Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here! Check out our new student intro offers here!
I’m new to Essential Yoga Studio, where do I start? If you have not attended a class at our studio, you are eligible for our new student intro offers. You can find these options on our Specials page. During the purchasing process, you will be prompted to create a Wellness Living profile – please retain the login email and password for future booking as all class and event bookings can be done through our website or the Wellness Living client Achieve app. After you have made your purchase, you can begin signing up for classes under the ‘Book a Class’ page. Once your New Student Special expires, you can choose the best pricing option to continue your classes with us.
I’m new to yoga. Which classes are appropriate for me? If you are new to yoga, try starting with our Gentle Supported Yoga, Restorative, Yin, or Hatha Essentials classes which focus on light stretching and strengthening with proper alignment and more internal practices. Continue with these classes if you enjoy a relaxed pace. When and if you are ready for new challenges, try out our Gentle Flow Yoga, Essential Flow, or Yang Yoga. All classes are open level but some are more or less physically challenging than others!
What are the benefits of yoga? People who practice yoga consistently may expect the following benefits: stress relief, reduced muscle and joint pain, improved strength and flexibility, better balance and posture, increased energy, a sense of calm or ease in the midst of everyday life. These benefits vary by individual student, of course, and we’d love to hear about your experience!
What if I’m not flexible – can I still practice yoga? Being flexible is not a requirement for doing yoga – we come to yoga to increase our strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. We all start with different levels of flexibility, and you’ll begin to see results in a way that is safe and works for your specific body as you practice.
How often should I practice yoga? The more regularly you practice yoga, the more improvement you may see in your balance, strength, flexibility, and/or mobility as well as your mental health, stress relief, and stress management. We recommend at least two classes per week, but even one can provide benefits. By committing to a routine in your practice, you’ll begin to see results both physically and mentally.
Is yoga compatible with my spiritual beliefs? Yes. Though many find Yoga supportive of their spiritual practices, Yoga is NOT a religion. It is a collection of techniques and philosophy designed to develop health and wellbeing and an ongoing connection between mind, body, and breath.
How do I access virtual classes? You can sign up for our virtual, live-streamed classes under the Book a Class tab on our website orthe Achieve app. Note: if booking on our website, you must book at least 30 minutes in advance in order to receive the Zoom link via email. Thirty minutes before class, you will receive an email with the link to join (or you may join via the link in the Achieve app). This process will require your login info, so please have it handy. You will enter the live-stream with your mic and camera set to OFF, but can choose to turn them on if you’d like. Virtual classes are offered through the Zoom platform and, though it’s not required, it may be helpful and more efficient to download the Zoom app on the device (phone, tablet, laptop) you’ll use to participate in class.
Which one should I choose – a Class Card or a Monthly Membership? Really, this comes down to your finances and your intended class participation. If you plan to attend ONLY one class (or less) per week at Essential, then a 5- or 10- class card is the more economical option for you than a drop-in but students are always welcome to purchase at our per-class Drop-in rate. Class Packs expire in three- and six months. However, if you plan to practice 2 or more times per week at Essential, then the most economical option is one of our monthly autopay memberships (which do NOT have an annual contract and renew month to month).
What if I book a class and then can’t make it? If you sign up for a class and cannot make it, we ask that you cancel your booking as soon as possible through your Wellness Living profile on our website or on the Achieve app.
How should I prepare for class and what should I bring? It is a good idea to practice after a light meal or snack; we suggest not eating a full meal for about two hours prior, or a half hour after a light snack. Show up for class 5-15 minutes early and wear comfortable, breathable clothing which does not restrict your movement. Practice is usually done barefoot but some folks prefer purchasing and wearing “yoga socks” (or just plain old socks!). Mats and all other props are provided for use in the studio if you do not have your own (which you are welcome to bring.) Please note that the front door is not generally unlocked until 15 minutes prior to class start time and, for everyone’s safety, the front door is locked during classes.
Does Essential Yoga Studio offer private lessons? Yes! A private 1:1 yoga session designed around your needs and abilities is a safe and easy way to build a healthy yoga habit. Beginners to yoga benefit from clear explanations and patient instruction to effectively learn the basics. Students with healed injuries, aging bodies, or other physical or mobility challenges also benefit from learning safe alignment techniques one-on-one. Please review the private instruction page for more information.
What if I have health concerns or prior injuries? Before class, mention any pre-existing conditions to your instructor so they can instruct modifications for postures that will benefit you along with the rest of the class. If there is any concern, please discuss with your healthcare provider, and ALWAYS do what feels best in your own body no matter what the teacher is instructing or other students are practicing.
I have a food, scent, or other allergy and I’d like to request an accommodation. Is that possible? We’re always happy to consider accommodation requests for classes and events hosted directly by Essential Yoga Studio (Sunni, specifically) when shared in advance. Some workshops and events held at our studio are independently hosted by facilitators who rent or use our space. These events are not studio classes and are designed and led by the facilitator and their business administration; we’re not always able to require these facilitators and their independent businesses to modify their offerings (such as candles, incense, food, or music), especially on short notice. Because of this, we can’t guarantee allergen-free or scent-free environments for all events though we welcome your inquiry and request for accommodations at least 72 hours in advance in the event we ARE able to meet your need. We encourage guests to review event details carefully and reach out ahead of time if they have concerns about fit.