Class FAQ
inquiring yogis want to know…
What kind of yoga do you teach at your studio?
Yoga means to yoke, unite or bring together the body, mind and spirit. The yoga at our studio is an alignment-based vinyasa (flow) style yoga that links breath with physical movement. Students who have done other forms of yoga – Bikram (hot yoga), Iyengar, Hatha, etc. – will recognize the poses taught in our classes but will enjoy the flowing format of moving from one pose to the next in a fluid and safe manner.
I’ve never done yoga before. Which class should I start with?
For students who have never practiced yoga before or have possibly done a video or two at home, we recommend starting with one of our Basics classes. Chicago Class List & Lansing Class List where you can view the various classes we offer at both studios throughout the week. New clients may also wish to begin with a private session – click here to browse our instructor availability and schedule a private session. In case you missed it, our Chicago Class Descriptions & Lansing Class Descriptions is a great place to view all of the class options from beginner to advanced.
I’ve done some yoga before and am moderately active. Which class should I start with?
For students who have done some yoga or are moderately active with other physical forms of exercise, we recommend trying a Basics, Slow Flow or Yin Restorative Flow. Click here to view our schedule page where you can view the various classes we offer at both studios throughout the week. New clients may also wish to begin with a private session – click here to browse our instructor availability and schedule a private session. In case you missed it, our Chicago Class Descriptions & Lansing Class Descriptions is a great place to view all of the class options from beginner to advanced.
I am very physically active but don’t do much yoga. Which class should I start with?
If you are very active and engage in some sort of physical activity regularly, we recommend starting with a Slow Flow class so that you may begin to experience the style of yoga we offer and understand proper alignment without feeling as though the pace of class is too quick. Chicago Class Schedule & Lansing Class Schedule where you can view the various classes we offer at both studios throughout the week. New clients may also wish to begin with a private session – click here to browse our instructor availability and schedule a private session. In case you missed it, our Chicago Class Descriptions & Lansing Class Description is a great place to view all of the class options from beginner to advanced.
I’m not flexible at all. Which class should I start with?
We get this question all the time — and the good news is, being flexible isn’t a pre-requisite of taking a yoga class. Plus, everything is relative. What’s important is to have a flexible mind, come try yoga and after a few classes you’ll be grateful you did! It never hurts to begin with a Basics or Slow Flow class to gauge your level of practice and see how you feel. In case you missed it, our Chicago Class Descriptions & Lansing Class Description is a great place to view all of the class options from beginner to advanced.
How warm do you heat the room during class?
The temperature of the room during class will vary depending on the type of class. We warm up our rooms to keep our students bodies safe during class so as to avoid injury. When the body is warm, it can open and stretch more safely. Secondly, we heat the room to enhance the detox benefits yoga offers. The amount that you will sweat depends on how hard you are working as well as how warm the room is. Our more basic and beginning classes (Basics, Slow Flow, Yin, Runners) are approximately 75-78 degrees, our intermediate classes (Primary Series, Vinyasa) are approximately 78-80 degrees and the more intermediate/advanced classes (Power, Hot Power, Advanced Power) are 80-90 degrees.
Do you offer hot yoga?
Many students may be familiar with vinyasa yoga done in a very hot room or a style of yoga called Bikram where the room is heated to 106 degrees during class. Our rooms are not heated as warm as those classes but, as explained above, all of our classes are heated and the temperature depends on the type of class offered. Our most heated class will be our Hot Power class, which is approximately 90 degrees. Click here to view our schedule page where you can view the classes we offer at both studios throughout the week.
I am interested in the 2 weeks for $20 new client special. How does that work?
You can purchase the pass online at any time and the pass will be activated upon your first visit to the studio (not from date of online purchase). You can purchase it online the same day that you would like to start attending class (there is no lag time between when you purchase and when you can start). You can also just come to the first class you’d like to take and purchase the pass right before class from the teacher at the studio. The first time you take class, your pass will expire 2 weeks (14 days) after that first visit. During those 14 consecutive days, you can attend as many classes as you’d like. Please keep in mind the pass must be purchased online prior to your first visit OR upon your first visit to the studio. So, for example, if you’ve already been to the studio and have attended one or more classes, you are not eligible to do the 2-week special. It is for brand new clients only. The pass is not available for those who live out of town and are visiting. Only those who live in the greater Lansing area or are LCC/MSU students are eligible.
Can I just show up for class or do I need to register in advance?
All of our classes are offered on a drop-in basis, meaning you can come when it is convenient with your schedule. Some studios offer a 6- or 8-week session for classes but ours run on a continual basis and no advance registration is required. It is required to fill out a waiver upon your first visit to the studio, so please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to class to complete the waiver before class begins.
What do I need to bring with me?
Just yourself! We have mats that can be borrowed free of charge. You may want to bring hand towel as most people do sweat during class.
Do men do yoga or just women?
Yes! We have many men who attend classes at the studio.
What should I wear?
While it doesn’t matter what you wear, we get this question a lot. We recommend wearing something that allows you to move easily and liberally and something you wouldn’t mind sweating in. Due to some of the poses that are inverted (downdog, etc.), we don’t recommend wearing anything too loose, especially loose t-shirts, as they will slide up more easily than something that fits closer to the body. Women often wear yoga pants or stretch pants and a sports bra with a t-shirt or a tighter fitting exercise top. Men often wear shorts or loose fitting pants and a t-shirt or tank top.
Do you sell mats and clothes at your studios?
Yes. We have a variety of men’s and women’s clothing and mats available for purchase.
Still have questions? Call or text us at 312-702-2397 or email at hilltop@hilltopyoga.com. Our manager will get right back to you!
Testimonials
From our Community
"I had my first class with Hilaire outside by the lakefront. An experience I will never forget. She is calming yet pushes you to work hard. I never felt judged when I couldn't achieve a certain pose."
"I did the 200HR teacher training here last year and my home practice has never been stronger. Throughout this difficult time (covid-19) being able to maintain a practice for myself has been crucial to my mental and physical health. The teachers are knowledgeable and kind, with most classes stemming from a long line of traditional yoga teachings. Fully immersive studio when in full swing."
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