open heart...peaceful mind

FAQ'S

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is yoga?

Yoga is both a spiritual and physical practice. It uses breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation, and is known to improve health and well being.  "Yoga is the cessation of fluctuations of the mind.” (I:II Yogas citta vritti nirodhah.)  This is the second verse in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an instructional text for classical yoga, dating back somewhere between 5,000 B.C. and 300 A.D.  But what does it mean by “fluctuations of the mind?” Fluctuations of the mind includes all the thoughts, feelings, opinions, emotions, expectations, memories, and misconceptions that barrage our existence on a seemingly endless cycle.  And who wouldn’t hope for the cessation of those, if even for a little while?   

WHAT IS VINYASA YOGA?

Translated from the Sanskrit expression "to place in a special way" Vinyasa yoga is breath-synchronized with intentional and mindful movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline and links each pose in a coordinated sequence. By synchronizing movement with breath while practicing intentional movement, as well as engaging the 3 areas of the core or Bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies the body's deep layers, expelling unwanted toxins from the muscles and organs, as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals that nourish the body. Vinyasa has been known to improve blood circulation, coordination, flexibility, strength, balance endurance, and mood. 

WHAT IS YIN / RESTORATIVE YOGA

Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures, or asanas, that are held for longer periods of time, that  may range from 45 seconds to two minutes; more advanced practitioners may stay in one posture for five minutes or more.

Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, yin aims at cultivating awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.

Restorative yoga is similar to Yin, using more props to support the body in the pose.  Restorative is a more relaxing practice, as the use of props allows the body to find greater ease.  For Yin / Restorative classes (and like all of our classes) students may choose to use or not use the props depending upon their body, as well as their intention for practice that day.

Often during class, teachers will offer students a prop if there is room to assist or deepen the student's experience in the pose.

Click HERE to learn about the different styles of yoga at Open Heart Yoga Studio

DO I NEED MY OWN MAT?

Mat and towel rentals are available at the studio for $2. However, you are welcome to bring your own mat to class. You may also purchase mats and other yoga props in our boutique.

DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO TAKE A CLASS?

Anyone may take class at our studio for the drop-in rate of $22.  We also offer several pricing options for your to choose from for better cost savings.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CLASS?

Comfortable athletic wear is recommended, as it allows you to move and stretch easily. Stay away from anything too baggy.  Shoes and socks are not worn in class. 

ARE MINORS UNDER 18 ALLOWED TO COME TO CLASS?

Yogis of all ages are encouraged to attend class at Open Heart Yoga Studio. Minors must have a signed parent/guardian release waiver on file to take class unaccompanied. Children under 13 may not take regular yoga classes without a parent or guardian present.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY SHOES?

Shoes are not allowed on the practice floor.  Please remove your shoes and place them in the shoe cubby before entering the practice space.

CLASSES, EVENTS, & WORKSHOPS

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CLASS AND A WORKSHOP?

Classes are held on a regular basis every month. They may be taken on a drop-in basis and are included in all memberships. Advance registration is not required for general classes, but recommended for aerial and chair classes as there are a limited number of props available. Classes are 60-75 minutes depending on style

Workshops and Events run only a finite # of sessions or on a one-time basis and are not included in memberships (annual members receive 10% off). Advance registration is always required, and enrollment must be for an entire session. Workshops generally focus on more specific themes and combine movement with discussion. 

DO I NEED TO RESERVE CLASSES IN ADVANCE

It is not necessary to reserve regular classes in advance. However, we recommend registering for Chair classes  and other classes where we have a limited number of props .  We do offer advance registration through Mind Body Online as a convenience. Please keep in mind that reservations are only held until 5 minutes before the start of class. After that time, reserved spaces will be given to standby students. In the event a class reaches maximum capacity, some students may be turned away. The best way to guarantee your spot in class is to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. 

DO I NEED TO RESERVE WORKSHOPS and EVENTS IN ADVANCE?

Workshops and Events are held in finite sessions of either one class or a period of weeks. Classes within a workshop session generally meet on the same day and time once or twice per week. Enrollment must be for an entire session, and individual classes within a session may not be taken on a drop-in basis. (This way, you will be with the same classmates and teacher for an entire session.) Most workshops that are at least 4 weeks long allow one missed class within a session to be made up.

HOW DO I CANCEL A RESERVATION?

To avoid being charged the full rate:

• Regular class reservations may be canceled any time before the beginning of class and must be done through the Mind Body Online App.
• Workshop and Event reservations may be canceled within 24 hours of original purchase for full refund, and must be done in person, email, or by phone at the studio.  
• For  Private and Semi-Private Yoga Sessions, please provide cancellation notice at least 24 hours in advance.

PRIVATE YOGA & SAUNA SESSIONS

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A PRIVATE YOGA SESSION?

Please call or stop by the studio to discuss your private yoga goals and needs and to schedule an appointment with an instructor. You can review our Private Yoga Session pricing and packages HERE.  

MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES, AUTO PAY OPTIONS, & CLASS CARDS

IS THERE A TRIAL MEMBERSHIP FOR NEW STUDENTS?

Yes. New students to the studio have the option to purchase the New Student Special introductory offer.  This 30 day specially priced package allows you to try all of our class styles and teachers, to help you familiarize yourself with our studio and determine which pricing option works best for your yoga goals. 

Question 1

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do you have an auto pay option that I can cancel at any time?

You can cancel any of our auto pay options at any time.

Question 3

  

can i transfer or get a refund for my class card pack or paid in full membership?

No.  Paid in full memberships and class cards are non refundable and non transferrable.  

i'm only here for part of the year.  do you have a seasonal membership?

Yes, we offer a Season Ticket pricing option HERE .  This is a membership package with significant savings and perks, for only 6 consecutive months. 

Question 6

Answer to question 6

Question 7

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MEMBERSHIP AND CLASS CARD SHARING

The 40 class card is available for sharing amongst 3 family members.  All other class card and unlimited monthly passes are non - transferrable.

For all other questions, please click HERE to contact us directly, or stop by anytime.