To ensure everyone at Uptown Yoga enjoys a calm, courteous, and respectful environment, we ask that you…
…Arrive early. Getting to class 10 minutes ahead of time allows you to settle in and start relaxing. While waiting, you can practice a pose, stretch, or just breathe and center yourself. We start and end classes on time, and the front door is locked once class starts.
…Put your name on the class sign-in sheet. Let the teacher/person behind the desk if you are new (you’ll need to do some paperwork) and/or have physical issues that we need to be aware of.
…Leave everything outside the studio (other than what you need for your practice). There are cubbies in the lobby in which you can leave shoes, wallet/purse, cell phone, etc., (they will be safe since the door is locked once class starts).
…Put your full intent into class, but detach yourself from the result. Always practice compassion with yourself to avoid strain or injury; none of us will look like our neighbor, but all of us receive benefits from every pose.
…Let us know if you need to leave early and please do so quietly before shavasana starts. We understand that many of you are trying to fit in a class before or during work, but we want you to be even, and to be as least disruptive to everyone else in the room as possible.
…Take your friends into the lobby. We are very lucky to have so much space to interact with each other outside the studio room: please go out of it if you want to talk to someone, and leave studio itself a quiet place for those who are trying to slow down.
…Bring your own mat. There are many reasons to own your own mat. The most important is hygiene: many yogis think that using a communal mat is like wearing someone else’s socks. A mat that is familiar and used only by you feels comfortable and will be less distracting for your practice.
…Wear appropriate, comfortable clothing (nothing too revealing or too loose, please!), be clean, and free of perfumes (the yoga practice heightens all five senses, including our sense of smell).
...Make room for others. Respect your and your neighbor’s space by not stepping on or moving their mats. Uptown Yoga does not have a towel service, so please bring a towel and mop up after yourself: we are all barefoot and no one likes stepping into a sweat puddle. If you borrowed a mat, please disinfect it and hang it up to dry if necessary.
…Follow the teacher. The reason to come to yoga class is to put yourself in the hands of a trained professional; it is disturbing and confusing to everyone in the studio if you do your own moves. We will always give you options to modify (in the event of injury/low energy/pregnancy) or advance (in the event of perkiness) each pose.
…Pay it forwards: the person next to you today might need your flow, breath, energy, and/or compassion. Our energy increases exponentially because we are together. Someone equally generous will be near you and give back when you need the same.
Frequently Asked Questions by new students:
What is the 10 days for $10 special?
New students can try out the studio for 10 consecutive days, taking as many classes as they like, and pay only $10. This allows them to experience different teachers, different class times, different class styles, our 2 locations, and see how they like Uptown Yoga without having to make a huge investment and also see if they like how good they feel after a few classes. How many times they come during that 10-day period is at their own discretion and both studios can be used. This introductory package is only for new clients residing in the DFW area and expires 9 days after the first class.
How do I start?
Pick any Beginner's, All Level Yoga, or Strictly Core class and arrive 10 minutes prior to the class start time: you will need to fill out some paperwork, let the teacher (usually the person at the desk) know whether you’ve done yoga before and whether you have any injuries, and get acclimated. We have yoga mats you can borrow if you don’t already have one.
Can I go to both studio locations?
Yes. Your membership, or 10 for $10, is good at both locations. We have different class times and styles at each studio, giving you more opportunities to schedule a class you love into your day.
I’ve never done yoga, will I be OK?
Everyone feels awkward coming into a new space and trying new things. It is hard even for people who have practiced for years to go some place new. Uptown teachers pride themselves on being able to teach anything to anyone, no matter what their level, because we also were once new students and didn’t know our left foot from our right hand when upside down: we want to show you how it works. We do have 3 Beginner’s Vinyasa Yoga Classes, and the Strictly Core Classes are also a gateway into open level yoga classes.
What sort of special clothing and equipment do I need?
The best part of yoga is how little stuff you need. Since we are in a group environment however, we do ask that your clothing is modest (shirts should be close fitting or tuck, shorts should have liners, for example: we spend a lot of time with backsides in the air) and benefit your practice. You will soon find that skin against sweaty skin means poor results for arm balances and the like; plus, a wicking fabric will make you cooler than bare skin. Constantly adjusting your clothing and hair is distracting to you (and your neighbors) and hinders your flow. Otherwise you are barefoot; so really, you only need a mat. Maybe a hand towel if you tend to sweat easily. Uptown Yoga does not provide towel service.
Is it hot yoga?
No. Bikram Yoga, or its derivatives, for example, are practiced at 105º F. Our studio averages 85º F: warm enough that your muscles can relax and stretch safely, but not so hot that you drip and slip everywhere or feel uncomfortable. Our studio is also open to fresh air and light, so it is less humid and stagnant than most Dallas yoga sudios: we teach you how to create your own heat with pranyama (breath control).
Do I need to carb-load before class?
While our classes are physically challenging, ideally, you should not eat at least 2 hours before class. Practicing yoga on an empty stomach is much more comfortable and better for your body. However, if it is many hours since you’ve eaten and your energy levels are low, try something small but protein-filled like an energy bar, nuts, yogurt, or a smoothie. We also have electrolyte and energy drinks at the studio.
What else should I expect?
You will be asked to leave all of your belongings—other than what you need to practice—outside the studio, and to maintain the clean oasis that the room is by not coming into it with shoes, cell phones, or loud voices/noises. Then, just kind of let go: the teacher will tell you what to do, how to do it, and why to do it.
I still have more questions, what do I do?
Call us at 214-965-9642 (Uptown location) or 214-515-9642 (Lakewood location) or visit one of the studios. We are always there around class times, but if no one answers, leave a message and we’ll call you back. You can also email us at info@uptownyoga.com
