Common Questions and Tips

hŌM Yoga would like to take a moment and address some common concerns and questions of new yoga practitioners.

In order to practice yoga, you do not need to be able to balance your entire body on one hand over burning incense while keeping a beautiful smile on your face! Here's how to avoid some common drawbacks and surprises:

If I am new to yoga, what should I expect?

Yoga classes at hŌM range from 60 to 90 minutes.* Always arrive on time and never leave early as it is disrespectful to other students and your instructor! Some classes are more physically demanding than others (vinyasa and power yoga) and some are tailored for specific needs (pre- and post-natal classes). All classes are lead by one instructor, but some classes will also include assistants that will help the instructor for large classes or classes with a lot of new yoga practitioners. A yoga class is meant to be an experience that strengthens, heals, and increases flexibility for both the body and the mind. It is an open, welcoming, and safe environment.

*Students under 18 will need a parent or guardian's signature to attend class.

Personal Space.

Yoga is a very personal experience and practice, so leave your competitive edge at the gym! hŌM does not have any mirrors on our studio walls so that you can focus more on your movement and connection to the body and breath rather then on personal judgment. The practice of yoga is meant to be about mental and physical growth at your own pace in an empowering and self fulfilling environment.

The mental aspect vs. the "workout" aspect.

Most people initially practice yoga to experience a "physical work out" and while the physical aspect of yoga is very important, learning to focus on the power of your mind is fundamental to the ancient art of yoga. Some classes will include meditation or chanting and some instructors will mention prana (life force energy) or Hindu or Buddhist deities. These things are not meant to make you feel uncomfortable and are not mandatory to practice. They are there to focus your mind on the experience and divert your attention away from the stresses in life. When you truly concentrate on the techniques you're learning, like incorporating your breath into your asanas (postures), your yoga potential is limitless!

What do I need to bring/get?

You do not need to purchase new "yoga clothes"; you probably already have adequate clothing, although we do sell yoga apparel at the studio. We recommend comfortable fitting clothes, which will help you get more out of your class as they make it easier for the instructor to see your body's alignment (avoid those baggy sweats!). It is also suggested that you buy a yoga mat as it is much more hygienic then renting, but we do offer mats to rent for individual classes. All products available for purchase from hŌM Yoga, including yoga apparel and mats, are environmentally friendly. If you have an old mat that is not so eco-friendly and are thinking about upgrading, hŌM Yoga will donate your mat to The Art of Yoga Project and/or local homeless shelters in San Francisco when you purchase a "green mat" from us!

How do I find the right class/instructor for me?

All of hŌM Yoga's instructors are registered with the Yoga Alliance have had 200 to 500-plus hours of training at one or more approved yoga studios. hŌM Yoga offers many different types of classes. Please review our schedule for a list of classes offered and a description of each class. You can expect to get the best experience from a class when you feel a personal connection to your instructor, and enjoy his or her style of teaching. We recommend that you make an effort to take multiple classes from your favorite instructors. Doing so will allow the instructor to tailor the class to the needs of his or her students, to more easily recognize if you are struggling and how to best help you to adapt each posture to your body. If you have any injuries, or are pregnant, be sure to tell your instructor at the beginning of class so that they offer modifications to postures.

Where should I put my mat?

It is helpful when new students choose a spot somewhere in the second row or the middle of the room so you can see what the rest of the class and the instructor are doing (you don't always face the same direction, so the back is not necessarily the best choice). It's also a good idea to place your mat somewhere near the wall for support during inversions and balancing postures.

Child's Pose (balasana), you're best friend!

If at anytime you feel like the class is getting too intense, or a posture is just not right for your body, it is ok to take a break and go into Child's Pose: kneel on the floor, touch your big toes together, sit back on your heels, separate your knees about as wide as your hips and lean your upper body forward, placing your forehead on the floor. Even the most advanced yoga practitioner's use Child's Pose when it's right for them, so don't be afraid to visit balasana!

Do I need all of those extra props?

Most likely, YES! When you come to class, grab two of those eco-friendly cork blocks and keep them near your mat. These props help your body to compensate for a lack of flexibility in certain poses. They also allow students of all levels to stretch deeper and attain better alignment. Straps are wonderful to use on an outstretched leg during seated poses or standing balancing postures. They help to keep you from straining your back and hamstrings while giving you a deeper stretch at the same time. Your instructor can help you to incorporate these props into your practice if you are unsure of when and how to use them.

Hydration

Specific yoga postures help to cleanse the body by forcing toxins out. Drinking PLENTY of H2O before, during, and after class aids the body in this process of detoxification. It is very important that you bring a water bottle to class, especially when practicing vigorous vinyasa or power yoga. Keeping it green, hŌM Yoga does have a water cooler available to refill your water bottles, so you don't need to worry about running out!

Are you slipping?

If you find your hands slipping out from underneath you in poses like Downward Dog, bring a towel to practice and lay it over your mat. Yogi Toes are a wonderful little invention that have grippers on one side of the towel and are smooth on the other side. Simply place the gripped side face down on your mat and you are set for class! (Normal towels work fine, too.)