Wear clothes that allow for full range of motion while still keeping you appropriately covered and comfortable. Snug-fitting pants will allow you (and the teacher) to observe the alignment of your hips and knees in the poses.

Absolutely! Yoga is for everyone, not just people who are naturally flexible. Our Fundamentals classes are targeted towards students who are new to yoga. The teacher will explain poses in detail and offer modifications to enable each student to find the right version of the pose for their body. You don’t need to touch your toes to do yoga; if you’re on the mat and breathing, you’re a yogi.

If you have any injuries, are pregnant (taking a non-prenatal class), or have any other conditions, please inform the teacher before class begins (use the chat box in your Zoom screen if attending class virtually). If you are already familiar with how to modify your practice or if you would like assistance from the teacher, let them know.

We recommend setting up for each class with a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, a strap, and a blanket.  At the studio, we provide all the props you’ll need free of charge.  Students wipe down props after each use with disinfectant.  If you don’t have these props on hand for virtual classes, there are various substitutes you can use in their place.  A large towel makes a great makeshift yoga mat, cans of soup or thick books can take the place of blocks, and a belt or scarf can act as a strap.

We recommend not eating for a couple of hours before yoga class.

All of the classes at Barefoot Movement are meant to challenge students in a variety of ways that will help them improve their: strength, flexibility, coordination, mental and physical awareness, quality of breath, physiological functioning, posture and alignment, mental state, stress level, and more. See our class descriptions here. In general, you might try a higher level class when you feel ready for additional challenges in the above areas. You can always ask your teacher for advice about which level is appropriate for you.

Overall, yoga is a relatively safe form of exercise with numerous well-established benefits. Injuries are rare (though not unheard of). The best way to avoid injury is to practice with a knowledgeable teacher and listen to your body, modifying poses as needed. With care and mindfulness, yoga can be a lifelong practice.