Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to yoga, you can schedule a 30 minute FREE info session with our Client Concierge to help you get your practice off to a great start. The most important thing to know is that YOU ARE READY NOW! No matter what your background is and no matter what has led you to this moment, you already have everything you need for a fun, life-giving, and transformative experience with yoga. Please be kind and gentle with yourself as you begin this journey. The more you practice, the more you will grow in your understanding and appreciation for yoga. The Yoga Power Team is here to support you 100%!

If you have no prior yoga experience, we recommend you start with a Beginner Class.  Once you feel comfortable in the Beginner Class, move to a First Level Class.  All classes in the First Level are designed for clients who have limited knowledge of yoga.  As long as you stay in the First Level classes, you know there will not be any chanting, sanskrit, arm balances or inversions.  Out of respect for others, we ask all of our clients to respect our class level descriptions.

The Next Level classes are for clients who feel comfortable in their yoga practice and want to take it to the next level.  The instructors will go into further details about yoga and teach chanting, sanskrit, arm balances and inversions.  Feel free to bust out into a headstand, handstand or advanced poses!

The High Level includes our aerial yoga.  If you are ready to take your yoga practice to the highest altitude, come fly with us!  We offer beginner and intermediate/advanced anti-gravity yoga. It makes you feel like a kid again.  Give it a try!

That is a question only you can answer for yourself. In order to move forward on this path, you need a qualified guide and a supportive community. Yoga Power was created to offer you both. Our instructors are of the highest caliber, and are continuously studying with senior teachers from around the world. They all practice yoga daily and have offered up a large part of their lives to share this practice with others. Yoga Power has been dubbed Charleston’s premier studio by both newcomers and experienced practitioners.  Not only because of the teachers, but also the supportive, fun community we are growing. We are creating something truly unique in the hip, historic East End, and we welcome you to be a part of it.

We are located in the warehouse district of hip, historic Charleston, WV at Appalachian Power Park.  We are on the 3rd floor in Suite 302 at 601 Morris Street.  We are directly across the street from Charleston Area Medical Center General Division.  Our parking lot is located behind the building with parking meters that cost 50 cents for 2 hours.  The meters are monitored from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday.  NOTE: Please do not park in the reserved spaces in the parking lot during West Virginia Power ballgames, you will be towed. You can find additional parking on the surrounding streets or in CAMC’s parking lot.  Please call the studio if you would like our staff to escort you in or out from parking.  

We have separated our classes by types and levels of yoga, from beginner to advanced.  Please visit our Class Description page for a complete list of classes offered along with the designated rigor of the classes.

Wear clothing that allows you to move freely and wicks sweat. You can leave your socks, shoes, phone and keys in our bins.  However, Yoga Power is not responsible for lost or stolen items so we recommend to not bring valuables to the studio.

Please bring your own mat, towel, and water bottle.  We do offer mat and towel rental for $1 if needed. We have cold water available if you bring your own bottle, and we sell bottled water, coffee, tea and wine in our cafe.  

Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for your first class to complete new client paperwork, check in, get set up and meet your instructor. We have restrooms and changing rooms for your convenience.  You’ll be shown where to leave your personal items, reminded to turn off your cell phone, and directed into the practice room where you can set up your mat and stretch or meet the other students in the room. We do not have shower facilities. 

We want every member of our community to feel welcome, at ease, and at home whenever they come to Yoga Power. For this reason, please:
• Take off your shoes before entering practice rooms.
• Leave all bags, cell phones, electronics, and bulky items in the bins outside the practice rooms.
• Be mindful of personal hygiene and tend to your physical space with care.  We have spray and wipes at the Clean Feet Station for your convenience.
• Take responsibility for the energy you bring to the studio. If you need to leave before the end of class, please do so quietly and inform the instructor beforehand if possible.

The answer depends on the style of yoga you select, as well as the frequency and intensity with which you practice. Although the focus in yoga is about balance, healing, and reconnecting, a regular practice will not only open your mind and offer you a fresh perspective on your life, but it also will absolutely change your body. It does burn calories as you create long, lean muscles and cultivate flexibility and greater range of motion in the joints. Just as important, as you move into an improved state of well-being, you will make choices off the mat that also improve your health.

We offer various class pass packages and unlimited memberships. We have many options to suit everyone’s budget.  Please see our Fee page on our website for complete details.

If you need any help picking the option that is best for you, a member of the Yoga Power Team will be more than willing to help you. 

Becoming a member at Yoga Power has many benefits. Depending on which membership level you choose, you’ll get the benefits associated with your selected membership each month, a discount on boutique and cafe purchases, and discount pricing on workshops and other services.  You can find complete details on our website Fee page.

Yes, we highly recommend you register in advance. You can sign up online through our website, using the MindBody app, or calling the front desk. We do accept drop-ins but our classes may fill up so we ask that you pleaser register at least 2 hours in advance.  You are able to schedule your classes up to 21 days in advance.  However, our schedule changes frequently so we recommend booking your classes 24 - 48 hours in advance.  Even though it is rare that we ever change or cancel a class, you will always be kept current with any last minute schedule issues if you are registered. 

Even though you aren't in the studio with us, you can still feel like part of the Yoga Power community by taking live stream classes. This option is all about being in the moment with us. Book a virtual class just like you would a regular in-person class. Book online or through the MINDBODY mobile app.

MINDBODY APP: Find all Virtual Classes on our schedule. It is clearly marked VIRTUAL Yoga. Stream the live right from the MINDBODY app! Just click JOIN LIVESTREAM button. From there, you will be asked to sign in one more time with your MINDBODY credentials. 

COMPUTER, PHONE OR TABLET: While we recommend using the MINDBODY mobile app, you can access your Virtual Classes on your computer, phone, or tablet.

USING A COMPUTER?
Use GOOGLE CHROME as your web browser. You will NOT be able to see your instructor on any other browser if on a computer.

USING YOUR PHONE OR TABLET?
Use SAFARI on your mobile devices.

The studio is under video surveillance 24/7. The common areas of the studio are covered by a video surveillance system, which enables continuous or periodic video recording, observing, or monitoring of the common areas and the actions of individuals in those areas. We only monitor the common areas of the studio where there are no expectation of privacy. We may use this system administratively to confirm number of clients in the studio or classes. Information obtained through video surveillance will be used primarily for safety, security and enforcement purposes, which relate to the protection of clients, staff, teachers, and the public, the deterrents or detection of illegal activity, including theft, vandalism, or other property damage.

The front door is equipped with a magnetic lock. All guests are welcome to the entrance code or ring bell at front door for service.

In order to support our instructors in starting and ending class on time, and provide the best possible experience for all of our clients, we ask that you be ready to practice with your mat set up by the time class starts. If you do arrive late, you will be let into a yoga class up to 5 minutes after the class start time. If you arrive later than 5 minutes after class start time, you will be asked to wait for the next class on the schedule so that you can get a full practice in. We offer classes frequently so your wait shouldn't be long.  We invite you to pass the time with a cup of coffee or tea from our cafe or shop in the boutique.

Bungee, TRX, Lagree, and Aerial classes DO NOT have a 5 minute buffer.  You must be on time and in your equipment at the start of class.  It is not fair to others in the class to wait while the teacher holds the class up to get you ready to participate.  No exceptions!

Ideally, yoga is meant to be a daily practice. As that is quite overwhelming to a beginner, we recommend you set a goal you can realistically keep. Consistency is the key—it’s far better to attend one class per week without fail than to attend four classes one week, none for the next two weeks, one the next week, etc. The more you practice, the better you will feel, and the more you will want to practice.  We recommend attending three classes per week to realize the amazing benefits of yoga.

We recommend taking an Aerial, Bungee, Lagree, or TRX class 3 times each week with a day of yoga in between.

You should plan to practice on an empty stomach. A light snack such as fruit, granola, a few almonds, or some yogurt can offer a much-needed boost of energy during the 60 minutes of class.

One of the benefits of yoga is its detoxification of the body. Drinking lots of water will help flush the toxins out of your system, so do hydrate well both before and after class. As you don’t want to extinguish all the internal heat you are trying to build during class, if you need to drink while practicing, take small sips. Drink up when you’re done!

We have free filtered water available or bottled water for purchase at the cafe. Feeling thirsty after class? Stop by our cafe for coffee, tea or wine.

Please talk with your physician or medical professional about any injuries or health concerns prior to coming to class. Yoga is a healing discipline that can bring relief to an array of ailments, but it’s important to be well-informed about our bodies and to take good care of their individual needs. Let your instructor know if you have an injury so that s/he can offer you modifications for an empowering practice.

Arriving early will also give you time to ask the teacher any questions you might have, and tell him/her about any injuries or physical conditions he/she should know about. It is imperative we know if you are pregnant or are dealing with an acute injury.

One of the great things about yoga is it brings us all to the same common denominator—we all have the same struggles and worries, and though everyone comes in a different body, each of us has a path to travel to make it a more comfortable place to live. People come to Yoga Power with differing levels of experience, but there is room for everyone. We are ALL learning. Talk to us, and we can point you in the right direction.

Wear comfortable clothes that you can move and sweat in.  We are right next door to a major hospital so we want clients to feel free to “come as you are.”  You may see everything from true yoga wear to scrubs.  All is welcome!  You may find that you prefer to steer away from 100% cotton in favor of wicking garments. Consider wearing a bandana or a headband to keep sweat from going in your eyes, and bring a change of clothes for after class if you’d like. A mat, towel, and water bottle are essential— these are also available for rent or purchase. We have props like blocks, blankets, and straps available for your use during class as well, free of charge.

Most women wear a tank or tee with leggings and men wear a tee with shorts. Do plan to practice in bare feet and remove all jewelry.  We also ask you refrain from wearing scented lotions and perfumes in respect for those who have sensitivities to fragrances.

We want to remind you that we are in a 100 year old warehouse which lends to our charm but may be drafty at times.  We recommend that you dress in layers for maximum comfort.   

Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, though it does have a spiritual component. You do not need to be religious to practice. It has been practiced by individuals of widely differing beliefs and any and all people are welcome at Yoga Power. In order to practice, you only need to believe in the possibility that we can transform ourselves, that there is always more to learn, and that there is a better way to approach life than the old habits that tie us down. At the heart of yoga is the openness to see we have not yet tapped into our highest potential as human beings. Yoga seeks to put us in touch with our spiritual core—our innermost nature—that which or who we truly are.

Our classes are designed to support you at every level of your practice. That being said, it’s crucial to listen to your body. If you feel discomfort or lose your breath, check in with yourself and see how you’re doing. If you need rest, take a rest by lying on your mat; no one will care. If you need water, take a drink. Resist the urge to compare yourself to the people around you, and don’t worry if your pose looks different from someone else’s. Your instructor can always give you a modification for any pose. Ask for help— we’ve got your back!

In order to keep disruptions to a minimum, we ask that you leave class at the start of Shavasana which is about 15 minutes prior to the end of the class period. If for some reason you need to leave earlier, please let the instructor know in advance. You are, of course, always welcome to enter and exit the practice room (quietly, please) during class to use the restroom.

Fees paid are non-refundable and non-non-trasferrable. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

We ask that you cancel your enrollment (class, workshop, or event) at least 12 hours in advance online via our website, call/text the studio, or through your MINDBODY mobile app.  If the enrollment is SOLD OUT, any late cancellation that happens within the 12-hour time frame will result in forfeiting the fee paid and an additional $20 late fee may apply if it cost another client a spot in the enrollment.  A no-show fee of $35 may apply if you did not cancel prior to any SOLD OUT enrollment. You will be notified of any additional charges if incurred. 

If you cancel when the enrollment is not sold out, the fee paid will remain as a credit on your account to be used at a similar future enrollment.  

As a reminder, if you reserve your enrollment online and have not arrived at the studio within 5 minutes of the class/event start-time and there are other clients waiting to get in, we will release your spot to someone on the wait list. This will be considered a late cancel and the policy will apply.  

Our cancellation policy is intended to create the best experience possible for all guests and to diminish the need for wait lists for which all of the registered spots are taken.

No, we do not offer daycare or babysitting service.  We offer Mommy & Me classes for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.  We also allow children of all ages to take most of our classes with parent participation.  We ask parents to be courteous and take children out of class if they become a distraction to others.  We do have a minimum age limit of 9 years old for aerial yoga classes.  

We’re hot, but our rooms are not! We do not excessively heat our classes. The studio temperature is set to 72 degrees year round. We suggest that you dress in layers so you can maintain a comfortable temperature that suits you best.

You’re not alone! We’ve all been there. We offer a wide variety of yoga mats for rental. Try a few out until you find one that is sticky enough before investing in a mat that doesn't suit your practice. A good yoga mat is a vital component of being a happy yogi! In addition, you can add a microfiber towel that will help with slipping.

We request a 30-day notice in writing in the event you want to cancel your membership. You can request cancellation by email at info@yogapowerwv.com.  Your membership will terminate at the end of the following month renewal date.  Early termination fees may apply.

The language of yoga is Sanskrit, the language of ancient India. Some teachers use it more than others, and it is nothing to feel uncomfortable about. Although you may never say the words yourself, you will come to recognize them over time. Our instructors will not use or limit sanskrit in our First Level classes.  However, it will be very prevalent in our Next Level classes.

The sound of “om” is actually a-u-m—three separate tones/vibrations. It is considered to be the original sound from which all other sounds emanate. It is the sound of creation and life you hear all around you—the wind in the trees, the buzz of a bee, the hum of a car engine, the rumble of a train. In chanting om before or after practice, we are looking to create unity of breath, sound, and vibration, reminding us we are connected to each other, and the unifying power of the universe. The OM symbol represents the three states of consciousness—waking, sleeping, and dreaming–as well as the universal consciousness that underlies and connects everything.

Namaste is a word of greeting. It is in common usage on the streets of Nepal and India even in modern times, and is generally accompanied by drawing the hands together and slightly bowing the head. Translated directly, Namaste means “to bow” and is considered a greeting from the heart that is reciprocated in kind. Expanding that definition, Namaste recognizes light and goodness of the self and others, and honors the sacredness of all.

These are your Yoga Power assistants. They are trained in providing hands-on assists to help you feel more integrated, energized, grounded, and aligned in your practice. If at any time or for any reason you would prefer not to be assisted, no problem! Just let your assistant(s) know before or during class, and you’ll be good to go.

No.  While we want to promote yoga as a practice for living a happier, healthier life; a practice that is accessible to everyone, we only offer yoga in our studio.  However, we do have Corporate Yoga Contracts.  To arrange corporate yoga, please contact us!

At Yoga Power, we are passionate about sharing yoga with the world. We often post photos of our clients or classes on our Facebook or Instagram page where you can share them with your own friends. Like us on Facebook to learn more about the Yoga Power community.

No, we only have a mirror in our boutique. We thought long and hard about whether to put mirrors in the practice rooms.  Our decision finally rested on the fact that mirrors may make it easier to check alignment and form but may also make you susceptible to negative self-talk about your appearance making them more of a distraction during practice.

We call this "holding space."  Holding space is the capacity to be a grounded, compassionate, generous and non-judgmental presence for people in need of support or care. Holding space means to create a stable and open environment for people to be exactly where they are in the moment, to be comfortable sitting with discomfort, to witness emotional states as they rise and fall away, without the need to fix or change them.  It is very common to cry in a yoga class because it may churn up emotions we are experiencing or have tried to repress.  We offer you a safe haven to let your emotions flow freely.  From crying to laughter, we welcome all emotional responses that your yoga practice evokes.

We are always on the lookout for new additions to our staff and instructors.  You can apply on our website under the Employment tab.

We would love to answer them. Email the Yoga Power Team at info@yogapowerwv.com or call us at 681-265-9384.