FAQ - Kelowna Yoga House

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information on the Kelowna Yoga House or Yoga?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Which Class Should I take?

If you are new to yoga, you can sign up for one of our Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Level 1 classes, Iyengar Gentle, Restorative or Yin Yoga Classes. You could also sign up for a series of Foundation classes when they are offered.
For more experienced yogis, you could take an Iyengar Level 1-2 class or a Vinyasa class, talk to the teacher or check our website for a description of all of our classes. You can find the descriptions by clicking here.

Do I book classes in advance?

Registration for all classes, whether in-studio or online, is done online via MindBody our online management system.
An account needs to be created in MindBody and a valid credit card is necessary to book a class.
MindBody is accessible via the browser on your device.
You can also download the MindBody app from the Appstore and GooglePlaystore.

How do I register online?

Click on any sign up button or register now button on our website. You will be redirected to Mind Body Online. Be sure to select the date that you want to start (it will automatically show today/this week, so you may have to click forward to next week) and then click “Sign Up”. If you do not see the “Sign Up” button you have to click forward a week.
Once you click on “Sign Up” button, it will ask if you have been here before.
If you are new to the Kelowna Yoga House then use the Create an Account option
If you are a returning customer then choose the Sign In option. You will need to put in your email address and password.
If you are unsure if you already have an account, then you can always choose the Need New Password option.
It will ask you to Make a Reservation. You can choose to either make a single reservation or a recurring reservation.

What if I am still having trouble signing up online?

Send an email to info@kelownayogahouse.org and one of our volunteers will help you.

Do I have to pay a membership fee?

You are required to pay the membership fee for studio classes. If you sign up for a studio class the system will automatically check if you are a registered member or not. If not you will only be able to purchase the non-membership pricing. This pricing option will automatically include the membership which is valid for 1 year after purchase. The membership fee for 1 year is $15 plus tax ($15.75) per year.
We are a non-profit society and the membership fees supports KYHS operations and provides student bursaries.
As a member of the society you are entitled to attend our AGM, if willing and elected sit on our board of directors, apply for a bursary for classes or workshops, use our lending library and buy props and books at reduced pricing.
As a member you can attend workshops for a reduced fee.

When do the sessions start? Can I start anytime?

You can start a class anytime.

What should I wear to a Class?

Wear comfortable clothing (tights or shorts) so we can see the action of your legs.
Have bare feet in the studio.
Wear a shirt long enough so you can tuck it in your pants when you are doing inversions.

What should I bring to a Class?

We encourage you to bring your own yoga mat. Other props will be available for use during the class.
Shoes will be left at the front door as usual, outerwear in the coat closet. Water bottles and valuables such as purses, wallets, phones, and keys can be brought upstairs and placed in the prop area.

Class etiquette?

Come a few minutes early to settle in.
Please drink water before and after class.
Please turn off your cell phone.
Please refrain from wearing scented body products.
Hand hygiene continues to be good practice, sanitizer will be available.
We encourage students with injuries or medical conditions to inform your teacher before class begins so that they may instruct you safely throughout the class.
Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach – no more than a small snack an hour before class is advised.

What to expect in a class

Yoga classes generally run for 60-90 minutes in a group setting.
Students begin yoga at varying ages, capabilities and levels of fitness, and the size of each class varies.
Classes designed for new students are aimed at helping you build strength, stability and stamina over time.
In most classes you will practice a series of standing and sitting poses, so you can start to learn the structure of asanas and develop some of the skills necessary for more advanced poses.
Ultimately you can expect to learn the art, science and philosophy of yoga from the ground up.

What if my flexibility is not at its best?

Everyone can do Yoga. Regardless of age or level of fitness, Yoga can help increase your flexibility, build strength, and manage stress. In an Yoga class, you will learn the foundations of this approach, and begin to experience the benefits of yoga from the first class.
When starting out along the path of yoga, it is important to be kind to yourself and have reasonable expectations. That way, you will be able to develop and build your practice, and reap long term benefits from yoga.
Practicing yoga provides the opportunity to become part of a community of people who share a passion for the practice and philosophy of yoga.
Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our certified teachers to find out more about our Yoga classes.

Cancellation Policy:

If you are unable to attend a class that you have purchased, we ask that you cancel your reservation in your MindBody account (under the My Info – My Schedule tab). If completed within the timeframes below, you will have a credit on your account for a class of the same type and duration. A class credit stays valid for one year after purchase.

For studio classes, cancel your reservation 3 hours or more before class start time.
For online classes, cancel your reservation 30 minutes or more before class start time.

If you have difficulties with cancelling your reservation, please email: info@kelownayogahouse.org and the teacher you were scheduled with (info can be found on the teachers page).

There are no refunds for missed classes.

What are the differences between the types of yoga?

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar who lived from 1918-2014 and whose system of yoga is kept alive by thousands of teachers and practitioners around the world. This method is known for its focus on precision, timings of holding the poses, sequencing of the poses in a class and the use of props such as straps, blocks, bolsters and chairs. Props are not used in every class but can help students to achieve and maintain correct alignment in a pose, go deeper in a pose, stay longer in a relaxing pose or enable you to continue your practice when you have limitations. Each class is sequenced in a safe and structured way to develop strength, endurance, balance and correct body alignment. Some classes develop conscious relaxation to calm the nervous system and deepen the breath.
In an Iyengar yoga class you can expect demonstrations from the teacher and detailed instructions to develop your concentration, inner awareness and release of physical and mental tension. As your practice develops your mind becomes focused on the actions of the posture and the movement of the breath. You will be encouraged to work at your own capacity and the teacher can provide modifications or special instructions to help you with conditions or injuries you may be working with. The Iyengar yoga method is based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga taught by the sage Patanjali, and your teacher will have knowledge of the ancient yoga texts and philosophy.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga classes are an exploration of breath through flowing movements. It is suitable for all levels and modifications are readily available for all levels of participation.

Vinyasa

All levels vinyasa classes can expect a juicy and flowing practice. Postures are sequenced in a way to build strength, endurance and flexibility. Expect an open and blissful feeling following your practice routine.

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is known as the quiet practice. It targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Yin postures are held for three to five minutes which gives the body an opportunity to open and release tension from deeper tissues. This type of yoga is suitable for all levels and is taught without the use of props.

Restorative

Yin yoga and restorative poses provides an opportunity to fully rejuvenate and repair. Holding poses for a longer period of time provides you with an increase of range of motion and a feeling of space within. This is a practice which stretches and re-balances the body.