back and I can see that with continued practice, my core will continue to get stronger – it seems to be better than my gym workouts!
The first relaxation class did wonders for my psyche in the time that followed. Thank you so much and I’ll be seeing you! (Emily Ryan)