It depends on which type of class you choose. If you sign up for a power class, you can expect heat (temperature) and a 60 minute yoga sequence. Our classes generally follow an arc, with integration, warming up, dynamic sequences, balancing, back building, and cool down. Yin is slow - the room is not hot, and poses are held for 3-5 minutes to train your connective tissue. You can expect a class with little talking, little movement, and lots of props. Restorative is not a heated class either - poses are held for approximately 8 minutes each and lots of props are used. If you are looking for stress relief, Restorative Yoga is for you. 

Yoga is a practice. We all started at the beginning. While you will likely be able to keep up, the Power classes move with breath. In your first handful of classes, you might find it helpful to look around at what your fellow students are doing, and also pay attention to your instructor's cues. You learn when you return. Yoga is a never ending story, and there is always something new to learn. That being said, if you are concerned about alignment and differences between poses, foundations workshops are super helpful for more of a one-on-one experience where you can break down poses with your instructor and ask questions as needed. 

No. No one cares if you cannot touch your toes. Yoga is so much more than stretching.  While it is a beautiful practice to lengthen your muscles and open your joints, yoga also strengthens. Yoga brings awareness to breath. The heat helps warm up your muscles, and yin helps soften your connective tissue. You may find that after class you feel more pliable, but please know that our bodies vary in structure and from difference experiences and history. It is helpful to approach your practice with the mindset of working with your own body and its abilities and limitations.  

ABSOLUTELY. At Illuminate, we welcome and encourage students to work with what they have. It is more than okay to drop a knee in side plank or crescent lunge. If a certain pose does not feel right in your body, we can help you find an alternative approach. We also have a really excellent set of props to include foam wedges, ergonomic blocks, foam discs, and other items to help you achieve the pose that works for you. 

Please arrive 15 minutes before class is scheduled to begin. This will give us plenty of time to get you set up in the studio, to show you around the space, and to answer any questions you may have. 

Please bring a yoga mat, a face towel (for hot classes), and water. If you forget any of these items, do not worry. We have rentals and mats for purchase. 

For hot classes, it is recommended to wear breathable, moisture wicking clothing if possible. For Yin and Restorative classes - dress comfortably. The room is not hot for these classes, so layers are good to wear! 

We have a huge parking lot right in front of the studio that is free. Illuminate is located to the left of Hannaford grocery store on the upper level of Northside Plaza. 

You absolutely can opt out of hands-on assists. Teachers who offer hands-on assists will typically ask the class before it starts who is okay with hands-on and who is not. 

Power classes, including Morning Power, Power, Slow Power, and Power Down are heated. 

The max capacity for Power classes is around 25-30; Restorative and Yin is more like 15-18. That being said, we are a new studio and are still growing so chances are, there will be plenty of space for you to move freely. 

This is a good question for your treating physician. We would ask that if you have a communicable illness, to please refrain from coming to class until you are feeling better and are not contagious. With respect to injuries or health conditions, please ask your doctor first if yoga is a good idea, and if you are okay to practice, please honor your body and do not attempt anything that may cause further harm.

Another good question for your treating physician. 

es! Illuminate offers a 3 week intro pass for $59. This into pass provides unlimited access to all of our regularly scheduled classes. 

We do not have a cancellation policy prior to the class beginning, though if you cannot make it to class, please try and cancel 90 minutes before class. There is a $15 no-show fee that applies if you are signed up for a class and you do not show up. Please know that our instructors take time to prepare for their classes and arrive early to set the studio up for class. We ask that students please be respectful of the instructors and their time. 

You have either option. If you are going to practice at Illuminate at least 2-3 times per week, it is recommended to purchase a membership. We do offer drop in options for all classes, and we have a teen drop in rate (17 and under) for just $12!