Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

You can start yoga at any time and attend as often as you like. Drop in for one class or buy a pass and come 2-3 times a week, as your schedule allows. Classes are offered seven days a week, mornings and evenings. Click here to be directed to the Class Schedule.
Show up 15 minutes early to your first class to allow time to meet the teacher and fill out our release form.
 
You can borrow a yoga mat but know that it is communal and not ideal for hygenic reasons. We also provide all other props. We do clean our mats and props on a regular basis but also recommend you commit to your own mats and props to allow your practice to be more personal.
 
Wear comfortable movable clothes, like leggings or shorts and a t-shirt and bare feet.
 
Your class will be both active and relaxing and a little bit different each day. We balance some consistent practices with variety to keep it fun!
 
The Space Above makes every effort to remain authentic and true to the philosophy of yoga meaning that we teach more than just the postures (the asana). We also teach breathing practices (pranayama), meditation techniques (dhyana) and chanting (nada yoga).
 
Our teachers are all trained and certified and hand-picked for their dedication to their teaching and their own yoga practice on the mat and in their lives.
 
We also take pride in our teachers’ special abilities and gifts in working with beginners, the elderly and those with physical limitations. We truly believe that yoga is available to every body.
 
If you are showing up with any physical limitations or have any doubt about your ability to participate in a particular class, call us! (757) 622-2474

Question 2

Which Class is right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you are brand new to yoga:
-Please refer to our schedule which have stars (*) next to any class which would accomodate you for your introduction to yoga. PLEASE also communicate this and any specific physical or emotional needs to your teacher before class. Also, feel free to contact us with any concerns or questions.
If you are new to The Space Above, but have been doing yoga before:
– Please join us in any of the beginner or Multi-level classes
If you prefer a class designed for deep relaxation, at either level:
– Come to any of the Restorative or Meditation workshops
If you are pregnant or just had a baby:
– Come to the Prenatal or Infant Yoga classes
If you are injured or struggling with other physical limitations :
– We would appreciate it if you would call us before arriving for class so that we can determine for sure which class might suit you best. Also, we do offer private assessment sessions with our yoga therapist, Kim Austin-Peterman, Gabrielle Gerard-Jenks
Some Vinyasa and Level 2 or 3 classes are NOT appropriate for anyone with less than 1 year of a consistent yoga practice on the mat.  It is unsafe for the student and because we try to make an honest effort to be present for each and every student, it can make it difficult for the teacher to facilitate the class safely if there is a student in a class beyond their ability and understanding.

Question 3

What is the class structure?

Accepted Answer

Each class in our studio is unique in that each teacher brings their own voice, experience and personality to their classes. We do have a core commitment to the tradition of the practice of Yoga on the mat in that classes begin with a quiet centering and Pranayama (a breathing practice)  This may mean practicing a specific technique or practicing Omkara where you take a complete inhalation and on the exhalation chant Om. This is done 3 times.  Feel free to just listen or to join us. Every class ends with Savasana (relaxation), a guided meditation and Omkara.  Following the three rounds of Om, the palms can be placed together at the heart, saying “Namaste”, that is “I bow to the Light within,” or Jaya Guru Devi, meaning “Victory to health, knowledge and happiness” or Jaya Guru Datta, to say “Victory to knowledge.”
 
There are some teachers that offer chanting as part of the practice to connect students with the heart, the breath and each other.  Again, feel free to join in or just to listen.

Question 4

FAQs