FAQ

Welcome! We're so excited to practice with you. Here are some tips:

• Book your class in advance to guarantee your spot, our classes do fill up. (Read below for some recommendations on what classes to choose.)
• We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your class start time to ensure you have plenty of time to park, check in at the front desk and get settled before class starts.
• What to wear? Wear comfortable clothes or workout clothes (including an extra layer if your class is outside on our patio in the cooler months).
• What to bring? Please bring your proof of vaccination (just your first class with us, you'll only have to show this once), a refillable water bottle (we have a filtered water station) and a yoga mat. If you don't have a yoga mat, we have one you can borrow free of charge. Some students like to bring a towel with them as well, but that's optional (our classes are not heated past room temperature, though you might work up a sweat!)
• When you arrive, please check in at the front desk. We'll check you in for class, check your proof of vaccination, have you sign our liability waver (if you haven't already), and give you a little tour of the studio.
• If you're brand new to yoga, or if you have an injury or a mobility limitation you're working with, we recommend letting the teacher know before class so they can offer suggestions or modifications.
• Studio policies: we ask that you silence your phone and leave it either in your car or in one of our cubbies with your other belongings during class. Phones are not allowed in the classroom. Please remove your shoes before entering the classroom (leave them outside the door on the shoe benches provided).

If you have any other questions, feel free to email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com or ask the front desk staff!

There is free parking on the residential streets one block down in either direction from York Blvd. Paid 2-hour parking is available ($1 for 2 hours) behind behind the Health Clinic, just off Avenue 51.

Please note that the parking meters right outside the studio have a 1 hour limit which is not enough time to get in and out of class (the parking enforcement is fierce and fast).

Unfortunately we don't recommend parking in the Post Office lot — you could be towed.

We recommend bringing your own yoga mat if you have one. If you don't have one, we have loaner mats that you're welcome to borrow free of charge.

We provide all other props you might need! Each of our classrooms are stocked with plenty of yoga blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters and sandbags. (Though if you'd prefer to bring your own props, you're more than welcome to.)

Yes, please! Because we have limited space in our in-person classes, online pre-registration is highly recommended. You can book classes on our website or via our mobile apps.

For our virtual classes, pre-registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link for class or the pre-recorded video link.

No, we don't have lockers, locker rooms, or showers. We have two single all-gender restrooms, two changing stalls, coat racks, shoe benches and ample cubbies to store personal belongings located in the back of our space, away from our front retail space which does occasionally welcome walk-in shoppers.

Please do not leave personal belongings (aside from shoes) on the shelves in the shoe benches.

Because we do not have lockers, we ask that you do not bring unnecessary valuables with you to class. Leave them at home, or in your car. Highland Park Yoga is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

If you're totally new to yoga, we recommend trying "Yoga Fundamentals" on Sundays at 5pm, which is a class geared towards beginners or anyone wanting to get back to basics. Many beginners also enjoy "Slow Flow" classes which are much slower paced.

Other than that, all classes not marked "LEVEL 2" are great for all levels. In general, "YOGA FLOW" classes will be faster-paced, so newer yogis may want to try classes just called "YOGA." It's always a good idea to let the instructor know before class that you are new to yoga so they can keep an eye on you and offer suggestions for modifications. Go easy on yourself, and take a break when you need to! Each class presents unique challenges as well as opportunities to relax and unwind, so come with an open mind!

Look for classes with "LEVEL 2" on our schedule. These offer the most challenge for experienced yogis.

No, we are an unheated yoga studio. Our space is equipped with a heating system for the winter months, and an AC system for hot summer days to keep the space at comfortable room temperature.

Though we do not add heat, some classes do get hot and sweaty (especially outdoors in the patio during the summer months), so drink plenty of water before and after class!

Congratulations! We offer a prenatal yoga class Saturday mornings at 9:15am on our outdoor patio.

Generally speaking, if you had a regular yoga practice before your pregnancy, it's safe and healthy to continue. Certain modifications should be observed (such as avoiding deep twists and abstaining from Breath of Fire). We recommend speaking with the instructor before class begins, so they can suggest modifications for you.

Yoga is meant to be healing, and never painful. If you feel your injury is exacerbated during a yoga class, it's best to rest and allow your body to heal up before coming back to the mat. If you do have minor injury, let your instructor know, and they will offer you a few pointers as to how you can safely modify your practice in order to keep your body safe.

Honor your body, and remember that no matter which class you take, if you feel that a specific pose or transition is hurting your body, you can always skip it.

Due to our limited class capacities, the majority of our classes do fill up. We recommend signing up online in advance to secure your spot!

Early weekday mornings (7:30 and 8am) classes tend to be slightly quieter. These classes are great if you are looking for some more one on one guidance from your instructor. Or, try our virtual classes and practice from the comfort of your own home!

Students under 16 years of age may attend classes when a parent or guardian is in attendance for the same class. We require that parent/child couples set up in the back row of the classroom and practice next to each other. The child is the parent's responsibility and we ask the parent's judgement to only bring a child to class that is able to follow instruction and remain focused for the duration of class (60 or 75 minutes).

Minors may not sit in the reception area while the parent/guardian takes a class. The front desk staff are not authorized to supervise children.

Please don't. No animals are allowed in the yoga studio. Exception may be given to service animals with proper paperwork trained to help a specific individual with a disability with services such as fetching dropped items, minimal protection work, rescue work or pulling a wheelchair.

You can redeem a gift card in person (bring the gift card or gift card number into the studio and our front desk staff will help you make a purchase), or online here.

Gift cards can also be redeemed via our mobile apps for iPhone or Android.

Yes! Our teacher training program is scheduled to begin in March 2023. You can find out more here.

We currently do not offer private yoga through the studio, but many of our teachers do take on private clients. Feel free to ask your favorite teacher directly, or email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com and we'll be happy to recommend someone based on your needs and interests!

Not currently...but stay tuned!

We currently require proof of vaccination for all of our in person classes (both indoor and patio classes). The first time you attend class with us, please bring this with you (a physical or digital copy of your vaccination records will suffice). The front desk staff member will ask for this upon check-in, and will update your account so it won't have to be shown again.

If you cannot provide your proof of vaccination, you will not be admitted to class.

We outline all of our safety protocols here.

When the weather isn't suitable for outdoor practice, we move patio classes to one of our indoor studios. If we move a class indoors, we will do our best to email everyone signed up with as much notice as possible (though sometimes we have to make a last minute decision).

Here are the general guidelines we follow when deciding to move a class indoors:

• If it's actively raining or likely to rain. In some circumstances class will be moved indoors if it has recently rained, if there hasn't been enough time to adequately dry and clean the patio before the class start time.
• If it's projected to be colder than 50 degrees at any time during class. (Heat lamps will be used when it's between 50-55 degrees outside).
• If it's projected to be hotter than 90 degrees at any time during class.
• If the outdoor air quality is poor.

For regular classes, yes! Please cancel your reservation at least 2 hours before the scheduled class start time. You can do this via our website or mobile apps, or by emailing us at info@highlandparkyoga.com or texting/calling the studio at 323-212-5118. (If you call us and no one answers, please leave a voicemail.)

Failing to cancel your reservation will result in the forfeit of the class from your class pack. Unlimited members (or those with the Unlimited Intro Month) will be charged a $20 no-show fee.

Events and workshops are ticketed events and are non-refundable. Please book with confidence.

Because we're still operating at a limited capacity due to COVID-19, we kindly request that you cancel your reservation at least 2 hours prior to the class start time if you're unable to make it. This allows us to let another student in to take your place.

If you are an unlimited member or have the new student unlimited intro month, the first time you miss a class without cancelling, we'll send you a warning email reminding you about this policy. The second time it happens, you will be charged $20 (or if you have a class pack, you will forfeit that class from your pack).

Please email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com with any questions about this policy. We appreciate your understanding!

Latecomers will not be admitted to class. Sorry! Please arrive with enough time to park, check in and get settled in the classroom at least five minutes before the scheduled class start time. Not only is it more considerate of your teacher and fellow students, but you'll have a much safer and more relaxing experience!

Keep an eye on your email. If/when we get a cancelation, you'll be automatically added to class and will receive an email letting you know.

If you haven't received an email, you're still welcome to come to the studio for the scheduled class start time. If we have a last minute cancellation or no-show, we'll fit you in! (But no guarantees, sorry! We do not over-pack classes).

Our livestream classes are hosted through Zoom, and you can tune in from either a computer or mobile device. Here's how it works:

1. Pre-register for a livestream class through our website or mobile apps
2. If you're joining from a mobile phone or tablet, make sure you have Zoom downloaded in advance of class
3. Roughly 30 minutes before the class start time, you will receive a link from FitGrid
4. Click the link and enjoy!

If you signed up in advance for class and haven't received the Zoom link 15 minutes before the class start time, first check your spam folder. If still no luck, you can try calling the studio front desk at (323) 212-5118. If no one is available to take your call, please email info@highlandparkyoga.com and advisor@highlandparkyoga.com and someone will manually send you the link ASAP!

If for some reason you do not hear back immediately — we're sorry. We have a very small team and though we do our absolute best to respond to all emails and calls in a timely manner, we're human. If we can't get you the link in time for you to join class, we will follow up with a link for a recording of the class for you to practice along with in your own time.

Our virtual pre-recorded classes are not live Zoom classes.

When you sign up for the class, you will receive an auto-generated email with the subject line "Link to pre-recorded class on [DATE]" that includes a link to view the recording starting at the scheduled class time. You must save this email and click the link at or after the scheduled class time. The video will be available to you for 72 hours from that time. You can practice along with the recording in your own time, and you're welcome to watch it more than once.

Please note, you will not receive another email with the link at the scheduled class start time.

The link should have been emailed to you automatically when you signed up for class (not at the scheduled class start time). Please search your email for the subject line "Link to pre-recorded class on [DATE]." (The subject line will begin with an emoji video camera). It's possible that the link went to your "promotions" tab (in Gmail) or into your spam folder.

If you have searched your email and you cannot find the email containing the link, please email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

If you plan to practice more than 2x per week (in-person), the Unlimited All Access membership ($150/month) is the most cost effective option. If you plan to practice less than that, the Limited Monthly 8 (8 classes per month for $120) or a class pack is a better choice.

Are you new to us? Try our New Student Intro Month — $79 for an unlimited month of yoga (in-studio and virtually). This is the best way to try out our studio and see if it's a good fit!

If you need further assistance, email Lydia, our yogi advisor. She's always happy to help!

Our memberships can be paused in increments of one week, for up to four weeks per contract year. To pause your membership, email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com with at least 7 days notice before you'd like the pause to begin, and we'll take care of it for you.

Please note, we can not retroactively pause memberships.

If you would like to cancel your membership, email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com with at least 7 days notice before your next automatic payment is scheduled to go through.

Please note:

• Memberships have a three month minimum commitment. You will be charged a $25 fee for canceling one month early, or $50 for canceling two months early.
• Our rolling 10 class pack has a two pack minimum purchase. You will be charged a $15 fee for canceling after only one pack.
• We cannot refund automatic payments after they have already been processed. Please make sure you plan ahead.

We don't allow sharing of class packs or memberships, but as a perk of our Unlimited All Access membership, you receive three guest passes per contract year that you can use to bring a friend in free of charge!

To redeem a guest pass, please email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com at least 24 hours in advance with your guest's first and last name, and the class you'd like to attend with them, and we'll reserve a spot for them in class. Alternatively, you can arrive at least 10 minutes early for class with your guest (make sure they bring their proof of vaccination with them if it's their first time practicing with us since November 4, 2021), and the front desk staff can get them set up.

Please note many of our classes do fill up, emailing in advance will ensure your guest gets a spot!

It's our intention to make it possible for everyone to practice yoga, regardless of financial limitations. Here are some options:

• We offer "pay what you can" virtual memberships for unlimited virtual classes — see all of our options here.
• We have a free class on Sundays from 12:30-1:30pm called "Karma Yoga" — if our teacher training program is in session, this class will be taught by our trainees (and supervised by our teacher trainers). Otherwise, this class is taught by a rotating group of our regular teaching staff! Keep an eye on our Instagram or fliers posted around the studio for announcements of special free class offerings at this time. It's always changing, and not to be missed!
• Email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com to inquire about other sliding scale options, or work trade opportunities (when available).

At the moment we do not, however it is something we plan on offering in the future. If you're interested in a future work trade position, email advisor@highlandparkyoga.com to find out more!

If you are a yoga teacher interested in teaching with us, please email lydia@highlandparkyoga.com and tell us a little bit about yourself! Make sure you include your resume listing teaching experience, trainings/certifications, areas of specialty/interest, and 2-3 professional references. If we have openings on our sub list, we will contact you to set up a meeting and teaching audition.

Please note we receive a high volume of applicants and may take some time to get back to you. In the meantime, we recommend that you come and take some classes with us and get to know our studio!

Please email and tell us a little about yourself, send your resume, 2-3 professional references, and your level of experience with Mindbody. If we have openings we will contact you to set up a time to meet.

Please note we receive a high volume of applicants and may take some time to get back to you. In the meantime, we recommend that you come and take some classes with us and get to know our studio!