SYC is an eclectic yoga center and offers several different styles of Hatha yoga, yoga philosophy, meditation, and body awareness classes. Our yoga classes range from gentle, relaxing, and meditative to an active and more physically challenging practice. To read about the different styles, please refer to our Styles page.

Most of the classes taught at our center are gentle. The teachers will always adapt and accommodate for your needs. Please let them know if you do have specific conditions or limitations before starting the class.

We recommend Gentle Flow yoga, Kundalini yoga, or Vinyasa.

Yoga, along with its many other benefits, will increase your flexibility as you practice. Your instructor will be able to provide you with modified poses to gain more flexibility.

In most cases, yes. Yoga can be a gentle support during your rehabilitation. While it is your responsibility to be aware of your body's needs and limitations, your instructor can help you find alternate poses and a modified practice while you are recovering. It is important that you inform your instructor of any physical limitations you feel you may have, and they will be happy to offer you guidance to meet your current fitness level.

If you have been studying and practicing with a specific instructor and want to continue taking classes with that particular instructor, please check to see if he or she recommends that you continue with regular classes or switch to a prenatal yoga class. We offer prenatal classes that focus on the specific needs of pregnant moms. In addition, after your baby is born, we offer a postpartum yoga class for Mom and baby. Please check the classes’ page for these classes offered.

As you practice yoga, weight loss becomes easier. The physical releases in the body will aid in your digestion, assimilation, and elimination of food. Your internal organs will have more blood flow and energy moving through them and will function much better. As you develop greater awareness and sensitivity of your body you might also notice that you are inclined towards healthier food choices. Your body will feel better and more alive from your yoga practice.

Yes! We know of a woman locally who started practicing yoga at age 70. Now, she is a yoga instructor at age 76!

Arrive a few minutes before the class starts. Remove your shoes and leave them at the shoe rack at the door. If new, introduce yourself to the instructor and tell her/him that you are new, and any concerns you have. The instructor will let you know how to set up with blankets or a mat. Your instructor will guide you through the class. Afterwards, you will put away any blankets or props you may have used during class, and then you are free to leave and enjoy all the benefits of your practice.

All of the classes at SYC allow students to show up (drop-in). If a class does require pre-registration, it will be noted on the Class Schedule page.

Wear comfortable clothing such as sweats, shorts, leggings, and a comfortable top. SYC has air conditioning and heat. Dress accordingly for your needs. If you are sensitive to temperature changes, layers are recommended. Jeans are not appropriate.

SYC has all of the props that might be necessary available for student use. If you like to drink water during practice, you can bring a water bottle. Filtered water is provided at the center.

We ask that you take off your shoes when you come in and place them at the shoe rack. You can keep your socks on if you like. The only time the teacher may ask you to take them off is when you are practicing standing poses or poses that require you to lean into your feet.

You pay the instructor either at the beginning or end of class. You can discuss this with the instructor. Some instructors may also offer a discount when you pay for a series or several classes in advance. If you plan to attend a particular class for a little while, you may want to inquire about this with the chosen instructor. We accept cash or checks.

It is recommended that you wait 1 hour after a light meal and 1 1/2 hours after a heavier meal before practicing yoga. It is best to have your belly somewhat empty while practicing yoga asanas (poses) and breathing.

Yes, if you feel thirsty, drink water. We do provide purified water at the yoga center. We especially recommend drinking water following a yoga class, not only to hydrate, but also to help eliminate toxins from your body.

If you need to arrive late, please enter the room quietly, remove your shoes, and come in without distracting the class. It is best not to be late your first class since you will not yet know the rhythm and pattern and whether or not you would be disrupting.

No, you do not have to become a vegetarian to practice yoga. Many people who practice yoga find that a vegetarian diet serves them better for a variety of reasons. Eating lower on the food chain is good for the earth. Science shows that a plant-based diet lowers health risks. Others believe that killing animals is violent and does not adhere to the principal of "Ahimsa". Other people believe that meat is not good for one's health. On a more subtle level, from yoga's perspective, food affects the quality of the mind. Certainly, if you overeat in general, the mind suffers. You may notice a lighter and clearer feeling when following a vegetarian diet. However, it is not recommended to make sudden dietary changes (if you choose to become vegetarian, make sure you receive balanced nutrition).

Most importantly, it is empowering to tune into your own body and follow your inner voice. It is o.k. to experiment! See how it feels and makes changes as needed. Having your own experience is a powerful way to make choices for yourself. Your yoga practices help to cultivate the power of perception. As your perception becomes stronger, so will your ability to make choices for yourself.

The benefits are instant and ongoing. Each person's response to yoga will be different according to their temperament and specific wants and needs. The more yoga you do, the better you will feel (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually). Find a time that is convenient and comfortable. Regularity is important. Even 5 minutes a day is a start. Consistency is the key!

When you attend a class, you will essentially be learning a practice (or different components of one) that could make up your personal practice. You may inform your teacher that you are interested in learning a daily practice you can take with you. Your instructor will be able to help you develop a personal yoga practice tailored to meet your specific needs.

This depends on how sincere, interested, and consistent you are with your practice. The benefits are accumulative and will bear great results. Do more yoga!

Depending upon the style of yoga you are interested in, there are many resources that your teacher could recommend to you. For more general resources, check the library, any bookstore, or an Ashram or local meditation center. The Sacramento Yoga Center offers workshops and special classes on yoga philosophy and related topics. Please visit the calendar/events page on our web site for upcoming workshops and events.

Find a time that is convenient and comfortable. Regularity is important. Even 5 minutes a day is a start. If you can attend a class once a week, this will enable you to practice with the guidance of a teacher, and ultimately develop a personal practice which you can use at any time. Ironically, it is the especially busy person that most needs a yoga class! Yoga is a wonderful way to unwind, let go of tensions, and clear your mind of busy thoughts. Making time for a yoga class could be one of the best gifts you ever give yourself.

A designated space in your home that is kept clean and is free from distractions such as electronics, phones, etc. is very helpful to support your practice. Whenever you see the sacred space that you have created for yourself, you will want to get on the floor and practice!