FAQs:
New to Yoga
or new to The Yoga Sanctuary?
Here are some answers to questions that you might have.
If your question is not answered here please feel free to email us or
call us. Also we encourage you to read our student
guidelines before taking your first yoga class.
Do I have
to sign-up for classes in advance?
Where exactly are you located?
What or where is Studio 2?
Do you have parking?
Do you have yoga mats for students to use?
What do I wear?
What forms of payment do you take?
Do you have lockers and shower facilities?
What if I have a previous injury or physical
condition that might make yoga a challenge?
I have never practiced yoga before,
which class should I begin with?
What if I can’t even touch my toes?
Do you have any specials for newcomers?
What is your refund policy?
Do I have to sign-up for
classes in advance?
No you do not. Our classes are designed as “drop-in”, meaning
that you may show up a few minutes in advance of any class you wish to
participate in. We normally recommend showing up about 15 minutes in advance.
Our main studio space is very large and can accommodate a large number
of students so you don’t have to be afraid of being turned away.
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Where exactly are you located?
COLLEGE Street location:
The northwest corner of Yonge and College Streets. Since we do not have
a sign out front look for the landmarks. Entrance is at 2 College Street,
which is the main door just beside (west) of Starbucks and across the
street from Winners. Use the College Street subway station. We are located
on the 3rd floor and elevator service only runs 9-5 Monday to Friday.
On evenings after 7pm and on weekends the street level doors are locked
and you must buzz up to be let in.
Map to College Location.
DANFORTH Avenue location:
The southeast corner of Danforth and Broadview Avenues. Entrance is at
95 Danforth Avenue, just beside Sutton Realty and also on the 3rd Floor.
This is the same entrance as the Red Violin restaurant. We do not have
elevator service at this location at the moment. Use the Broadview subway
station.
Map to Danforth Location.
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What or where is Studio 2?
You may notice Studio 2 listed on our schedule for a few classes. Whereas
our main space is quite large, Studio 2 is our smaller secondary space.
When classes are held in this studio it is possible that we will run out
of space so there is a chance of being turned away during busier time
slots. Show up early.
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Do you have parking?
There is metred street parking at both locations, as well as small parking
lots nearby where you may have to pay to park.
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Do you have yoga mats for students
to use?
If you do not own your own mat (we do encourage this) we do rent yoga
mats for $1 per class. We also sell them in case you wish to make the
investment as you begin to practice regularly. Please bring your own towel
if you feel you might need one. If you tend to perspire a lot you may
find you need it as hands and feet can become slippery on your yoga mat.
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What do I wear?
We practice yoga in bare feet so no shoes or socks are required or allowed.
As long as you wear clothing that isn't restricting or too revealing you
will be fine. Wear something that you are comfortable stretching and moving
in. This might be what you would wear to the gym.
Shorts, track pants, lycra stretch pants, t-shirts and tank tops are all
acceptable. Try not to wear anything too baggy as this will impede your
movement and in postures such as downward dog you may find your t-shirt
sliding over your head!
Also, as we are in an older building we do suggest that you bring a sweater
or long-sleeved t-shirts for those days that the studio might be a little
cooler in temperature. As you warm up you can remove it. We also sell
some items of clothing should you need.
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What forms of payment do you
take?
All major credit cards, debit cards, cash and cheques are accepted.
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Do you have lockers and
shower facilities?
We have showers and washroom facilities at our Danforth Avenue location
only. We do have change rooms at both locations but encourage our students
to bring their valuables (wallets, purses, laptops, jewellery, etc.) into
the studio with them. We do have washroom facilities at our College Street
location.
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What if I have a previous
injury or physical condition that might make yoga a challenge?
Please always let your teacher know of such a condition or of any physical
worries you might have. They can help you by offering suggestions to modify
poses or suggest what you should avoid doing. There is always a way to
work around limitations and get the most of your practice. This also applies
to pre-natal students.
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I have never practiced
yoga before, which class should I begin with?
The answer to this question will vary for everyone. Our staff cannot tell
you which class would be perfect for you as everyone has a different experience
with different teachers and different styles of yoga. But we can outline
below the things for you to assess before choosing a class.
What are your goals? While all yoga offers stretching to increase flexibility
and an end-goal of peace, relaxation, and stress relief different types
of yoga go about this differently.
Are you looking for a class that will offer you gentle stretching and
relaxation? Have you been inactive for a while, does age or physical fitness
play a role in your decision, or do you just want to chill out? You may
wish to begin with a Level I Hatha class. You will do less standing postures,
move slowly and begin to open up your body.
Are you looking for a slower moving yoga but one that will still challenge
you with some standing poses and sequences? A Level I/II Hatha class might
be for you. These classes will focus on different things each week and
be somewhat more of a challenge than Level I. However, it will be a slower
pace than Ashtanga. There are less postures to go through and they are
held longer.
Are you looking for a class that will challenge you, involve a faster
pace and some added strength-based poses? Ashtanga may be for you. This
is the yoga that people sometimes refer to as "Power Yoga".
If you are new definitely begin with a Level I class. We hold Ashtanga
classes in Level I/II (advanced beginner to intermediate) and Level II
(intermediate) as well, for when you are ready. There is no set time for
advancing to the next level, this is a personal decision depending on
your comfort level.
Lastly, our Flow classes for both Ashtanga and Hatha are derivatives of
the same ideas listed above. You are flowing from one posture to the next
so this can be a challenging class. These are open to all levels, meaning
that beginners are welcome and teachers are able to offer options for
more and less advanced students. Expect many standing poses that help
you with developing balance, stamina and flexibility.
Note that every teacher has their own style of teaching. One Hatha or
Hatha Flow class, for example, may differ from another. Again, we encourage
you to try different teachers' classes.
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What if I can’t even
touch my toes?
This may seem like a silly question to some but for many of our new students,
particularly men (and yes, there are many in our classes these days),
this is very valid.
To put it simply, yoga will help you to touch your toes…and beyond.
Do not let your current limitations stop you from breaking through them
and achieving a much higher degree of not only flexibility, but also body
awareness in general. You are not alone and yoga is completely non-competitive.
Just enjoy!
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Do you have any specials
for newcomers?
Wondering where to begin? It's simple. Just purchase our 10 days of unlimited
yoga classes for $20 and drop in for any class at any of our four locations.
We offer Ashtanga, Hatha, Ashtanga Flow, Restorative Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin
Yoga, Zen Stretch classes and various classes in a heated
studio.
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What is your refund policy?
• 5, 10 and 20 class passes expire one year from date of purchase.
• Class Passes and Memberships cannot be returned, exchanged or
transferred between persons.
• Passes, memberships and annual memberships are valid at both locations.
Please read our full refund
policy.
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