This is a question that many, many people ask. With the 'mainstreaming' of yoga, more and more people are interested and seeking yoga to help with everything from stress relief to helping to rehab from an injury or to just to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
So where do you start?
First of all, TULA is an all mixed-level studio. I know that scares some people, but anyone is welcome in any class, anytime. Period. If you have any particular issues that you would like addressed, I would recommend that you come in early and talk to your instructor.
Second, if you are a bit hesitant to just join any class, there are a few teacher's classes on our schedule that I do recommend as good starting places for people that are trying yoga for the first time or that are just getting back into yoga after a long time or are rehabbing from an injury.
Here is a little bit about each one:
Michelle Beuscher - A plus-size yogini, Michelle emphasizes appreciation of one's self and abilities as they are in the present moment to begin living a more joyful, liberated life. To this end, her inclusive and empowering teaching approach incorporates modified techniques and props to make the practice of yoga accessible and fun for people of all body shapes, sizes and conditions, including expectant and new mothers.
*Michelle currently teaches our "Yoga within Reach" class on Saturdays at 9:30am.
Natalie McGreal - Natalie has been massage therapist since 2007, and bodywork is still a huge part of her life. One of her greatest passions is self care, and self massage. Taking ownership of our bodies to support healing, manage physical pain, and to cultivate relaxation are real gifts, and she loves sharing these gifts with her students.
*Natalie teaches on Tuesdays at 5pm, Thursdays at 6:30am & 8:30am, Saturdays at 2:30pm and she leads a Restorative Yoga class on Sunday mornings at 9am.
Monica Brown - Monica is also a Thai Bodywork Therapist, artist, dancer and yoga teacher. She expertly combines her knowledge of the body into her yoga classes which are full of intentional breathing, slow-flowing movements and ultimately a non-intimidating & caring approach to yoga.
*Monica teaches on Mondays at 10am, Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Sundays at 12:30pm.
Rachel Duerkop - Rachel provides Thai bodywork, Chi Nei Tsang (Taoist Chinese form of abdominal work), and Reiki in addition to teaching yoga. Her classes seek to address the individual needs of her students and her knowledge, care, and innate nurturing nature shines through each time she teaches.
*Rachel leads an amazing Candlelight Yin class class every Wednesday night at 8:15pm.
Nathan Paulus - With a background and continuous studies in Chinese medicine, Tai Chi, Thai Bodywork and anatomy, Nathan brings a vast knowledge base to the teaching of yoga. In his classes you can expect to explore postures in the mechanical sense as well as the subtle qualities developed through the vibration of intention, breath work and sequencing.
*Nathan teaches on Friday mornings at 10am.
Lastly, we routinely offer "A Beginner's Series" - usually held on Saturdays or Sundays and consist of 4-5, 75-minute classes that cover all the basics of yoga. Please check our "Special Events" page for details on upcoming series'.
The most important thing? - just start.
*Always check our online schedule for updates & changes