Click Here for: SCHEDULE of CLASSES
Paying for Class
Paying for Class
DEALS for NEW STUDENTS to YOGA MATRIKA
Whether you are just taking your first yoga class ever or your first yoga class at Yoga Matrika, you can take advantage of these deals for a low-risk way to find the right class and teacher for you.
$10 for 10-Classes in 10-Days
(Only valid for 10-consecutive days, no refunds or extensions. Not valid with any other offer or discount.)
First Class FREE when you buy a Membership on that Visit
(We will add an extra class to your membership. Must purchase membership on same day as you take first class. May not be combined with any other offer or discount.)
Choosing a Class
Choosing a Class
WHY? AND WHEN?: Two Important Questions to Answer
WHY?
Ask yourself WHY you are thinking about taking a yoga class at Yoga Matrika or just why you are thinking about taking a yoga class at all. Is your main purpose to relieve stress and tension? Are you recovering from an injury or illness? Is yoga a part of your weight reduction and/or management plan? Regardless of your previous experience, part of choosing the right class for you is looking at the tone and style of the class. If you want a great workout and hope to get your heart rate up and a good sweat, then taking a class that is described as restorative or gentle isn’t going to be the right class for you. It might be a great teacher, great class, great time, but it isn’t going to meet your needs. The same is true of the opposite! If you have chronic lower back pain and want to start a practice that will help your body heal, then taking a Challenge Flow class isn’t right for you. The kind of yoga your partner, friend or neighbor likes, may just not be right for you. We are very lucky in Pittsburgh that we have so many talented instructors, studios and styles to choose from. If you don’t like your first class, don’t give up! It doesn’t mean that yoga isn’t right for you, it just means that it might not have been the right class for you. Please feel free to send Sharon an e-mail: sharon@yogamatrika.com and let her know what you are looking for. She’ll be happy to suggest a few classes that might work for you.
WHEN?
Perhaps even more important than WHY is the WHEN question. It might be the perfect style yoga with a great instructor at….wait a minute….offered only at the worst time ever for you. If you can only take yoga at 8:00pm on Tuesdays, then we recommend that you take the class that is offered at 8:00pm on Tuesdays. Even if the style isn’t quite right, a yoga class that you can attend is better than no yoga class at all. Our instructors are exceptional and you can let them know what you want and why you are taking the class. They can help you modify your practice during class so that you feel comfortable. Be honest with yourself about your responsibilities and schedule and make time for yoga when it is compatible with everything else you do. Take into consideration your family life, transportation, traffic and regular appointments and scheduled activities. We think that making time for yoga allows yoga to make time for you. With increased energy, endurance and health, you’ll feel great doing all the other things you do. On the other hand, if your kids are screaming and you miss your bus and need to meet with your therapist all at the same time and you are trying to fit in a yoga class, then it will just add to the stress of your life! We offer classes as early as 5:45am and as late as 8:15pm so that early birds and night owls can catch a practice at The Mat. If you are having trouble making time for yoga or want to suggest a time, please do not hesitate to contact Sharon by e-mail: sharon@yogamatrika.com. She can help you choose a class and always appreciates scheduling suggestions!
What are the different class levels and types? How do I choose? These names don’t mean anything to me!
Yoga Matrika offers five basic types of classes
- Hatha yoga
- Meditation
- Pilates
Each class on the schedule has a name and the description will help you understand what the pace of the class is and what the emphasis is. If you have never done yoga before, then it is recommended that you register for a beginner series or take Yoga Level 1/2 classes. If you are more interested in meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises), then take one of the BODY & MIND classes. If you would like more of a strengthening and body toning and stretching class, than any of the MATRIKA FLOW, MINDFUL FLOW or HONEY FLOW classes are good for you. If you are looking for more of a challenge and have some experience, then take any of the YOGA 2/3 classes on the schedule.
We welcome all levels of students in ALL classes, so just let the instructor know that you are new when you arrive and if you have any concerns. Try a few different styles and instructors to see what works best for you. Not all styles are for everyone and not all instructors are for everyone—that’s why we offer so much variety! Experiment until you find the right fit.
How do I pay for my first class? How much does yoga cost?
Your first class at Yoga Matrika is FREE when you purchase a package on that same day. If you do not want to purchase a package, the drop-in price for one class is $15.
We accept the following forms of payment at the studio:
- Exact cash (there is NO CHANGE available)
- Personal checks
- Visa, Mastercard or Debit Cards
If you are new to attending classes at a yoga studio, it may not be clear how the pricing is organized. You can either drop-in on any class and pay for that one class or you can purchase a package of classes. Membership packages, sometimes called “class cards”, offer a discounted rate and have an EXPIRATION DATE. You get a discount on the drop-in price for paying for multiple classes at once, but you must take those classes within a certain time period. Please make sure that you know when your package is valid through. There are no exceptions to this time period for ANY reason and no refunds for any reason. Only buy a package if you feel confident that you can make a commitment to taking classes regularly.
What happens when I show up at the studio?
When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a new student form/waiver. Then you can put your name on the sign-in sheet. If you paid for class online, just indicate that on the sign-in sheet. If you need to pay at the studio, then you can give the instructor your payment at that time. You will leave your shoes and non-valuable belongings in the reception area and bring your mat, any valuables, water bottle into the practice space. Set up your mat like the other students or ask the instructor where they would like you to place your mat. Take any props that you might need or, if you haven’t done yoga before, take a block and a blanket.
Do I need my own yoga Mat?
Yoga mats are personal use items and you should invest in a high quality mat to use for your practice. We sell ecological and allergy free (no latex or petrochemicals) yoga mats at Yoga Matrika for your convenience. Keep in mind that your mat will probably last a minimum of 5-years of daily practice, so you are making an investment in a piece of equipment that you will use for a very long time (much longer than a pair of sneakers!). You can also buy mats at the East End Food Co-Op, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, Target……….almost anywhere! We do keep a few mats for public use at the studio, but encourage the use of these mats in situations where you have forgotten your mat or first time students who want to try a class before they invest in a mat. These public use mats should generally not be used for regular visits to the studio.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Women: yoga pants, stretch pants, shorts, sweatpants and either an exercise bra with a close fitting top that allows for a full range of movement (t-shirt, tank top, etc.) or an exercise top with shelf bra. You may want to bring a sweatshirt or warm-up jacket so that you have something to put on during rest or slow movements. Basically, wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight that it stops your full range of motion nor too loose that your clothes get in the way. You do NOT need any special “yoga clothes.” All women must wear shirts (not just a bra top) for modesty.
Men: exercise pants, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sweatpants. You may want to bring a sweatshirt or warm-up jacket so that you can stay warm during more restful practices. Make sure that your selection is not so tight that you can’t move freely or so loose that you feel like your clothing is flopping around (ie. when you lean forward, is that big tent of a t-shirt going to flop in your face?). You do not need any special “yoga clothes.” All men must wear shirts for modesty.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
- Yoga Mat (we have some you can borrow and also some for sale)
- Water Bottle
- Hand Towel
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT BRING?
- Valuables
- Cash
- Perfume and scented products
