It takes three to six weeks for the body to become neuromuscularly coordinated to a new form of movement or exercise. So, that means the first few classes, the first few weeks, you may feel clumsy, awkward, sore, shaky, light-headed, etc. If any of these symptoms are severe talk to your therapist or doctor and let your instructors at Flow know that you have been experiencing these things. After that time, the practice will start to feel natural and will just flow for you.
We recommend starting out your membership with the commitment of, at least, an 8-class package. You owe it to yourself to practice enough classes over 3-6 weeks to make a real sound decision about which classes and instructors are the best fit for your body right now in your practice.
We recommend starting out your membership with the commitment of, at least, an 8-class package. You owe it to yourself to practice enough classes over 3-6 weeks to make a real sound decision about which classes and instructors are the best fit for your body right now in your practice.
Class Etiquette
- Please arrive on time or early to class.
- Pre-register for classes: www.flowhoodriver.com/pre-register-for-classes.html
- Wear comfortable, flexible clothing and bare feet
- Yoga is best practiced with an empty stomach and bladder
- Bring your own personal mat, or you can borrow a studio mat (included with a drop-in class). If you commit to yoga, we recommend purchasing your own mat for hygienic reasons.
- Wash yoga mats often to prevent odors
- Please refrain from wearing perfume in consideration of the close space and fragrance sensitivities
- Please come to the studio clean and without strong body odors.
“I’m not Flexible, I have an injury, I’m too old, don’t have the right body-type, etc.”
These are all common concerns that people use as excuses to not practice yoga. The truth is - you don't have to be young, in perfect health, have superman strength or ballerina flexibility to do yoga. You simply need to find the right style of yoga and instructor for YOU and your body. Allow yourself to practice at your own speed and within your physical limits. Yoga is a practice, and one that can be progressive and done in ANY body as long as you give yourself some grace in the process and allow for helpful modifications. At Flow we do our best to offer a diverse range of classes taught by instructors that are trained in sound alignment and biomechanics.
Yoga is for All Genders
At Flow, we welcome all genders. Due to gender stereotypes, some who identify as men are intimidated by Yoga because, in the west, yoga is practiced often by those identifying as women.
Interestingly, in India where Yoga originated it is primarily men who practice hatha yoga, similar to martial arts in other eastern areas of the world. We’ve had men say to us, “I cant do yoga, I’m not flexible.” Well, of course, that is the whole point. Anyone who has the courage to try yoga, can realize the profound benefits to their bodies and minds.
All genders can learn incredible mindbody (kinesthetic) awareness in yoga that helps them to enjoy all aspects of their life more fully, especially outdoor fun that requires whole body functional strength. For example, practicing the balance of both being powerful while, also, maintaining a soft full breath in poses like Warrior. As well as, how to let go of all effort in a forward fold while allowing the warmth and nourishment of the breath to physiologically send a signal to muscles to relax and stretch.
Anyone who is already very flexible, can benefit in yoga by focusing on good alignment, muscle balancing, and dynamic strength in the postures. Those who have always been very active, find yoga to be the perfect cross-training option–a great balance to stretch out muscles that have continually shortened over time. Those who have not been active at all, will find yoga is the perfect opportunity to awaken dormant muscles progressively (Slow Flow, Gentle and Beginner Flow are good options in that case).
Interestingly, in India where Yoga originated it is primarily men who practice hatha yoga, similar to martial arts in other eastern areas of the world. We’ve had men say to us, “I cant do yoga, I’m not flexible.” Well, of course, that is the whole point. Anyone who has the courage to try yoga, can realize the profound benefits to their bodies and minds.
All genders can learn incredible mindbody (kinesthetic) awareness in yoga that helps them to enjoy all aspects of their life more fully, especially outdoor fun that requires whole body functional strength. For example, practicing the balance of both being powerful while, also, maintaining a soft full breath in poses like Warrior. As well as, how to let go of all effort in a forward fold while allowing the warmth and nourishment of the breath to physiologically send a signal to muscles to relax and stretch.
Anyone who is already very flexible, can benefit in yoga by focusing on good alignment, muscle balancing, and dynamic strength in the postures. Those who have always been very active, find yoga to be the perfect cross-training option–a great balance to stretch out muscles that have continually shortened over time. Those who have not been active at all, will find yoga is the perfect opportunity to awaken dormant muscles progressively (Slow Flow, Gentle and Beginner Flow are good options in that case).
Can Flow Yoga prevent injuries and keep me pursuing the activities I love?
In addition to improved fitness and overall health, yoga has been shown to decrease stress and tension in the body and mind. Flow yoga allows us to find health, balance and joy in our lives. Community, relationships and loving support are incredibly important to a fulfilled life and you will find that environment here at Flow.
Flow Yoga is a blend of functional strength and functional flexibility practiced with the rhythm of the breath to bring about a greater awareness of muscular imbalances in the body. By bringing awareness to where our bodies are imbalanced, we can begin to correct those imbalances and feel and feel more freedom, strength and flexibility in our bodies.
Flow Yoga is a blend of functional strength and functional flexibility practiced with the rhythm of the breath to bring about a greater awareness of muscular imbalances in the body. By bringing awareness to where our bodies are imbalanced, we can begin to correct those imbalances and feel and feel more freedom, strength and flexibility in our bodies.
