Honestly? Everyone feels awkward their first few times. Your body doesn't bend that way yet, you might wobble in tree pose, and you'll probably look around wondering how everyone else makes it look so easy. That's completely normal. Our teachers specifically watch for new folks and will quietly offer modifications. We also recommend starting with our Gentle Flow or Restorative classes - they move slower and the teacher has more time to work individually with students. Last week, someone asked if they needed to be able to touch their toes to join. One of our instructors, Meridienne, can barely touch her shins due to an old hamstring injury. Flexibility is something you develop, not a prerequisite.

Just yourself and an open mind. We provide everything - mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in (leggings and a fitted top work well, or loose joggers and a t-shirt). Avoid anything with zippers or buttons that'll dig into you during floor poses. We have cubbies for your belongings, showers if you need them, and a water fountain. If you have your own mat and prefer it, bring it. Some people are particular about their mats. We also have a small retail section if you want to purchase props after trying ours. Come 10-15 minutes early for your first class so you're not rushed.

Three main things. First, our teachers aren't doing yoga as a side gig - this is their life's work. Lysandria has been practicing for 23 years and teaching for 17. She'll spot a misalignment in your shoulder that prevents you from deepening a pose that an inexperienced teacher would miss. Second, the space itself matters. We designed every aspect - from the south-facing windows that track the sun's movement, to the bamboo floors that have the right amount of give, to the acoustic properties that make the silence feel sacred. Third, community. You'll see the same faces, develop friendships, feel accountable to showing up. Online videos are fine for maintenance when you travel, but they can't replace in-person teaching and the energy of practicing with others.

Definitely tell your teacher before class starts. Seriously - walk up and say "I have a dodgy knee" or "my lower back has been acting up" or whatever it is. They'll show you modifications throughout class. We see people working around injuries constantly. One of our regular students, Cassian, partially tore his rotator cuff last year. He spent months modifying poses, skipping chaturangas, doing child's pose instead of downward dog. Now he's back to full practice and says yoga was crucial to his recovery. That said, if you're in acute pain or just had surgery, check with your physio first. And some class types are gentler than others - Restorative and Yin are very accommodating, while Power Yoga assumes you're fairly able-bodied.

We strongly recommend booking, especially for evening classes and weekends. Our morning 6:30 AM Vinyasa rarely fills up (early risers are a dedicated but small bunch), but the 7 PM slots often sell out by afternoon. You can book through our website or call the studio. We cap classes at 18 people so everyone gets attention and we're not sardined in. If a class is full, we keep a waitlist - people cancel surprisingly often. Drop-ins are welcome if there's space, but you risk being turned away. Members and package holders get priority booking, which is another reason the unlimited monthly membership makes sense if you have a regular schedule.

Yoga has roots in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, yes. But practicing yoga doesn't require you to adopt any belief system. Think of it like this: you can appreciate and benefit from meditation techniques developed by Buddhist monks without becoming Buddhist. At Puorgvertex, we teach the physical practice (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation - we don't preach. Some teachers are deeply spiritual and might reference yogic philosophy or end class with "namaste." Others are more focused on biomechanics and breath. If the spiritual language bothers you, stick with teachers like Meridienne who approach it more anatomically. The physical and mental benefits - increased flexibility, strength, stress reduction, better sleep - those are available to everyone regardless of belief.