Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite.” As a practice, it is a scientific system for achieving total health, mental, and spiritual well-being — a means to unite the body, mind, and spirit. In the United States, the term yoga is often used to mean the postures, or the physical part of yoga; however, these poses, or asana, are only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga.
Please wear comfortable yet form-fitting clothing that will allow for easy movement. Gym clothes or sweats/warm ups are great. We generally encourage folks to wear layers so you can be comfortable during all stages of class.
Yes! Yoga is for every body! The whole point of attending yoga classes is to learn more about your self and to work toward flexibility, strength and balance. Teachers will offer modifications and props for different levels of flexibility so that you can still get the full benefits of each pose. Please be sure the class you are attending is appropriate for your level of ability. If you are unsure of what classes would be good for you, contact us and we can help you decide!
Plan to practice on an empty stomach. If you need a snack, eat something light before class. One of the benefits of yoga is its detoxification of the body. Drinking lots of water will help flush the toxins out of your system, so do hydrate well both before and after class.
It’s your choice. Registering early allows us to know who to expect for classes, but is not required for any of our regular weekly classes. You ARE required to preregister for specialty classes or workshops. If you do not preregister and it’s your first visit with us, please arrive 10–15 minutes prior to class start time so that you can fill out the required paperwork and have time to get settled in.
Please bring a mat (we have loaners if you forget yours or don’t have one yet). You are welcome to bring your own water and please bring a towel if you tend to sweat. We also have water available to you at no cost.
Teachers offer hands-on adjustments in order for students to avoid injury and more fully experience the posture. If you do not want adjustments in class, please inform your instructor as they approach you and they will gladly respect your space.
Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. You do not need to be religious in order to practice. It has been practiced by individuals of widely differing beliefs and any and all people are welcome at wyOMing Yoga & Massage. In order to practice, you only need to believe in the possibility that we can transform ourselves, that there is always more to learn, and that there is a better way to approach life than the old habits that tie us down. Yoga seeks to put us in touch with our spiritual core—our innermost nature—that which or who we truly are.
The sound of “om” is actually a-u-m—three separate tones/vibrations. It is considered to be the original sound from which all other sounds emanate; the sound or vibration of the universe and creation of all things living. In chanting om before or after practice, we are looking to create unity of breath, sound, and vibration, reminding us we are connected to each other, and the unifying power of the universe. The OM symbol represents the three states of consciousness—waking, sleeping, and dreaming–as well as the universal consciousness that underlies and connects everything.
Namaste is a word of greeting. It is in common usage on the streets of Nepal and India even in modern times, and is generally accompanied by drawing the hands together and slightly bowing the head. Translated directly, Namaste means “to bow” and is considered a greeting from the heart that is reciprocated in kind. Expanding that definition, Namaste recognizes light and goodness of the self and others, and honors the sacredness of all.
Each of our teachers have their own style. Most of our Yoga classes are 60-75 minutes long. Many of the classes begin with a few minutes practicing simple breathing techniques that calm the mind, body and spirit. Practices start gently with various warm-up exercises designed to get circulation going and help prevent injuries. Depending on the class, you will either then move through various combinations of standing poses, seated poses and balancing poses, or continue with a slow and relaxed style of class that will consist of long held poses in seated positions. Classes end with 5-10 minutes of relaxation meditation (savasana).
It is always appropriate to talk to the instructor about any existing physical conditions and concerns you have about them. Yoga benefits many people with chronic pain by helping the body regain its balance between strength and flexibility, movement and awareness. If you are under a doctor’s care for an acute situation, please be sure to get approval from your physician before attending class.
Yes, we went there. As funny as it is to see this question in the FAQ’s, the truth is that A LOT of people have a fear of passing gas in yoga, and that fear may be keeping them from coming to a class.
So, the answer is, if you pass gas, it’s no big deal. Everyone has farted in a class at least once – whether audible or not (even the instructors!). Twisting your body into different poses squeezes your internal organs. It get things moving and increases your digestion. So, honestly, if you fart in class, it means you’re doing it right! Now, we’re not saying that you should just let them rip like you’re playing “The Saints Go Marching In” with your flatulence; that’s not very courteous to other yogis in class, but if a toot happens to slip out every now and then, so be it. Don’t let it affect your practice, and definitely don’t let the fear of it happening keep you from coming to class.
We have both heated and unheated rooms. Unheated classes are generally kept at a comfortable 70 degrees. We always encourage students to wear layers of clothing to these classes so they may remove or add layers depending on the class intensity.
Our heated room is kept between 90-98 degrees. We recommend wearing light clothing and bringing a towel for sweat. There are specific yoga mats designed for hot yoga classes that help you grip even when you get sweaty - these are helpful to have. We also sell mat towels that help grip and absorb sweat that go on top of your regular yoga mat.
We ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled class start time. Many classes begin with a quiet meditation or breathing exercise and it can be quite distracting to have students coming in late. In fact, we often lock the front door while in a class, so if you are late, you may not be able to enter at all.
If you are planning to attend class and you are running just a few minutes late, please call us and let us know you are on your way. We will try to wait before starting class so that you may join.
No. Each wellness practitioner does their own booking. You can find their contact and scheduling information through their individual links on our website.
Please arrive early for your appointments. Our schedules are very busy and starting even a few minutes late can result in an entire schedule being thrown off.
If this is your first visit, please arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can fill out the required paperwork and have time to chat with your therapist about your treatment goals. If you arrive late to your appointment, you will either get a shortened treatment, or you will be asked to reschedule your appointment to another time.