COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
NEW TO YOGA - FIRST TIME QUESTIONS
What do I need for class?
You’ll need to use a mat in every class. You can bring your own, rent one of ours ($2) or purchase one from our selection.
For hot classes, you will also need a full sized towel (you can rent one for $3; or purchase one in-studio) and a water bottle (you can refill from our filtered taps).
For yin classes, we provide blocks, bolsters, blankets, and straps free of charge. You may also bring your own props from home if you would prefer. Though yin isn’t usually a sweaty class, we recommend you come well hydrated and bring a water bottle.
What should I wear to my first class?
For hot styles, wear clothes in which you can move freely and sweat profusely!
For yin yoga, wear loose or stretchy lightweight clothes that make you feel relaxed.
For kundalini, white, loose-fitting clothing is traditional, but any clothes that will allow you to move freely will do nicely.
What’s the best class for a beginner?
We recommend that beginners start with our Hot Series classes. Designed for beginners, each of the 26 postures in this sequence is held between 15-60 seconds, giving you ample time to learn healthy form and alignment. Our teachers know to keep an eye on new students, and offer support when needed. This class is a great foundation class to learn about your body, yoga postures, and meditation.
The more adventurous beginner would also be welcome in our Hot Flow class. The pace of the Hot Flow is quicker, and there is more movement between postures, creating dynamic sequences. Though it is a little more challenging than a Hot Series class in those ways, it is still safe for beginners to practice. Yin yoga and kundalini are also very welcoming for beginners.
How should I prepare for my first hot yoga class?
Physically, you can prepare by hydrating well the day or 2 leading up to class. We recommend practicing on a relatively empty stomach. However, please do not fast before practicing, as low blood sugar and dehydration can lead to unpleasant experiences in the heat. A good rule for your first class is to eat normal, healthy meals in the day prior to your practice, but refrain from eating 2 hours before class begins. If you are taking a very early morning class, go with your instincts; for some, exercise on an empty stomach is a no go, and you may want to eat a small snack before. For others, a morning work-out on an empty stomach it just fine. Trust yourself and listen to your body.
What if I am not flexible?
Then yoga is a great place to be! A majority of the postures we practice to not require special flexibility. Try every posture, and notice how you feel in your body. You are always welcome to back off the depth, or to rest if the posture is inaccessible. Ask your teacher before or after class if you have specific concerns about your mobility.
REGISTRATION
How do I create an account?
Simply click here and fill out the form to register. Please use an accurate, up-to-date email address, as you will need to receive our messages to manage your account. You can create an account for free and with no commitment. However, to register for a specific class you will need to purchase a package, which you can do from our pricing page.
How do I register for class?
To register for class, go to our schedule page, choose the class you want to attend, and select “in person.” If you have a current class package and there are no issues with your account, that button will turn red and say “cancel.” This means you have registered correctly! That cancel button is there if you need to un-register for any reason. If you do not have a current class pack or membership, you will be prompted to pay upon selecting the “in-person” button.
Is pre-registration required?
Pre-registration is not currently required, walk-ins are welcome! If you are new please arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of class so there’s time to get you registered and prepared. We do prioritize our registered clients in the event that class books out completely (which is rare, but does happen!) so early arrival or preregistration are both encouraged.
YOGA AND HEALTH
What if I am coming in with a known injury / illness?
Let your teacher know about what you are experiencing in your body. They will work with you to find adaptations you need to thrive in class.
Injuries can teach us so much about our bodies, but only if we listen. If you are injured, consult with your provider before attending yoga. Physical therapy sessions can be helpful to understand what is going on and what sorts of movements should be practiced or avoided. Tell your yoga teacher you are managing an injury. Go slowly, do not push yourself.
If you feel like you are coming down with an illness, please stay home and wait to come to class until you are well.
If you live with a chronic illness, consult with your healthcare provider about risks and benefits of yoga practice before attending. Many people find yoga is supportive to their healing and/or comfort when managing chronic conditions, but you must first ensure that it is safe for you to practice.
Why *hot* yoga?
The short and most honest answer we can give here is: because we like it!
There are many theories, beliefs, studies and facts regarding benefits of hot exercise. Some of these – for instance, that heat causes vasodilation, increasing the flow of nutrients, proteins and immune cells throughout your body – are well studied. Some others, such as the notion that you can “sweat out the toxins” do not hold up well to scrutiny. Rather than delve to deeply into that debate here, we’ll simply say that for those who like it, the heat adds a layer of sensation and challenge that feels good. The warm environment supports stretching, especially for those do not have a lot of natural flexibility. Getting a good sweat leaves us feeling refreshed as we walk out of class.
The heat is not always pleasurable during class. It can be a challenge to physical and emotional endurance. Our teachers are trained to notice signs of distress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke so that they can respond supportively to a struggling student. These instances are very rare. The majority of people who try hot yoga have a few hard moments in their first few classes, but the difficulty is manageable and they are able to finish the class. During those hard moments we teach the practice of stillness, rest and nose-breathing, to settle the central nervous system.
One thing we do know is that the human body adapts to challenge if that same challenge is met consistently. In other words, you can grow accustomed to the heat through practice. In a warming world, enduring a hot environment is a good skill to have, especially if you are older, work outside, or are otherwise exposed to heat in your day to day life.
What if I am pregnant?
The choice to practice during pregnancy is highly individual. We do not recommend starting hot yoga while pregnant. If you have practiced regularly and want to know if you should continue during your pregnancy, consult with your midwife, OBGYN or other healthcare professional. If, after consulting them, you choose to practice throughout your pregnancy, tell your teacher you are pregnant so they can support your practice with appropriate modifications for your changing body and your baby.
Is yoga good for weight loss?
Transformation starts with acceptance. Changing the size of your body is not the intention of our offerings. Physical changes may occur as the result of regular practice. The form of those changes is different person to person. We respect the right of every person to make their own choices about their body, and we ask that students refrain from discussing weight loss decisions, diets, or other kinds of “numbers” talk.
FACILITIES
Do you have showers?
Yes! Please keep it between 3 and 4 minutes so everyone can get in and out and off to their day.
Do you have lockers?
No. We have cubbies and other places to leave your belongings, and we lock the outside doors to each class for security.
Do you have lost and found?
Yes, look for the big wooden crate in between the merchandise tables and the yoga props rack. It’s cleared out quarterly.
OPPORTUNITIES
Do you offer teacher training?
Yes! We offer regular yoga teacher trainings in the Hot Series and in yin yoga. We’ll include a link when registration is active. For more info, email seth@bonfirehotoyga.com.
Do you have a Work Trade program?
Do you have openings for new Teachers?
Email seth@bonfirehotyoga.com for more information.
SALES
What is your refund policy?
Class packs and memberships are non-refundable, and all sales of merchandise are final. Email us at contact@bonfirehotyoga.com if you need customer service, we’re happy to help!
How do gift cards work? How do I gift a yoga package?
You can click here to purchase a gift card (hit the ‘customize’ button once you land!) or you can buy one in-studio. If you buy online but want something special to give to the recipient, show us your receipt at the front desk and we’ll give you the hardcopy gift card.
Can I share my pass with my friend / partner / family?
No, we do not allow pass-sharing. But if you purchase a membership, you to get to bring a guest for free once a month with your Buddy Pass!
Can I try a free class before purchasing classes?
Check out our community classes, which are open to the public once a month. Or, try our Intro Special, which is a low-cost way to experience all of our different offerings.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Can I bring my child?
For unheated classes, children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and able follow the class.
Children should not exercise in hot environments until they develop the ability to sweat like an adult, which occurs during puberty. If your teen is able to sweat profusely, and has the skill to manage discomfort in the hot room, then it is safe for them to try. Please email us beforehand if you want to bring your kid to hot yoga. to let us know, and so we can add them to your account as a dependent.
