YogaSole Online Class FAQs

We are so happy to be able to practice with you and maintain our connection as a community by offering classes online! One of the most amazing lessons we have learned throughout this journey is that we can use technology to stay connected to our community and to each other, regardless of our physical location or even our time zone. It has been wonderful meeting new community members and saying hello online to those who have moved away from Brooklyn. 

We realize that there are many questions that have and will arise in our transition.
Here are some answers to common questions that have come up so far. ​

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Booking Classes

Do I have to register in advance?

• YES! The information for each class is a different link. In order for us to send it to you, you need to be registered for the class in advance. You can book classes on the Mindbody app or on our website, YogaSole.com

Can I join a class that is starting in 5 minutes?

• Enrollment for online classes will end 30 minutes before the scheduled class time so that we have time to communicate with attendees and to personally assist with any technical difficulties before class begins.

I registered for a class, how do I actually join?

• An email with the link to the class (as well as Zoom Meeting ID & Password) will be emailed between 60 - 90 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you do not see it, please check your spam folder. If you still do not see it, call Sunee at the studio phone number (718) 635-1958. Since class registration closes 30 minutes before class begins, if you register between 60 - 30 minutes before class begins we will send the information out 15 minutes before class starts. 
• For workshops and one time events, the link and class information will be on your electronic receipt. We will also email it to you 60 minutes before the session starts. 

I booked a class but now my boss called a meeting at the same time. Can I cancel?

• If you sign up for class and are not able to participate, you can cancel using the same method that you booked the class (via the Mindbody app or the YogaSole website). While you can reach out to us via phone, text, or email, it is the least effective way to cancel a class as we can not guarantee we will see and be able to respond to it as quickly. It is far better for you to cancel the reservation yourself. If you do not cancel the class in advance (15 mins prior to the start of class, we will mark you as a late cancel and will not be able to refund the price of that class. This is the same policy as for the in person classes. 

Is there a maximum number of students allowed in each class?

• Classes do have a maximum number of participants as determined by the instructor in cooperation with the studio. Once the maximum number of students is reached, registration will automatically close for that session. If someone cancels, the spot will open again. ​​
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I still have some classes that I purchased before social distancing measures started. Can I use those for online classes?

• Class series and studio memberships purchased previous to March 15, 2020  (the last day we held in-person classes) will be valid for online classes until their expiration date. In addition we have created special pricing for online classes that is available to purchase online through the app or our webstore. We are also selling gift certificates, which are a wonderful way to support the studio through these uncertain days. ​

Online Classes on the Zoom platform:

Do I need to do anything to take classes on Zoom and do I need a Zoom account?

• In order to participate in online classes, you will need to download the Zoom app to use your phone or tablet and possibly an extension for your laptop or desktop. For this reason, if you have not used Zoom before we recommend trying to connect to the class as soon as you are able so that you can check to see if you will encounter any obstacles. You do not need to sign up for a Zoom account to participate in our online classes,  however they have a free option available to everyone if you’d like to have your own account. 

I’m not tech savvy. Can I get some assistance?

• We are able to provide some personal assistance with technical challenges of getting onto Zoom so please reach out in advance if you think you will need some extra assistance. Zoom also has excellent video tutorials that you can accesshere. 

Why can’t anyone hear me when I’m talking in class?

• All participants will be muted on entry in the class. This is to minimize the background noise. You can unmute your mic in order to say hello and ask questions. 

Do I have to have my camera (video) on in class?

• You have the option to have your camera on or not. It’s nice to be able to see friendly faces and check in with people but if you'd rather just see and not be seen, that choice is yours. You can change that setting at any time during the session. 

Who is the host of the class (aka: Who is controlling my mute button?)

• We have a desk staff person in each virtual classroom in order to assist with attendance and any technical glitches that might occur. To help them, please make sure that your screen name that you choose states your first name or your initials so that they can take attendance. The teachers earn bonuses according to how many people are in the class so taking accurate attendance is very important. 

I keep hearing about Zoombombing. Is taking classes on Zoom safe?

• There have been many reports about the lack of security in Zoom interactions. To ensure YogaSole classes are not subject to any unwelcome visitors, we have taken specific security measures. ​

1.  All of our classes are password protected in Zoom. ​We send the link and password 60 minutes before class begins for everyone who is registered. Since class registration closes 30 minutes before class, we will send out a second email 20 minutes before class starts.
   
2. We will turn on the 'waiting room' function on Zoom. Once you click on the link, the virtual desk staff will let you into the class. To help them with both attendance and the waiting room, please change your screen name on your device to match the name you used to register for the class. ​
   
3. Once the class begins or when all of the registered attendees have signed on, we will lock the meeting. This function will not allow any new meeting attendees to enter the class. If for any reason you need to log back into the class you can send a text message or call the studio line at (718)635-1958 to gain access to the class.