Here are some answers to some questions we get asked frequently at Sun and Moon Yoga.

1. Can I Attend a Drop-In Class?
Anyone can attend a drop-in class. Drop-ins are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is \3,000. First-timers can do a drop-in class as a trial class. We do not take reservations?either by phone, email or in-person. Weekend and evening classes can be popular, so please arrive 20 minutes early to insure a spot. If you arrive while another class is in session, please do not disturb the class and wait quietly outside.

2. Do I need to arrive early for class?
Arriving on time for class is a way to honor the practice and respect yourself as well as the other students and teacher. We request that you please arrive 20 minutes early to insure a spot. Newcomers will need to fill out a registration form, and inform the teacher of any injuries or physical issues. Note: Newcomers should print out the map and bring it with them, so they can be sure to find the studio and arrive on time. Classes start promptly at the designated times. If you arrive late and meditation is in progress, in consideration of others in the class, please wait quietly outside until the meditation and chanting is finished. If there is space, you can enter. In general, however, latecomers will not be admitted.

3. Can I Come and Just Observe a Class?
We do not allow class observation. When someone observes a class in progress, it can be disruptive to those in the class, therefore, we invite you to try a class and participate directly. Yoga is an inward practice that should be experienced first-hand. If you are curious, your body and spirit will tell you if it is right for you. We encourage you to try many different styles of yoga and to experience different teachers so that you can find a “fit.”

4. What Clothes are Appropriate for Yoga Class?
Wear comfortable, natural clothing that allows you to move freely. Dress in layers. You will become warm during practice, but you will want to cover up during final relaxation pose. Please do not wear jewelry, fragrances, or spray deodorant at the studio. Also, you will not wear socks during yoga practice.

5. Is There a Place to Change my Clothes and take a Shower?
We have two changing areas at the studio, and a bathroom. They are small, and the studio is intimate. Sorry, but we do not have a shower.

6. Can I Eat or Drink Before Class?
We recommend that you don’t eat or drink at least 3 hours prior to class. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. However, if you have low blood sugar, you can eat a banana or fruit juice before class, but an empty stomach is recommended. Come hydrated.

7. Do I Need to Bring a Mat or Anything Else?
We have mats available free of charge. However, we encourage you to use your own mat. Your mat is your “sacred space,” and it is more hygienic to use your own mat. Please bring water, a small towel, and a positive outlook.

8. Which Class Should I Take?
If you are a Beginner to yoga, please take a Beginning or Restorative Yoga class so that you can familiarize yourself with the yoga postures and yoga breathing and become comfortable with the practice of yoga. (The schedule notes clearly which classes are appropriate for Beginners.) The Advanced Beginning classes are recommended for those who have had at least 6 months of Yoga experience. Ashtanga Basics, Restorative Yoga, Hatha Yoga/Meditation, Mysore Yoga, Sivananda and Beginning Yoga are suitable for Beginners. The Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga Yoga and Ashtanga Primary Led classes are recommended for those who have had at least 1 year of yoga experience. If you have been practicing elsewhere or at home for awhile are not sure which class is appropriate for you, please ask the teacher if he or she thinks you are ready to advance to the next level. If you are clearly a beginner and come to one of the more advanced level classes, the teacher will  probably ask you to return another time to take a more appropriate class. Please choose a level that is appropriate for you to insure your safety and to provide you with a positive and appropriate experience. This also respects the practice of the others in the class. It is better to start with a less difficult class to check your comfort level. Then you can try more challenging classes.

9. Can I Attend a Regular Class if I am Pregnant?
For the safety and well-being of you and your baby, we recommend you take prenatal yoga if you are pregnant. Even if you have a regular practice, your body is changing. Your yoga should change, too. We do not recommend that pregnant women take classes other than specifically designed prenatal yoga classes (and that includes Restorative yoga. as there are some Restorative poses that should not be done while pregnant).

10. Card Policy
Please use your card by the expiration date. Once it has expired, in general, we can’t extend it. If your expiration date is nearing and you have a few classes left, bring some friends to class and use them up together. Yoga is most beneficial if practiced consistently, so we encourage you to come regularly. If you are sick or have to leave Tokyo for an extended period of time for some reason, please contact Leza BEFORE your expiration date to get an extension.

11. Will Yoga Make Me a Better Person?
We thought we would just throw this one in to see if you were reading. Yoga will not necessarily make you a better person. But it will bring out your inherent qualities. It makes you more YOU. So, because we are optimists and believe that people are basically good, the answer is Yes. Yoga will make you a better person and it will change your life for the better. Enjoy!

If the question you have isn’t answered above, please feel free to contact here or call Sun and Moon at least a day or two BEFORE you intend to attend class so we can answer your question. Namaste!