New to Yoga? To PRANA?

Our Studio

PRANA has 3 yoga rooms. Each can hold 21 students, no more than that, ensuring you a safe practise where you will get adjustments from the teacher since the class sizes allow them to do so. If your classes are any larger then this chances are you are not getting the proper adjustments you require for a safe practice! You wouldn't want 50 other kids in your childs classroom, for the same reason!

One of the rooms is a special Therapy Studio complete with ropes and with a meditation nook where you can come and unwind, or continue a great meditation you were having in class. (Therapy studio coming this summer!)

What to bring

water, small towel, yoga mat (we rent), wear clothing that are comfortable and not too loose, as the instructor needs to see the alignment of your body to best assess and assist your needs.

We have showers on the premise so if you tend to perspire, or have to return to work, or maybe a date after class, bring a towel and a change of clothes if need be.

Choosing a class

Classes will vary by style and instructor. It is recommended that you begin with the basic classes and work your way up when you are comfortable, if you choose to. Some of the most seasoned yoga practitioners will still get an amazing class out of a beginner class, because the class is what YOU make of it! If you are having trouble choosing a class that is best for you, call the studio and let us help you out!

Important things to Remember:

Yoga is not a competition. No one in the class is judging you. They are all focused on their own practice and dealing with their own stuff, there is not time for them to judge you, chances are they are going through the same thing as you!

Go at a pace comfortable to you. If you find yourself in a class that is too challenging, or fast paced, it’s ok to rest during the times you feel you need a rest. Child’s Pose and Sivasana are designed for that purpose. It is perfectly normal and acceptable to rest at any time during the practice.

If the class is simply too difficult for you to continue, it is acceptable for you to simply lie down in Sivasana or Child’s Pose until you feel ready to continue.
We don't advise leaving during the middle of class. If you feel that you need to than be sure to be courteous to the other students, not to disturb their concentration. Leave quietly and quickly. Remember - you can always have a quick word with the teacher during class to see if this is a good option for you. If in doubt - talk to an instructor first and see which classes are suitable for you.

If you don’t understand something, it is ok to ask the teacher. Although most Yoga classes offer a quiet serene environment for the entirety of the class, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the instructor if you aren’t sure if you’re doing a pose correctly. It’s better to ask than to do it wrong and injure yourself!

Be sure to turn off cell phones or other electronic devices that may make noise during class. It’s very distracting and embarrassing to have your phone right in the middle of class.

Where should you place your mat? When entering a class for the first time, it is up to you to choose where to place your mat. We ask that if you are a beginner, or have special needs or injuries to place your mat close to the teachers mat near the front of the room. This way the teacher has easy access to you and can help you. If you are worried that people will watch you, please refer to the first point again, and read below.

No one is judging you. This is important for you to know. As a new Yoga student, you may feel like the other students will be judging you based upon your clothing, your level of ability or lack thereof and other such reasons. This is simply not true. Most people are so preoccupied by their own practise and their personal issues to be concerned with what is going on around them.

During class, it’s ok, and even encouraged, to breathe 'loudly'. When you breathe, inhale and exhale through your nose. Deep, cleansing Yogic breathe all the way to the lower abdomen. When you exhale, draw your lower belly in until all of the air comes out. During each pose, you can gage whether you are going too deeply or putting yourself into a compromising position by your breathe. If you find yourself holding your breathe or taking short quick breathes, it is likely that you are pushing yourself too far. Ease up a little until you are able to breathe slow, deep, rhythmic breathes that will bring rich oxygen to your blood, organs and entire circulatory system.  If your nose is congested, make sure to cleanse your nasal passage way before the beginning of class. If you still can’t breathe through your nose, you can breathe through your mouth if you absolutely have to, or skip class that day until you no longer have any obstruction to your breathing.

By 'loudly' we mean that you should be able to hear your breath, but your neighbour shouldn't hear you breathe.

Be sure to stay hydrated. Yoga is not only great exercise, but it can act as a cleanse for your entire body, much like a massage. As you sweat out the toxins from inside you, you will need to replenish the liquids you are losing. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for some water. Drink often and continuously.

Mantras are short phrases or words that have great meaning and are generally repeated over and over either verbally or in your mind. They can be very helpful in dealing with every day issues. Yoga should be a time of concentration and peace for your mind. As thoughts from your day drift into your mind, you can slowly eliminate them by thinking of the following mantra: “let go”. Inhale the word “let” and exhale the word “go”. This mantra works wonders and can help you work through all sorts of issues you may be dealing with. As you begin to let go of the mental chatter in your mind, your Yoga practice will prove to be more and more rewarding each time you step onto the mat.

The teacher you choose will play a large role in the course of your Yoga experience. Make sure that the instructor is encouraging, but not pushy; knowledgeable, but not overwhelming; and most importantly mentally present in the class. It is easy to become distracted as a Yoga teacher. They often teach several classes each day and the poses all start to run into each other if the teacher doesn’t remain present with each individual class, your experience will suffer because of it. Also, many teachers choose to use the Sanskrit words for the poses. This is nice if you know the translation and can perform the pose from the cueing in Sanskrit. To start, you may want to choose a teacher who uses English words for the poses to start, and slowly integrate the ancient language into your vocabulary as you progress to higher levels.

Namaste (pron. nomastay) is a Sanskrit word with many variable definitions. However, the basic meaning is the same for all. It means, “The divine light within me, recognizes and acknowledges the divine light within you.” This is often how teachers will end the class, usually with a gesture of their hands in prayer position by their heart centre.

Om is the universal manta. It means from the beginning to the end and everything that lies between. (Pronounced A-U-M). When chanted either mentally or out loud, can bring peace to your mind and connection to universal oneness.

Yoga is a very complete system designed to help in all areas of your life. The more you learn about Yoga and its various aspects, the more you will realize there is more to learn. Don’t allow this to overwhelm you. The journey to your healthiest, happiest existence in this life begins with your desire to feel better and more balanced on a regular basis. Yoga will provide that for you.

Be sincere in your pursuits and you will be successful. The law of attraction states that whatever you believe you can have, you will have. So, set your intention in a positive direction with continual growth and happiness as a goal. All good things will come to you. You are a magnet for divine prosperity. Open your heart and allow the treasures to be revealed to you.