San Francisco Yoga: Yoga Mayu

What to Expect:
Yoga is a very personal journey for every person who steps onto the mat. Some people use it as a time of introspection and meditation, some as a form of exercise and others as a social activity. No matter what you come to yoga for, it is a practice that is good for the body, the mind and the heart. In Yoga Mayu's Yoga 101 you will learn to use your body in new ways, develop new strength and balance, and you will discover tools to create a steady and quiet mind. Sara Levine, a skillful instructor with over 500 hours of training, will provide a space for exploration and discovery by providing basic knowledge of the poses, styles and aspects of yoga. Sara is well known for her patience, her clear direction and her joy in teaching.

When entering a new yoga class, there are many different things that can take place depending on the studio, the teacher and the type of class. Here are a few things that will occur during the Yoga Mayu 101 class:

You will focus on learning to control, lengthen and deepen the breath. This is done using breathing exercises and joining the breath with the movement.
You will learn basic standing and seated postures as well as some balancing and inverted poses in a safe and effective way.
You will learn how to use yoga props (blocks, blankets, straps) to guide and enhance your practice.
There are many styles of yoga to choose from, please reference our "Types of Yoga" page to determine what style is best for you.

How to Prepare for Your First Yoga Class:
Coming to a yoga class for the first time can be daunting, here are a few tips to make you feel more at ease in your first class:

Arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the class begins. Please take your shoes off at the door.
Check in with the instructor or the front desk to let them know that you are present and pay for your class if necessary.
Bring comfortable clothing to practice in. Stretchy cotton or moisture wicking fabrics are best. Remember that you'll be moving around a lot and coming into inverted postures, choose the appropriate length of shorts and snug fitting tops.
Try not to eat 2-3 hours before class, or have a light snack before you step onto your mat. A full stomach can cause discomfort during practice and is believed to restrict the flow of energy in the body.
Turn off your cell phone.
Notify the teacher ahead of class of any injuries, ailments or if you are pregnant. This will assist them in creating the best practice for you and providing modifications when necessary (see other sections of this page for more detail on these subjects).
If you have them, bring a mat, a water bottle and a small towel. Props will be provided at the studio. If you do not have a mat, you can rent one.

Always remember, everyone has a first class, don't be afraid to ask the teacher for instructions or assistance. Most importantly, have fun, don't feel intimidated or anxious during your first class, it is only a practice and everyone is on a journey just like you. Breathe.

Medical Issues or Injuries:
In most cases it is beneficial to practice yoga when you have a minor injury from sports, work, or daily life. If you have a serious injury, it is important to check with your doctor before participating in any physical activity, including Yoga. If you have a physical therapist or other doctor, ask them to recommend certain stretches or poses that will help to heal your injury.

Be sure to tell your yoga instructor about your injury before class. Let them know if you have spoken with your doctor, what type of injury it is and if you are aware of any modifications that you should practice.

Pregnancy; is it Safe?
Yoga can be a wonderful compliment to pregnancy. It is a chance to stretch sore muscles, to gain strength both mental and physical for your new life and to connect emotionally and physically with your baby. If you have been practicing yoga for some time and you become pregnant, you and your instructor can decide what type of class is best for you.

Benefits of Yoga:
Here is a list of comprehensive benefits that yoga can provide for you:
Flexibility - by lengthening the body and holding poses for longer periods of time, the muscles are allowed stretch more naturally and lengthen over time.
Strength - Yoga poses can be very taxing, requiring balance and supporting the weight of the body. Over time, you will build strength in all parts of your body.
Muscle Tone -long lean muscles are created when muscles are stretched while they are active. Stretched muscles work more efficiently and have longer stamina when used.
Pain Prevention - Yoga helps to alleviate back pain, wrist, neck, shoulder, and leg pain.
Better Breathing - By coordinating breath with movement and focusing on the breath you learn to have better breath capacity with slower deeper breath.
Mental Calmness - Sometimes intensely physical and sometimes quiet and still, yoga helps the mind stop its constant spinning.
Stress Reduction - By learning to breath into difficult situations, to have a calm mind and a strong body, stress and tension can be released or diminished.
Body Awareness - Yoga brings acute awareness to the different areas of the body. It gives the practitioner a chance to learn their habits and capabilities.

Going the Extra Mile:
There are many things that you can do in order to enhance your yoga experience to its fullest potential. Here are a few ideas for how to benefit most from your practice:

Private lessons can help you step deeper into your practice and discover more meaning on your mat. Yoga Mayu offer private classes with all of their instructors; ask the front desk how you might find the best teacher for your needs.
Create a routine. Practice at least 3-4 times per week and more if you can. Going to yoga on a regular basis enhances your experience, allowing for deeper opening and a stronger practice over time. Ritual is also a form of meditation and is said to build character. It is recommended by most yoga traditions to create a quiet, steady mind.

We strongly recommend that you take the yoga 101 series before you move on to Level 1-2 classes.