Ask the Yogis

You might be surprised to learn that yoga often succeeds where modern approaches fall short.

From physical therapy to stress reduction, digestive issues to conditions once considered "unhealable"—yoga continues to quietly outperform many conventional methods in both short- and long-term healing.

Even the most advanced medical systems continue to study the effects of this ancient practice, often left amazed by what it can do.

We don’t claim to replace your doctor—but we do believe deeply in the body’s wisdom when given the chance to move, breathe, and be still.

At The Yoga Center for Healthy Living, we’ve seen yoga help people avoid surgery altogether—restoring function and reducing pain in ways many thought weren’t possible. Every week, we witness stories of healing unfold that defy what was once expected.

Yoga is also a powerful ally in mental health and emotional well-being. Whether it’s supporting anxiety, depression, or relapse reduction, the practice offers a steady, grounding anchor.

Here are just some of the areas yoga may support:

• Chronic pain, tension, or stiffness

• Anxiety, depression, and burnout

• Hormonal or digestive imbalance

• Focus, emotional regulation, and sleep

• Injury recovery and prevention

• Strength, balance, and mobility at every age

• Relapse reduction

• Sustained mental health support

You don’t need a reason to begin—just a curiosity, a breath, and the sense that there’s more waiting for you.

Our space is like the healthy version of Cheers: warm, welcoming, and full of familiar faces. You’ll be supported, seen, and most days, you’ll leave feeling 100 times better than when you walked in.

You’re not alone.
We hear this a lot.

It’s often phrased in different forms;

• “What if I’m not flexible at all?”

• “Am I too old / too overweight / too out of shape to do yoga?”

• “Will everyone be able to tell I’m a beginner?”

• “What if I can’t keep up?”

• “Can I still do yoga if I have an injury or chronic condition?”

• “Is it okay to take breaks during class?”

• “Will I be the only man in the room?

• Will I be the only non-athlete in the room?”

Here’s what we have to say:

Yoga is for YOU. You belong here.

The deeper truth you will learn is that yoga isn’t something you’re supposed to be “good at,” because it’s not performance based.

It’s something you experience. Yoga is something you practice—with the body, breath, and life you have right now.

At our studio, it’s normal to see people of all ages, shapes, and experience levels sharing space. Some are recovering from injuries. Some have never touched their toes. Some are in their 80s. Some fall into headstands in forward folds. Some are athletes. Some come just to breathe and move quietly. Every single one of them belongs.

You are welcome to take breaks, modify, or simply rest when you need to. That’s part of the practice too.

You won’t be the only one who’s new. You won’t be the only one wondering. And you won’t be alone.

Your first yogic victory is noticing the doubt and fear of trying something new—and choosing to follow your inner guidance anyway

Yes. You. Can.

If you’re feeling called to yoga, trust that feeling—yoga doesn’t call everyone, and it never calls without a reason.

We know the images out there can be intimidating. But at YCHL, we’ve taken the ego out of yoga. This is a truly judgment-free zone, where your journey is honored just as it is.

Our lessons are rooted in the belief that whenever we believe someone to be judging us, it's their lesson—not ours. We’ll be here, step by step, gently guiding all of your energy back to your breath, your body, your mat—right where you belong.

If you feel like you need extra support before your first class, that’s totally normal—and a wise investment in your practice. Schedule a one-on-one by calling the studio today.

Come as you are. Truly.
We’ll meet you there. You're ready.

Welcome home.

In short, yoga teaches

It’s all allowed
If we allow

Allow the feelings
Allow the connection to grow naturally
Allow the pause

Our collective Drishti is to maintain a safe, sacred space for every student, every teacher, every moment on the mat.

To give every seedling practice time to root and flourish

We’re better people when we practice.
We’re better partners when we practice.
Protecting your practice is protecting your peace.

Yoga is presence, breath, and intention
Connection can naturally arise in this shared space

If you meet someone, approach it with care
Progress gently, nurture the interaction, honor the practice for yourself and for them

Water your interest with small gestures
A smile, a kind word, a conversation after class are the healthiest ways to explore connection

Think of courtship as mindfulness in motion
Getting to know someone slowly, intentionally, while respecting your own practice and theirs
Like all growth, it takes attention, patience, and a natural rhythm

When done right, this can be an incredible place to meet another conscious being, someone who shares your intention and respect for this space

Above all, this is a space for growth, presence, and mutual respect
Your yoga practice and your Sangha flourish when connection is conscious, kind, and grounded in mindfulness

Great question—and one we love helping with.

If you're recovering from injury, surgery, chronic pain, or pregnancy:

Start with Backs & Basics or Hatha Yoga. These classes focus on safety, alignment, and gentle movement, ideal for bodies that need extra care.

• Choose two “non-negotiable” classes each week—put them in your calendar like an appointment with yourself.

• If you're working through injury or pain, consistency is key. Real change takes commitment.

• Make it to class three times in a week? Celebrate! Take a walk in nature, enjoy your favorite hot drink, or treat yourself to something joyful.

Over time, your body will begin to crave more movement—and we’ll be here when it does.

If you're looking to build strength, cardio, and endurance

Try our Flow or Yoga Sculpt classes. These are active and energizing—and they feel amazing.

To stay balanced and avoid burnout or injury, we recommend adding:
→ At least one Yin class each week (for deep rest and recovery)
→ One Hatha or gentle class (to stabilize and center)

This well-rounded combo supports nervous system health and full-body resilience.

If you're an athlete or work out via other modalities:

We strongly recommend two yoga sessions per week to support recovery, mobility, and injury prevention:

→ Yin Yoga for deep tissue release and mobility
→ Hatha, Backs & Basics, or another grounding class for stability and strength

This isn’t cross-training—it’s foundational training for everything else you do.

Still unsure?

Ask your teacher after class—we love helping students find the right fit. Or reach out to Amanda directly for a complimentary 10-minute consultation or a private lesson. Sometimes a quick conversation makes all the difference.

Totally—and it’s even okay if you never learn them. Our classes are guided with clear, supportive instructions that don’t require you to know any terminology at all.

We introduce pose names after you’re already in the shape, so you might hear something like:

“Exhale in your Forward Fold… now root through your feet, rise up slowly, and arrive standing tall in Mountain Pose.”

Over time, you might notice that we gently weave in both English and Sanskrit names over time, so you can pick them up naturally if you're curious—but there’s no pressure or expectation.

The good news? There are no tests or grades here. We show up on our mats to experience the moment—not to memorize vocabulary. Your presence, breath, and willingness to explore are what truly matter.

Rule number one: there are no rules, only suggestions. Honor your body’s wisdom.

We recommend arriving about ten minutes before class begins. This gives you time to sign in, have one of our teachers show you around the studio, and settle in on your mat.

It’s standard yoga practice to book and pay before arrival.

These first two guidelines will helps your experience—and everyone else’s—flow more smoothly.

We have mats available to rent, but there’s something special about finding one that’s truly yours—a space you return to again and again. When the time comes, we have mats for purchase and would love to help you find one that feels like home.

Until then, feel free to use one of ours—just be sure to wipe it down afterward so it’s ready to be loved by the next yogi. We always use non-toxic, plant-based cleaners and materials throughout the studio. Breathe freely here, earth friend.

Savasana, the final rest at the end of class, is considered by many sages to be the most important pose. Please stay for this part—it helps lower stress and deeply relaxes the body. Before long, it may become your favorite moment, too.

If you’re unable to stay for the full class, please let your instructor know beforehand so they can help you step out quietly.

No shoes? It’s true—yogis roll barefoot for a few reasons, and not just because it feels great. Cleanliness tops the list, but there are also meaningful health benefits. Plus, going barefoot honors the ancient yogis who passed this practice down to us. It was their way of showing reverence, and we carry that tradition in every grounded step.

If socks make you more comfortable, we honor that, too. Ask us about our grip socks!

We want to make walking into a new space welcoming and easy.

Your first two weeks are just $44—a special intro rate designed to help you find your rhythm. Everything we do is intentionally designed with your success in mind.

Take this time to explore different class styles and connect with the teachers and schedule that best support your goals.

To book your classes, we recommend downloading the MindBody app or clicking the Book Now button in the top right corner of our website to create your MindBody account.

You don’t need much to begin—just a water bottle to stay hydrated—we’ve got you covered with mats to borrow and all the props you’ll need for class.

We recommend dressing in comfortable layers. Our studio stays at a cozy 72°F, but because yoga intentionally warms and cools the body throughout the practice, you may notice your temperature shift. An extra layer can feel just right during final rest.

That’s it. Come as you are—curious, comfortable, and ready to reconnect.

Yoga is not a religion. In fact, it’s thousands of years older than any major religion. While it has been explored alongside many scriptures, the general consensus is that yoga doesn’t conflict with, but rather enhances, religious endeavors. That’s why it has been embraced by people of all faiths and backgrounds.

At its core, yoga is a philosophy—a practice designed to support personal growth, balance, and well-being. It’s a tool for enhancing the human experience, and it has been practiced for thousands of years.

While yoga can deepen your connection to your own beliefs, it’s not tied to any specific tradition or faith. People from all walks of life practice yoga, and there’s space for everyone here.

"Do I have to chant or say things in another language?"
Not at all! You don’t have to chant or speak in another language, or do anything offered in class if it doesn’t resonate with you. If you're lucky, some classes might introduce Sanskrit terms or offer "seed sounds"—which is essentially using your voice to create an internal sound bath. These mantras, poses, and techniques are completely optional. We encourage you to be your most authentic self and believe that starts on the mat—by tapping into what resonates with you and what doesn’t.

Our studio is focused on making yoga accessible and true to your experience, so you’re always welcome to engage in a way that feels most comfortable for you.

"Will I feel out of place if I don’t believe in the spiritual side?"
Not at all. Yoga is a practice with many layers—physical, mental, and yes, spiritual. Some people come to yoga for its physical benefits, like flexibility, strength, and stress relief. While yoga is rooted in ancient teachings, its philosophy predates modern religions, so it’s open and accessible to everyone, regardless of spiritual belief.

You’re invited to explore yoga at your own pace. If the physical practice is what calls to you, that’s absolutely fine. There’s no pressure to engage with any part of the practice that doesn’t feel right for you.

"Is it okay to just come for the workout part?"
Of course! Many people come to yoga primarily for the physical benefits—strengthening, stretching, and moving in new ways. Yoga is for you, no matter what draws you to the practice. If the workout aspect is what resonates with you most, that’s perfect. It’s all part of the journey.

You can start enjoying membership benefits the moment you commit to your 6-month unlimited plan—and for many students, that moment comes when yoga becomes more than just an occasional drop-in.

If you're practicing regularly (or you want to), membership brings the best value—and a gentle layer of accountability that helps your practice become a steady part of your life.

Committing to unlimited yoga doesn’t mean stressing over it. Life happens—and when it does, we have built-in flexibility to pause or end your plan when needed. We’re not here to lock you in—we’re here to support your growth, in a way that feels sustainable and aligned.

Membership is about investing in your well-being, while receiving consistent care, perks, and a stronger connection to our community. When you’re ready, we’re here for it.

*Membership perks include discounts at local shops and spas, savings on private lessons and boutique items at our studio, price-lock loyalty rates, and special access to opportunities for us to learn and grow together throughout the seasons.

We welcome releases of all kinds—gas, laughter, sighs, shakes, tears, and yawns.

These are all natural signs that your body is coming back into balance.

Our studio is a space for healing, not for judgment. This is a community where you’re allowed to be fully human—where even the moments that might feel embarrassing are understood as part of the process.

We’ve intentionally created an environment where you can soften, let go, and begin to reframe your relationship with your body—one breath (or release) at a time.

You're always welcome to do what feels most comfortable for you. Whether you'd like to chat with our team, ask questions, or simply arrive, enjoy your class, and leave quietly, there's no pressure. We strive to create a warm, welcoming space where everyone can practice at their own pace.

Nope—and here’s why.

We practice at a comfortable 72°F. Not because we can’t turn up the heat, but because we believe real transformation starts from within. Through breath, movement, and intention, yoga teaches us to generate our own internal fire—without the excess.

Artificially cranking up the heat doesn’t align with the contribution we wan to make to our planet.
Let’s stay rooted in the wisdom of the practice. At YCHL, we honor yoga’s roots by inviting effort without strain, presence over performance, and sustainability in every sense of the word.

Less about more, more about meaning.