New To Yoga
If you are new to yoga, we recommend starting out with Hatha or Alignment-based classes. Once you grow more familiar with the names of the poses, try a Morning Flow class! Click here for class descriptions.
Because the evening Vinyasa Flow classes are more fast-paced and tend to incorporate more challenging poses, we recommend absolute beginners try other classes first.
See below to learn more about studio etiquette and answers to frequently asked questions.
We look forward to seeing you soon! Welcome to the CVY community.
Studio Etiquette
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Arrive Early: arrive at least 10 minutes before class starts to check-in and get setup. Late arrivals will not be permitted. The door locks promptly at the start time of class. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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Check In: be sure to register for classes on MINDBODY. Upon arrival at the studio, check in at the front desk to complete the screening.
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Remove Shoes, Silence Phones: please remove your shoes and place them in a cubby in the lobby, along with your mobile device (be sure to silence). Note: mobile devices are not permitted in the studio.
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Minimize Conversation: please minimize conversation before and during class to maintain an atmosphere of quiet, stillness, and peace.
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Hydrate: we encourage you to hydrate before and after class. Please refrain from bringing food and beverages other than water into the studio.
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Avoid Scents: please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or scented lotions to class to help preserve our scent-free atmosphere. In yoga, we are breathing deeply while near one another. Even mild scents can seem very strong, especially to those with sensitivities or allergies.
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Stay for Savasana: please stay until the class has come to an end. Savasana brings your body into its healthiest alignment, helps your body/mind integrate what you have learned in the class, and calms the nervous system for maximum health benefits.
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Return Props: if you use the studio's props, please return them to their proper location after class ends.
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Come Back: teaching style, including the level of strenuousness in a class, can vary from teacher to teacher, so we recommend trying a variety of classes to find the fit that is best for you and your yoga practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is yoga? The best way to describe yoga is that it is a way of life. The yoga we are most familiar with in the West is called “Hatha Yoga,” or the “yoga of movement.”
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Do I have to be fit or flexible to practice yoga? Nope and nope. Castro Valley Yoga offers classes for all ages and for all levels of fitness and flexibility.
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Do I need any yoga experience to attend a class? Nope. Prior experience is not needed.
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Can I eat before class? It is best to avoid eating for about an hour before class, though a very light snack may be fine if you are hungry or on a special diet. We recommend staying hydrated before and after class.
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I have a previous injury. Can I still practice yoga? Yes! We encourage you to tell the instructor at the beginning of class about your unique health circumstances, so you receive individualized modifications where needed. If you suffer from any severe or unusual medical conditions, it is your responsibility to get permission from your health care provider/physician.
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What should I wear/bring to class? Be prepared to practice in bare feet. We have cubbies in the lobby to secure all personal belongings. Bring your yoga mat (rental mats available for $1). Dress in stretchy fabrics and in layers.
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How do I check in? Click on our schedule, which will connect you to MINDBODY for pre-registration. If you do not yet have an account, follow the steps to create one, and then register for the class you wish to attend.
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Does CVY do Hot Yoga? Most of our classes range between 68 and 72 degrees; however, the some of our morning flow and vinyasa classes are heated to 76 degrees.
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Does CVY provide childcare? Can I bring my child to class with me? CVY welcomes kids ages 7-12 to attend our Kids Yoga class on Sundays. Our regular classes are for adults only. CVY does not provide childcare.