Community Yoga FAQ
Do I need to register ahead of time?
It's not necessary to register ahead of time--just show up 5-10 minutes before the start of class to settle in. If it is your first time attending a community class with me, I'll ask you to sign a waiver before class starts, so please leave time for that too.
Are the classes appropriate for beginners?
Beginners are very welcome and I will always offer modifications to try to make the poses accessible to people with a range of levels of fitness and mobility. That said, you will likely see some experienced practitioners in class. Don't be intimidated! If you're brand new to yoga, please let me know that before class starts so I can offer extra help. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see more tips for beginners.
If I join your email list, how often will you email me?
I usually send out one email per week, typically on Fridays as a reminder of the Saturday class schedule. If you wish to unsubscribe from the list at any time, please let me know.
What is the suggested donation?
The suggested donation for community classes is $10-15, and your support is much appreciated. If you wish to make a donation, you may do so via cash, CashApp ($jesscullenyoga), or Venmo (jess-cullen-yoga, last 4 digits to confirm the account 4077).
What if I can't afford a donation?
Please don't let a lack of funds hold you back from participating. Your presence itself supports community yoga! You can also support our project by helping to spread the word or leaving a Google review.
What if I don't have a mat?
Mats are provided at the Thursday classes at JCC Harlem. I also have 1-2 extra mats that I can bring for anyone who needs one at the other classes. Please text me ahead of time at 646-580-2701 to reserve a mat.
What style of yoga do you teach?
In my community classes I teach vinyasa yoga, a physical practice that cultivates strength and mobility in the body and helps to focus and calm the mind. Practitioners are guided through a series of poses and asked to link their movements to their inhales and exhales.
What are your vinyasa classes like?
My classes are on the slower side, meaning most poses will be held for several breaths to allow you to drop deep into your experience and refine your alignment. You can expect to be challenged physically during some moments of the class, but modifications are always offered. Every class includes a warm-up with gentle stretches focused on developing mindfulness and body awareness, and closes with a deep relaxation.
Can I bring my child to class in the park?
The class is targeted for adults, but kids are welcome to hang out and follow along as much as they like. We just ask that you be mindful of other participants' experience, and be ready to intervene in the case of any significant disruptions.
What about my dog?
Sure! If you think your pet will do well in the park environment, feel free to bring them along and secure them nearby. Pet parents, please be prepared to pause your own practice to manage any issues that arise.
Should I bring additional yoga props like blocks or a strap?
I'm not able to provide additional equipment beyond loaner mats, so classes are designed to be as accessible as possible without props. If you don't have props or don't want to bring them, no problem. But of course, props are amazing! Please bring whatever you'd like to use.
How long is class?
Community vinyasa classes run approximately 50-55 minutes.
How else can I support community yoga in our area?
Please help spread the word about these classes! Follow me on Instagram @jesscullenyoga, bring your friends to class, or post a Google Review.
FOR BEGINNERS
I've never taken a yoga class before. How should I prepare?
The first yoga class can feel like a confusing game of Twister, where somehow everyone else seems to have gotten the instructions ahead of time. (Or was that just me?) But even from the beginning it's possible to access the feeling of peace that comes from spending an hour really listening to your body as you move and breathe--if not during class then at least afterwards.
The best way to prepare for your first yoga session is to suspend any judgment you might feel about what your body can and can't do, or what that means. Be content to take what you can from the class and let the rest go. It may take a few sessions before you begin to feel comfortable with the basic postures, but with time they will come to feel familiar and eventually good!
What if I'm not flexible?
No problem. Yoga isn't about getting your body into a particular shape. It's about the rewards of getting to know your edge, wherever that is. If you encounter a lot of resistance when you stretch, that just means you don't have to go to extremes to find that edge. With time and consistent practice, your body will open up.
What other pointers do you have for new students?
- Wear comfortable, loose or stretchy clothing, and practice in bare feet (not socks or shoes)
- Listen to your body. Don't move through pain.
- Rest when you need to. Don't be afraid to go at your own pace even if the teacher has moved on to a new posture. Any advanced yogi around you will recognize that you are doing the most advanced move possible by doing what's right for your body in this moment.
- If you want to boost your confidence before attending a public class it can be very helpful to take a free short beginner class like this one at home.
IG @jesscullenyoga | 646-580-2701 | email