We are now charging $1.00 (one dollar) for mat rentals.

 

Your health and wellness is our #1 priority!

 

Maintaining yoga mats for rental is costly, as they must be regularly cleaned, replaced when they wear out, and stored between uses.  From paying the desk staff for their time to clean them, to the eco- and yogi-friendly materials used to disinfect the mats, the price is well worth it, but it does add up.

 

In return for your dollar, you can be assured that any mat you rent at OYW will been cleaned after/before each and every use.

 

No matter how meticulous the housekeeping at any yoga studio, keep in mind that using any shared equipment exposes you to public germs.  While those new to yoga may not be ready to make the investment in purchasing props, it is ultimately the most hygienic to practice yoga using your own, personal mat, strap, blocks and blanket.  These props are an intimate part of your practice – and are all available for purchase in our boutique, starting in April 2010.

 

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Cleaning one’s own mat is about being self-reliant and improving your health any way you can.  In addition to the numerous products on the market, you can also get crafty and make your own yoga mat cleaner with a simple solution of essential oils blended with water in a spray bottle. Antibacterial, antifungal, and refreshing essential oils include lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils.

 

For more information and tips, see http://yoga.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Clean_a_Yoga_Mat

 

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“Red rashes and flaking skin are internally caused, not externally,” says Robert Kornfeld, DPM, a holistic podiatrist in Manhattan and Long Island, New York. “If there were a direct correlation between yoga mats and fungus, then the majority of people who do yoga would be walking around with infections, and they’re not.” Instead, athlete’s foot and other fungi thrive in warm, moist environments—like those encouraged by wearing sweaty socks. They rarely affect people who go barefoot, nor do they lurk on the floor, ready to pounce on unsuspecting yogis. If a rash becomes a by-product of your practice, it could be a sign of flagging health. Infections often indicate that there is something going on with your immune system, say Kornfeld.

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• Wear clothes you can easily move in, stretchy comfortable clothes. Baggy clothes should be avoided as they inhibit movement and obscure alignment.

• Bare feet are essential. We ask that you leave your shoes in the reception area before entering the studio.

• It is best not to eat a heavy meal within 3 hours of Yoga or Pilates class. A light snack 2 hours before class is okay.

• Students are urged to purchase their own yoga mats to encourage home practice and to maintain sanitary conditions, however, mats are available for use at the studio if you do not own or have forgotten your own mat.

• Do not speed to yoga class! If you do arrive late, please wait until after the initial centering period, and enter the room as silently and respectfully as possible, so as not to disturb the calm being cultivated for you and your fellow students. Teachers reserve the right to not admit students arriving more than 15 minutes late, for their own safety.

• If you have any physical or medical conditions, please consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program and also inform your instructor. Remember, the most common cause of injuries in yoga classes is non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions! Talk to your teacher so he or she can help to customize a practice that will heal your body, mind and spirit.

• We do not provide child care at the studio nor do we allow students to leave children in the reception area during classes, please plan accordingly.

• You must pay prior to class or before leaving the studio after class; unless you have made alternate arrangements with a specific instructor.