Welcome!
We are always so excited to welcome new folks to the Body + Shine community. This page is a good jumping off point if you’re not sure where to start—you can always contact us if you have more questions.
new student offers
We have a special offer only available those new to the studio! We encourage you to take advantage of this so you can try out a variety of different classes at the lowest rate available.
5 Classes for $55 (valid 3 weeks from purchase)
Dive on in and see what suits you! Even if you only make it to 3 classes, it’s still a great deal versus drop ins!
FAQ
What class should I start with?
Our classes are open to all levels, including beginners! If you’re a little unsure about where to start, a Slow Stretch, Yin, or Restorative class are all very gentle introductions. If you’re looking for more of a workout, check out a Flow, Strengthen & Stretch, or Pilates Mat class. The only class we like to give beginners a heads up about is cYoga—it always includes inversions (think handstands), so it can be a little intimidating for newer students. That doesn’t mean you can’t come check it out, we just want you to know not every class is THAT challenging! You can find descriptions of all our classes here.
If you are pregnant or have preexisting conditions that may affect your participation in class, show up about 10 minutes early before class starts to let your instructor know, that way they can offer you modifications and other options as needed. You should always check any new physical activity with your doctor first if you’re unsure.
If you’re still uncertain where to start, you can always check out the different class types we offer online first through our videos on demand.
Do I have to sign up in advance?
Advance registration is recommended, but not required. You can check online to see our full class schedule, set up your profile, and sign up and pay in advance.
For those who don’t want to bother with the online stuff, just show up and we can take care of it for you! If it is your first class at the studio and you did not sign up online, please arrive about 10 minutes before class start time so we can get your info and have you fill out a waiver before class begins.
What do I need to bring?
If you have your own yoga mat, bring it! Otherwise, we have mats, blocks, straps, blankets, and anything else you might need available to borrow. Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. You may also want to bring a water to hydrate, and if you are prone to sweating while you exercise, a small towel is a good idea! We have water, mats, towels, and props available for purchase, too, if you decide you want your own gear.
Etiquette and Tips
Before Class:
Avoid eating a full meal right before your class. A small snack is fine, but heavy foods may make you feel nauseous or limit your movement.
Arrive before class start time so you have the opportunity to set up your mat and settle in. Classes begin on time and close 5 minutes after scheduled start. Arriving on time allows you to safely warm up your body for class and shows respect to other students and your teacher.
Let you teacher know if there is anything that might affect your practice, whether that’s an injury, vertigo, pregnancy, post-surgical, or anything else you’re concerned about. This will allow them to offer you different options that might be safer for your body and more enjoyable for your practice. Always consult your doctor first if you are unsure if you should be doing class.
Take off your shoes upon entering and leave them at the storage benches or in a cubby. This helps keeps our practice space clean.
Leave anything you don’t need for class at the storage benches or in a cubby—keys, phones, wallets, and purses become tripping hazards for you and your teacher.
Make sure your phone is on silent and leave it away from your mat while you practice so you are free from distractions (and so you do not distract others).
During Class:
Listen to your body! Everyone’s practice looks different, and that’s okay. If you need to slow down, take a break, or stop and rest, you are free to do that. Don’t feel like you have to “keep up” or do everything “right”, especially if you are just starting out. We like to say it’s called a yoga practice because there is no such thing as yoga perfect—hit your mat consistently and you’ll see progress before you know it!
If you’re coming with friends or family, please save conversations for after class. Chatting can distract other students, and it is difficult for your instructor to talk over others.
If you need to leave early, do so before Savasana (the final resting pose). Set up near the door if possible so you can make a quick and easy exit. If you need a heads up on a good time to leave without being disruptive, ask you teacher before class starts.
After Class:
If you have any questions or feedback, talk to your instructor. We are here to help you achieve the most on your mat, so if you have a question about a pose, if something didn’t feel right in your body, or if we can improve for next time, don’t hesitate to take a minute after class to chat.
Drink lots of water! It’s important to stay hydrated always, but especially when starting a new movement routine.
You might be sore, and that’s normal. Yoga and Pilates Mat both target muscles that many other activities don’t, so even if you workout regularly or are an athlete, it’s likely you’ll feel it somewhere after your first class. Enjoy waking up those parts of your body that haven’t worked in a while, and soak in a salt bath or grab some muscle rub if you need to!
Come back soon! Taking your second class within 24 hours of your first is highly recommended. Maintaining movement will help break up lactic acid buildup on your muscles to reduce any soreness you may experience from your first class. Taking classes consistently will help you achieve the results you’re looking for much sooner than if you wait and take long breaks between. We recommend taking your first 10 classes in 30 days or less—you’ll experience the benefits for yourself, and you’ll want to keep coming back!