Frequently Asked Questions
What are your indoor yoga guidelines during this time with the Coronavirus?
Indoor Guidelines as of March 2, 2023
Student & Teacher Health
Everyone is expected to follow the recommendations of their doctors.
If you have a fever, are sick or feeling unwell, or were recently exposed (within 14 days) to someone with COVID-19, please do not attend. If you are visibly sick, you will be asked to leave.
If you test positive for COVID 19, please notify us immediately at info@theshalapittsburgh.com.
Teachers and students may elect to wear masks during practice.
Indoor Guidelines for Classes with Vaccine Requirement
Students who would like to practice indoors with other fully COVID vaccinated students and who are willing to show their COVID vaccination cards to the teacher, may attend a Vaccine Required class. Students only need to show their vaccination card once.
Where are you located?
Please make sure that you sign up for class and check you email before you make the trip to the studio. We are located at 6101 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 in the Liberty Bank Building. Enter the studio from Sheridan Avenue. We are in the East Liberty neighborhood Penn Avenue commercial district near Mola, Warby Parker, Gaby et Jules Cafe and Target.
Where can I park my car?
On Street Parking - On-street parking is free until 8am on Sheridan Avenue and Penn Avenue. Metered parking is from 8am to 6pm Monday through Saturday. Use the Go Mobile Pittsburgh app to pay from your phone or add extra minutes. Check the parking signs carefully.
Surface Parking Lot- Surface parking lot is located next door at Sheridan Avenue and Kirkland Street. Metered parking is from 8am-10pm Monday through Saturday. Use the Go Mobile Pittsburgh app to pay from your phone or add extra minutes. Check the parking signs carefully.
Eastside Bond Parking Garage - Enter on Annie Place. First hour is free. Second hour is $4. Find more information at Eastside Bond Parking Garage.
Where do I park my bike?
Outdoor bike racks are located on just outside our front door on Sheridan Avenue.
What should I bring to class?
Bring your mat and any anti-slip cover that you may need. You are welcome to bring a block, strap, towel and water as well. You may also choose to use the shared yoga mats, block, belts and blankets in the studio.
Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?
No. If you, the student want to become more flexible, come practice yoga, and you will gradually increase your flexibility!
Do I need to be strong to practice yoga?
If you, the student want to gain strength, both mentally and physically, come practice yoga, and you will build strength!
Do I need to have a good body or be "fit" to do yoga?
While we recommend every student get clearance from his or her primary physician to begin any form of physical exercise, you certainly do not have to have a certain body type or be “fit” to practice yoga. If you are new to physical activity and the yoga practice, we highly recommend you start with the Ashtanga Basics classes and build your way up from their as your fitness level increases. Yoga will add strength, flexibility, and calmness of mind to your body and your life, no matter how beginner or advanced you are. So come practice and see how yoga can benefit you!
If I have any injuries or history of surgeries, should I practice yoga?
Yoga is a physical activity, just as a sport is. Therefore, you need to proceed with caution and nurture your wounds when beginning any physical activity. Our teachers, while knowledgeable in anatomy and movement of the human body, are not medical professionals and will not be able to answer questions you may have about a particular health concern. If you are concerned but would like to practice, discuss with and seek advice from your physician to determine if starting a yoga practice is a safe fit for you.
How will yoga benefit me?
Yoga teaches the body strength and flexibility, which allows us to age more gracefully. Yoga also teaches us calmness and stillness of heart and mind, which further allows us to participate in the world more positively and again, age more gracefully.
How is Ashtanga Yoga different than other types of yoga?
In other forms of vinyasa (flow) yoga, the flow of the practice varies from class to class, day to day, or teacher to teacher. While Ashtanga yoga is a vinyasa style of yoga, the Ashtanga Yoga method is comprised of 6 challenging series of postures using a vinyasa method that can take a lifetime or more to learn. The practice is more structured, and therefore it demands discipline and patience as a result. Every student, no matter his or her level of yoga practice, starts by learning each posture in the first series, and advances to each following posture or series when ready as determined by his teacher. Through this method of yoga, the student is able to feel and see his progress in the practice and gain a greater understanding and practice of the eight limbs of yoga. (Click HERE for information about Mysore style instruction in the Ashtanga Yoga Method). Progress is measurable and inevitable, and students can begin this practice at any level of fitness. External heat is not used in the Ashtanga method (i.e. ashtanga yoga is not hot yoga), as the student learns to generate his own heat and sweat during the challenging practice.
Is Ashtanga Yoga "hot" yoga?
In the traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice, the student becomes proficient at generating his/her own internal heat through the breath, which leads to sweat and detoxification. While the room is kept at a comfortable warm temperature (between 70 to 75 degrees), external heat is not applied in this practice.
Do you accept any form of payment?
We DO NOT accept checks of any form. We do accept credit cards (AmEx, MC, Visa, Discover).