Frequently Asked Questions
General
1. What makes the Yoga Shelter different from other yoga studios?At the Yoga Shelter, there are no levels or class hierarchies. Each individual is on their own journey to explore their physical body and mind. What most people connect to at the Shelter is the encouragement from the teachers and staff to figure out these truths for themselves. Students receive gentle guidance and support from our teachers rather than being told what to do based on ancient yoga texts.
2. What kind of yoga do you do here?
We practice Sanga Yoga, which is a kind of hatha, or physical, yoga. Sanga Yoga, created by Eric Paskel, is a community of people coming together to nurture our physical and spiritual growth. We offer several different kinds of Sanga Yoga classes to choose from, including Slow Flow, Sanga Vinyasa, Fusion, and Xflowsion™.
3. How often does the schedule change?
Our schedule is pretty consistent, although new classes are occasionally added. The website is always up to date, so you can check that to see the latest schedule.
4. Do you have a shower?
The West Bloomfield and Birmingham studios have a shower. There is soap available; you just need to bring your own towel.
5. Do you have beginner classes?
There are no levels of classes at the Yoga Shelter. So, as someone new to yoga, you can attend any class you wish, based on your objectives. Vinyasa and Xflowsion are more physical in nature as where slow flow tends to be more meditative in nature, as poses are held longer for a deeper stretch. We will introduce you to the teacher, so that he or she knows that you are new to yoga (if you are). The important thing is to go at your own pace. Yoga is about being okay with where we are, right now, whether we've done it once or a thousand times. It's not about judging our performance. It is about learning how to be present in the moment.
6. What is the difference between Slow Flow, Sanga Vinyasa, and Fusion?
The postures are the same throughout the classes, just done in a different manner depending on the class. In Slow Flow, the poses are held longer, and we usually close our eyes during the class so that we can focus inward and not be concerned with what everyone else is doing. Sanga Vinyasa links our breath and movement in a dynamic series of postures that flow together. Because of this, there is a more physical, cardio aspect to the class. The room is also heated more than in a Slow Flow class. Be prepared to sweat!
Fusion is a class that has been created for Vinyasa and Slow Flow to come together. This class will allow you to get the Vinyasa workout if you choose, or the Slow Flow stretch if that's what you need.
7. What is Xflowsion™?
Xflowsion™ was created by Eric Paskel as a fun, exciting, challenging, one-of-a-kind class that integrates yoga, martial arts, and dance moves to the sweet sounds of music from all genres and generations.
8. What is Free Flow?
Free Flow is a great way to start the day in a warm room with sweet music. The flow is most like a Vinyasa class, and the teacher is moving through the yoga postures right along with the students. You are free to "follow the yogi" or move in whatever way feels right to you.
9. Can I do yoga if I'm pregnant? And do you have prenatal yoga?
You can certainly do yoga if you're pregnant. However, we ask that pregnant women get clearance from their doctors first before participating in a yoga class. Pregnant should avoid poses that involve twists and inversions.. We do not have specific prenatal yoga classes. Be sure to let the teacher know that you are pregnant before the class begins.
Yoga and Health
10. Will I lose weight if I do yoga?There is a direct correlation between the number of calories taken in, the number of calories burned, and our weight. A regular yoga practice at the Yoga Shelter, combined with a balanced, healthy diet, will definitely help you lose weight.
11. Will I get a good workout doing yoga?
Yes. In yoga, you have an opportunity to completely challenge your entire body physically. It can be a great physical and mental workout. We are moving our bodies in ways that work our muscles, tendons, and Ligaments, while massaging our internal organs and cleansing our body of toxins.
12. What other workouts do I have to do in addition to yoga to stay in shape?
It depends on what your physical fitness goals are. It is different for every individual. But if you want to have your body supple and toned and your heart rate challenged, practicing yoga four to five times a week can put you in top physical shape. It could be all that you need.
Is Yoga for Me?
13. What if I've never done yoga in my lifedo I need a private yoga class first?No. since there's no expectation of what anyone needs to accomplish in a class, there is always a place in our classes for someone who's never done yoga before. Part of yoga is being aware of our process of learning something new, and accepting ourselves just the way we are right now, so the yoga class is the perfect place to practice this. Our teachers are trained to help ensure that your experience is a positive one, reminding the student to leave the competitive judgmental self outside.
14. Do I have to take slow flow if it's my first time?
No. One of the reasons we offer you a free week is because we encourage people to try out different types of classes. The class you choose should be based on what you're looking for, as well as your individual fitness level, personal injuries, or health issues. Slow Flow is a good place to start, because it moves more slowly and is easier to modify, but it's not a necessity.
15. Can I take a Vinyasa class if I've never done yoga before?
Absolutely. We recommend trying different classes, different teachers and different times of day. We'll introduce you to the teacher before class. Be sure to let him or her know that you're new to yoga.
16. What if I can't touch my toes and I'm not really flexible? Can I do yoga?
If you can walk through the door, you're flexible enough to do yoga. Yoga is not about being physically flexible. It is about being willing to find the truth about where our bodies and minds are right now, and to begin to work from there. Also, everyone's bodies is different. So just because someone cannot touch their toes, it does not meant that they're not flexible. It might simply mean that their unique skeleton restricts that movement. There is nothing good or bad about that; it just is.
17. I work out a lot; what yoga class should I take?
What are you looking for? If you're looking for a very physically challenging class, you might try Sanga Vinyasa, which offers more of a cardio workout than Slow Flow. If you want a slower-paced class that will work your entire body and help you focus inward, try Slow Flow. For a combination of Vinyasa and Slow flow, check out our Fusion class. You really just need to try them both out and experience the difference yourself. That's why we offer the free week.
In the Yoga Room
18. What should I wear to class?Dress comfortably and keep in mind that the room is heated. It's best to wear a snug-fitting top because a loose shirt can fall open when you bend forward or do inversions. Comfortable yoga pants or long shorts are good. Don't wear shorts that are too short because you may be uncomfortable in some of the poses.
19. What do I need to bring to class with me?
Bring your own mat if you have one, and a towel. We have mats for rent for $2 or for sale if you do not have one. You may want to bring a bottle of water into the room. We also sell it for $1. Do not bring cell phones into the room.
20. Are the rooms heated for all of the classes?
Yes. The room is heated to the low 80s for Slow Flow, and to 90 degrees for Sanga Vinyasa. A Fusion class is usually somewhere in the middle.
21. Do all the teachers play music? Is it all the same music?
Our teachers all play music, unless it's a drumming class. Some teachers may decide not to play music for a portion of the class. The music is all different, selected by the teacher to provide inspiration, focus, and fun during the class.
Membership
22. Can I just come in and try a class for free?Everyone who lives locally is entitled to one free week the first time they come in to take class. It is a one time offer for new students only.
23. Can I just sit and watch at the back of the room to see if yoga is for me?
No, we'd prefer that you not do that. Watching a yoga class is not the best way to tell if it's for you. What your eyes tell you is different from what your body experiences. It can also make the class participants uncomfortable if they feel they're being watched. If you're interested, grab a mat, join the class, and follow along at your own pace.
24. Do I have to make an appointment to come in and take a class?
No, but we do recommend that you arrive at least five minutes early. Some classes are more crowded than others.
25. Can I start my free week on any day, or does it have to be a certain day of the week?
You can start your free week on any day. It goes for 7 consecutive days from the first class that is taken.
26. Is my membership good at all five studios?
Yes.
