What to eat before Yoga Virginia?

HOW DO I START?

Pick any class and arrive 15 minutes before the class starts. Before you arrive, we strongly recommend that you sign up for class and pay online to guarantee your spot. Some of our classes, including our evening classes and weekend classes, can fill up fast! To guarantee your spot, please sign up online in advance.*

When you come to the studio for your first visit, you will need to fill out some paperwork. Please let the teacher (usually the person at the desk) know whether you’ve done yoga before and whether you have any injuries. If you don't have your own mat, you can borrow one of our Manduka PROlite studio mats at no cost.

*Please note that if you sign up in advance and fail to come to class, and do not remove yourself from the class at least four hours before class starts, you will be charged a $12 cancellation fee if (and only if!) the class is full. If you do not arrive by the start of class time you will be considered a no show. You will NEVER be charged if the class does not reach full capacity. Thank you for your understanding! Our busiest classes are Monday-Thursday 4:45 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm, Friday 4:45 pm, and weekend vinyasa classes.

DO I NEED TO SIGN UP ONLINE?
To guarantee your spot in class, please sign up online and do your best to arrive early! Although we have a large capacity at all of our studios and aren't always full, preregistering for classes is typically necessary for our weekday evening classes (4:45 pm, 6 pm, and 7:30 pm) and weekend classes. Sign into your MindBody account here!

Please note that if you sign up in advance and fail to come to class, and do not remove yourself from the class at least four hours before class starts, you will be charged a $12 cancellation fee if (and only if!) the class is full. You must arrive by the start of class time or else you will be considered a no show. You will NEVER be charged if the class does not reach full capacity. Our busiest classes are Monday-Thursday 4:45 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm, Friday 4:45 pm, and weekend vinyasa classes.

I HAVE NEVER DONE YOGA BEFORE. CAN I STILL COME TO CLASS?

Absolutely! Everyone feels slightly awkward coming into a new space and trying new things-even students who have been practicing yoga for years. Highland Yoga teachers pride themselves on being able to teach anything to anyone, no matter what their level. It's our job to show you how yoga works.Our classes are designed for all levels. That said, you should be prepared to make modifications as suggested by your teacher, to take rests when necessary, and to go at your own pace. Yoga is a practice that you must develop over time; it is not a competition to see who can execute the fanciest pose. If you honor your body and accept your limitations you will do just fine!

If you are brand new to yoga, please let your teacher know so we can offer some additional information to help you in your practice. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions after class. Highland Yoga teachers love to help!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to move freely. We provide complimentary hand towels and Manduka PROlite studio mats. We recommend you bring a bottle of water so you can stay hydrated throughout your practice.

IS IT HOT YOGA?

No. "Hot yoga, " such as Bikram Yoga and its derivatives, is practiced at 105 F. Our studio averages 90-93 F: warm enough that your muscles can relax and stretch safely, but not so hot that you drip and slip everywhere or feel uncomfortable. That said, every body reacts to heat differently and we recommend you bring water to stay hydrated and take rests as needed throughout class.

SHOULD I EAT BEFORE CLASS?

We recommend that you not eat for at least 2 hours before class. Practicing yoga on an empty stomach is much more comfortable and better for your body. However, if you haven't eaten in many hours, you are hungry, or your energy levels feel low, try something small but protein-filled like an energy bar, nuts, yogurt, or a smoothie. We also have electrolyte and energy drinks at the studio.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I EXPECT?

We ask that you leave all of your belongings in cubbies outside of the studio. We practice silence and meditation in the studio; please be respectful to others and finish up your conversations with fellow classmates and teachers before entering the studio space. Once in the studio, just relax! Your teacher will take it from there.

CAN I BRING MY KIDS?

Students must be over age 13 to attend classes at Highland Yoga. If you're interested in practicing with your younger children, consider private family lessons. We also offer Kids Yoga classes and Family Yoga throughout the year-check out our events page for more information!