A Renaissance of Awakened Culture
Muse Studio • 1317 West Jefferson Street • Boise, ID 83702 • 208-345-2704
Muse Studio
Quote of the Week:
"I was tracking something very slippery, very elusive, and had to use every sense I had to stay on the trail - other people were distracting. Later, I discovered what I was hunting was my own spirit."
- Ana Forrest

Welcome to Yoga

A Word to Absolute Beginners

We welcome and encourage the emergence of absolute beginners. Yoga is a study and art form where regardless of where we are in our practice, we are always beginning. In our photo choice for the website, we chose to show the beauty of these simple advanced poses in hopes that they would inspire, not intimidate, the imagination of your own body. Check out our gentle and beginning level classes.

BEFORE CLASS

  • Arrive a few minutes before class begins. If you must be late, please wait quietly at the back until the class finishes the centering practice.
  • Take time to inform your teacher about any injuries or concerns.
  • Be aware of good hygiene to avoid offending your fellow classmates. No strong perfumes, hairsprays, lotions, or colognes. Be aware as some students may be allergic to cigarette smoke.
  • Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before class begins.

DURING CLASS

  • To maintain "Saucha" (the yoga principle of clarity), set your mats out in an even and orderly fashion. Avoid camping out, i.e. having jackets, bags, etc. clustered around you.
  • Honor you inner voice and your edge of discomfort. Yoga is not a competition, do the poses in a way that you can still "stay in yoga".
  • Keep your awareness on your breath and your practice. Avoid looking around too much or chatting with other students.
  • Have a light-hearted good time.
  • Leave time for a good Savasana (relaxation pose) at the end of class. If you have to leave early, take Savasana on your own before you go. Do not leave during the group Savasana so as not to disturb this time of stillness.

AFTER CLASS

  • Please return all props neatly. Take time to re-fold blankets neatly, if necessary.
  • Move slowly and with awareness to maintain the vibrancy and stillness you have cultivated during class.

CLOTHING AND PROPS

Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't bind and that is not too bulky. Shorts and tank tops are great. Leggings or t-shirts are fine. Bare feet are essential. It is best for the teacher if your ankles, knees, and shoulder blades can be seen to help you with your alignment. Bring your own yoga mat and props if you have them. It is good to practice with your own mat for sanitary and energetic reasons. It is easier to have a home practice if you have your own props. There are loaner props available at the studio.

WHAT DO I BRING?

Come with an open mind, and an empty stomach. Try not to practice within 1 to 2 hours after eating, however don't let your blood sugar get too low. If you have just eaten, your energy goes to your digestive organs, making it more difficult to move. A small snack is okay if you have to eat; just be aware of how your body feels. Remember that you'll likely be moving food around in your stomach in the poses, especially in inversions.

SHOULD THIS HURT?

As one puts forth effort to perform poses that the body and mind aren't used to, there can be a resulting discomfort or strong sensation. A feeling of discomfort in a general area of the body while performing a posture with good alignment is not a problem. Discomfort or strong sensations are relative feelings.

Discomfort does not indicate injury. The feeling of discomfort will soften and lessen if one does not mentally fight the feeling, uses good awareness and breaths.

Shaking and pain in a yoga pose, on the other hand, usually indicates a physical misalignment or imbalanced muscular action. A specific burning, intense or sharp localized sensation in the body is referred to as pain. If one feels pain in a muscles or a joint, one should immediately and safely change or modify the posture until the pain is relieved. One should closely observe the postural misalignment that caused the pain and correct the pose accordingly. Pain indicates that injury will probably occur if misalignment is maintained.

MENSTRUATION

Women should avoid strenuous yoga practice during their menstrual period. In particular, inverted postures, where the uterus is positioned above the heart, should not be performed during this time. (Putting your legs up the wall in a pose is okay.) Strenuous or inverted poses during the menstrual period can disrupt the flow and cause irregularities and disharmony in subsequent menstrual cycles. Do come to yoga class and let your teacher know you will not be doing inversions so you can be given an alternate pose.

STAYING SAFE

In general, yoga is safe for anyone to practice at any time. It is important to use good discernment and take care of yourself. For example, if you have had a cold, practice in a way that gives your body time to recuperate. Some physical conditions require that certain postures should be modified or skipped. Please use your own good judgment. If a pose doesn't feel right trust your instinct and safely come out of the pose. When your body is stronger you can try that pose again. An important aspect of yoga is honoring your body and its changing nature. Please inform your teacher of injuries, illness, pregnancy, or menstruation or other situation meriting attention like high blood pressure, compromised disks etc.