New to Yoga

Yoga is appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, physical health or medical condition. People come to yoga for many different reasons, including strengthening the body, increasing flexibility, decreasing stress, and developing a meditation practice.

The benefits of practicing yoga are many, and include:

• increased strength, flexibility, and balance
• improved physiological function
• increased sense of vitality and clarity
• reduced stress and anxiety

At Motion Center we strive to help students find the class and style of yoga that is right for them. All of our teachers share a commitment to growing their own practice and supporting their students' exploration of yoga and health.

Getting Started

• Go to an Intro Series (Registration Form), level 1, or All Levels class (schedule) Styles and teacher vary. Be open to new experiences and try a few classes until you find the right one for you. Take advantage of the Intro Specials posted on our home page.
  
  
• Thursday or Sunday’s Intro Series, Satuday’s Hatha Yoga, and Thursdays’s Iyengar Level 1 are all excellent classes for beginning students. If you are physically fit, you may also want to try a Vinyasa yoga class.
  
  
• Arrive 10 minutes early to check in at the front desk and meet your teacher.
  
  
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement but is not too loose.
  
  
• For safety avoid wearing large or heavy jewelry and chewing gum. Do not wear perfume or other heavy scents.
  
  
• Practice on an empty stomach. A light snack is OK, but avoid eating a heavy meal 2-3 hours prior to class. Prenatal Students should bring snacks and fluids to class to maintain hydration and blood sugar levels.
  
  
• Remove your shoes and turn off your cell phones before entering yoga studio.
  
  
• When possible, bring your own mat. While the studio is equipped with mats you can use free of charge, having your own is more hygienic and can encourage you to practice at home.
  
  
• Make sure you stay until class is finished. The final resting pose, Savasana, is the culmination of the entire class, an important part of your practice, and should never be skipped.
  
  
• Be sure to inform your teacher if you are pregnant, or have any injuries or medical issues. This will allow them to give you safe modifications while you practice.

FAQ

What is Yoga?
In Sanskrit, the language of ancient India, the word yoga means union; the union of the body, mind and spirit. In the West, yoga instruction often focuses on the physical postures (asana) and breathwork (pranayama). Frequently, through practicing these, students go on to explore the other practices of yoga. To learn more, you can read about the Eight Limbs of Yoga and visit our Resources page.

How do I get started?
Our Level 1 and All Levels classes are suitable for beginners. We also offer Intro to Yoga, a 4-week series that will teach you the basics. Each month will focus on a different style and be taught by a different teacher. Check out our schedule and class descriptions for details.

What style is right for me?
There are many different styles of yoga. Some are fast-paced, some more gentle. All are challenging and transformative. The choice is individual and may depend on your level of fitness, your personality, and your reason for practicing. Read the class descriptions and try a few different classes to find the one that’s right for you.

How often should I come to class?
Coming regularly, at least once or twice a week, allows you to progress in your practice and avoid injury.

What is the Chestnut Street Wellness Center?
The Chestnut Street Wellness Center is home to Motion Center and East Coast Acupuncture and Herbs. (www.eastcoast-acupuncture.com) Motion Center offers yoga and dance classes as well as Therapeutic Massage, Rolfing, Thai Yoga Massage and Pre/Postnatal Massage. East Coast Acupuncture offers acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

What should I bring to class?
While we have mats in the studio we encourage students to bring their own. It is more hygienic and can encourage you to practice at home.

Where should I park?
During business hours until 5pm there is plenty of metered parking right in front of our building. After 5pm and on weekends you may use the lot. DO NOT PARK IN THE LOT DURING BUSINESS HOURS. Your car will be towed.

Which entrance do I use?
The main entrance on Chestnut St. is open during business hours. We are handicap accessible via our side door: to the left of the main entrance follow the path along the side of the building to the side entrance and elevators. Use the intercom to be buzzed in. After 6pm and on weekends FOR BOTH DOORS use the intercom by pressing 5 and "call". You will be buzzed in.

How can I pay for class?
We accept cash and checks.