Please review the frequently asked questions below and/or use the contact form that follows if you would like to speak to a Possibility Advisor.

Attending Class – Tips & Info

• Plan to arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to allow time to sign-in and prepare for your class.
• Yoga is practiced in bare feet.
• For hygienic reasons, students may choose to bring their own mat.
• Wear comfortable, lightweight, flexible clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, leggings or work-out wear.
• We DO have changing facilities available.
• Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We suggest you not eat for about two hours before practicing.
• If you must leave class early, let your teacher know before the class begins. Try to rest for a few minutes at the end of your practice and leave before the rest of the class comes into Savasana.
• Please advise your teacher of any injuries so we ensure a great practice for you!

I’ve never taken a yoga class before. How do I start?
There are many ways to begin the practice of Yoga. What’s important is that you take that first step. Balanced Life Yoga is dedicated to sharing the joy and power of Yoga with the wider community and we are committed to providing all beginning students with accessible classes in a welcoming environment. We recommend that you start with a beginner’s class or Introduction to Yoga. Our Possibility Advisor can offer assistance too.

How do I choose which type of Yoga to try? With so many choices, can I try more than one?
At Balanced Life Yoga we offer Yoga for all ages and all experience levels. All of our classes are based on a flowing style of yoga called Vinyasa which links the breath to the postures and helps focus and calm the mind. Your Possibility Advisor is a great resource to help you choose a yoga style and teacher to suit your needs.

What if I just can’t do a pose?
Your Possibility Advisor will help you select a class that is appropriate for your level of experience. But, if you encounter a pose that you are not quite ready for, you can ask the teacher for modifications. (All of our teachers are trained to help new students master poses safely and successfully.) You can also opt to rest, or do another pose that you would like to work on. The important thing to remember is that this is your practice. We foster a non-competitive environment and ask that you honor your body and do only what is comfortable and feels right to you. With time, you may find that you can, indeed, master that challenging pose.

My doctor recommended I take Yoga to help me manage stress. But which class would be best and does Yoga really help?
Yoga is one of the best forms of stress relief. Yoga is a complete mind/body practice that promotes mental clarity, enhanced self-awareness, physical and mental calm, and an overall sense of wellbeing and release.

I’ve never done Yoga before, what should I wear? Do I need a mat? Can I rent or purchase one at the studio?
We always recommend either loose or fitted, comfortable clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton. Yoga is practiced with bare feet so you will be asked to take your shoes off. We also ask that you avoid wearing any perfume. We maintain a fragrance-free environment. We are happy to provide mats and props free-of-charge though we recommend that you have your own. Mats are also available for purchase in our store.

Do I need to check in before class, make a reservation for class, or can I just show up?
Reservations are not required for our drop-in class but some classes do fill up so we recommend that you plan to arrive ten or fifteen minutes early to secure a spot in class. We ask that all students check in at the front desk and log in on the sign-up sheet. Pre-registered classes require registration. Please call or register online – Ajax or Uxbridge location. Please take off your shoes and turn off your cell phone or pager before entering class.

What should I bring?
An open mind, and a bottle of water if you like. All studios are fully equipped with mats and other props. Students may also bring their own mats and supplies if they like. Yoga equipment, clothes and more are available at the Balanced Life Yoga boutique.

What should I wear?
Come with bare feet. We specifically recommend: footless tights and a t-shirt, footless tights and a leotard, or shorts and a t-shirt. Many students wear an outer layer like a long-sleeve t-shirt for the first and last few minutes of class. Is there a place to change my clothes?

Can I store my stuff?
We have private washroom/change rooms and storage shelves are in the studio; there is plenty of room.

What is a Balanced Life Yoga class like?
Every class will inspire you. While every teacher has her or his own method, classes begin with warm-up stretches and an awareness of the breath (pranayama). Teachers lead the class through a series of postures (asanas), according to the class level. Postures are usually presented with more- and less-challenging options so that everyone can be comfortable. Some classes use props like straps and foam blocks to help establish alignment. Class ends with several minutes of rest and a reading or the recitation of OM. Everyone leaves Balanced Life Yoga classes feeling more alive, present, and healthy than when they came in.

What is OM?
OM is the “sacred syllable” of Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, where yoga was invented. Check out our Yoga Culture (link) section to find out more about OM and the philosophy and practice of yoga.

I’m recovering from an injury. Will yoga help?
Yoga is a restorative practice and can often help the body to recover. Be sure to tell your teacher at the start of class about your injury and she/he can be sure that you get the most benefit for your recovery.

Should I do yoga if it’s my “time of the month?”
Of course! However: many yogis recommend that women refrain from inversions during the first three days of their menstrual cycle. These include head stands, shoulder stands, handstands, and the like. Our teachers always offer an alternative pose for those who aren’t doing inversions, but we leave this decision up to each woman’s personal discretion.

I’m pregnant. Should I stop my yoga practice?
No, but you’ll want to adapt it. Balanced Life Yoga’s Pre-Natal Yoga class offers safe and beneficial practices for this important time. Check out our class schedule to find out how to register.

Do I have to know a lot about eastern spirituality in order to enjoy Balanced Life Yoga?
No. Balanced Life Yoga is dedicated to creating a friendly and welcoming space for the practice of yoga. Our teachers are knowledgeable about the origins and philosophy of yoga, as well as meditation and other aspects. We respect that all students practice yoga to enrich their own well-being. Balanced Life Yoga is open to all points of view and all those of various spiritual and religious backgrounds.