Getting started with Yoga

Intro to Yoga is a series that allows you to learn at your own pace regardless of your level of flexibility (or lack there of!). This class is a perfect fit for the new yoga student wishing to "start at the beginning", learning the foundations of yoga practice. The class will teach correct breathing methods, increase strength in the arms, legs and torso, and improve balance,posture and flexibility. You will learn a wide range of postures (asanas) so that you will be prepared to enter any other yoga class at Three Trees Yoga with confidence.

6 week series: $70 when you preregister, $75 at the door as space permits

Risk free - fully refundable up to the second class of the series.

The Intro to Yoga series classes are offered on the following dates/times
If you have to miss a class you can make it up by attending an Intro class on another day of the week or a beginner (level I) drop in class. Talk to us and we can help you find a schedule that works for you.

Wednesdays 9:30-10:45 AM with Karen

Session 1: June 16 - July 21
Register for this series - $70

Session 2: September 22 - October 27
Register for this series - $70
                 

Sundays 11:30 - 12:45 PM with Suzy

       Session 1:May 2 - June 27 - August 8 (no class on the July 4)
       Register for this series - $70

       Session 2: September 12 - October 17
       Register for this series - $70

If a series doesn't fit into your schedule, you can start a yoga practice by coming to
beginner level drop in classes (also called Level I) . No preregistration required. Cost per class is $14. Discount class cards are available.  Many students find it helpful to take an Intro Class once a week and drop in classes once or twice a week.

Mondays 10:45 AM -12:00 PM with Dylan
Tuesdays 9:30-10:45 AM with Karen
Wednesdays 6:00-7:15 PM with Janice
Thursdays 7:30 - 8:45 PM with Dhaval
Fridays 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM with Dylan
Saturdays 10:45 - 12:00 PM with Jeni
Sunday 9:30 - 10:45 AM with Louise

Buy a discount pass for Drop In classes

Gentle Yoga Series is a six-week series that is well-suited to those who are looking for a relaxed, gentle paced workout. The poses are presented with many modifications, making the class appealing to anyone with moderate physical, medical or age-related challenges. Emphasis will be on improving balance; developing conscious breathing; cultivating strength and flexibility; and calming the mind. Ideal for seniors, individuals with MS, Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia or those transitioning from illness/injury/surgery or a sedentary lifestyle. (Private consultation with the instructor is available if you are not sure whether you are suited to this class). Cost for the series is $68 when you register in advance.  $73 to register "at the door" as space permits.

      

          Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 PM - Gentle Yoga Series - Jeni

Session 1: August 25 - September 29
Register for this 6 week series - $70

Session 2: October 13 - November 17
Register for this 6 week series - $70

There is also a Gentle Yoga Drop In class on Mondays 12:30 - 1:30 pm with Jeni.
No preregistration required. $14 or use a discount class pass. (see pricing page)

Frequently asked questions:

What do I wear and bring?

Come dressed in stretchy, comfortable clothes and plan to practice in bare feet. (Socks are OK if necessary.) You may want a warmer outer layer to wear during "savasana" (final relaxation). We provide the mats and props for use at the studio. Once you get started, for hygienic reasons, you may decide to purchase your own mat, blanket or cushion. These are available in our boutique.

Avoid eating just before doing yoga; but drink water before and after class.

Prenatal students should eat lightly about an hour before class and may bring water and a snack as well.

What if I haven't exercised for awhile, can't touch my toes or have a physical challenge?

That's OK. "i'm not flexible!" is the most common thing we hear with new students. You don't have to be able to tie yourself into a pretzel to enjoy a yoga practice.  Yoga is noncompetitive and everyone is encouraged to practice at their own pace and listen to their body's messages. It's not about doing the pose perfectly, it's about receiving the benefits of the pose in a way that serves your body as it is today. It is often the tight, inflexible body that receives the benefits most quickly from yoga.

Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early for the first class and always tell an instructor if you've had an injury or an area of concern in your body. All of our teachers are able to provide you with modifications to the poses so they will be accessible to you. You may want to consider a Gentle Yoga Series to ease you into a regular practice.

How are your classes different from what I can take at a gym or fitness club?

At Three Trees you can expect skillful, certified yoga teachers. We require a minimum of 200 hours of training before we entrust our students to their care. This assures you that the classes will be designed intelligently and with attention given to your individual needs.

The experience of yoga is as much about reducing stress and tension in the mind as it is about the body. That is one of the reasons we make it a priority that our studio is clean and quiet and a pleasure to practice in. The radiant heat floors are made from beautiful bamboo wood. (We made sure to leave a portion of the floor without heat for those who generate more than enough from within!) Soothing music, fresh flowers, candles, a view of our rock wall garden through the window, and lavender scented eye pillows are a few of the details that make the experience of yoga at Three Trees nourishing and rejuvenating.

Is there chanting and meditation? How does yoga fit with my own faith?

There may be times of guided or silent meditation-usually just for a few minutes. It is also common to chant "OM" or "Shanti" at the beginning or end of class although participation is always optional. OM is used as the symbol of yoga and is a Sanskrit word meaning "unity". It refers to the interconnectedness of all things. "Shanti" means "peace". These tools are helpful in creating quiet within the mind. They are offered in the spirit of supporting your individual faith or life philosophy.