Welcome to The Center - The Center Downtown

Welcome to The Center, Harrisonburg’s friendly, neighborhood yoga studio. You did it! Taking the first step and trying something knew takes courage, and sticking with it takes commitment. We know it’s not easy. We were all new to this once! At The Center you’ll experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a variety of classes to suit you so that your yoga practice can meet you exactly how you are, no matter what your age, ability, background or even economic situation.

Visit our Membership and Pricing page to view our package options. Then, register for classes here! You can even email Suzanne if you have questions or want to take advantage of a 30-minute one-on-one consultation. And, don’t forget to download our app!

Next, to help you prepare, read our Frequently Asked Questions and Policies and Procedures.

FAQs

What do I bring to yoga class?

You! We have mats and all the props you will need to get started. You are also welcome to bring anything of your own from home if you prefer. We even sell yoga mats in our studio if you’re all in!

What do I wear to yoga class?

Be sure to wear comfortable clothing you can move in and nothing too baggy. T-shirts, tanks, shorts that cover the important parts, leggings, sweatpants, etc. Avoid things with belts and buckles. Sometimes the room feels chilly, sometimes warm, so we always suggest layers you can peel off or put on. Shoes are left in the lobby, too!

What happens in a yoga class?

Most often the class will begin with a welcoming and brief centering to help students to focus. This is often done with eyes closed, but you can keep them open if you prefer. Next, there may be some focus on the breath and then the movement portion of the class will begin with postures (asanas) sometimes pronounced in Sanskrit. Gradually, and class picks up and becomes a little more challenging according to the level and focus and often students get a little (or a lot) warm during this portion. Then the class will cool down and finish with a 5-10 minute relaxing pose called, Savasana (shuvasuna.)

I am not flexible at all! Can I still do Yoga?!

Absolutely! Stiff bodies are welcome and will become more flexible. More flexible bodies will become stronger with practice over time.

I’m injured and want to take class. Is this a good idea?

Very likely yoga can help you, but we always suggest talking to your doctor or physical therapist before coming to a group yoga class. We also suggest a one-one-one personal lesson so you know what is most beneficial for you and how to stay within your own limits. It’s also a good idea to let your teacher know ahead of time if you have an injury.

What is the difference between Hatha & Vinyasa/Flow?

All the classes that have traditional yoga postures (asanas) are actually Hatha classes. But the distinction here is that Vinyasa/Flow/and Power Yoga classes all are based on connecting movements and creating sequencing based on sun salutations and more fluid movement. Sometimes a vinyasa class will move slowly, sometimes at a vigorus and athletic pace. Hatha yoga classes typically focus more on holding postures longer, and these classes tend to break down the postures more and use more props.

How do I know where to start?

See above, the difference between Hatha & Vinyasa. Read the class descriptions and see what sounds like it is what you’re looking for. We have so many styles that each class and experience can be vastly different from another! Remember, you are also more than welcome to contact Suzanne with questions at any time!

Can I bring in my cell phone into the class?

This is your time to unplug! Cell phones can be a distraction in our lives and in yoga class, so we ask you leave them out of the studio and turn them off or turn on “do not disturb” mode. If you absolutely must be kept alert of a notice, you can leave them on vibrate during class and then turn them off during Savasana/Meditation (the last relaxation portion of class.) It’s also a good idea to let your teacher know ahead of time if this is the case. We thank you and your fellow students do, too!

What if I’m late?

It happens sometimes. We just can’t always control it, but please do your best to be on time and make every attempt to arrive to class 5-10 minutes early. If your Yoga class has already begun, we just ask that you stay in the waiting area until the centering is over so as not to disturb other students. If you are more than 10-minutes late, it is up to the instructor’s discretion whether or not it is ok to begin class late. Sometimes an essential warm-up may have been missed. PLEASE NOTE that the front doors are also sometimes locked after 10-minutes for the safety of our students and their belongings. We apologize for any inconvenience

I’ve heard I shouldn’t eat before yoga? Why is this?

There are no hard and fast rules. An empty stomach is just more comfortable for any physical exercise and meditation. Try eating a big meal and then coming to yoga and you’ll pretty quickly know why to avoid eating! If you need it, a light snack if perfectly ok. Listen to your body.

Can I bring my children to yoga?

Adult classes are intended for students 16 years and older. If you’d like to attend adult classes with your child, you must ask permission specifically from the class instructor at least 24 hours IN ADVANCE. It is then the teacher’s discretion to allow a minor into an adult class. With the consent of that teacher, younger students may attend adult classes, accompanied by an adult. Family Yoga, when available, is always open to any age child(ren) and to all members of the family.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Hushed Tones:
We know, you get excited to see your friends and teachers at the studio. Who doesn’t love the happy yoga vibe?! Let it flow, but please remember to talk quietly in the space (there may be massages, meditation, or savasana going on behind closed doors!)
Scents:
Please avoid strong perfumes, scented deodorant and other smells.
Studio Etiquette:
Please put your studio props away (blankets, blocks, straps, etc.) just as you found them and wipe down your borrowed yoga mat.

Policies and Procedures:

What to do for online Zoom classes:

Sign up for class at least 15 minutes ahead of time. You can use your membership, class pack, or even drop-in for a class.
Download Zoom onto your computer. It’s free and just takes a few seconds!
Here’s a quick tutorial on how to login to a Zoom Meeting (online Yoga Class.)
As soon as you register, you will receive an automatic email from Mindbody in your inbox with your personal invitation to get you into our online classroom! Then, save the link…it’s the same for every yoga class! (You still need to register before you come.)
If you’re new to Zoom, arrive to your virtual yoga studio at least 10 minutes early so we can help you get ready.
Tell all your friends about it! We can even invite people into our classes from all over the globe. How cool is that? Spread the love, one computer screen at a time. We have the capacity for up to 100 students in our online classes!
Keeping checking back. We’ll be adding more classes and workshops to the schedule!

Here are some things to know before you come in:

We will be disinfecting surfaces before and after classes.
Hand sanitizer is available throughout the lobby and in the classroom.
Face masks will be required at all times, including in the studios.
Mats will be 10′ apart (though this may change to 6′ due to required face masks.)
Students will bring their own mat and props. No props or mats are available to borrow at the studio.
Mats, blocks, and straps are available for purchase in our lobby.
We have a strong new HEPA air filter that will be running before and during the class.
Students will leave shoes on racks outside of the studio.
For the time being, the showers will be unavailable.
Of course, if you are experiencing any signs of illness, fever, cough, or congestion, we thank you for staying home (and hope you feel better!)

Important things to know about signing up for in-person classes:

Because space is limited (only room for six students now, though that may change), students must sign-up ahead of time. There will be no walk-in spots available. If you can’t make it we need 24 hours notice of cancelation. Otherwise, there will be a $10 cancellation fee. Thank you for understanding.

Live-Stream

No worries, if your favorite class is moving to the studio, you can still take it online. All of our in-person classes will be streamed via Zoom (with camera set up so that students won’t be seen.)

Class Cancellations

Due to inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances, we occasionally have to cancel a class or workshop. Please make sure to check our Mindbody Site, Website, or Facebook or Instagram page for notices on cancelations or call our phone number: 540.383.0438.

Refunds and Pass Extensions

All purchases, gift cards and class packs are non-refundable and non-transferable except under certain circumstances. We only extend the expiration date of a class pass under certain circumstances – an extended illness, a sudden family emergency that takes you out of town, etc. Unfortunately, we cannot extend them due to vacations, a busy schedule, or a business trip. The class packs are discounted from our regular drop-in rate and given an expiration date to encourage you to come to classes. We know you’ll feel better if you do! Thanks for your understanding. Workshop and Master Class Refunds must be requested at least 24 hours before the start of the workshop, and are subject to a 20% admin fee. No refunds are available within 24 hours of a workshop. Thank you for your understanding.

Family Sharing

Class Packs can be shared among immediate family members. Be sure to email Debbie@thecenterdowntown.org to set up a family sharing option. Please note, memberships cannot be shared or transferred, however.

Discounts

We give 10% discount to Full-Time students with ID, Seniors (over 65) and veterans. This discount is applicable on 10 and 20 class packs and our Fire Membership and we will be happy to take care of that for you in the studio!