Best question ever! We’ll name just a few reasons:

Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. If you do it regularly, you will change! Some possibilities:
—More strength
—More flexibility
—More energy
—Less stress
—Less pain
—Better mood
—Better sleep

It’s really satisfying to observe the changes. The first changes you notice may be physical. With time and practice, poses that once seemed impossible become more accessible, even fun! Many people come to yoga for the physical benefits but find just as many mental and even spiritual benefits. Practicing yoga has made me lighter, calmer, more accepting of whatever life throws my way. It feels good.

Oh, and there’s the yoga community! It’s fun to get to know teachers and other students. You have at least something in common because you all found your way to Bluestem. For me, one of the best things about owning the studio is seeing the regular students, well, regularly.

Curious about research and what the experts have to say? This 2020 Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School is a thorough but accessible introduction to yoga. It includes advice for people with specific medical conditions.

Yes! Start from where you are, and our teachers will welcome you just as you are. With time and regular practice, you will see changes!

Also, it’s okay if you never touch your toes. :-)

That’s okay and very common! Don’t worry about “keeping up” with others in class. In fact, we really want you to rest or choose a different pose when you need or want to. You and only you know what your body needs or can do on any given day.

Also, I repeat: It’s okay if you never touch your toes.

Great question! And we summed it up in the section near the bottom of this page. If you have questions after reading that, talk to a teacher before taking a class. And remember that private one-on-one sessions are available.

Read about what to expect here. And feel free to ask questions before or after class!

It’s totally up to you! (And we’ll help you find the class package/membership that fits you the best.) But we encourage you to come at least a couple times a week, if you can.

Yoga isn’t like “training” with goals and timelines. It’s a practice, so try to focus on being present each time you come, rather than on some end result. If you come regularly, you will change! Your body will become stronger and more flexible, and some “impossible” poses will become accessible, even fun! Also, you will probably just all-around feel better, physically and mentally.

Wear anything comfortable that allows you to move and stretch. You don’t need “yoga clothes”; loose or stretchy pants/shorts and a t-shirt are fine. If your shirt is loose, you may want the option of tucking it in. If your clothes are super loose, they may get in your way a bit.

Sometimes it’s nice to have a sweater or similar, especially in the classes with long holds, like Yin and Restorative.

We suggest pulling back your hair if it’s long. If you forget, we have hairbands at the front desk; just grab your favorite color and wear it to your heart’s content.

Bring a mat if you have one, and water. Eventually, you’ll want your own mat, but we have loaner mats for new students. Just ask for one when you check in.

Most people use our yoga “props” (e.g., blocks, blankets, straps), but you can bring your own if you want to. We ask that you leave your coffee, juice, and energy drinks in the entry area; water is the only consumable allowed in the studio.

Sure, that sounds fun! Our New Client Special comes with two guest passes. You can bring one friend twice or two friends once. (That’s math, peeps.) Our monthly unlimited membership includes a monthly guest pass. And our add-a-guest feature (at check-out) makes it super easy for you to bring a friend. Or your mom, your cousin, your date, your co-worker, your in-laws, your neighbor. You get the picture….

Any student under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on the studio waiver for minors. Regular Bluestem classes and special events are designed for students 16 years old and older. Students 12 to 15 years old may come to class with a parent or older sibling. We have Yoga for Teens pop-up classes! Email your interest to sandy@bluestemyoga.com

We hear you. We know that coming to your first yoga class can be a little nerve-wracking. Maybe you’d like to take a couple of private one-on-one sessions first? Or schedule a 15-minute tour and consultation? Email the studio for those. But for many of you, we’d just like to say, come and try it! We’d really like to meet you, and we will greet you with a warm smile.

Of course! See our longer list of FAQs here. And email or call if you still have questions.