General Studio Proceedures
In-Person Class Policies
Reservations: Some of our classes are regularly sold out, so reservations are strongly encouraged. Reserve through our Mindbody Online booking site or the download the app. Some classes do have space for dropping in (if it is sold out you could possibly snag a spot if someone doesn't show up) but to guarantee your spot please reserve in advance.
Late Arrivals: Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of your class. If you have reserved a spot for a sold-out class and you’re not here 5 minutes prior to class, your spot may be given away to someone on standby. Our doors are locked at the start of class so please arrive on time.
In-Person Class Cancellations (in-studio or outdoor): Please cancel your reservation 2 hours in advance if you cannot attend. This opens up a spot for someone else and ensures you will not be charged for the class. If you cancel less than 2hrs before class begins your account will be charged. Outdoor classes will automatically move inside when the weather is bad, and the same cancellation policy applies.
Waitlist: If a class is full, try for a spot via the Waitlist! If someone cancels, you’ll be notified via email and text message. Make sure you've enabled "Reminders and schedule changes" notifications in your account profile to ensure you receive this message, and let us know right away if you no longer want the spot.
In-Studio Etiquette
Before Class: Please arrive at the studio scent-free. Please refrain from wearing or applying any scented products. This is a health issue, not a preference -- several of our teachers and students have severe allergic reactions to scents.
Please put your phone on silent and refrain from making phone calls at the studio. We hope this break from technology helps you focus on being present with your practice and enjoying the space of the studio.
The Branches is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Bring valuables with you into the practice rooms.
Bring your own mat, or borrow one of ours. Please clean the mat after class with the provided mat spray and cloths. All other yoga props are provided, though you may bring your own if you wish.
During Class: Place an Adjustment Card at the front of your mat to indicate your preference for hands-on adjustments from the teacher.
If you are late to enter the practice studio, please wait until the centering/opening is over and the movement part of class has begun to enter the room. Please note our front doors are locked at the start of class.
We ask that students do not practice full Headstand or full Shoulderstand before, during or after public classes. We choose not to teach these poses (where weight is placed on the head and neck) due to safety concerns for the spine.
If you are pregnant, chat with the teacher before class so they can offer you modifications to help you have a comfortable and supportive practice.
Virtual Livestream Classes
Sign-up 30 minutes in advance. You'll receive a Zoom link 15 minutes before class starts.
Before and After Class: Please feel encouraged to turn your camera and mic on before and after class to chat with the teacher or other students.
During Class: You are welcome to keep your camera on if you wish, but be sure to mute your mic. If you have questions, save them for after class.
Virtual Cancellations: Please cancel your reservation 30 minutes before class. This will ensure your account will not be charged and you will not be sent the link for the class. If you cancel less than 30 minutes in advance your account will be charged for the class.
Parking at The Branches
We have 4 in-tandem spots in our driveway on the left side of the building. We strongly encourage yoga clients to utilize these spots for all our classes to minimize the parking load along Samuel St.
Parking is reserved for The Branches yoga students for all classes.
Pull up as far as you can (4 cars deep), nearly bumper to bumper.
Please vacate the parking spot within 5-10 minutes of class finishing.
Do not park in the driveway on the right side of the building.
Please remember we are in a residential neighbourhood and be considerate!
If you're able to arrive early for class, please look for parking on a side street so we don't overload Samuel St. (See map for suggestions).
According to city bylaw, do not park within 1.5 meters of a driveway.
Please check parking signs. Most side streets allow free 2-3 hour parking.
Do NOT park in the private parking lot across the street from The Branches.
Park in the driveway if you're able, and park as close to the curb as possible if you're parked on the the street.
When there is significant snowfall event (8 cm or more), check to see if the City of Kitchener has declared a "Snow Event." During a snow event, you cannot park on city streets - cars will be ticketed and towed to allow for snow removal. Notifications are posted on the City's Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as their website, and are in effect for 24hrs. You can also sign up for email alerts HERE.
If a Snow Event has been declared:
Please take public transportation, walk, or get dropped off for class if you are able.
Park in a nearby public parking lot - the nearest lot to us would be the Otto St. Lot across from Centre in the Square (about a 5 min walk).
Park in the driveway if other options aren't available to you - but be aware there are only 3-4 spots available.
Covid-19 Guidelines
Please refer to this page for all our COVID-19 policies and proceedures.
About Sliding Scale Pricing
Our Single Class Pass, Workshops and Courses are offered at three levels of sliding scale pricing: Standard, Community Supporter and Low Income/Subsidized Rates.
Take some time to reflect and read about sliding scale pricing here.