New here? Try 30 Days for $45

All About Waitlists

All About Waitlists

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Studio Updates, Tips and Tricks

Waitlist Closing Window is now 1 HOUR

We have an incredible problem: Several of our classes sell out resulting in students landing on a waitlist. We tweaked the policy recently to be a bit more forgiving for y’all and thought it would be a good time to refresh you on how exactly the Wait List works and answer any questions you might have.

The “Waitlist Closing Window” is now one hour.

When you are in position #1 on the waitlist for a class, you will be automatically added to that class if a spot opens UP TO ONE HOUR before class. Example: Class is at 9:30 AM. You are #1 on the waitlist. Someone cancels their reservation at 8:15 AM. You would automatically be added to the class. But, if the cancelation occurs at 8:35 AM, even if you are #1 on the Waitlist, you will NOT be automatically added to the class.

What happens in that one-hour window before class?

Since no one will automatically be added to class If a spot opens up in this 1-hour window, the spot will remain open until someone—anyone—snags it in the Walla App or online.

This is meant to benefit those on the waitlist: You will have at least a one-hour heads-up to boogie to the studio.

However, it also means that you will NOT automatically get added to the class even if you are #1 on the waitlist and someone cancels their spot 45 minutes before class. Someone else could swoop in and claim that spot. if you don’t make it off the waitlist and you’re still interested in class, check back within an hour before class—a spot may have opened up. If you never made a reservation for a popular class, that one-hour window might be when you can slide into the roster!

So why not make the “Waitlist Closing Window” 15 minutes before class?

Because we want to ensure students on the Waitlist have enough of a heads-up to get to class without risking a no-show fee. Finding out you are off the waitlist and in class 15 minutes before class begins doesn’t even allow time for the commute for most of us!

How will I know I am in class and off the Waitlist?

If you move off the Waitlist and onto the class roster, you will receive a message from us (based on your preferred communication settings; email or SMS), alerting you that you’re in! If you have no communications turned on, you will need to manually check the Walla App or your account online to see the status of your reservation. While you’re there, turn on SMS notifications under “Your Profile!”

Will I get a penalty if I get added to a class but don’t show up?

Yes. If you are on the waitlist, even if you are #15, you should treat that time as reserved and plan to be in attendance. Since our Late Cancel Policy is generous (only 2 hours), the class roster can move quickly in the 12 hours leading up to class. If you know you will not be attending class, please cancel your waitlist reservation. If you are added to the class but do not attend, a no-show fee of $10 will be added to your account.

We strive to make things as user-friendly, fair, and intuitive as possible. This, as with any of our other Studio Policies, are subject to change based on student feedback and staffing needs. As always, post any comments or questions below, or email the studio directly. Thank you for being a member of our community!

From 18 to 8

From 18 to 8

by | Apr 28, 2016 | Life Experience

From 18 to 8

By Rebecca Burnett

Pushing 200lbs, I remember once struggling to run 8 minutes without stopping in Iroquois Park. At the time I was a caregiver to my parents: mom with cancer and dad with Alzheimer’s. The stress of this situation wasn’t helping my own health – I was eating my way into a size 18.

Then, my niece, Emilie Dyer, invited me to a free class at 502 Power Yoga. In the past I had used yoga successfully to stop smoking, so I figured it could also improve my overall health. At one point in my first class, I remember the instructor said to “kiss your knees;” I couldn’t do it. It really hit home then how big I had gotten. I’m going to have to work to get this off, I thought.

Rather than feeling intimidated by others at 502 Power Yoga, I was empowered by this community. I decided to take on the Sunrise Challenge in 2014, and also completed the 40 Days to a Personal Revolution program. Through these experiences, I gained insight into my emotional eating. I learned to be aware of what I was putting into my body and why. I gave up sodas and coffee, and today I only drink green tea, water and sometimes black tea. I have sweets as an occasional treat, and not with every meal as I had in the past. I witnessed these physical and emotional transformations slowly change my body. Over time, I saw cellulite on my knees diminish. I was able to do my first Flip Dog with Mimi’s instruction. I was inspired, and I fell in love with the community. 

After some time, it seemed like my daddy was doing fairly well, or maybe it was me. Maybe I had learned to move with the universe instead of work against it. Yoga had become my retreat from all the drama of hospitals and doctors with my parents. I truly believe my yoga practice helped me stay calm throughout every situation and provided me the opportunity for self-care.

I can see how life has come full circle for me. The beginning of my transformation was the Sunrise Challenge in 2014, and more than a year later, after the 2015 Sunrise Challenge, I’m a size 8. My faith in God, my program of recovery and daily asana helped me physically and emotionally through those trying times. I feel those previous limitations fading behind me and conquering Iroquois Park is next on my list!

Embracing the Sweaty Hug

Embracing the Sweaty Hug

by | Apr 13, 2016 | Life Experience, Off the Mat, Uncategorized

Embracing the Sweaty Hug

By Britt Bertolotti

My first class at 502 Power Yoga was a Karma class. The room was packed beyond capacity, and the energy was high; you could feel the love when you walked in—which, when you’re new to this style of yoga, like I was, can feel overwhelming. My friend and I were the last two people to lay our mats down and I was ready to get my zen on and tune the world out — which is my default.

When class started and the instructor asked us all to generate hellos/give hugs/shake hands, I freaked out. She wanted me to what? No. I had come to do some yoga and stay in my own secluded world, not to meet new people or hug strangers. Not to mention, I was already sweating, as was most everyone I was asked to hug. Instinctively, I went directly to my friend and hugged her, but soon found I couldn’t avoid contact with other yogis any longer. I hesitantly shook hands and hugged two other already-sweaty people. I felt self-conscious for the entirety of my practice, worrying that the people I hugged were judging me for sweating before class had even started.

Coming into a class at a new yoga studio can be intimidating. However, when I started to meet new people at 502 Power Yoga, I realized that I was NOT alone. Instead, I was in this together with every other yogi in the room. I was connected to a room full of 30+ people—talk about powerful! Side note: The room is hot, full of badass yogis, and everyone is sweating. Nobody is judging!

In that same class, the instructor had us support our neighbors in Airplane Pose. I remember internally having a strong “Nope, nopeity, nope, nope” reaction to this; there was no way I was throwing off my balance to put my sweaty hands on someone else’s sweaty body. And then I felt another yogi’s hand on my shoulder supporting me, which gave me the nudge I needed, and I reached out to support my other neighbor.

Where can you go in your practice once you’ve moved past what is blocking you? For me, letting go of insecurities led me to become more consistent in my practice and made me fall in love with the Baptiste Methodology, which led me to taking the BIG leap to sign up for teacher training with 502 Power Yoga. Removing my rocks opened me up to following my passion and creating some pretty amazing friendships in a community that thrives off of supporting others.

It works that way; the support and community. You may come in feeling nervous, scared, or vulnerable, and then you realize we are here for each other. That support can move mountains (or fly airplanes in my case.) From that, strength in your practice happens. Growth in your life off your mat happens. Big things happen. The sweaty hugs are actually something I look forward to now.

Embrace the sweaty hugs and handshakes—it’s the beginning of something spectacular.

7 Reasons to Practice Hot Yoga in the Winter

7 Reasons to Practice Hot Yoga in the Winter

by | Dec 2, 2015 | Life Experience, Uncategorized

7 Reasons to Practice Hot Yoga in the Winter

by Cami Glauser
Let’s be honest, 502 Power Yoga is always awesome, but it’s even cooler in the winter (not literally of course!) While the cold starts settling in, the holiday dinners get bigger, and the winter blues start singing their tune, 502 Power Yoga has a lot going on to keep Jack Frost from chilling you to the bone.

 

 1. The HEAT.
This kind of a no-brainer, but I think it has to be said. It’s getting cold outside and the studio is always warm (about 90 degrees warm). Not only do power yoga classes provide that external warmth we crave during these chilly months, but it also helps create that internal heat (tapas) that we can carry with us throughout our entire day.

 

2. Yoga Helps You Stay Healthy
It is widely known and highly suggested that working out makes you less likely to get sick. Studies have shown that it can even prevent you from getting a cold. Not only do you sweat out toxins, but practicing hot yoga creates fluidity in the joints and more flexibility in your body. This is especially important as our bodies start to feel as stiff as holiday peanut brittle. Stay healthy this winter by sweating it out on your mat.

 

3. Avoid the “Holiday Hunch”
It’s come to that time of year again where we start wearing jackets, coats, scarves, and hats. Without realizing it, we naturally begin to hunch over to create more warmth in our mid-body (and to joyfully sip on that freshly brewed hot coffee/tea that warms our hands). Practicing yoga gives us the space to open up again. Taking time in those amazing heart and throat opening poses like fish, camel, wheel, and even upward facing dog, can help counter-act this “holiday hunch” and create more space in your physical body.

 

4 . Ward Away the Winter Blues
When it starts getting cold outside, I tend to go into hibernation mode. Yes, this is cozy and wonderful, but sometimes I get a little stir crazy. I can only carry on conversations with my dog for so long. That’s why I believe connection and community are so much more important during these chilly months–luckily, 502PY has a great one. Simply by just walking into the studio, greeted by familiar faces, is like getting a big hug and can clear the winter blues in an instant. The warm energy that’s shared by the teachers, assistants, energy exchange-er’s, and, of course, the ever-calm and loving Kelly Meadway, is the best reminder that even though we’re all bundled away in our separate homes, cars, and lives we are all still connected.

 

5. 40 Days to Personal Revolution
Instead of a New Years Resolution, why not make it a New Years Revolution. This 40-day program is truly the “meat and potatoes” of the studio and one of my personal favorites. Happening Jan 31 – March 13, this program encompasses all the practices of Baptiste Yoga (and then some!) including asana (yoga practice), meditation, inquiry, and diet. Not to mention, it also comes with an amazing group of fellow revolutionaries who will support you along the way and help get you through those begrudging “after the holidays” winter months. Trust me, you don’t want to miss participating in this program! #40daystoPR #whybaptisteyoga

 

6 . HOLLAAA for Yoga Malaaaa!
108 Sun Salutations, 12 different yoga instructors from all over the city, and one unforgettable experience. I couldn’t think of a better way to welcome 2016 than to breathe, move, and ignite the new year with 100+ other yogi’s all in one space. All proceeds benefit the Africa Yoga Project. Be up to something bigger than yourself this year and come to this amazing event happening January 2nd.

 

7. Hands on Assisting
If you love those amazing Savasana assists at the end of class, Hands on Assisting is your chance to learn the art of assisting. This is a full weekend dedicated to deepening your practice and learning the tools to effectively and appropriately assist others. January 23 & 24 are the days this “hands on” experience is taking place. Make sure there’s time in your calendar for this one!

 

Just because the days end earlier doesn’t mean your practice needs to come to a halt. We have a lot of fun before and after the holidays, and hope to see you all in the studio soon.
P.S. If you have kiddos getting cabin fever, 502 Power Kids is a great opportunity for them to stretch themselves and get all those jitters out on the mat.

 

Breathing Through Your Practice

Breathing Through Your Practice

by | Nov 3, 2015 | Uncategorized

Breathing Through Your Practice

by Laura Olinger 

[photo by Aubrey Renee Photography]

“You can do anything for just one more breath!” How often have we heard Sarah, or another teacher, say this in class? While it’s true that a single breath may be a short time, the ability to hold that thigh-burning Warrior II also comes from the breath itself. In his book Journey Into Power (JIP), Baron Baptiste says, “Maintaining steady, rhythmic breathing is the single most important element of yoga practice.” And if you have ever accessed that powerful breath, you have likely experienced the difference; but it still may not explain the “why”. We breathe all the time, so understanding how changing the breath in yoga can make such a big difference may not be very clear. Baron breaks it down for us in JIP. 

Why is Breath so Important?

It’s efficient- By taking deep, even breaths, you are able to continuously feed your body with the oxygen it needs to work through the practice. Ujjayi breath, the controlled, smooth and audible breath we use in yoga, is said to create respiratory efficiency. I know I have a tendency to hold my breath during abdominal exercises, which can leave me gasping for oxygen. Trust me, it’s better to keep breath flowing.

It’s your connection– Your breath is a tool to bring you into the present moment. By linking our asanas with breath, we are connecting the body and the mind. When my monkey mind starts to wander while in Half Pigeon, I remind myself that the flow is in my breath, and when I focus in on my breath, I am able to stay present.

It will take you to the edge- With discipline, we are able to use our breath as a tool to grow in the practice. We come to meet challenges with equanimity, on and off our mats. As Baron writes, “Your breath is what sustains you at your edge and allows you to move past it to new mental, emotional, and physical frontiers.”

It keeps you clearer than Claritin- With the changing seasons, it’s important to share some tips around breathing through allergies and sinus congestion. If you find yourself a bit stuffed up, our very own Rebecca Bickett suggests using essential oils. Peppermint oil in particular helps clear airways and improve respiration. Once you’re able to breathe freely, Ujjayi breath can help relieve sinus pressure.

Breath is where your practice really begins. It is what can make or break you in each pose and what can save you when you feel like giving up. We take most breaths for granted hour by hour but on our mats breath is treasured and evaluated the way it deserves. “Breath,” Amit Ray said,  “is the finest gift of nature. Be grateful for this wonderful gift.”