Beginner’s Guide

With a consistent Yoga practice, you can expect to develop a strong and flexible body and mind. Yoga has been around for centuries and the health benefits are plentiful.​

Increased Flexibility

Increased lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons

Massages all organs of the body

Complete detoxification

Tones muscles

Provides stress relief

Encourages restful sleep

Improves mental well-being and clarity

Pain management

Yes we do! For beginners we encourage you to set-up a 30-minute initial meeting with Jessie, Shanti Yoga Center owner and teacher. During this time, Jessie can assess your interest and ability and make recommendations on where to start your practice. In general, we recommend any of the “beginner friendly” or “mixed level” classes which are tags you can use to search in our class schedule.

We have a Beginner Foundations Series every month (outside the summer months). They meet on Tuesday at 6:45pm for 4 weeks for only $45. This includes one additional free class each week. Look under COURSES in the class schedule.

-Comfortable loose-fitting clothing.

-Water and your mat* if you have one.

-Your own towel* to any of our hot yoga classes.

*We provide hand towels and yoga mats if needed. We also sell them in the retail area.

Please arrive no later than 5 minutes before the class starts. We cannot guarantee your admittance to class if you arrive any later as the teacher may lock the studio door to ensure the safety of the students’ belongings.

Silence or Turn off Cell Phones: Make a habit of doing this as soon as you get to class. It's a major distraction for the instructor and other students. If you forget and your cell phone rings, own up to it and turn the ringer off immediately. Never answer the phone or send texts during class. Avoid checking smart watches.

Arrive on Time: Arrive at least 10 minutes before the class is scheduled to start so you have time to check in, put down your mat, and go to the bathroom if necessary. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we ask that you wait for the next class or another day.

Respect Others Mat Space: When we asked yoga students what their biggest pet peeves were, "people stepping on my mat" was the top answer. Yes, it seems like a small issue, and sometimes it's difficult in a really crowded room, but do your best to avoid stepping on other students' mats as you make your way through the room.

Also, if you attend a class that's usually crowded, place your mat fairly close to the person next to you so that there's enough space for everyone. Always be willing to move your mat to make room for another student.

Respect the Teacher: When you enter a yoga class, you sign on to being led by the teacher for the next hour or so. Modifying and adapting postures to take care of your self is always encouraged, if you need help or feel discomfort, please ask your teacher for recommendations, or schedule a private session. You may discover halfway through the class that you don't enjoy this teacher, playlist, or style of yoga, but try to continue with the class, follow the teacher's instructions, take your savasana, and absorb the experience. If you need to leave a class, please do so with respect to others sharing the practice. Let us know about your experience, and what did or did not work for you. We may be able to find another offering that fits you better.

Go to the Bathroom During Resting Poses: It's fine to leave class for a few minutes to go to the bathroom. There's no need to ask the teacher's permission. The best time to go is when there's a period of rest, either in child's pose or downward dog. Just avoid dodging out during difficult poses or skipping part of savasana.

Don't Skip Savasana: Your final relaxation in savasana is an important part of your practice. Don't leave class early. If you must, tell the teacher prior to the class' start and take a short savasana before you go. Just don't make a habit of this.

Give us a call 320-291-6285 or email us at hello@shantiyoga.center and we would be happy to answer any questions.