Welcome to Ara Studio and Fitness. Below is your compass for navigating expectations as a new member or for anyone joining a new class at our studio. Get ready to embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and evolve both mentally and physically.
FOR NEW MEMBERS
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST CLASS?
We highly recommend watching the below videos before attending your first class in our programs at Ara Studio and Fitness.
Jiu Jitsu: What Does a BJJ Beginner Class Look Like? How do you Start BJJ?
Kickboxing/Box+Burn: 6 Basic Punches In Boxing l Numbers Explained
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Come to Ara Studio and Fitness 5-10 minutes before your class starts. Sign in using the iPad at the front desk when you arrive. Note: If there are no classes scheduled before the class you're attending, then the doors will not open until 5 minutes before class starts.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Kickboxing/Fitness: Comfortable exercise clothes that you can easily move around in and are comfortable throwing kicks in. Avoid clothing with large pockets or zippers.
No Gi BJJ: Tight fitting exercise clothes with no pockets or zippers.
Jiu Jitsu*: We will have a uniform for you to borrow for class, you can wear shorts and a t-shirt underneath.
*Please note, your own uniform/equipment is required after a trial period has concluded.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
Footwear: No shoes are permitted on the mat space. We suggest bringing some clean sandals or slip-on shoes for time off the mat.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
Protective Hand Wraps: These are not required for your first class but are strongly recommended and are required after a trial period. Protective hand wraps are available for purchase in the studio. Here’s a video on how to properly use protective hand wraps: Hand Wrap Tutorial.
Boxing Gloves: These are provided in studio, members must purchase their own gloves after a trial period and own shin guards/mouth guard to participate in Intermediate classes
Yoga Mat: For a fitness/yoga class, you may prefer to bring your own yoga mat to put on top of the existing mats.
We highly recommend watching the below videos before attending your first class in our programs at Ara Studio and Fitness.
Jiu Jitsu: What Does a BJJ Beginner Class Look Like? How do you Start BJJ?
Kickboxing/Box+Burn: 6 Basic Punches In Boxing l Numbers Explained
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Come to Ara Studio and Fitness 5-10 minutes before your class starts. Sign in using the iPad at the front desk when you arrive. Note: If there are no classes scheduled before the class you're attending, then the doors will not open until 5 minutes before class starts.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Kickboxing/Fitness: Comfortable exercise clothes that you can easily move around in and are comfortable throwing kicks in. Avoid clothing with large pockets or zippers.
No Gi BJJ: Tight fitting exercise clothes with no pockets or zippers.
Jiu Jitsu*: We will have a uniform for you to borrow for class, you can wear shorts and a t-shirt underneath.
*Please note, your own uniform/equipment is required after a trial period has concluded.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
Footwear: No shoes are permitted on the mat space. We suggest bringing some clean sandals or slip-on shoes for time off the mat.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
Protective Hand Wraps: These are not required for your first class but are strongly recommended and are required after a trial period. Protective hand wraps are available for purchase in the studio. Here’s a video on how to properly use protective hand wraps: Hand Wrap Tutorial.
Boxing Gloves: These are provided in studio, members must purchase their own gloves after a trial period and own shin guards/mouth guard to participate in Intermediate classes
Yoga Mat: For a fitness/yoga class, you may prefer to bring your own yoga mat to put on top of the existing mats.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CLASS SHOULD I JOIN?
Beginners are welcome to join any fitness class (Box+Burn, Yoga, Pilates, etc.) or any Beginner Jiu Jitsu or Kickboxing class. Participants are eligible to attend Intermediate classes after attending 30 Beginner classes.
WHERE DO I CHANGE/STORE BELONGINGS?
There are change rooms located in the back of the facility. You are welcome to store your belongings in one of the lockers located outside of the white mat space. Please note that you need to bring your own lock to secure your belongings.
WHERE IS MY CLASS LOCATED?
In general, Kickboxing classes and Box+Burn classes are held on the white mat space in the back of the studio. Most additional fitness/yoga classes and jiu jitsu classes are held on the black/grey mats in front of the studio.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A CLASS?
Beginner Kickboxing classes are generally divided into warm-up, technique/drilling, and pad work.
Beginner Jiu Jitsu classes are generally divided into warm-up, technical instruction, and positional sparring.
Box+Burn classes begin with a warm-up song, then practicing single strikes to the beat of the music, then a combination of synchronized combos on the heavy bag and solo conditioning exercises, finishing with a cardio push.
Shape+Burn/Pilates classes work through a series of solo exercises to strengthen the entire body.
Flex+Fold/Yoga classes walk you through a series of stretches and movements designed to increase flexibility, circulation and functional strength.
WHAT IF I CAN’T DO WHAT THE INSTRUCTOR ASKS?
At Ara Studio and Fitness you are never forced to do anything you cannot do or choose not to do. Please inform your instructor who may suggest an alternate exercise or rest until the class moves on to the next movement.
SHOULD I STRETCH?
While we do try to incorporate stretching into regular martial arts and fitness classes the primary focus of class time is technique and conditioning. We suggest everyone stretch on their own prior to and after their classes.
WHAT DIFFICULTY LEVEL ARE CLASSES?
Classes may range from easy to hard, both physically and mentally. The level of difficulty of our classes also depends on the level of effort of the participant. If you give 100% effort during all parts of the class, it will be a hard class. However, if you give only 50% effort, then a class can be quite easy. It is reasonable to expect an easier effort level class that is focused on active recovery during both Flex+Fold and Restorative Slow Flow Yoga. The physical difficulty level with Jiu Jitsu will likely increase as you progress since you are trusted to participate in more open-ended sparring sessions.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Have fun! If you have any questions, concerns, or preferences please let our staff know and we will gladly try to accommodate you in the best way possible.
Beginners are welcome to join any fitness class (Box+Burn, Yoga, Pilates, etc.) or any Beginner Jiu Jitsu or Kickboxing class. Participants are eligible to attend Intermediate classes after attending 30 Beginner classes.
WHERE DO I CHANGE/STORE BELONGINGS?
There are change rooms located in the back of the facility. You are welcome to store your belongings in one of the lockers located outside of the white mat space. Please note that you need to bring your own lock to secure your belongings.
WHERE IS MY CLASS LOCATED?
In general, Kickboxing classes and Box+Burn classes are held on the white mat space in the back of the studio. Most additional fitness/yoga classes and jiu jitsu classes are held on the black/grey mats in front of the studio.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A CLASS?
Beginner Kickboxing classes are generally divided into warm-up, technique/drilling, and pad work.
Beginner Jiu Jitsu classes are generally divided into warm-up, technical instruction, and positional sparring.
Box+Burn classes begin with a warm-up song, then practicing single strikes to the beat of the music, then a combination of synchronized combos on the heavy bag and solo conditioning exercises, finishing with a cardio push.
Shape+Burn/Pilates classes work through a series of solo exercises to strengthen the entire body.
Flex+Fold/Yoga classes walk you through a series of stretches and movements designed to increase flexibility, circulation and functional strength.
WHAT IF I CAN’T DO WHAT THE INSTRUCTOR ASKS?
At Ara Studio and Fitness you are never forced to do anything you cannot do or choose not to do. Please inform your instructor who may suggest an alternate exercise or rest until the class moves on to the next movement.
SHOULD I STRETCH?
While we do try to incorporate stretching into regular martial arts and fitness classes the primary focus of class time is technique and conditioning. We suggest everyone stretch on their own prior to and after their classes.
WHAT DIFFICULTY LEVEL ARE CLASSES?
Classes may range from easy to hard, both physically and mentally. The level of difficulty of our classes also depends on the level of effort of the participant. If you give 100% effort during all parts of the class, it will be a hard class. However, if you give only 50% effort, then a class can be quite easy. It is reasonable to expect an easier effort level class that is focused on active recovery during both Flex+Fold and Restorative Slow Flow Yoga. The physical difficulty level with Jiu Jitsu will likely increase as you progress since you are trusted to participate in more open-ended sparring sessions.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Have fun! If you have any questions, concerns, or preferences please let our staff know and we will gladly try to accommodate you in the best way possible.
