Everything you need to know
Congratulations on taking the steps to getting into a regular practice! We compiled a list of everything you need to know to be successful from the very first time you walk through our doors. It's a bit long, but we hope it covers any possible questions. If not, shoot us an email, we're always happy to help.
Yes we have parking!
Even though we are a downtown Kitchener studio, we boast abundant parking on-site. There are just a couple rules you need to know to respect our neighbors and those we share our parking lot with.
- You can always park in our lot in spots marked 'B', on Duke St. street parking, and across the street in the lot at 50 Victoria St. N. This lot is free during evenings and weekends, and paid parking during business days.
- After 5 pm and on weekends, you can park anywhere in our lot . This includes the spots in front of our building
- Please never park in the parking spots that belong to Kaufman lofts. They may write you a ticket!
- After you park, our entrance is off the parking lot on the main floor. Head straight in and check in at the front desk. Welcome to Big Bliss!
It's my first time doing anything like this, and I have no idea where to even start.
First of all, congratulations! Working out in a group can be pretty intimidating but we promise there's nothing else in the world like it. Once you get over your cold feet you'll be addicted to all of the amazing benefits a regular practice can give you, and the community you'll find at Bliss. First of all, review this list to make sure you are prepared for the class. You should be 10-15 minutes early to class to get a tour, meet your teacher and our staff, and learn how to set yourself up for class. Don't sit right in the front, or right in the back. You can sit, stand or lay down on your mat (we call this savasana) while you wait for class to begin. Once the class starts, your teacher will explain movements to you and offer corrections. Don't worry about being perfect, just focus on enjoying yourself and getting used to the space and moving in this manner. You can stop, slow down, drink water or modify your movement at anytime based on your individual needs.
For your first class, some good options for adults with regular mobility are Slow n Flow, BlissBarre, and Yoga or Hot Yoga. If you are a senior or have limited mobility, check our Golden Harmony classes.
Once you are finished, wipe down and return any borrowed equipment to our equipment station, or mat to the front desk. Ask your teacher any questions you have, and send yourself a little bit of grace and gratitude for trying something new!
What should I wear and bring?
- With the exclusion of Chair Yoga and dance classes, every class at Big Bliss requires a yoga mat. If you don't have one, or forgot yours, don't worry! We have some to use for free at the studio.
- If you are taking a hot class, we highly recommend that you bring a towel, especially in Hot Flow, Hot Power Flow and Hot Pilates.
- We recommend that you bring your own water bottle, but we have juice and water available to purchase. We also have a fill up station for your water.
- For clothing, we're pretty casual :) we recommend that you wear well-fitting clothes that you can move comfortably in. Long stretchy pants and a tank top, t-shirt or sports bra are what most people find work the best for them. Shorts are great too, but not recommended for Flow classes (because sweaty legs can make arm balances harder than they already are!)
What else do I need to know?
- At Bliss, we ask that all students be on time for their classes. During the day, the teacher of the class is also the person who welcomes you at the front desk, so we cannot accept any late entries as we lock our doors before we start the class. At night, we can be a little more flexible, but we are not be able to admit students late to yoga classes. If you do think you'll be late, email us or message us on Instagram and we'll try our best to work you into the class.
- During yoga, we ask that our students keep their silence before and after class as other students will be using the space for silence and quiet contemplation. Before other class styles (BlissBarre, Hot Pilates) you are welcome and encouraged to chat with the other members of your community! For all classes, once it has started please keep your questions and comments til the end.
- Please make sure your cell phone ringer is turned off during all class types and that you avoid looking at it during practice. We recommend leaving it in one of our complementary lockers, or in your bag. Same goes for smart watches. We love disconnecting from the outside world for an hour or so and we know you will too. Also, please don't photograph anyone at the studio without their permission.
- We are equipped with parking, washrooms, a water fill up station, complementary lockers, yoga mats, bolsters, blocks, straps, weights, bands, a hot studio and a non-heated studio but we do not have showers on-site. In fact, we're big fans of dry shampoo.
- Sign up to class ahead of time to reserve your spot and keep yourself accountable. If you don't think you'll make it to class, please sign out of the class to open the spot up for someone new and to let your teacher know not to expect you. Our teachers love looking ahead to see who will be in their classes! Right now we don't have late cancellation fees, and everyone wants to keep it that way ;)
- Lastly, be respectful and have fun. Life is a struggle for all of us sometimes, and we like our little corner of the world to be a little bit easier and a little bit softer. You can help us cultivate that energy by being kind to each other, helping new students, and approaching your practice without self-judgement or competitiveness.
Can't wait to meet you on the mat!
Jade (the owner)