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Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never been to yoga before, can I join the class at any stage?

Yes, all my classes are drop in classes, and I provide you all with modifications to suit your own ability. Please check to classes page for all the term dates.

What do I need to wear?

Loose clothing, tracksuit trousers, and leggings are good. Try not to wear anything with buckles, zips, buttons or belts? Please ensure you have some warm clothes for the end of the session, so you are warm enough for relaxation.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a yoga mat (not a camping, or exercise mat), a blanket to keep warm during relaxation and water, if you think you will need it.

Yoga is performed barefoot or yoga sox, so there is no need to go out an buy new trainers, or foot wear.

If this is your first session, please don’t feel you have go out and buy new equipment, I carry plenty of spare equipment every week, you can borrow these until you feel ready to commit.

I have an existing injury can I join the class?

I have never yet to turn anyone away form my class for any existing injury, but PLEASE contact me in advance to discuss the matter.

At a minimum you need to be able to get up and down to the floor unaided.

If you are pregnant please call first.

I’m not flexible, I might not be able to do all the postures, is that ok?

You need yoga more than those super flexible people! All yoga is personal, just because your neighbour can touch their feet, does not mean you are not doing it right. We are all different. Some people are born with long ligaments, some are less flexible than others due to past injuries, habitual behaviors, or genetic make up! Enjoy the session, be yourself, remember it’s not a competition.

Remember:

Never work beyond your own pain threshold. Remember it’s a gentle ‘Oooo’ and not an ‘Ow!’

Trying to reach the perfect posture is not what yoga is about; please do not try to end gain.

What happens in a class?

Each class is a 90 minute session, and may include all or most of the following:

The first 60 minutes start with centering or focusing, followed by ‘warm up postures (asana)’, moving to the main sequence or specific asana. We will work on strength, flexibility, and focus, and complete the physical session with ‘cool down’. The final 30 minutes are spent working on the breath (pranayama), relaxation (svasana) and finally meditation or reflection.

Each week is different, but most terms have a theme, which can be physical or spiritual.

Can I eat before class?

Try not to eat for an hour and a half before you attend the class. If you must, then ensure it is a light snack.

Is yoga religious?

Yoga is an ancient practice originating in India some 2500 years ago. The yoga I teach is not aligned with any religion, I welcome all faiths. All you need is a flexible mind to allow yourself to enjoy the postures!

Additional Information

Postures have Sanskrit names; this is an ancient Hindu language. The Sanskrit name for postures is ‘Asana’. I will inter-change between both Sanskrit and English throughout the class.