Getting Started

Welcome to SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga! Whether you are brand new to yoga or a well-seasoned yoga student, we hope to make your visit to our studio welcoming, comfortable, and a positive, life-changing experience. Here are some helpful tips when you are new to SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga…

Where to begin…
Whether you are a complete beginner or new to Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, the best way to begin practicing at our studio is by completing our Level 1 Intro Series which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:15-8:45pm for 8 consecutive classes (please pre-register for this series). These classes begin more slowly, with discussion, demonstration, and practice while each class builds on the previous one. As well as receiving essential information from a Senior Baptiste-trained instructor, you will receive hands-on adjustments from experienced assistants who will help guide you into safe alignment and healthy modifications. Practicing this style of yoga, you will build strength, increase your flexibility, improve your balance, and cultivate a sense of serenity. At the end of the 8 class series, many students are ready to move on to our Level 2 classes while others may wish to repeat the Intro Series again to solidify their understanding. We encourage you to sign-up early!

What you will learn…
This Intro series is the best way to learn how to safely practice this dynamic, challenging style of yoga. You will learn yoga philosophy that will support you in everyday life, breath work that will both energize and relax your mind and body, and universal principals of alignment. This series gives you a solid foundation of basic yoga postures and experience with flow-style yoga. The structure of this class is designed to teach students 53 postures in 11 series within the Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga 90 minute sequence. Each class progressively builds on the previous one as you continue to add new "tools to your toolbox" and awareness of your body and mind. Once you have completed the 8-class series, you will be familiar with Ujjaii breath, how to practice the basic, modified postures, and understand the concept of “surfing your edge” and “balancing effort with ease” in your yoga practice. The Introductory series is lighthearted, welcoming, and a great opportunity to invite yoga into your daily life. We hope you will join the fun in the flow!

What to expect…
Our Intro classes are usually quite full with 25-40 students of varying experience levels and a wide range of ages (18-65!). We usually meet at the front of the room for introductions, discussion, and demonstrations before we begin to move and practice. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions regarding working with injuries, how to modify postures, and about yogic philosophy. We expect you to inform the instructor and assistants of any injuries that you are dealing with so that we can assist you in the most effective manner. We will work hard, sweat a lot, laugh, and have fun connecting with new, like-minded people. As Lisa says, “take your practice seriously, but take yourself lightly.”

How to sign up…
Pre-registration payment is the best way to confirm your space since these classes do fill-up quickly. Please call 206-297-YOGA (9642) with your credit card information, stop by the studio, mail in a check made out to “SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga”, or register online. Please review the Intro Series make-up and extension policies.

INTRO Series Prices: (cash, check, or credit card)
8-class Level 1 Intro series (Tues & Thurs) $88
8-class Package- Journey Into Power book & Prana yoga mat $135

What to bring to class…
You will need a yoga mat, a large towel, and a water bottle. We rent yoga mats for $1 each or you can purchase your own “Prana” sticky mat ($32). We sell SHAKTI water bottles ($6) for sale in our boutique or if you can buy bottled water for $1. We also have shower facilities and a towel rental service $1 if you need to shower after your class. If you forget any of these items, please arrive early and ask our helpful mangers at the front desk to help get you situated.

Yoga Class Etiquette...
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT YOU ARE IN THE STUDIO BEFORE THE CLASS BEGINS.
If you are late, please wait to enter the room until after the OM’s have been chanted and once students have started moving. Enter the room very quietly so you do not disturb the students and the teacher in class. It is disrespectful to slam the door or to snap release your mat. Instead, please close the door without any sound and unroll your mat very slowly and quietly. Please do not enter the class if you are more than 10 minutes late. We believe that it is very important to complete the whole yoga class (60 or 90 minutes) because of yogic respect, your well-being, commitment to your practice, and the sense of community. Thank you for staying present and committed to your yoga practice before, during, and after classes. You are not permitted to enter the 6am & 6:30am classes late. There is no manager on duty for these early morning hours so the doors will be locked 5 minutes after the class has begun. Please arrive early so you can enjoy your whole experience at SHAKTI. Thank you for being a part of this dedicated respectful community.

What to wear…
We suggest that you wear light, comfortable clothing in which you can move easily. Tank tops, capris or shorts made of quick-dry or wicking fabrics are recommended since the studio is heated to 86-88 degrees to provide an environment where you can move and stretch safely. Our retail boutique has an excellent selection of stylish and practical yoga clothing as well as books, CD’s, videos and DVD’s to deepen your understanding of this practice.

Reminders…
Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow yourself time to sign in, change your clothes, set up your mat, meet other participants, and breathe deeply before class begins. We will encourage you to fill the front rows in the yoga studio first and align your mat with the one in front of you. We ask you to arrange your mats so that there are five people across. Thank you.

Experienced Vinyasa practitioners…
Although we suggest completing our Intro Series for everyone who is new to Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, you are welcome to drop in to any of our Level 2 or Level 3 classes to see if that level is appropriate for you.