New Students
Welcome to the Down Dog Community!
You have just taken your first step toward becoming a stronger and healthier person. Everyone – whether new to yoga or just new to the studio – is welcome to attend both our “all levels” and our“ Basics” classes. Our staff is committed to helping you have a great experience. They will show you the ropes and answer your questions. From your very first class, no matter what your age or experience level, you will know that you made a great decision to choose Down Dog. You will very quickly start to feel stronger and healthier. No matter how you are already feeling, whether your back is hurting, or you are working with a particular injury, you will start to feel better from your very first class. All you have to do is make the time to show up on a regular basis. This practice is done in a heated room, which is healthy for your body in so many ways. Be prepared to exert yourself, sweat, move, twist, and lunge a you immediately start to build strong bones, sculpt strong, lean muscles, gain vitality, and feel more healthy and alive than you have in a long time.
How to Prepare:
Classes tend to fill up fast. To make sure you get a spot, use our online class registration page. Once you set up your account, you can sign up and pay for classes, workshops and special events in advance. This will save you time once you get to the studio. If you sign up online, be sure to show up no later than 15 minutes prior to class in order to guarantee your spot. This is most important for our weekend classes. We have an experienced and friendly staff, so no need to worry, once you arrive they will do their very best to get you into class quickly.
Once you get to the studio, if you are not sure where to find something, from changing rooms to bathrooms, or if you have any questions regarding our studio guidelines and policies, please don't hesitate to ask. We always have at least one manager on duty, and usually two in our busiest classes so that someone is always available to answer all of your questions.
What to Eat:
Yoga is best done on an empty stomach, so try not to eat a heavy meal within two hours of coming to class. Don't starve yourself. If you are hungry, eat something light that you can easily digest. A piece of fruit, perhaps with some peanut butter is a great source of quick energy. Since you will be sweating, it’s important to keep hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can buy more water for during class if needed when you get to the studio.
What to Bring:
We have everything you need available at the studio. If you like you can bring a yoga mat, a towel and water. If you don't have a yoga mat, we rent mats for $1 a class. We also have towel rentals and water for sale at our studios, along with a wide selection of designer yoga clothes and accessories for men and women. If this is your first time practicing, be sure to ask our staff any questions you have about the right type of gear to use from mats and towels, to clothing. It can make a big difference in your overall experience.
