Welcome to Your Yoga Home
Here at Yoga Hive, each member of our teaching staff and community has found a love of yoga for a variety of reasons.
Whatever it is that has you exploring a yoga journey, we're so glad you're here!
Whatever it is that has you exploring a yoga journey, we're so glad you're here!
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It combines physical postures, referred to as
asana { ah-sana }, breathing exercises called pranayama { prah-nah-yah-mah }, meditation and principle's of yoga that also promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. While yoga is often associated with physical exercise in the West, it's broader purpose is to unite the mind, body and spirit, leading to a more balanced and harmonius life.
asana { ah-sana }, breathing exercises called pranayama { prah-nah-yah-mah }, meditation and principle's of yoga that also promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. While yoga is often associated with physical exercise in the West, it's broader purpose is to unite the mind, body and spirit, leading to a more balanced and harmonius life.
How can yoga benefit me?
It's true! Yoga has the power to affect your Physical and Mental Health.
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Within just a few short yoga practices, you'll likely begin to notice PHYSICAL improvements in your:
Some of the common MENTAL health improvements may be:
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'But wait! I can't even touch my toes. If I'm not flexible, can I do yoga?'
There's a whole bunch of common misconceptions about yoga that we want to get out of the way.
These misconceptions can prevent people from experiencing the many benefits yoga offers. Understanding the true
nature of yoga can help break down all of these barriers, making the practice accessible to everyone!
These misconceptions can prevent people from experiencing the many benefits yoga offers. Understanding the true
nature of yoga can help break down all of these barriers, making the practice accessible to everyone!
- Yoga is just stretching. While yoga involves stretching, it's so much more than that. Strength-building, balance, breathwork and mental focus are all part of the holistic practice that benefits the mind, body and spirit.
- Yoga is a religion. Yoga is NOT a religion. Yoga is a spiritual and philosophical practice that can complement any belief system. Yoga is not bound by religious practices and is practiced by people of all faiths and backgrounds.
- Yoga is only for women. Nah. In fact, yoga was traditionally practiced by men. Though in our Western culture, it became highly sought after by women, more and more men are discovering it's benefits for both physical and mental health.
- Yoga is too easy, or not a real workout. Yoga can be as gentle or challenging as you'd like it to be. There are so many styles of yoga that there's always a class to fit your needs. Check out our Class Styles page for info on specific types that we offer at Yoga Hive.
- Yoga takes too much time. Yoga can fit into literally ANY and EVERY schedule. Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, every practice can provide significant benefits.
- I'm too old or out of shape for yoga. Yoga is 100% adaptable to all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Our studio offers such a wide range of classes that we know you'll find several classes that will fit your particular needs. We invite you to explore what might work for you - and we're always happy to offer in-class modifications as well as suggestions prior to signing up!
I'm new to yoga, what can I expect?
Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey that will change your life in ways as unique as you are. As with anything new, please be compassionate with yourself. Remember it isn’t possible to get everything right away; even the most experienced student is still in the process of learning. Come with an open mind, expect to have fun, breathe, sweat and move. Don’t worry about doing it “right”- just show up! We highly recommend our Beginner Series taught by Shelle & Hillary.
If I'm not flexible, can I do yoga?
Ahh, perhaps the greatest myth of all! (See our definition of Yoga above AND our common myths!) You only need to be mentally flexible and open to new possibilities to participate at Yoga Hive. Just show up and focus on breathing, moving, and honoring where you are today. Every body is different. Come to learn about and develop yours!
How often should I do yoga?
Initially, there is great benefit to completing 10–15 classes in 30 days. This will give you a solid physical and intellectual base from which to catapult your growth. For optimal results in gaining energy, decreasing stress and building a strong, pain-free body, consistency is the key. A practice of 2-3 days per week, if consistent, will transform the way you may think and feel about yourself and others.
Where should I set up in the studio?
If you are new, try to set yourself up in the back of the studio so that you can follow the people in front and around you.
If you need to take a break or get lost, just relax in child’s pose (one of the poses you may experience when down on your mat at the beginning of the class) or even Mountain pose (standing) until you feel ready to proceed.
Can I eat before class?
It is best to practice on a mostly empty stomach. Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before class. Foods appropriate for pre-class snacking include fruit, yogurt, or light energy bars.
What should I drink to replace electrolytes?
Drinking water will not replace lost electrolytes. Many people drink coconut water or other electrolyte replenishing fluids.
Will I lose weight? Build muscle?
The amazing thing about yoga is that it has the ability to transform your whole body, mind and spirit. If you need to lose weight and combine Yoga Hive yoga with healthy, moderate eating habits, you will! If you want to build muscle, you will! It all depends on what shift needs to take place in your body to bring it back to its most natural state. This system of yoga can torch calories and touch and awaken almost every cell in your body.
Is yoga safe for pregnant women?
In many cases, absolutely. But as with any exercise program, the two general rules of thumb are to check with your physician and to listen to your own body for signs of injury or overwork. Always tell the instructor that you're pregnant... even if you want to tell him/her discreetly because you're not telling the world about your new babe yet — please find a way so we can make sure to give you cues that will be beneficial! When in doubt, poses during pregnancy should always "make space for baby" in the belly. Especially into the second trimester, avoid too much working of the core, heating breath practices (like Breath of Fire), navel pumping, etc. Also, into the third trimester, your body will become quite flexible, and while it might "feel good" in the moment to go super deep into hip openers, it is possible to overstretch. So... moderation is key, and if you have questions, please feel free to reach out in advance!
Why the “OM”?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of some types of yoga practices. Some spiritualists say it is the sound made by the universe. If that seems a little overwhelming, simply try chanting a-um and let the power of sound and vibration start to warm your body from the inside out. It may feel strange at first, but give it time and you may find yourself looking forward to those concluding meditative moments of harmonizing voices — not just because it honors the end of your yoga practice but because it can also leave you with a sense of connection with others in the class.
Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey that will change your life in ways as unique as you are. As with anything new, please be compassionate with yourself. Remember it isn’t possible to get everything right away; even the most experienced student is still in the process of learning. Come with an open mind, expect to have fun, breathe, sweat and move. Don’t worry about doing it “right”- just show up! We highly recommend our Beginner Series taught by Shelle & Hillary.
If I'm not flexible, can I do yoga?
Ahh, perhaps the greatest myth of all! (See our definition of Yoga above AND our common myths!) You only need to be mentally flexible and open to new possibilities to participate at Yoga Hive. Just show up and focus on breathing, moving, and honoring where you are today. Every body is different. Come to learn about and develop yours!
How often should I do yoga?
Initially, there is great benefit to completing 10–15 classes in 30 days. This will give you a solid physical and intellectual base from which to catapult your growth. For optimal results in gaining energy, decreasing stress and building a strong, pain-free body, consistency is the key. A practice of 2-3 days per week, if consistent, will transform the way you may think and feel about yourself and others.
Where should I set up in the studio?
If you are new, try to set yourself up in the back of the studio so that you can follow the people in front and around you.
If you need to take a break or get lost, just relax in child’s pose (one of the poses you may experience when down on your mat at the beginning of the class) or even Mountain pose (standing) until you feel ready to proceed.
Can I eat before class?
It is best to practice on a mostly empty stomach. Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before class. Foods appropriate for pre-class snacking include fruit, yogurt, or light energy bars.
What should I drink to replace electrolytes?
Drinking water will not replace lost electrolytes. Many people drink coconut water or other electrolyte replenishing fluids.
Will I lose weight? Build muscle?
The amazing thing about yoga is that it has the ability to transform your whole body, mind and spirit. If you need to lose weight and combine Yoga Hive yoga with healthy, moderate eating habits, you will! If you want to build muscle, you will! It all depends on what shift needs to take place in your body to bring it back to its most natural state. This system of yoga can torch calories and touch and awaken almost every cell in your body.
Is yoga safe for pregnant women?
In many cases, absolutely. But as with any exercise program, the two general rules of thumb are to check with your physician and to listen to your own body for signs of injury or overwork. Always tell the instructor that you're pregnant... even if you want to tell him/her discreetly because you're not telling the world about your new babe yet — please find a way so we can make sure to give you cues that will be beneficial! When in doubt, poses during pregnancy should always "make space for baby" in the belly. Especially into the second trimester, avoid too much working of the core, heating breath practices (like Breath of Fire), navel pumping, etc. Also, into the third trimester, your body will become quite flexible, and while it might "feel good" in the moment to go super deep into hip openers, it is possible to overstretch. So... moderation is key, and if you have questions, please feel free to reach out in advance!
Why the “OM”?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of some types of yoga practices. Some spiritualists say it is the sound made by the universe. If that seems a little overwhelming, simply try chanting a-um and let the power of sound and vibration start to warm your body from the inside out. It may feel strange at first, but give it time and you may find yourself looking forward to those concluding meditative moments of harmonizing voices — not just because it honors the end of your yoga practice but because it can also leave you with a sense of connection with others in the class.
Ready to register for a Yoga Class?
Although we love drop-ins at Yoga Hive, we always recommend registering online so you don't have to
worry about that when you arrive at the studio. Make sure you share with your instructor that it's your
first time so they can be sure to give you clear instruction and tips for success.
worry about that when you arrive at the studio. Make sure you share with your instructor that it's your
first time so they can be sure to give you clear instruction and tips for success.
- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to check-in, change, relax and set up your practice space.
- Inform your teacher about any injuries, health concerns or pregnancy before class.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after class.
- Bring a mat; if you don’t have one, we have a limited supply of mats for rent ($2) if you would like, and plenty of mats in different sizes and colors for purchase.
- Please refrain from wearing fragrances.
- Keep it light and refrain from eating large meals at least 2 hours before class.
