what to expect
Come at least 10-15 minutes early for your first class.
Children 13 years and older can participate in adult classes with parental consent.
Parking: There is plenty of street parking on either Main Street or Second Street in Breese, IL.
For heated classes, be prepared to sweat:
- Bring a beach/large bath towel and clothes that are fitted but comfortable; yoga pants, running shorts, tank tops, sports bra, etc.
- Please prepare your body by hydrating during the day and coming to class on an empty stomach.
- Your last real meal is best eaten 2-3 hours before class time.
- All of our classes (unless otherwise noted) are done barefoot. Please make sure your feet are clean!
- Feel free to bring yogi socks to keep those toes warm in the winter. We sell them in the studio as well.
For unheated classes:
- Bring a mat and a towel (if you are a heavy sweater).
- We recommend bringing your own, but we do have mats available to rent for $2.
And nice spacious bathrooms to change in if you are trying to catch a class before heading off to work. Trust us, we know the importance of this.
We also sell locally made fresh organic juice, coconut water, sparkling water and a variety of other grab and go items to nourish yourself appropriately following your mind and body detox.
There’s no doubt: yoga culture can be daunting. Whether you’re new to a yoga studio or you need a refresher on the rules, here are 10 general tips and tricks from Gaiam for making your practice a pleasant one for you and your classmates.
- Arrive on time
Being in a hurry is already a tizzy-inducing situation, but rushing into a yoga class is stressful for both you and your classmates. Scurrying into a class after it’s begun is embarrassing, and it’s distracting for your fellow yogis. Be sure to arrive on time, giving yourself the minutes you need to check in, put away your items, roll out your mat, and gather any props you’ll need for class.
Got a few extra minutes before class begins? Sit quietly and focus on your breath, or do a few gentle stretches to warm up. And please, avoid picking your toes. (I wish I were kidding.)
- Remove your shoes
Yoga is practiced with bare feet, and most yoga studios prefer shoes to be kept in the lobby or in an area close to the studio entrance. While going barefoot is courteous year-round—even during flip-flop weather—it’s especially important during rainy months and snowy seasons, when mud and slush are common. By removing your shoes, you’re not only helping with studio cleanliness, but you’re respecting a space that’s revered and cherished by others.
- Check your ego at the door
Looking for a hardcore workout, complete with grunting, straining, and popping veins? Please look elsewhere. The yoga studio is not the space for showing off your superhuman strength or your competitive edge. If anything, you’ll garner a few eye-rolls and alienate those around you. Remember, you’re here for yourself—not anyone else.
Beyond the competition and showing off, mind your mood. Gossip, complaining, and negative attitudes are better suited for the local watering hole or the communal kitchen at work. Be gentle and respectful in your communication. Like the saying says, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind and respect others.
- Tell your teacher about any injuries
Many teachers like to give gentle (or sometimes more intense) assists in class, like guiding you deeper into a pose or shifting your position to correct misalignment. If you’re sore, injured or just don’t feel like being touched, tell your teacher before class begins.
- Mind your personal hygiene
This advice swings to both ends of the spectrum. First, please bathe, brush your teeth, wash your hair, and use a clean mat and a clean towel. Second, mind heavy perfumes, oils, and colognes, as strong scents travel easily during class. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you’re on, you’re subjecting those around you to your personal biome. Please make it a tidy and pleasant one.
- Devices are a no-no
Want to get the stink-eye from classmates? Just bring your iWhatever to class. Whistles, dings, and blips are incredibly distracting and, frankly, downright rude. For many studios, this behavior borders on unforgivable, and could get your device—or you—kicked out of class.
So just put it on silent, right? Not so fast. For many (if not all), yoga class is a chance to escape the digital addictions and distractions we face in everyday life, offering you a rare chance to be fully present. By bringing your phone to class (even on silent!), you’re distracting yourself and those around you. Expecting an important call or a do-or-die text? Consider skipping class altogether, and returning when you can fully focus.
- Be aware of your space
Yoga classes can get packed; when the last-minute stragglers file in, you’ll often see them scanning the room for a strategic spot to roll out their mat. Be neighborly by making room for them, if it’s available.
In a less-packed class, it’s common courtesy to stagger your mats so that the person behind you has a clear view of the teacher and the mirror. And unless you’re practicing with your bestie or your sweetie, give your neighbor some breathing room.
Lastly, mind your steps: it’s polite to avoid walking on a fellow yogi’s mat.
- Minimize conversation
Many studios are considered a space for reflection, self-study, and focus, and maintaining a quiet atmosphere (if not an altogether silent one) supports this frame of mind. Granted, there are studios that have an air of social happy hour before class begins, and you’ll know this immediately upon walking in. But if the studio is quiet and meditative, keep it that way by refraining from chitchat. It’s not only polite, but it’s beneficial to your own state of mind.
- Can’t stay for savasana? Leave before.
We all get it. Time is short, your schedule is tight, and your day is packed with need-tos and to-dos. But many of your classmates live for savasana, and by packing up and shuffling out during the most meditative and restful stage of the entire class, you’re disrupting everyone else and denying yourself the benefits.
The traditional benefits of savasana claim to restore your nervous system to its default settings and offer your mind a chance to sink into meditation. But above all, it’s a rare chance for you to do nothing for a few minutes. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and feel the weight of your body against the floor. It’s your own little R&R opportunity. Take it.
Absolutely, positively have to leave class early? Let your teacher know before class, position yourself close to the door, and be sure to leave before savasana begins. When it’s time to leave, pack up and scoot out as quietly as you can. Avoid drawing attention to yourself to minimize distracting your fellow yogis and please avoid making this a habit. Consistently leaving class early, is disrespectful to the teacher and other students and is against studio policies.
- Clean up
Bolsters, blankets, blocks, straps—yoga is a prop-happy practice. If you’re borrowing the studio’s props, be sure to return them to their rightful place upon leaving. If you’re borrowing one of the studio’s mats, be sure to hang it up at their mat-cleaning station. Leaving your space as clean as you found it is respectful to the studio and students in later classes.
Classes: Students may cancel without penalty before the “late cancellation” window begins.
If a class is full, you can join the waitlist. As spots become available they will be automatically allocated to the waitlist on a first come, first served basis. If you are allocated a spot through the waitlist, you will be notified by email. Should you then want to cancel, log into your account or call the studio. Do so at least two hours prior to the start of the class otherwise the normal cancellation policy will be in effect.
Frequently, 2-3 spots become available at the last minute due to no-shows. It is recommended you standby by arriving at least 10 minutes prior to the class. Standbys will get in on a first come, first served basis.
We use Zebra Yoga Tiles in our yoga studio to offer a waterproof, non-slip surface providing safe footing for our students. The half-inch tiles provide shock-absorbing cushion for less stress on the body and less risk of injury. Zebra Yoga Tiles also assist in retaining heat and humidity for comfort while in the studio.
We feature a state of the art atmospheric control system. Our forced air heating system continuously circulates and heats the air to maintain a consistent hot yoga temperature. Our system injects steam to maintain 40-50% humidity and prevent drying of the skin. A fresh oxygen exchange system works side by side with air filters to enhance air quality, avoiding any possible damage from infrared heating rays.
From all of us at Four… Congratulations on your pregnancy!
A consistent and safe exercise routine throughout all of these stages of pregnancy helps you stay fit, increases energy, minimizes stress during pregnancy, prepares you for the rigors of child birth, and makes for a faster recovery post-birth.
Avoid or modify poses that compress the belly.
- Avoid lying on the belly in locust
- In forward folds, widen the legs to make room for the belly
- If we are twisting and compressing the torso, twist the opposite direction or keep your twist more open.
Don’t overstretch the abs or the spine.
- Practice chatarunga with knees on the floor, which will be more stable and supportive for the lower back than practicing this pose in its traditional form.
- Avoid upward facing dog and plank as the belly grows more and stresses the spine.
- If other students are in plank, you can take table top and work your core from there.
If inversions feel good, great! They are a healthy practice. If it doesn’t feel good or it’s new to you, just avoid them. If holding them, avoid holding for long durations. 30 seconds max.
Monitor your heart rate. Do not get over heated. Listen to and take care of your body. Take a mat space by the door so if you do get overheated, you can open the door.
If lying on your back is uncomfortable, take savasana lying on your left side to prevent nausea and dizziness.
As always, please inform the instructor before class that you are expecting. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. We are here to help!!
We appreciate your business!
Please retain your receipt for your records. Individual and class packages are non-refundable or non-transferable.
Retail returns will be honored with a receipt within 10 days of purchase for store credit only. Tags must be attached and item must be in original condition. All sales and promotional items are non-refundable. Water Bottles and Food Items are non-refundable.