Experience Yoga at All That Matters and Feel the Difference
Yoga is a sacred Eastern tradition (not a religion) that gracefully weaves together the disciplines of exercise and meditation. Through the use of a series of postures and movements, yoga can be used to reduce stress, increase stamina, foster a feeling of well-being and enhance the flexibility of the mind, body and spirit. It is a clearing process, a way of encountering and releasing physical, mental and emotional blocks that may be keeping you from living life to your fullest potential.
We offer over 50 yoga classes a week in three fully equipped, comfortable studios.
We are proud of our staff of 21 experienced and certified yoga teachers who are truly living their yoga. Each yoga class includes gentle stretching exercising, rhythmic breathing and relaxation techniques. Students of all ages and abilities are welcome. Yoga really is for every body and we welcome new students. You don't need to be fit, flexible, or have special clothing and accessories (we provide mats and props.) Class titles marked with an asterisk are new student friendly... really!
In addition to weekly classes, we offer specialized workshops each season in yoga, fitness, meditation and movement with local and nationally recognized teachers.
The more you practice yoga, the more you will notice changes in your life. Class by class, as you fully engage in your yoga practice, bringing focus and attention to every breath and movement, your body relaxes, the mind is calmed, and inner strength emerges. Yoga is much more than a discipline of physical exercise. It is a powerful, transformational practice that integrates all parts of who you are. That is why we dedicate our studio space to so many yoga classes each week.
If you are new to yoga, we suggest that you start with a series title that has an asterisk. Many students choose to stay with that teacher and class for several classes. After participating in a series of classes with one teacher, you may begin to feel that you are ready to experience a different aspect of yoga practice. You may want to choose a class with more focus on meditation, a more vigorous practice, a gentler, slower practice or one with more breath work. Take advantage of our teachers' diversity and years of study and experience. Feel free to speak to them directly about your practice. Once you have explored different classes with different teachers, you will have a better feel for what classes suit your needs at any given moment.
Also consider the Explorer Pass. If you have never experienced yoga at All That Matters and are a local resident purchase this special one-time pass for two weeks of unlimited yoga for just $20. Explore the classes, times, teachers and styles that work best for you. Please note: This pass is not available May - August.
Tips on Coming to your First Yoga Class at All That Matters
- Wear clothes you can move in. A t-shirt and lounge pants are a good bet for most classes, but if you're trying a power class you'll probably want to wear a tank and shorts. Yoga is done barefoot.
- Use a yoga mat; our studio provides them for all classes except heated yoga. After you're hooked you will want to purchase your own! We give ATM yoga students a $10 discount on their first mat.
- Eat only lightly before class. It's not wise to practice on a full stomach. If you're famished, a small snack an hour or two before class should be enough to fill you up without weighing you down.
- Stay hydrated. Like massages, some postures release stored toxins in the body, so it's a good idea to drink lots of water before and after class to help detoxify and to rehydrate yourself. If you're coming to a hot class, bring water, a towel and your own mat.
- Arrive early. Honor yourself and the class by showing up about 15 minutes before the scheduled class time. That will give you ample time to check in, find a comfortable space, gather proper props, like a strap or block, and start to center yourself.
- Check in with the teacher, if necessary. Let your instructor know if you have injuries or limitations so he/she can be sure to show you modifications or clue you in to postures you'll want to avoid.
- Listen to your intuition. Don't worry about what other people in the class are doing, and don't push yourself beyond what feels right for your body.
- Rest if you need to. It's okay to take breaks throughout class. Just transition into a resting pose, like child pose.
- Don't give up after the first class. It's normal to feel uncomfortable for your first class or two, as you learn the postures and get used to the yoga style.
- Try something new. Yoga styles and instructors can vary widely, so if you've tried a few sessions and you're still not feelin' it, try switching to another type of class or teacher.
- Be sure to turn off you Cell Phone.
Yoga at All That Matters Q&A
Q: What is yoga?
A: Dating back thousands of years, yoga is a sacred Eastern tradition that unites the body with the mind. Gracefully weaving together the disciplines of exercise and meditation, yoga uses a series of postures and movements to reduce stress, increase stamina, foster a feeling of well being and enhance the flexibility of mind, body and spirit.
Q: What type of yoga do you offer at All That Matters?
A: We draw upon a rich spectrum of Hatha yoga philosophies and techniques. Classes begin with the practice of postures, include a focus on breath and sensation, and culminate with inner stillness and meditation.
Q: Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?
A: No. The practice of yoga will increase flexibility and well being but everyone should know their own limitations and modify postures accordingly.
Q: What are some of the benefits of yoga?
A: Stress release, deeper states of relaxation, normalized blood pressure, relief of minor back pains, and a balance of strength and flexibility. Yoga will also keep muscles and joints running smoothly. Once the body becomes more balanced, most students notice an increase in vitality and an overall sense of well being. Whether for fitness, as a relaxation technique, or as a stepping stone to higher awareness, yoga has the inherent power to make a profound and positive difference in your life. The benefits do not occur overnight, but the results are long lasting.
Q: Is yoga safe?
A: Yes. However, it is important to honor and respect your own limitations and inform the instructor of any potential problems.
Q: Is yoga co-ed?
A: Yes all of our classes are coed! We have one exception on Sunday nights - click here for details on this all male class
Q: Can children come to yoga class
A: Mature teens 15-16 years of age and older can come to yoga without an adult. If you would like to bring a younger teen with you to class, please check with the teacher in advance. We also currenlty offer yoga for teen girls and children are welcome to Laughter Yoga and Community Yoga.
Q: How often should I go to a yoga class?
A: If you are new to yoga, once a week is a great place to start. As your practice develops, you may choose to incorporate more classes into your week.
Q: What class should I start with?
A: In Basic classes no prior experience is necessary. Anyone familiar with but not established in yoga should also start here. Although the basics are covered in each beginners class, the postures and teachings often change, so many students choose to repeat these classes many times. Classes marked with an * on our Weekly Class Schedule require no previous experience.
If you have experienced a number of yoga postures, feel comfortable with the basic breathing techniques and can sense your own limitations and needs, you are welcome to join in other classes. They may be slightly more strenuous and take each asana a little further. Consider classes such as Vinyasa, Open Yoga, Heated Yoga and Baptiste.
Please note: Periodiclly we offer Community Yoga, a free yoga class to support yourself and those in need.
Q: What do you wear to a yoga class?
A: A wide variety of clothing is worn, depending on how strenuous the class is and the temperature of the room. In general, we recommend wearing something you can move comfortably in. Since Yoga is done barefoot, no special footwear is needed.
Q: What do you bring to a yoga class?
A: Nothing is needed. At All That Matters we provide the mats, Yoga ties, props and eye pillows. For those students who choose to purchase their own, products are for sale in the All That Matters Store. In Hot Yoga only, we ask that you bring your own mat, water and a towel.
Q: How do I get started?
A: We have a terrific team ready to guide you so stop in or give us a call. We have two different price points, a per class price of $15 and a class pass price of $12 per class when you purchase 10 or more classes. We also offer an Explorer Pass to local residents who have not been to our Center. This two week bargain priced pass is a great way to experience the different classes we offer. We offer 50 classes each week. If you know what you are looking for select the class and time that best fits your level and schedule. For more details, check with our front desk or if you have a specific question use our "Just Ask Us" feature.
Q: Can you learn yoga from videos?
A: We suggest you join a yoga class and work with a certified instructor to start. There are many wonderful videos and DVD available from kids' yoga to yoga for athletes. They are great for supporting your practice at home. Most folks who like yoga videos tell us it is helpful to have a variety to keep from being bored. At All That Matters we carry a wide selection of videos, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Why Regular Yoga Exercise is Good For You
Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It consists of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection, which is now being proven by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted on the health benefits of Yoga - from the Yoga postures (Asanas), to Yogic breathing (Pranayama) and meditation.
Yoga, therefore, is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing Yoga - to feel fit, be more energetic, happier and peaceful.
Top 10 Reasons to Try Yoga (from YogaDayUSA)
1-STRESS RELIEF
Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body. By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone corisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion, and boosting the immunic system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma, and insomnia.
2- PAIN RELIEF
Yoga can ease pain. Studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga asanas (postures), meditation or a combination of the two, reduced pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, auto-immunie diseases and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome and other chronic conditions. Some practitioners report that even emotional pain can be eased through the practice of yoga.
3 - BETTER BREATHING
Yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths. This helps to improve lung function, trigger the body's relaxation response and increase the amount of oxygen available to the body.
4 - FLEXIBILITY
Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of movement and reducing aches and pains. Many people can't touch their toes during their first yoga class. Practitioners begin to use the correct muscles to make the movement and, over time, the ligaments, tendons and muscles gradually lengthen and elasticity is increased. These gradual changes can mean that more and more poses are possible.
5 - INCREASED STRENGTH
Yoga asanas (postures) use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. And, while the postures practicied in yoga strengthen the body, they also provide an additional benefit of helping to relieve muscular tension.
6 - WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Yoga even less vigorous styles) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.
7 - IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Yoga helps to improve circulation and, as a result of various poses, more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body's cells.
8 - CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING
Even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise.
9 - BETTER BODY ALIGNMENT
Yoga helps to improve boty alignment, resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems.
10 - FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Yoga helps us to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind body health. It opens the way to improved coordination, reaction time and memory.
All of us at All That Matters hope to see you soon.