CHINOOK YOGA

NEW TO THE STUDIO?

STUDIO ETIQUETTE, FAQS, our boutique and more

Things to know when coming to the studio

We are so excited to welcome you to our yoga studio.

We have 2 spaces in our downtown location. 

We invite you to slip out of your shoes and start to feel more relaxed whenever you enter our space. We are here to answer any questions you have and happy to tour the full studio with you.

Curious about studio etiquette? We have answered the most commonly asked questions below.

When coming to class…

STUDIO ETIQUETTE

  • Remove your shoes at the top of the stairs at our entrance before proceeding into the either of the yoga studios.
  • Our studio spaces are SILENT spaces – sit or lie down and enjoy the quiet before class. We love that Chinook is also a social place – so feel free to connect with other yogis in conversation in our Coho lounge.
  • Turn off all cell phones and all other electronic devices before entering the yoga studio. And please refrain from talking on cell phones in hallways before or after classes.
  • While in the hallways or change rooms, please talk softly and quietly in order to respect the classes already in session.
  • As many people may have sensitivities or allergies to fragrances, please refrain from applying perfume, cologne, or other heavily scented products while at Chinook Yoga.
  • It is recommended not to eat for 1-2 hours before class, and to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is very important to arrive hydrated especially when practicing hot yoga.
  • You should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for class to get settled and secure a spot, especially for popular classes! If it is your first time at Chinook Yoga, please ensure that you arrive 20 minutes early to allow enough time to complete the New Student Form, get changed, and settled in before class begins. Please note: The beginning of a class is essential for a first-time student because they cannot miss the introduction, safety instructions and warm-ups. Arrive early & enjoy!
  • Always strive to arrive at least five minutes early. If you must enter a class late, go in as quickly and as quietly as possible. No student will be permitted into a class later than 5 minutes after the start of class.
  • Keep in mind that you generally do not need more than one foot of space on either side of your mat. As others come in welcome them by graciously making room for them.
  • Please honour the silence in the yoga studio, and respect this policy as others await class to begin and rest afterwards. If talking at all, please speak softly.
  • When practicing hot yoga, make sure to bring a mat and a towel to place over top to prevent slipping and for your safety.
  • Feel free to use any of the yoga props provided in the studios (bolsters, blocks, straps or blankets) please return them neatly to the space provided at the end of each class.
  • If you know you will have to leave early, let the teacher know beforehand. Sit near the door and try to leave at a good time in the class (i.e. just before meditation starts, not in the middle of it – likewise with savasana).
  • If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to safely participate please inform your instructor at the beginning of the class.
  • If you are not feeling well and must leave, try to signal the teacher and leave the room as quietly as possible. If it becomes worse, or you feel faint please let the teacher know immediately so that we may assist you.
  • Savasana (final relaxation) is an important part of the practice, please do your best to stay until this has been completed.
  • Always feel free to ask your yoga teacher for assistance during your class. If you have longer questions that relate to your individual practice, approach your teacher after class.
  • Teachers are always willing to suggest resources and referrals. Feel free to ask about these or about the music used during the class, at the end of class.
  • It is fine to acknowledge your teacher at class end, though not necessary. The best way to acknowledge your teacher is by practicing well and consistently, and by bringing the spirit of yoga into your daily life and work.
  • If you notice anything amiss at Chinook Yoga, consider taking care of it as a practice of karma yoga. If it requires additional attention, please inform the teacher or someone at the reception area.
  • In consideration of other students waiting, please limit your shower to a quick rinse (two minutes or less).
  • Place any plastic bottles in the blue recycling bins located at the reception or in the change rooms.
  • Used rental towels are to be put in the laundry basket located outside the change rooms.
  • Used rental mats are to be wiped down and placed in the basket at the reception.

looking for more information?

FAqs about chinook

What is Yoga?

“Yoga is the name given to an ancient practice that helps to create a sense of union in all aspects of ourselves; in body, mind and spirit. People have been practicing yoga for thousands of years in order to feel at peace with themselves. Moving your body into poses and exercises is the most commonly known form of yoga. In yoga you will become more aware of your breath and the inner workings of your body and mind. Yoga also helps you become healthier and happier by circulating vital life energy through all your body systems.” (Source: “KISS Guide to Yoga”, Shakta Kaur Khalsa)

Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?

Forget those images of acrobatic backbends and pretzel-like postures! You are not required to be flexible nor in perfect physical shape to start your yoga practice. To begin a practice, all you need is a flexible mind! With time and patience, flexibility will come. Yoga is very adaptable and exercises can be modified for different levels of flexibility.

If I am injured, can I still do yoga?

We recommend consulting with your doctor first. After obtaining permission from your physician, you might want to consider starting with a Yoga Therapy class or our Yoga 101 Series. It’s a good idea to notify your teacher of your injury before beginning any class. Most importantly, always listen to your body and make sure you’re never pushing beyond your own limits.

There are so many types of yoga – how do I know which one is right for me?

As a beginner, we recommend starting with our ‘Yoga Works’ class, which teaches the fundamentals and prepares you to join other types of classes. After this session, we suggest exploring the various other classes we offer in order to identify which style and teacher is best suited to you.Your yoga practice will be what you make it to be: gentle/vigorous, relaxing, spiritual, etc. Anyone can participate: men and women of all ages are welcome!

Why practice yoga in a hot room?

We practice yoga in a hot room (usually around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius) in order to stimulate detoxification of the internal organs and increase flexibility and endurance. In general, our bodies are more flexible in a hot room than they are at normal room temperature.

I am interested in trying a class, when and where do I start?

If you are a brand new beginner, we recommend signing up for our 4 week Yoga 101 Series. These classes will provide you with the solid foundation you need to continue on in other classes. With a little experience, you can join one of our many drop-in classes. If you already have a regular yoga practice, you can try our great intro special of $40+HST for a 1st month unlimited. We ask new students to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the start of their first class to fill in a new student form and to receive a short orientation session.

What should I wear to class and what do I need to bring with me?

The recommended clothing depends on how strenuous the class is and the temperature of the room. In general, we suggest wearing something you can move comfortably in. Light and fitted clothes are preferable for any hot classes and will be more comfortable. Yoga is done barefoot so no special footwear needed.When attending a class you will need a yoga mat (your own or one from Chinook Yoga) and water. For classes in the hot room you will also need a towel and a large bottle of water. We provide mats free of charge, however it is first come first served!

How many times a week should I practice?

A daily practice is ideal but not accessible to all of us. We recommend a 3 classes a week to really start to feel the benefits of your practice. But any yoga is better than no yoga! It has been proven that transformation will occur more rapidly if you can sustain a regular practice.

What services do you offer at Chinook Yoga?

Our facility include showers and change rooms for both yogis and yoginis (in case you’re wondering, “yogis” are male and “yoginis” are female yoga practitioners). We offer towel rental and free mat use. Our boutique offers a variety of yoga props and accessories. And our Coho Lounge is place where you can sit and relax before or after a class and enjoy some yogi tea!

What is your COVID19 Policy?

WE ARE OPEN FOR IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL CLASSES

The choice is yours. Our request is if you are feeling sick to not come into the studio regardless of whether you test positive for COVID or not. Feeling sick includes swollen throat, malaise, fever, cough and/or sneezing not related to allergies,

REDUCE AND NOT REUSE:

  • Okay, we think we are clever. What we mean to say is let’s not re-spread illness with actions that reduce illnesses
  • If you feel a sudden unexpected cough or sneeze, do it into your arm and not your hands or into the air
  • Wash / sanitize your hands when you arrive. We have setup a hand sanitizer at the top of the stairs
  • Clean any borrowed equipment with the spray bottles provided before returning. It contains Benefect Botanical, a cleaner approved by Health Canada for COVID and other illnesses. One of it’s active ingredients is Thymol
  • Grab a new cup if you want a refill on your tea
  • Masks are a personal choice and we support your choice to wear them
  • Make healthy choices. Eat well, sleep well, and continue to practice Yoga

WHAT WE ARE DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE:

  • We will keep current with any requests made by Health Authorities
  • We will regularly clean our space with approved cleaners and provide hand cleaning supplies

When coming to class…

CANCELLATION POLICY

Classes

You can sign up online in advance for all our drop in classes. If you are no longer able to attend, you can cancel your spot up to 3 hours before the class begins. Late cancels (within 3 hours of your scheduled class) or no-shows will be charged a $20 cancellation fee.

Series Sign Ups

One or more weeks before the start date of a Sign Up class, cancellation is permitted. Less than one week, 50% will be refunded. After the series has begun, the tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Workshops

Three weeks or more before the workshop, cancellation is permitted minus a 15% administrative fee. One to three weeks before the workshop, 50% will be refunded. One week and closer to the start date of the workshop the total tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Retreats

Three weeks or more before a weekend retreat, cancellation is permitted minus a 15% administrative fee. Three weeks to ten days before the retreat, 50% will be refunded. Ten days and closer to the start date of the retreat the total tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. Longer retreats by Carla Wainwright have a specific cancellation policies that are outlined on her website and registration form. Please contact her for details.

what’s for sale

The boutique

In our downtown Yoga Studio location.
Stop by to see what new items we have in stock.

Spinal Strip

Helps to release tight areas of the thoracic spine and bring better alignment and stability to the entire spine

Joy-a-Toes

ealign of bones and soft tissue; relax and rejuvenate tired, achy and swollen feet; and  stimulate circulation.

Cork Block

Great for travel! Just as supportive as the full-size, easy to grip with comfortable contoured edges.

Our ‘Be Awesome Yogi’ members receive a 12% discount in our boutique store.