+ I am new to yoga- which class should I try first & how do I prepare?

Our classes are accessible for all levels. We encourage new students who do not have any movement or medical issues to try all of our classes. Rotate Hot 26 & 2, Flow style classes and Buti with beginning, alignment and yin classes to build strength, flexibility, and confidence in the practice. It's important to create a balance of intense and restful classes to maintain equilibrium.

If you desire extra attention and focus, we strongly recommend private sessions. Learn more here 🙂

If you need less intensity, try rotating Beginning Yoga, Alignment + Nidra Healing, Slow Flow, Yin, Restorative and our Sadhana meditation classes.

We recommend taking a break from your other physical activities for the first 30 days in order to build a yoga practice. This creates a great foundation and helps you to learn the practices and see how much yoga will benefit your other activities. Come as much as you like. Pace yourself in class, and rest when needed. It's okay to take plenty of breaks as you gain stamina, understanding of the postures and breathing techniques. When you’re ready, increase the intensity and build strength, focus, and flexibility.

How to prepare for class:

• Come hydrated, drink plenty of water the day before. Dehydration can cause serious health issues. It's really important for all of your body systems and overall energy, to be hydrated. Especially for hot classes, as you will sweat a lot.
• Keep a positive growth mindset: You are perfect as you are! The hardest part is showing up. Remember to give yourself permission to rest as much as possible, everyone has to start somewhere. Create a schedule, and with consistency, it's inevitable, you will see and feel the results.

+ How do I get to Shala, where do I park and what are your safety procedures??

Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before class and please do not arrive late as we will lock the door once class starts. We can make an exception if you give us prior notice.

TO ENTER: When you arrive at 412 W Boone Ave, park in the designated spots only, or on a side street. Make sure that you park in the appropriate spaces because we do not want to have to ask you to move your car during class or worse, see your car get towed. Please see map below for parking.

We clean and disinfect between each class.

+ What should I wear/bring to class?

Wear light, stretchy clothing that you are comfortable to move and sweat in. Have a mat and water bottle plus any other props you may need such as blankets, blocks and bolsters.

If you're taking a hot class, we recommend a large towel to put on your mat (we sell these), a change of clothing, a wet bag for your sweaty clothes after class, and a towel for a shower afterwards. We also rent towels, provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

+ Can I bring my cell phone to class?

Please leave all of your non-essential belongings in the locker room. To maintain the peaceful environment for everyone, cell phones are not permitted. *Unless you are a Dr on call, or have an exceptional circumstances. If this is so, please let us know before class.

This is also relevant for pre-recorded classes - when you are in your own home! You will be doing yourself a huge favor by putting your cellphone in another room while you practice. 🙂
*

+ What if I’m not that flexible?

We encourage you to develop a flexible mind. You don’t need to be physically flexible to practice yoga. All you need is to focus on letting go, breathing, moving, and respecting your limitations. A yoga pose will expose blocks and imbalances and regularly practicing yoga will increase your body’s flexibility level.

The ultimate benefit of yoga – uniting body, mind and spirit in a holistic, healthful, physical and meditative practice – can be experienced regardless of whether you’re able to easily touch your toes or not. 🙂

+ What if I have pre-existing injuries?

Please get your Dr's approval to practice yoga first if you are recovering from a recent injury.

You will practice to your own ability. Please inform the teacher in advance about your conditions so that they may suggest modifications to your yoga postures. Feel free to talk with any of us before or after class.

Email Ara at shalalivingyoga@gmail.com if you have any specific questions or if you want to set up a private session to help you get started with a safe practice. We can show you how to modify so you can come to many classes and still do your practice safely.

+ How often should I practice?

For first time practitioners, we recommend taking a break from your other physical activities for the first 30 days in order to build confidence in your practice and really get a good feel for what yoga can do for you. After that, work it into your routine in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Ultimately, we recommend that you take as many classes as you are comfortable with. If once or twice a week is what works best for you, you will still get great benefit. If you come to 3-7 classes per week as your main form of activity, then you know yoga is your favorite movement magic and you feel it. A regular practice is key to gaining the benefits of yoga, whether it's once a week or every day.

It is important to prioritise and set a routine that you know you can commit to. No matter how often you practice per week, sticking with a doable schedule creates new patterns that create succes for your health and well-being.

If you would love assistance and coaching in order to maintain a regular practice, setting up a private session with Ara is very helpful. Please email Ara at shalalivingyoga@gmail.com for more information.

+ What are Zebra Yoga floors?

Zebra yoga flooring provides the support and stability needed to find your balance, gain the confidence needed to try new poses and build a name for yourself in the yoga industry.

As the trusted provider of yoga flooring and products for Riva Gdanski, Yoga Journal, Minneapolis Yoga Conference, Yoga Six, The Hot Yoga Factory, Studio Hot Yoga Alaska, and many other leading studios, organizations and athletes, Zebra has everything you need to bring your practice to the next level.

Our industry leading yoga tiles are made from 100% recycled open-cell foam. They are covered in a slip resistant, antibacterial, antimicrobial non PVC surface. They are durable, safe, and won’t ever buckle under hot temperatures, making them the perfect flooring solution for ultimate joint and body comfort with everything from hot yoga to acro and aerial yoga practice.

+ How do you heat your studio?

We heat our studio with far infrared heat. Far infrared heat is not any old heat. It’s radiant, just like the sun. This means it heats up objects, rather than the air. That way, the air stays cooler, while the surrounding environment heats up.

Because air isn’t blown around, allergens are not spread. So, you can enjoy the absolute bliss of intense heat without the discomforts of conventional heating methods.

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art FAR infrared heaters in our Spokane studio.

Our heaters are mounted on the ceiling, so there’s no loss of wall space and the heat is distributed evenly throughout the studio. Our heaters have extremely low EMF compared to other heating systems. Plus, we love using the wall for inversions and other postures. Let’s face it – the wall is the best prop there is!

FAR infrared is the most advanced form of heating used for hot yoga. The heat emitted is absorbed deeply into your body, providing a therapeutic and detoxifying effect that helps strengthen the immune system and eliminate toxins, such as pollutants, heavy metals, and other nasty substances.🙂

+ What are the benefits of practicing hot yoga?

Hot yoga is incredibly beneficial to the body. Add far infrared, and your practice will work wonders.

Here are just some of the many benefits associated with hot yoga featuring FAR infrared heating:

• Weight loss – one hot yoga class burns hundreds of calories
• Increased circulation
• Improvement in oxygen levels
• Enhanced production of collagen
• Detoxification through sweat
• Relief from joint and muscle pain and tension
• Increased metabolism
• Reduces stress
  

+ Do you offer non-heated classes?

We do! Our non-heated offerings provide space for students who are looking to hone in on their practice weithout the extra sweat. Look for clsss titles that do not have "hot" in the title.

+ Are showers available?

Yes. We offer roomy locker rooms with toilets, cubby storage and showers, mat and towel rental, well stocked retail with clothing and props.

+ Is there parking onsite?

Absolutely! Click here to view an image that will show you where to park so you don't get into trouble :-)