Welcome to yoga!
Unless otherwise stated, all ESY/Spirit & Nature yoga classes are suitable for beginners. Clear instructions are given to help you safely practice. In addition, modifications are often demonstrated to accommodate individual needs. Be sure to inform the instructor of any past injuries or medical concerns you may have.
From time to time, a Yoga Basics program is available which is excellent for beginners or anyone wanted to review the basics. Contact us if you are interested in such a program. In addition, you may wish to join the mailing list to receive our latest updates including information on upcoming workshops including Yoga Basics.
Finding a Teacher
As a new student, you may be checking out a number of yoga studios and instructors, either locally or online. Here are a couple of tips when looking to join a class or studio.
- Safety. Of course, safety is #1! So look for a teacher who focuses on safety and comfort. You do not want to leave your first yoga class injured! And in order to receive the most benefit from yoga, you want an instructor who can help you be comfortable in the postures. It is okay to feel a good stretch, even a deep stretch, but pain is not part of healthy yoga practice!
- Modifications. If you have a particular medical or physical condition (or you simply feel stiff and inflexible), be sure the teacher is able to help you find modifications to the asanas (postures) that will help you to be both safe and comfortable in the pose. (Refer to #1, above!)
- Personality/teaching style. Yoga instructors come in all shapes, sizes and personality types, and set the tone/mood for the class. Ideally, you want a teacher with whom you can resonate with. At a minimum, it should be someone who feels approachable to you.
Taking care of yourself in class
Most instructors will encourage you to listen to your own body and take care of yourself in class. If something just doesn’t feel right, or you are in pain or dizzy, do not wait for the instructor to lead the entire class out of the pose! You should always feel free to gently take yourself out of the posture and return to a resting pose at any time. The practice of yoga is for you.
What is RYT? RYT-200, E-RYT, etc.?
The RYT designation was created by the Yoga Alliance. As yoga began to gain popularity in the late 1990s, leaders in the wider yoga community came together to discuss the viability of creating “standards” for yoga teachers and teacher training programs. Gyandev McCord of Ananda Yoga was one of the original collaborators in the effort. You can read more about the history of the Yoga Alliance here.
RYT means “Registered Yoga Teacher,” that is, registered with the Yoga Alliance. Most yoga teacher training programs (nationally and internationally) are registered with the Yoga Alliance. Initially, most new teachers complete a 200-hour training and gain the designation of RYT-200 (Foundational Level credential). Some go on for further training and become an RYT-500 (a total of 500 hours teacher training), and some are designated as “experienced” after logging 1,000 or more teaching hours (E-RYT). Those with the RYT-500 and/or the E-RYT200 or E-RYT500 designations hold Professional Level credentials.
Sandra Russi is an E-RYT with over 500 hours training and well over 7,000 teaching hours.
Types of yoga
There are a myriad of yoga styles. However, most fall into one of two broad/general categories: flow (sometimes called vinyasa or “power” yoga; “Ashtanga,” as a style of yoga, also falls in this broad category) or traditional hatha/classical yoga. In vinyasa/flow, movement is coordinated with the breath and students move from one posture to the next in a fairly fluid pattern without much pausing in between the postures. Some studios offer “gentle” and/or beginner flow classes.
In traditional hatha yoga, students spend more time in each posture, and generally take a short rest in between poses. Instructors will typically take more time leading students into the asanas and will focus on proper alignment and use of the breath.
Although not advertised as “hot,” some studios do heat the room so you may want to call ahead of time if you are concerned about the temperature. Coming to class with an empty or near-empty stomach is typically recommended. So if heat combined with an empty stomach doesn’t work for you (i.e., makes you dizzy, etc.), you may want to avoid that type of environment as a beginner.
New students are always welcome at East Sac Yoga
At East Sac Yoga, you will find gentle, accessible Ananda Yoga (traditional hatha) for all body types and levels of experience. The instructors are adept at gently integrating new students into class. Occasionally, gentle sun salutations (flow) may be integrated into the class.
ESY/Spirit & Nature offers online classes via Zoom a convenient option for those who desire to practice from the comfort of their own home. In addition, a limited number of classes are available in-person. View upcoming classes and register by clicking the desired class on the Schedule page.
If you’d like to try any of our classes, take a moment to review the items below:
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing or stretchy pants.
- Practice with a fairly empty stomach. Do not eat a meal at least 1 ½ hours before a yoga class; a light snack is ok.
IN-PERSON CLASSES:
- Yoga mats: we have loaner mats, but it is a good idea to buy your own mat after you’ve had a few classes.
- Arriving about 10-15 minutes early is helpful to meet the instructor, set up your mat, sign-in and get acclimated.
- Water is available but you can bring your own if you wish.
- The room is kept at a comfortable temperature.
- Please do not wear perfume, as some students are sensitive.
ONLINE CLASSES
- For online practice, you will be able to see the instructor at all times, but you can choose to turn your video on or off.
- Online classes are typically recorded and uploaded to the Content Library*. However, only the instructor’s screen is saved for the Content Library of class videos.
*The Content Library is accessible for students who hold certain passes/membership types.