GETTING STARTED
Getting started in yoga is different for everyone and there are many ways to begin. Generally speaking, if you have never done yoga before we recommend taking one of our Intro to Yoga courses, which we offer monthly. The Introduction to Yoga courses meet once a week for 3-4 weeks and are designed for students new to the practice. Some people do find it helpful to take more than one intro course. Level 1 classes are also recommended for new students, as the techniques and various positions are introduced and explained.
After you start to develop a foundation for your practice, which can take 3-9 months of consistent practice 1-3 times a week, we encourage you to explore different classes and teachers to find out what resonates with you. Yogaview is home to some of the most experienced and dedicated teachers in the area, but you will resonate with different teachers and approaches at different times. Try to find a class that works with your schedule and needs and stick with it, but don’t hesitate to explore other classes if you feel prompted to do so. Our staff can also help you navigate the schedule and find out what is right for you.
Each person is unique, and yoga is about listening and becoming more sensitive and aware, so we recommend right from the beginning listening as much as possible to your body and brain and erring on the side of caution when you attempt new poses. The benefits of incorporating a yoga practice into your life are numerous and profound, but it is also easy to injure yourself before you know where your “edge” is. This is one of the reasons our intro to yoga classes, yoga basics and level 1 classes are taught by experienced instructors. They understand the risks and benefits and want to introduce you to the practice in way that is safe and suits your needs.
Congratulations on being interested in trying yoga! Please let us know if you have any further questions on how to get started.
To see our current Intro to Yoga Courses please click your desired studio:
The following guidelines are recommended so that you and everyone in class has a positive and peaceful experience:
- Arrive to class on time. Check in at the front desk and take care of payment before class.
- If you arrive late, make sure the class is not sitting quietly in meditation before you enter the room.
- If you need to leave class early, take savasana (final resting pose) and leave the room quietly before savasana. Do not ever leave during savasana or meditation, because it is disruptive to others.
- Enter fresh and clean. Refrain from wearing perfume or cologne.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove your shoes at the door. It is also recommended to practice bare foot.
- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE turn OFF cell phones or anything that may make noise upon entering the studio.
- Bring all of your valuables (including keys, wallets and cell phones) into the studio with you. Yogaview can not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
- Inform the teacher before class if you are pregnant or have any injuries.
- Bring your own towel or practice rug to absorb sweat – our blankets are not to be used for this purpose. Towels are also available for purchase at the front desk.
- Be considerate of the space – pick up after yourself and if you borrow our props and mats, please fold them neatly and replace them in an organized fashion. If you use the shower, please clean up after yourself so the next person doesn’t slip on the floor.
- We encourage socializing before or after class but not during class. Please keep voices low when socializing in the lobby as other classes may still be in progress.
- If you practice regularly at yogaview Chicago, you are welcome to leave your mat at the studio. Make sure it has your name on it and is tied or is in a mat bag. Yogaview does not take responsibilty for mats that are lost or forgotten about. We do a yearly mat clean out every September when all mats must be taken home.