Congratulations! You are at the beginning of a journey that will change your life and bring you so much joy. You WILL be transformed by this practice. As with anything new, be compassionate with yourself and remember that you don’t have to get everything right away. Practicing yoga is a lifelong endeavor and the basics you learn will be crucial as you build a strong practice. We encourage beginners to pace themselves in class, and, for best results, to complete 10 classes in 3 weeks. This creates a solid physical base and an intellectual understanding in which to continue your journey into power! In increments, you’ll build strength, focus, stamina and flexibility.
Do I have to sign up for classes online?
Online reservations can be made through the PYC app or PYC website. Most studios require you to book in advance in order to secure a mat spot. Please check with your home studio for details and if they accept last minute drop in’s.
If I sign up online and can't make it, what do I do?
You can cancel yourself out of your class on the PYC app or the website but if you do not do so before the sign in window than you will be charged for the class. Check your home studio for details on late cancelation and missed class charges.
What should I wear?
You will want to wear clothes that you feel comfortable sweating in. Pretty much what you would wear to work out or run in….minus the socks and shoes. Clothes that are sweat wicking and aren’t too heavy are suggested.
What should I bring?
You will need a yoga mat, towel and bottle of water. We rent all of these items at most of our locations but we recommend bringing your own. You will sweat a lot, so wear clothes that are light and sweat wicking. All of our studios have showers too, so you can bring a shower towel and change of clothes too if you choose.
Can I eat before class?
We recommend that you practice yoga on a fairly empty stomach, but a light snack before class, like fruit or a granola bar, may be just what you need for extra energy.
How much water should I drink?
You will want to drink a good sized bottle of water before you arrive for class. Coming to yoga hydrated will be most beneficial for you in the heat. During the class, you can pause your practice to sip water whenever you need to.
What are electrolytes?
When you sweat you lose minerals and salt, which need to be replenished. Muscle cramping can be a sign of low potassium and a headache is quite often just a sign of dehydration. Our drink of choice to revitalize is coconut water! It is the most natural way to get your sugars and salts back after sweating. Vitamin Water, Gatorade or Emergen-C are all good options too.
How hot will it get?
We heat the room to about 37 degrees and we keep the humidity nice and juicy. The heat is a natural way for your muscles to stretch and it also helps prevent injury. It is SO healing to detoxify through the act of sweating. Your first few classes may be challenging. If you are new to hot yoga you may experience symptoms like you would on a hot day but soon you will become acclimated to the heat and find it more comfortable. We ask that you pace yourself and take a resting pose if you feel over heated. This allows your body to acclimate to the heat and allows you to practice being with your experience.
But I’m not flexible, so how can I do yoga?
This practice invites you to just be with where you are at in your body in the moment. Whether you feel tight and can’t touch your toes, or you are tired after a long day at work, a regular Power Yoga practice will yield amazing results. You do not need to know anything about yoga to begin, there is no preparation for beginning, you just step onto the mat and open yourself up to a new experience.
Will I lose weight? Build muscles?
The amazing thing about Power Yoga is that it will completely transform your whole body, mind and spirit. If you need to lose weight you will and if you need to build muscle you will. It all depends on what shift needs to take place in your body to bring it back to its most natural state. This style of yoga torches calories and awakens every cell in your body.
How often should I practice?
We know you have a hectic life so Power Yoga Canada offers many classes throughout the day. For optimal results in gaining energy, decreasing stress and building a strong, pain-free body, consistency is the key to success. A practice of 2 – 3 days per week, if consistent, will create transformation over time. For life-changing results practice 4 – 6 days per week.
How does Power Yoga Canada differ from other forms of yoga?
Power Yoga Canada offers a different kind of yoga practice. It’s based on intuition rather than tradition. If you think you need to go to a health club to be fit and beautiful, think again. If you think that you need to escape to a cave in the Himalayas to find the enlightenment that yoga promises, think again. Power Yoga Canada offers more than the familiar poses and breathing techniques; it offers a way to face life with a renewed personal strength.
Is Power Yoga safe for pregnant women?
As with any exercise program, the two general rules of thumb are to check with your physician and to listen to your own body and heed any discomfort. If you are new to hot yoga we do not recommend starting one while pregnant. If you have a regular hot yoga practice before you became pregnant and your doctor signed off then you will empower yourself and listen to your body as you feel comfortable. We do have some unheated yoga classes at our studios and we also hold prenatal yoga classes at some locations too. There are some poses, such as deep twists and lying on the belly, that are contraindicated for pregnancy and you can ask our teachers to support you on your journey. Since we practice in a heated room, again, it is best to discuss with your physician your interest in starting or continuing your yoga practice while you are pregnant.