What the FAQ!
Everything you wanted to know about FORM {yoga} but were afraid to ask.
What is yoga?
Yoga is life, compassion, love.
OK, that’s enough whimsy for now. We could tell you about the history of the yoga postures and the breath work, the yoga of devotion and non-harming or we could theorize about the motives of ancient sages and the”true”path of yoga. At FORM {yoga} we see the beauty in the antiquity of the practice but we believe in an ongoing innovation of what yoga is.
Our approach is grounded in the practice while seeing a better reality ahead of us. We believe in encouragement. We believe in taking risks. We believe in the beauty of falling (and learning and growing along with it). That’s summed up in our tagline: “We laugh. We fall. And sometimes we curse.”
Some of us are working on enlightenment, but all of us believe you have to enjoy the journey. That’s FORM {yoga} for ya.
So I see FORM is a vinyasa yoga studio. What does that mean?
Yes, all our classes except Recharge & Restore stem from the vinyasa yogic tradition. So no matter the level of difficulty the general focus is on fluidity and creativity with flowing sequences geared to open and strengthen the entire body. No pose is off limits – we’re talking free range FORM, folks! Our practice is refreshingly free from rigidity – we’ll be stiff when we’re pushing up daisies … or lotus …. Or is it loti?
Music accompanies each class while focused breathing, intention and postures strengthen and open your body. As you grow stronger and develop, you’re invited to explore more advanced yoga classes and postures. Poses like arm balances, headstands, and forearm stands – all in a safe, inviting and playful atmosphere. (Don’t worry, we’ll leave the two-finger push-ups to Bruce Lee.)
Sounds fun! But don’t you have to be in shape already? I’m not sure I’m up for it.
Do you have to be in shape? Hell, no. No matter if the shape you’re in is the shape you want to be in, or if you’re looking to reFORM yourself, you’re welcome at FORM {yoga}. Our classes offer personalized attention in a supportive group setting. So come as you are!
FORM {yoga} is – as the Beastie Boys would say – for all lifestyles, sizes, shapes, and forms. Now, if you think you can benefit from individualized attention (whether you’re starting or want to refine your practice) we offer private instruction, too.
Can I lose weight and get in shape by only practicing vinyasa yoga?
ABSOLUTELY, we guarantee it! Need proof? Well, get a load of our too-fit-to-quit teachers – most of them only practice yoga! We’re of the mind that there’s no better complete body workout than a vigorous vinyasa flow class, which burns more calories than many other forms of exercise, including hot yoga (or Bikram)! And sweat? You bet! But that comes from your body’s hard work, not because we heat the room. Is it hot in here? Nah, it’s just you.
Fluid pose-to-pose movement works and stretches your muscles, generating internal heat. And it’s a great cardio workout too, because your heart rate increases like you just ran into Ryan Gosling or Jennifer Lawrence … or whomever. (We don’t judge.)
Don’t I have to be flexible to practice yoga?
NO! Yoga is perfect if you are inflexible! This isn’t gymnastics, where the most flexible person gets a medal. Yoga – like stretching – is a process.
We practice in a group, but yoga is a very personal practice. The only flexibility you need is mental. Just stay open to new possibilities to get the benefits of the yoga.
Just show up, breathe, move, and honor where you are today. That’s the very reason yoga is called a practice. As you continue, you’ll witness your body beginning to open up, allowing for a greater range of motion and increased strength and stamina.
Just starting out, what classes should I start with?
Take your pick! We’ve got lots of classes that are great for beginners: Recharge & Restore, Stretch it Out, Hips Don’t Lie, Easy Like Sunday Morning, and Slow & Steady. These classes give you the fundamentals you need to start a safe and expansive yoga practice. It’s like vinyasa yoga with training wheels.
The slower pace of these classes offer you plenty of time to learn the ropes and get in touch with your breath. Plus, the detailed instruction is specifically designed to ease new students into vinyasa yoga and provide a solid foundation in the basic poses, alignment, and breath work.
While our Flowing Form classes are a little more fast paced you will still get plenty of instruction and help from them and all of our classes. Scheduling a series of private lessons with one of our teachers for some one-on-one guidance gives you a tremendous foundation – plus many beginning practitioners find them inspiring and motivating.
How often should I practice yoga to get the most benefits from the class?
That depends on your goals. Want to see quick results? Then we recommend practicing 4+ times a week. Great results come from taking 2-3 classes per week consistently. But use your own judgment in developing a schedule that’s right for you, even if it’s 1-2 days per week.
The secret to success? Consistency, plain and simple. Stay consistent, and your practice will help you gain strength and energy, decrease stress, and build (or rebuild?) an open, pain-free body.
OK, I’m there! What do I need to get started?
Great! A couple points to get you started:
- Doors open 10 minutes before class. You didn’t get the class time wrong, in order to limit exposure we kindly ask that refrain from gathering in the hall and instead wait to enter the building. Drop in for $20. Such a deal! For ease you can pre-purchase your classes online if you wish or just purchase in studio. We accept cash, check, credit, debit and PayPal.
- Bring a yoga mat and water and you may wish to bring a small towel for sweat (yep, you will likely sweat). We have rent-a-mats available, too, if you don’t own one.
- Wear comfy (but not too baggy) workout clothes, ladies, like yoga pants, T-shirts, tank tops, or sports bras. For the fellas, shorts and a form-fitting T-shirt. Get it? FORM-fitting? HA! Consider sweat-wicking fabrics for comfort, or long-sleeve layer for resting poses so you don’t get too cool.
- We offer online, indoor, outdoor, and hybrid pricing options during this time. See all our options here. Or just drop in for $20. Such a deal! Buy in studio or online – whatever works for you.
Tip to Unrolling Your Mat
Pre-register to save a spot in class! You must arrive at least 5 minutes before the class time or your spot may be given to a walk in student. Also, if you can not make the class and do not cancel your spot, you may lose a class credit.
I went to class and loved it! Now what?
Congratulations and welcome to our community! A day or so after class, you may be sore in places you haven’t thought about for years. No worries – this is totes normal.
Vinyasa yoga classes may have you using muscles you probably haven’t used in a while (or ever!). You may think that coming to class all sore up and tore up is the last thing you should do, but it’s really the BEST thing to do. As you move and stretch (and drink LOTS of water), you can relieve the soreness.
Remember, yoga is a continual process, so waiting too long to attend another class might feel like starting all over again. The more you practice, the more your body responds. Our bodies are amazing like that.
To get the most out of your yoga practice is to schedule time each week for your practice – and stick with it! Life happens. We get that. But yoga helps you approach whatever life dishes out.
I could become addicted to this! But yoga can be expensive, right?
What is the best pricing option for me?
It depends on how frequently you want to practice, but there’s something for everyone. Find the right package for you:
Drop In $20
Perfect for the occasional student. No commitment. No expiration.
On Demand Day Pass $15
Get 24 hour access to our On Demand library of over 100 videos. With an extensive platform of classes for all levels you can choose from style, class level, teacher and more!
5-Class Card $90
Great for those practicing 1-2 times per week. Works out to $18/class. 1 month expiration gives you an extra week of flexibility. Get it? FLEXibility! HA!
10-Class Card $170
Sweet deal for 1-2 classes/week. Works out to $17/class. 2 month expiration.
On Demand Yoga Monthly $99
Click here to purchase! Includes access to our expansive library of over 100 on demand classes. New classes are uploaded each week. Automatically renews on your credit card on the same day each month. 30 day written cancellation required.
In Studio & On Demand Hybrid Monthly Unlimited $149
Click here to purchase! Includes both in-person and online classes. Automatically renews on your credit card on the same day each month. Cancel anytime with a 30-day written notice.
SALE! On Demand Yearly $899
Click here to purchase! Includes access to our expansive library of over 100 on demand classes. New classes are uploaded each week for you to explore.
Visit here for On Demand options. Visit here for our indoor and hybrid offerings.
Do you have any other tips to use during class?
Focus your attention on your own body, listen to the verbal cues from your teacher, and apply what you see and hear to your posture. Move mindfully and intentionally as you build your poses and take each pose a breath at a time. If a pose is too much, that’s OK. Honor the need and rest, take a child’s pose or sit and watch and learn. Remember, this is a practice, and none of us are perfect.
Remember to breathe. This ain’t swimming, but it’s common find yourself holding your breath. But your muscles NEED the oxygen to work effectively. When you feel tense, focus on a long powerful exhale. In with the good, out with the not-so-good.
Find the ease. Try to find your edge in the practice where effort and surrender meet. Challenge yourself while at the same time respecting your body and your abilities. Patience is one of the most challenging aspects of yoga, so be sure to honor your body in each breath. Yoga is the art of balancing. Let go of expectations, but be prepared to work. And never sacrifice the body for the glory of the pose. Enjoy the journey of getting into the pose.
Willingness to try is key. Yoga guru Pattabhi Jois said, “Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory.” Most of the effort of your practice is in simply getting to the studio regularly each week. A balanced and consistent practice is the biggest contributor to a lifelong transformational practice.
Release your rigidity. With practice we learn that we’re all students (even teachers, too). So, be flexible mentally as you increase your physical flexibility, and remain open to trying something new. Go with the flow and NEVER take yourself too seriously. We sure as heck don’t.
Still have questions? Email us at questions@formyoga.com. We’re happy to help!
TESTIMONIALS
“A MILLION THANK YOUS… For awakening my soul and allowing it to heal and grow in ways I never thought were possible.”
"This is the most beautiful studio I’ve ever been to! Every teacher fills the space with love and strength and as a student, this love and strength is empowering! I have visited many studios in the Atlanta area and none compare to FORM!"
"I had a wonderful experience! The space is cozy. The teacher’s voice was great, very comforting and a beautiful tone! My body felt great after the recharge and restore class!"