Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located and where can I park?
Florence Yoga is located in the Florence Community Center (formerly Florence Elementary School) at 140 Pine Street in Florence, MA - Suite 12. See our Studio page for detailed directions. We very conveniently have plenty of FREE PARKING in a very large lot behind the old school building. The studio is located on the top floor, on the front right side of the building. The driveway, however, is on the left/church side of the building. Park in the rear of the school, then walk from the parking lot to the downhill/playground side of the building. The outside double doors will bring you into a stairwell - walk up to the top floor, and Florence Yoga is immediately on your left.
What should I wear/personal hygiene?
Comfortable exercise clothes such as a t-shirt or tank top and shorts, light sweatpants or tights are appropriate - nothing too baggy. A changing room is available for students to change into their yoga clothes.
Make sure that your body, your clothes and your mat are clean and odor free. It is traditional to bathe before and after class. Remember: a clean sweaty body smells better than a dirty sweaty body!Please do not wear any perfume, cologne, after shave, essential oils, or scented antiperspirant, shampoos, or conditioners, and please don't wash your clothes in strongly scented detergents. Just like natural body odors, these artificial odors will be intensified by the heat of the practice. Some of our students are VERY sensitive to chemicals. Please be kind and don't wear any scents, period. (This includes all "natural" or "organic" scents as well.) Thanks!
What should I bring?
You need only your yoga mat (we have mats you can borrow but suggest you bring your own if possible), a towel, and a water bottle (for after class - we suggest you try not to drink during class). Wear comfortable, not-baggy clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. It can get warm doing Ashtanga, so it may be a good idea to bring a small hand towel if you feel you will perspire heavily. However, the sweat is good for you and will help regulate your body heat. Try to refrain from wiping it away - it is beneficial for your body.
What should I do when I arrive?
Please allow yourself sufficient time to arrive, park and walk to the studio. Drink sufficient water before class, not during, if possible. Sign in with a class card, pay if you need to, roll out your mat and get ready for class. Late arrivals are disruptive to the class flow and are difficult to teach through, but if you are late, so be it! Come in as quietly as possible.
We ask that you please turn off your cell phone and take off your shoes before entering the studio. There are spaces available to store your valuables and a changing room. If it’s your first class at Florence Yoga, you will be asked to fill out a waiver form. All students are asked to sign-in to the class and pay before class begins. You are welcome to find a space in the practice room to set up your mat and settle in before class begins. If you arrive late, you may sign in and pay after class.
If you do arrive late, while the opening chant is being sung, please wait to quietly roll out your mat until the classes sounds “OM”. If it’s crowded and there are no obvious spaces available, the teacher will help make room for you. If someone else is looking for space for their mat, and you have space, offer it freely, as people can be shy about asking.
Come to class fully hydrated.
Fully hydrated means, in general, drink at least one full glass of water at least an hour before class. Ashtanga is a vigorous practice, done in a warm room, so you will sweat. We have filtered water available in a cistern (with limited paper cups, to help cut down on waste). We recommend you bring your own water bottle for after practice. Drinking during practice is not recommended, as it will make your practice less beneficial (the one caveat to this rule, for new folks: if you know you didn't drink enough before class, are dehydrated and feel ill as a result, then of course, drink water. )
Which classes are most appropriate for a beginner?
Mysore class is the great way to start if you are a beginner, or you can take any of our Beginners classes. Beginners are also encouraged to attend one of our Ashtanga Fundamentals workshops, or to take a private lesson with any of our teachers, to gain familiarity with the postures safely. As you begin to feel comfortable in the classes, and have a good understanding of Sun Salutes, Ujayi Breath and Bandhas, continue with the Mysore classes and also try our All Levels classes - both are a good place to come in and do part or all of the series - and to observe or try more advanced practice.
What will the class be like?
We hope very much that it will be fun, inspiring and will feel great, too. Still, your first yoga class can be daunting - you may feel that you “don’t get it” and worry about making "mistakes”. Please don’t! Realize that everyone in the class - the teacher as well as the students - has been a beginner at one time. At Florence Yoga, everyone is welcome and we believe everyone can do yoga with the right intention and effort. Introduce yourself to the teacher when you arrive at the studio and let him or her know that this is your first yoga class. Also let him or her know if you have any injuries or illnesses. Finally, allow yourself a few minutes to set up your mat and settle down before class begins.
Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?
No! Many people who are now excellent yogis began by not being able to touch their toes. Practice is not just "doing postures" - it’s about combining breath and movement and being mindful. You need not be flexible to practice yoga. You will, however, begin to regain your flexibility if you practice yoga regularly. With consistency, you will begin see large improvements in your strength and flexibility rapidly. Just being in the studio, breathing mindfully with your fellow students, will bring a world of benefits to you.
I have injuries. Can I still practice yoga?
Yes. When done mindfully, without pushing beyond one’s limits, yoga is a safe practice with which you can begin to rehabilitate injuries. Our teachers are well-trained in proper, safe alignment and anatomy and will provide appropriate modifications to poses for you. Yoga is a complete form of exercise which also helps to build smaller, minor muscles so that your musculature becomes more balanced. This will help you prevent future injuries.
If you do have an injury, please remember to let your teacher know prior to class of your limitation.
I'm menstruating. Can I still practice yoga?
It's recommended, if you are a daily practitioner, to take a break from practice for the first 2-3 days - when the flow is heaviest. Honor your cyclic nature, and rest and rejuvenate during this time. Your period is vital and necessary a process of renewal for your uterus and reproductive system. Use it as time to reconnect with your true nature, and enjoy the time off!
However, if you are not a regular practitioner, or can only come on to class on a day when you have your period, then please practice with us - it will help very much with menstrual cramps - but don't do any of the inverted (i.e. upside-down) postures, like shoulderstand sequence or headstand, to both honor and aid the downward flow of your cycle.
How often should I practice?
Ashtanga is best done regularly - traditionally, 6 days a week, with time off for "ladies holiday" (see above), full moon and new moon. While this ideal is hard to attain, remember, every practice does not have to be 100%, nor do you have to do a full 90 minute practice each and every time you practice - your body should be your guide. The most important thing is to try and come whenever you can so that yoga will gradually become a part of your regular routine. Even practicing once a week brings benefits - you will feel better! If you practice 2 to 3 times a week, you will experience even greater benefits, and so on....
What forms of payment do you accept?
We keep it old school: we only accept cash or check at the studio.
What if I am experiencing financial hardship?
Our mission is to make the teachings of yoga accessible to everyone. We will do our best to see that no one is prevented from attending yoga classes for lack of funds. We offer a need-based payment upon request - feel free to speak with your teacher before class about need-based payment. Students who cannot afford classes may also be able to participate in our in our flexible work exchange program. To find out more about the work exchange program please send an email to: info@florenceyoga.com
Do I need to bring my own mat?
We have a limited number of mats that may be borrowed and cleaned after use with a tea tree cleansing spray we provide. However, if you do decide to take more than a few yoga classes with us, it’s best to obtain your own yoga mat.
How can I find out about weather cancellations?
Weather cancellations will be posted on the top of our home page when they occur. Please also call the studio at 413-250-9399 - a message will let you know if classes are canceled due to weather. For afternoon/evening classes, again, call the studio - we will leave a voicemail outgoing message at least 1 hour before class begins, stating there will be no class. If the voicemail does not indicate an evening cancellation, class will be held.
In the case of Holidays, if you have signed up for our email newsletter, we let folks know well ahead of time for any class or course changes around holidays - and the website home page will reflect this as well. Always check the home page of our website - any emergency/holiday schedule changes will appear at the top.
Florence Yoga is located in the Florence Community Center (formerly Florence Elementary School) at 140 Pine Street in Florence, MA - Suite 12. See our Studio page for detailed directions. We very conveniently have plenty of FREE PARKING in a very large lot behind the old school building. The studio is located on the top floor, on the front right side of the building. The driveway, however, is on the left/church side of the building. Park in the rear of the school, then walk from the parking lot to the downhill/playground side of the building. The outside double doors will bring you into a stairwell - walk up to the top floor, and Florence Yoga is immediately on your left.
What should I wear/personal hygiene?
Comfortable exercise clothes such as a t-shirt or tank top and shorts, light sweatpants or tights are appropriate - nothing too baggy. A changing room is available for students to change into their yoga clothes.
Make sure that your body, your clothes and your mat are clean and odor free. It is traditional to bathe before and after class. Remember: a clean sweaty body smells better than a dirty sweaty body!Please do not wear any perfume, cologne, after shave, essential oils, or scented antiperspirant, shampoos, or conditioners, and please don't wash your clothes in strongly scented detergents. Just like natural body odors, these artificial odors will be intensified by the heat of the practice. Some of our students are VERY sensitive to chemicals. Please be kind and don't wear any scents, period. (This includes all "natural" or "organic" scents as well.) Thanks!
What should I bring?
You need only your yoga mat (we have mats you can borrow but suggest you bring your own if possible), a towel, and a water bottle (for after class - we suggest you try not to drink during class). Wear comfortable, not-baggy clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. It can get warm doing Ashtanga, so it may be a good idea to bring a small hand towel if you feel you will perspire heavily. However, the sweat is good for you and will help regulate your body heat. Try to refrain from wiping it away - it is beneficial for your body.
What should I do when I arrive?
Please allow yourself sufficient time to arrive, park and walk to the studio. Drink sufficient water before class, not during, if possible. Sign in with a class card, pay if you need to, roll out your mat and get ready for class. Late arrivals are disruptive to the class flow and are difficult to teach through, but if you are late, so be it! Come in as quietly as possible.
We ask that you please turn off your cell phone and take off your shoes before entering the studio. There are spaces available to store your valuables and a changing room. If it’s your first class at Florence Yoga, you will be asked to fill out a waiver form. All students are asked to sign-in to the class and pay before class begins. You are welcome to find a space in the practice room to set up your mat and settle in before class begins. If you arrive late, you may sign in and pay after class.
If you do arrive late, while the opening chant is being sung, please wait to quietly roll out your mat until the classes sounds “OM”. If it’s crowded and there are no obvious spaces available, the teacher will help make room for you. If someone else is looking for space for their mat, and you have space, offer it freely, as people can be shy about asking.
Come to class fully hydrated.
Fully hydrated means, in general, drink at least one full glass of water at least an hour before class. Ashtanga is a vigorous practice, done in a warm room, so you will sweat. We have filtered water available in a cistern (with limited paper cups, to help cut down on waste). We recommend you bring your own water bottle for after practice. Drinking during practice is not recommended, as it will make your practice less beneficial (the one caveat to this rule, for new folks: if you know you didn't drink enough before class, are dehydrated and feel ill as a result, then of course, drink water. )
Which classes are most appropriate for a beginner?
Mysore class is the great way to start if you are a beginner, or you can take any of our Beginners classes. Beginners are also encouraged to attend one of our Ashtanga Fundamentals workshops, or to take a private lesson with any of our teachers, to gain familiarity with the postures safely. As you begin to feel comfortable in the classes, and have a good understanding of Sun Salutes, Ujayi Breath and Bandhas, continue with the Mysore classes and also try our All Levels classes - both are a good place to come in and do part or all of the series - and to observe or try more advanced practice.
What will the class be like?
We hope very much that it will be fun, inspiring and will feel great, too. Still, your first yoga class can be daunting - you may feel that you “don’t get it” and worry about making "mistakes”. Please don’t! Realize that everyone in the class - the teacher as well as the students - has been a beginner at one time. At Florence Yoga, everyone is welcome and we believe everyone can do yoga with the right intention and effort. Introduce yourself to the teacher when you arrive at the studio and let him or her know that this is your first yoga class. Also let him or her know if you have any injuries or illnesses. Finally, allow yourself a few minutes to set up your mat and settle down before class begins.
Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?
No! Many people who are now excellent yogis began by not being able to touch their toes. Practice is not just "doing postures" - it’s about combining breath and movement and being mindful. You need not be flexible to practice yoga. You will, however, begin to regain your flexibility if you practice yoga regularly. With consistency, you will begin see large improvements in your strength and flexibility rapidly. Just being in the studio, breathing mindfully with your fellow students, will bring a world of benefits to you.
I have injuries. Can I still practice yoga?
Yes. When done mindfully, without pushing beyond one’s limits, yoga is a safe practice with which you can begin to rehabilitate injuries. Our teachers are well-trained in proper, safe alignment and anatomy and will provide appropriate modifications to poses for you. Yoga is a complete form of exercise which also helps to build smaller, minor muscles so that your musculature becomes more balanced. This will help you prevent future injuries.
If you do have an injury, please remember to let your teacher know prior to class of your limitation.
I'm menstruating. Can I still practice yoga?
It's recommended, if you are a daily practitioner, to take a break from practice for the first 2-3 days - when the flow is heaviest. Honor your cyclic nature, and rest and rejuvenate during this time. Your period is vital and necessary a process of renewal for your uterus and reproductive system. Use it as time to reconnect with your true nature, and enjoy the time off!
However, if you are not a regular practitioner, or can only come on to class on a day when you have your period, then please practice with us - it will help very much with menstrual cramps - but don't do any of the inverted (i.e. upside-down) postures, like shoulderstand sequence or headstand, to both honor and aid the downward flow of your cycle.
How often should I practice?
Ashtanga is best done regularly - traditionally, 6 days a week, with time off for "ladies holiday" (see above), full moon and new moon. While this ideal is hard to attain, remember, every practice does not have to be 100%, nor do you have to do a full 90 minute practice each and every time you practice - your body should be your guide. The most important thing is to try and come whenever you can so that yoga will gradually become a part of your regular routine. Even practicing once a week brings benefits - you will feel better! If you practice 2 to 3 times a week, you will experience even greater benefits, and so on....
What forms of payment do you accept?
We keep it old school: we only accept cash or check at the studio.
What if I am experiencing financial hardship?
Our mission is to make the teachings of yoga accessible to everyone. We will do our best to see that no one is prevented from attending yoga classes for lack of funds. We offer a need-based payment upon request - feel free to speak with your teacher before class about need-based payment. Students who cannot afford classes may also be able to participate in our in our flexible work exchange program. To find out more about the work exchange program please send an email to: info@florenceyoga.com
Do I need to bring my own mat?
We have a limited number of mats that may be borrowed and cleaned after use with a tea tree cleansing spray we provide. However, if you do decide to take more than a few yoga classes with us, it’s best to obtain your own yoga mat.
How can I find out about weather cancellations?
Weather cancellations will be posted on the top of our home page when they occur. Please also call the studio at 413-250-9399 - a message will let you know if classes are canceled due to weather. For afternoon/evening classes, again, call the studio - we will leave a voicemail outgoing message at least 1 hour before class begins, stating there will be no class. If the voicemail does not indicate an evening cancellation, class will be held.
In the case of Holidays, if you have signed up for our email newsletter, we let folks know well ahead of time for any class or course changes around holidays - and the website home page will reflect this as well. Always check the home page of our website - any emergency/holiday schedule changes will appear at the top.
