Welcome to Tejas Yoga
and to the practice of yoga in general

Completely new to yoga?

Tejas offers an Introduction to Yoga course every month.
This 4-week course begins on the first Sunday of every month unless a holiday weekend interferes with the scheduling. (Check our online schedule for updates.) It runs from 12:30pm-1:45pm and follows a particular curriculum, offering you a solid foundation of postures, breath techniques, and meditation.

New to yoga, but familiar with the basics?

Does our 4-­week Intro to Yoga course not fit into your schedule? The Foundational Class Series gives you the opportunity to explore our Introduction to Yoga classes and Foundational classes at your convenience.

Here are few guidelines to introduce you to common yoga studio etiquette.

• Please arrive 10 minutes before class to get settled. Online preregistration for classes is required. You can register for classes here.

• Remove shoes upon entering.

• Turn off all hand held devices upon entering the studio.
  Two conditions that are exceptions to the rule: a child that is ill or you’re on call in the ER.

• Feel free to enjoy water and tea in the lobby, but bring ONLY sealable beverage containers in the studio.

• Replace used props such as blankets, blocks, and straps with care.

• You must be able to perform a 10-minute headstand before entering any class. This last statement is false. We just wanted to make sure you were really paying attention to what you were reading.

FAQ

Are there changing rooms?

There are men’s and women’s locker rooms available, both equipped with showers. Lockers are available for day-use only and utilize a padlock (not provided). Towel service is provided.

What do I wear?

Yoga is typically practiced in bare feet, but you may wear socks if you choose. Keep in mind that wearing socks may make some of the postures more difficult as you may slip on the yoga mat.
Wear comfortable, but fitted clothes. Like something you would wear to go work out in or go for a walk. You don’t want to wear clothes that you’ll need to keep pulling up while you’re moving dynamically or pulling down when you’re in a forward fold. You do not have to go out and buy a bunch of clothes to practice yoga. For example, James (one of the owners) wears the equivalent of pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt.*

*Please do not show up in the pajamas you slept in the night before. We said “equivalent.” :)

What if I have had surgery, past injury, or health concerns?

If you have been recently injured or are being treated for a health condition, you should get the approval of your primary care physician or physical therapist before approaching the practice of yoga.
Yoga can be an invaluable asset to your daily routine. It can address health concerns and assist in rehabilitation. However, keep in mind that there are contraindications for certain postures and practices. It is best you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class to discuss any concerns you have with your teacher. Our highly trained and experienced staff will assist you in making the appropriate modifications and adjustments.
If you are uncertain a yoga practice is appropriate for you, please call us at 312-386-9642 and ask for Jim or James. We may be able to give you some guidance before coming in.

In general:

• If it hurts, don’t do it.

• Let go of what you think you should be able to do or what you used to be able to do and focus on what you can do today.

• Honor your limitations.

• Be open to the potential of growth in all possible ways.

• Respect the signals your body is giving you.

• Deepen your listening skills in regard to those signals.

• Enjoy the exploration.

What if I’m pregnant?

Usually beginning a new physical exercise after becoming pregnant is not recommended. If you are healthy and have had a regular exercise routine before you were pregnant, ask your doctor if beginning a yoga practice is right for you.
Currently we do not offer prenatal yoga classes.  Modifications and lessons in contraindications, however, will allow you to practice in any of our general classes. Many women who are pregnant enjoy and benefit greatly from our Gentle and Foundational classes.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to class to inform your teacher of your pregnancy and address any concerns you may have.

What class should I take?

If you’ve never practiced yoga before, it is ideal for you to participate in our Introduction to Yoga series. This is a four-week course designed to give the beginner student a solid foundation of postures, breathing techniques and an introduction to meditation. Currently our Intro to Yoga classes run on Sundays at 12:30-1:45pm. Go to our class descriptions for more details.
But, my schedule doesn’t permit me to attend those classes. No problem. Your next best option is to attend any of the Gentle or Foundational classes we offer through the week. These classes will not have as much in-depth instruction as the Introduction to Yoga classes, but they are basic enough for a beginner student and move at a pace where you’ll be able to follow along more readily.

Do I need my own yoga mat?

No mat? No problem. We got you covered. You’ll find mats hanging in the studio for use. We do ask that, once you’ve finished practicing, you clean the mat with the provided mat cleaner located near the mat storage.

Will I sweat?

That’s up to you and the class you take. We like to say: Go into class expecting to sweat a little and breathe a lot. If you tend to sweat during exercise generally, you may want to bring a small hand towel and a change of clothes with you.