Beginner FAQ

New to Yoga

What are the basic benefits of yoga?

Relieve stress from the pressures of work and home
Reduce muscular and joint pain
Gain flexibility and strength throughout your body
Improve balance and posture to maintain a healthy spine
Increase energy level to be able to keep doing the activities you love
Find serenity and peace in the midst of the busyness of your life

What are yoga props?

Some styles and teachers of yoga use them often and others never use them. We provide a wide variety of props that your teachers may use during classes. Props were originally created by B.K.S. Iyengar to assist students in practicing poses that they might not have been able to do otherwise. Props provide support, confidence, and relaxation. Props that you may use in classes at our studio include the Yoga Wall, straps, blocks, blankets, and sandbags.

Is yoga compatible with my spiritual beliefs?

Yes, it is - no matter what you believe. Yoga is not a religion; it is a collection of techniques designed to bring health and well-being.

New to Sunrise

Do you have childcare available?

Unless this is a 'Family Yoga class', this is your time and we request that you leave your children with a friend or family member. We do not have childcare available, and children may not wait for you in the lobby while you are in class.

What style of yoga is taught at Sunrise Yoga?

We teach Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a term that means the physical type of yoga. Most yoga practiced in the West is Hatha Yoga. Within the Hatha style, there are numerous schools/styles of yoga. We teach a blend of different styles of yoga so that each instructor has his/her own style. All of our classes include a focus on body alignment (sometimes with the assistance of props), breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation techniques. We also include the yogic philosophy in our practice with ideas such as compassion, honesty, and non-harming.

What do I need to know before my first class?

We provide space in the lobby for you to leave your shoes and other items. We do not wear shoes in the classroom area.
The studio will be open 15 minutes prior to the start of your class time. We may lock the front door during classes, so if you arrive earlier than 15 minutes, you may wait outside.
Please arrive on time. We may lock the door 5 minutes after class starts.
Please enter the yoga room quietly. If you arrive early for class, you may use the studio to rest or practice.
Mention any preexisting conditions or injuries to your instructor prior to class so that appropriate modification may be given to you.
We recommend that you have an empty stomach or only a light snack within the past 1-2 hours.
Please leave cell phones in your car.

Do I need to pre-register before my first class?

No. You may register at your first class. Please arrive 10 minutes early so that you will have time to do this and not miss any part of class.

What do I wear?

Wear something that's comfortable but not baggy. Bare feet are essential. Our students often wear workout shorts or leggings; tank-tops or T-shirts. Skin-tight clothing is definitely not necessary.

What do I need to bring to class?

Yourself and an open mind. The studio provides all props including a yoga sticky mat for you to use during class as part of your class fee. If you would like to bring your own props, you are welcome to do so. We have props available for purchase in the boutique if you would like to have your own.

What is the temperature in the studio?

We do not teach "hot" yoga. Our studio is heated/cooled to a temperature similar to your home.

Class Levels, Policies, and Class Attendance

Can I come to a class to try it out?

We have free, introductory yoga classes (see the Schedule page for the dates & times). If you wish to try a class at a time other than a class designated as a "Free Class", you are welcome to attend any class that is appropriate to your level for the drop-in fee of $15. We prefer that prospective students not come to watch a class as it can be disruptive for students participating.

Can I start at any time?

Yes! Students are welcome to start classes at any time. Every week of the Level 1 Yoga, chair Yoga, All Levels, and Back Care classes is appropriate for a brand-new student to attend.

Do I have to commit to a specific class day and time each week?

You are welcome to attend any classes that are appropriate to your level. We understand that many of our students have fluctuating schedules. When you purchase a class card, you do not have to commit to a specific class day. For example, if you choose the 12 classes option, you can take those 12 classes any time you would like within a 90 day period. For example: one per week; skip a week and take 2 classes the following week; etc. Once you've used your 12 classes or the card expires, just buy a new card.

How do I know which class level is right for me?

Students who are brand new to yoga are welcome to start with the Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, All Levels, Back Care or Level 1 Yoga. (Class descriptions are given here). For students with a little experience in yoga or who took yoga many years ago, you are welcome to take those same classes.

Students with at least 3 months of recent yoga classes are welcome to attend any Level 2 class.

If you have had at least 6 months of recent yoga training (with us or elsewhere), the Level 3 Yoga classes may be appropriate for you.

For students with at least one year of consistent classes, a personal home practice, and experience with inversion preparations are welcome to attend the Level 4 classes. Please consult with our staff to find the best class for you.

What do I do if I need to miss a class?

You are welcome to "make up" that class at any time before the expiration date of your card. If you know ahead of time that you will be missing a week of classes, feel free to make-up the class prior to the missed class.

Workshops/special events may not be used for make-ups of missed classes. Tuition is not transferable to other students or guest drop-ins. Missed classes cannot be carried over into future class cards; refunds will not be issued for missed classes. All classes purchased expire on the expiration date.

Refunds are limited to health or personal emergencies minus a $15 processing fee. Refunds are calculated from the date you notify Sunrise Yoga Studio in writing of your withdrawal and will only be considered while your class card is active. The refund amount is not calculated based on the number of classes attended. Refunds are given by check and may take up to two weeks.

What do I do when I want to attend a class on a different day/time that I normally do?

You can just come to the class of your choice. There's no need to call the studio to ask beforehand. Please attend a class level that's the same or lower to your regular class level for your safety. If this is your first time with the instructor of this class, please let him/her know of any health concerns you have.

How many classes should I take per week?

Yoga is like many other things in life - the more you do it, the more you get back from it. Due to some students' schedules, they are only able to take class once per week. Others take 6 classes per week. Even on the days you can't attend a class, we encourage you to practice at home.

Can I still attend a class even if I'm late?

To give yourself the best possible experience, it is best to arrive a few minutes before the start of class. But, we understand that things in life hold you up. If you must be late to a class, please do not enter the studio space during the beginning of class and disturb your fellow students. You may wait in the lobby until you hear the end of the centering practice.

I want to get my kids involved in yoga. Can they come take any class on the schedule?

We offer classes just for kids and for families as special events. Unless specified, all other classes are for adults and teenagers over 15. Please visit our schedule page to find the classes for kids and families. For kids ages 13-15, please contact us: we will be happy to talk about your child's situation and maturity.

How do I know if a class has been cancelled due to inclement weather?

Check our website (Home page and Schedule page) and our Facebook Fan Page. Or you may call the studio to listen for an updated message. We will make the decision about holding a class at least 2 hours prior to the start time of class. Classes cancelled due to inclement weather may be made up during your class card period.

Health Concerns

Can I do yoga if I am pregnant or have an injury, a physical condition, a health concern, or limited range of motion?

Pregnant students are welcome to attend our Level 1 Yoga, Chair Yoga, All Levels, and Back Care classes. All of our teachers are trained in working with various student concerns. For all health issues, please speak with your physician before your first class to receive his/her approval. We are able to work with many types of students, but please notify your instructor prior to class about your concerns.

Beginner FAQ

New to Yoga

New to Sunrise

Class Levels, Policies and Class Attendance

Health Concerns

New to Yoga

New to Sunrise

Class Levels, Policies, and Class Attendance

Health Concerns