Jul 17, 2025
 in 
CLASSES & EVENTS

New to CPY students how to's and FAQ's

Welcome to College Park Yoga!

New students, please read the whole page. There are many reasons why CPY is reaching our 25th anniversary, and it's not just because we're lucky. :)

Tip 1: Before diving into our group classes, consider taking a private lesson or a yoga therapy session with Calvin or Theresa. It's a great way to get personalized guidance and ease into the practice!

Tip 2: Don't forget to check out our book about yoga and health! It's packed with insights and tips to enhance your practice and overall well-being. See our book

Tip 3: Here's another friendly nudge—while it may sound like a suggestion, we really encourage you to take a private session before joining us in class. Even if you've practiced yoga before, this step can make all the difference!

More Tips for Finding the Right Place to Practice

Are you new to yoga and searching for the perfect studio? Here are a few friendly tips to keep in mind:

When deciding where to practice, if you're drawn to amenities like a sauna, warm towel service, or childcare, you might be more inclined towards a gym or spa experience rather than a dedicated yoga studio like CPY.

If a studio boasts a wide array of yoga styles—from yin to hot—and seems eager to get you into a membership because of their extensive offerings, it's important to recognize that this is not how CPY operates.

Instead, consider this fundamental question about CPY: Why?

Why don't we have a plethora of teachers, countless classes each week, or a vast selection of offerings designed to attract new students? The answer lies in our commitment: CPY is focused solely on providing a meaningful yoga experience.

Since our founding in 2001, we have experienced unexpected growth, with classes sometimes reaching over 150 students. However, in 2018, we took a step back and reassessed our mission. We realized that many attendees were coming for the popularity of our studio rather than the deeper values that CPY embodies. This pivotal moment prompted us to refine our direction, emphasizing the true essence of our practice.

At CPY, our purpose is clear: to guide you into a yoga practice that is both beneficial and transformative. We prioritize quality over quantity and are not in the business of rushing people through their teacher training just for profit. You won't find quirky gimmicks like goats, cats, or beer in our classes, nor do we use flashy trends to get you moving. We believe in offering a straightforward and authentic yoga experience.

Our approach emphasizes individualized progression based on your current abilities and skills.

We offer essential tools for effective meditation, stress relief, and movements that help you feel youthful, agile, and pain-free.

We intentionally avoid labeling our classes as 'yin' because students who believe that is what they need often discover that they require proper alignment, controlled breathing, and mindful movement instead. Likewise, those seeking hot yoga may find more balance and peace through a more restorative practice.

At CPY, we strike a balance.

We're here to provide a yoga practice that is tailored to you. Whether you think you want a yin or hot practice, the foundation of what we offer is a solid yoga experience.

We do not offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Unlike mass yoga brands, we understand that a quality experience leaves a lasting impact, which is crucial in preventing new students from feeling indifferent about yoga.

If you genuinely engage with yoga, there's nothing "meh" about it. It's a rewarding journey, but it requires learning how to navigate that path effectively. That's where we come in. We take the time to train and educate you, focusing on your individual needs. While many studios cater to the masses, we prioritize crafting a personalized experience.

What we offer is one thing: YOGA.

It's for everyone—whether you're pregnant, dealing with injuries, managing stress and anxiety, facing fatigue and depression, experiencing menopause, or are a senior citizen. Our yoga practice is inclusive, with an approach that respects your unique needs.

Did someone send you to CPY? Take their advice, it came from experience!

If you've been referred by a CPY student, please let us know their name so we can thank them for spreading the word!

We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Indra, the Yoga Dog, is asleep in her favorite spot, right in front of the fireplace at College Park Yoga. She loved to hang out after hours and enjoy all the good vibes and scents that students left there.
You have to be in the warm and inviting space of College Park Yoga to feel it. Our students know the feeling of CPY; now you need to experience it, too. According to our students, it's like no other place on earth.
The BURN Kitchen Vegan Cuisine book signing was such a blast. You can get your copy at CPY or online at any of the major booksellers. It's a coffee table book with lots of pictures, and we like pictures.
CPY loves to honor the tradition and history of  Yoga. Come see our artwork, which includes some of the most revered goddesses of India.
Hello Panama Yoga Retreat!  Join CPY in paradise for a week of yoga, yoga, yoga, sea and sun!  All inclusive retreat, includes 3 healthy meals a day made by award winning chefs! Sign me up!!
College Park Yoga  is serious about yoga and tea.  This is how we like to sip tea. ;)
CPY fans love their yoga with us. There is so much love that they get manicures to match their CPY gear! Now that's some pure CPYLUV.
Calvin and Theresa, the LUV of CPY, also love all things classic, from classical yoga to classic scooters and music; CPY has two solid hearts that make CPY filled with love.