+ I am new to yoga- which class should I try first?

We encourage new students who do not have any movement or medical issues to try all of our classes. Come daily and sample all of them! Anyone who needs extra attention, we strongly recommend private sessions. Learn more here 🙂

All of our classes are beginner friendly and available for all levels of practitioners. We are a hot far infrared studio and many of our classes are heated and hot. These classes are great for beginners, especially our hot 26 & 2 classes. These classes are always the same so that you learn from repetition and each posture can be made accessible for all levels. Our non Heated beginner class is a nice way to focus on a few postures and learn simple flow technique so that you can fine tune your practice.

If you need something on the gentle side, try Beginner Yoga, Yin Yoga, Slow Flow, Yoga for Stress & Sound Healing, Yin and our Sadhana and meditate classes.

As a beginner, remember that it takes time to build a practice, pace yourself in class and rest whenever needed; try committing to at least 5 classes a week for your first month because this will acclimate you to the heat (come every day if you can!). This will create a strong physical base along with an intellectual understanding of the postures and breathing techniques to build upon. When you’re ready, you can increase the intensity and build strength, focus, and flexibility in all the classes.

Shala Living Yoga classes are designed for ALL levels of yoga students. We are here to support you and eager to set you up for success on your yoga mat.

+ How do I get to Shala, where do I park and what are your safety procedures??

Our address is 412 W Boone Ave, Spokane WA 99202. Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before class and please try to be here 5 minutes before class starts. Do not arrive late as we will lock the door once class starts.

TO ENTER: When you arrive, park in the designated spots only, or on a side street. Make sure that you park in the appropriate spaces because we do not want to have to ask you to move your car during class or worse, see your car get towed. Please see map below for parking.

We clean and disinfect between each class.

+ What should I wear/bring to class?

Wear light, stretchy clothing that you are comfortable to move and sweat in. Have a mat and water bottle plus any other props you may want for Yin and Kundalini classes such as blankets, blocks and bolsters. We have some too.

If you're taking a hot class, we recommend a large towel to put on your mat (we also sell these), a change of clothing, a wet bag for your sweaty clothes after class as well as soap and a towel for a shower afterwards. We rent towels for $2, provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash if you don't have your own.

+ Can I bring my cell phone to class?

To maintain the peaceful environment for everyone, cell phones are not permitted. *Unless you are a Dr on call, or have an exceptional circumstances. If this is so, please let us know before class and you can put your phone on vibrate under a hand towel. You will be doing yourself a huge favor by putting your cellphone in the locker room while you practice. 🙂

+ What if I’m not that flexible?

We encourage you to develop a flexible mind. You don’t need to be physically flexible to practice yoga. All you need is to focus on letting go, breathing, moving, and respecting your limitations. A yoga pose will expose blocks and imbalances and regularly practicing yoga will increase your body’s flexibility level.

The ultimate benefit of yoga – to harmoniously unite body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical and meditative practice – can be experienced regardless of whether you’re able to easily touch your toes. 🙂

+ What if I have pre-existing injuries?

You will practice to your own ability. Please inform the teacher in advance about your conditions so that they may suggest modifications to your yoga postures. Feel free to talk with any of us before or after class. Email Ara at shalivingyoga@gmail.com if you have any specific questions or if you want to set up a private session to help you get started with a safe practice. We can show you how to modify so you can come to many classes and still do your practice safely.

+ How often should I practice?

During your first month, we recommend that you come every day in order to see what a regular practice can do for you. Yes, do take a break from your other activities to really give yourself the time to build a good baseline. After your first month, decide how often you want to come based on your other activities. Ideally anywhere from 2-7 classes per week on a regular basis will establish you deeply into the benefits of a yoga practice. However, if you practice just once a week with consistency, you will still receive a noticeable benefit.

It is important to be practical and set a routine that fits in with your daily life. Consistency is key. No matter how often you practice, it’s most important to stick with a routine that works to create a new pattern of health and well-being. If you would love assistance and coaching in order to maintain a regular practice, setting up a private session with Ara is very helpful. Please email Ara at shalalivingyoga@gmail.com.com for more information.

+ What are Zebra Yoga floors?

Zebra yoga flooring provides the support and stability needed to find your balance, gain the confidence needed to try new poses and build a name for yourself in the yoga industry.

As the trusted provider of yoga flooring and products for Riva Gdanski, Yoga Journal, Minneapolis Yoga Conference, Yoga Six, The Hot Yoga Factory, Studio Hot Yoga Alaska, and many other leading studios, organizations and athletes, Zebra has everything you need to bring your practice to the next level.

Our industry leading yoga tiles are made from 100% recycled open-cell foam. They are covered in a slip resistant, antibacterial, antimicrobial non PVC surface. They are durable, safe, and won’t ever buckle under hot temperatures, making them the perfect flooring solution for ultimate joint and body comfort with everything from hot yoga to acro and aerial yoga practice.

+ How do you heat your studio?

We heat our studio with infrared heat. Infrared heat is not any old heat. It’s radiant, just like the sun. This means it heats up objects, rather than the air. That way, the air stays dry and cool, while the surrounding environment heats up.

Because air isn’t blown around, allergens are not spread. So, you can enjoy the absolute bliss of intense heat without the discomforts of conventional heating methods.

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art FAR infrared heaters in our Spokane studio.

Our heaters are mounted on the ceiling, so there’s no loss of wall space and the heat is distributed evenly throughout the studio. Our heaters have extremely low EMF compared to other heating systems. Plus, we love using the wall for inversions and other postures. Let’s face it – the wall is the best prop there is!

FAR infrared is the most advanced form of heating used for hot yoga. The heat emitted is absorbed deeply into your body, providing a therapeutic and detoxifying effect that helps strengthen the immune system and eliminate toxins, such as pollutants, heavy metals, and other nasty substances.🙂

+ What are the benefits of practicing hot yoga with far infrared heat?

Get your sweat on in the studio at one of our Hot, Heated or warm classes. We don’t use conventional heating methods. We use cutting-edge FAR infrared heat, so your body gets the most out of your practice.

Hot yoga is incredibly beneficial to the body. Add infrared, and your practice will work wonders. Here are just some of the many benefits associated with hot yoga featuring FAR infrared heating: Hot yoga is incredibly beneficial to the body. Add infrared, and your practice will work wonders.

Here are just some of the many benefits associated with hot yoga featuring FAR infrared heating:

• Weight loss – one hot yoga class burns hundreds of calories
• Increased circulation
• Improvement in oxygen levels
• Enhanced production of collagen
• Detoxification through sweat
• Relief from joint and muscle pain and tension
• Increased metabolism
• Reduces stress
• And more…

+Why practice hot yoga with infrared heat?

You know just how unpleasant heaters can be that blow hot air around the room. Now imagine practicing yoga in that!

Infrared heat is different. It’s radiant, just like the sun. This means it heats up objects, rather than the air. That way, the air stays dry and cool, while the surrounding environment heats up.

Because air isn’t blown around, allergens are not spread. So, you can enjoy the absolute bliss of intense heat without the discomforts of conventional heating methods.

Heat up your yoga practice with hot yoga featuring the very best FAR infrared heating system. [Click here] to find a class time that suits you at the studio.

+What is FAR infrared heat?

Only the very best will do for our Yogis. That's why we’ve invested in state-of-the-art FAR infrared heaters in our Shala studio.

Our heaters are mounted on the ceiling, so there’s no loss of wall space and the heat is distributed evenly throughout the studio. Plus, we love using the wall for inversions and other postures. Let’s face it – the wall is the best prop there is!

FAR infrared is the most advanced form of heating used for hot yoga. The heat emitted is absorbed deeply into your body, providing a therapeutic and detoxifying effect that helps strengthen the immune system and eliminate toxins, such as pollutants, heavy metals, and other nasty substances.

+ Are showers available?

Yes. We offer roomy locker rooms with toilets, cubby storage and showers, mat and towel rental, well stocked retail with clothing and props.

+ Is there parking onsite?

Absolutely! See the image below for where to park so you don't get into trouble :-)