Yoga at Change LogoYoga at change

 The Peninsula’s premier community-based center for yoga, movement classes, meditation and a variety of healing arts workshops
in San Mateo, CA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am a beginner, what class should I take?
A: As a beginner, it would be good start with classes that are more gentle and you have more time to learn the poses and get instructions from the teacher, even if you are very athletic.  Our classes all have an indicator to show the level of the class.  You should start with any of our classes that are Level I or All levels, and (G) Gentle.  Once you are comfortable with the poses, then you can begin to explore other classes which are marked as (M) Moderate and then, if you wish, try the (V) Vigorous classes. 

Q: I just had surgery or I am recovering from an illness, what class should I take?
A: Once you have the approval of your medical provider to begin yoga, we would suggest starting very slowly with the Extra Gentle Integral (G)  class.  Penni is a very experienced instructor and the Extra Gentle Integral class is designed for  students who are pre- or post-surgery and recovering from illness. This class also uses the chair, so that you do not have to be down on the floor.

 Another class that would be good is the  Restorative Yoga (G) class, as long as you are comfortable on the floor. 

Q: Who can come to the prenatal class?

The prenatal classes at CHANGE are designed for  pregnant mothers, whether or not they have had yoga experience.  Our intent is work on body/mind pregnancy issues as well as to prepare for labor.

Q: How long can a person take the prenatal class?

We have many students who come up to the day they deliver.

Q: What classes are safe for me to take now that I am pregnant?

If you have been practicing yoga since conception, please continue to stay in those classes as long as you are comfortable.

If you stopped due to morning sickness or never had a practice then the prenatal classes and the restorative classes are for you.  You can take the other classes once you are at least 6 weeks postpartum and let all of your muscles and bones re-configure.

The mom/baby class is gentle enough that you can start that class at 3 weeks postpartum if you have a vaginal birth and 6 weeks if you had a C-section.

Many of our students use their class card for the prenatal class and  then use what is left for the mom/baby class.