FAQs

Why practice yoga?

A regular yoga practice increases concentration, boosts energy levels, and helps to reduce stress. Anything that can help to reduce stress is encouraged in our modern age, given too much stress can cause havoc, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Yoga teaches present-moment awareness, and inspires an honest respect for the body and what it can do, which may challenge preconceptions and/or open the mind to new possibilities. The path of yoga is a journey towards open-heartedness and greater mental clarity, to help us align with the transcendental self, the atma or the divine, which is the ultimate reality. The underlying principles of yoga – the union of body, mind and spirit to create freedom, compassion and harmony – create the basis for the modern yoga practice.

As a purely physical practice, yoga helps students to develop strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Ultimately, however, yoga is an ancient practice that delves into the philosophical and the spiritual, as well as the physical.

I am a beginner which class should I go to?

You are welcome to attend most of the classes, – read the class descriptions to see which style of Yoga you’d like to try. Students of all levels are catered for in all our classes. Yoga is non competitive and in every class you will be offered different modifications and variations of the postures so can find find out what works for you. We also run regular beginners courses which focus on an introduction to the fundamentals of yoga- sign up for our newsletter to be informed of our next start date.

Do I need to book for class?

If you can book in online it guarantees you a place in class – class capacity is limited to 20 students

What facilities do you have at your studio?

We have toilets but no showers. Mats, blocks and bolsters are currently available,

Can I come to class if I am pregnant?

Yes, all of our instructors are trained to help you modify the practice for your changing body- however if you have never practiced yoga before and you are pregnant please contact Amelia 0428071379 to discuss the suitability of the classes for you.

What should I wear?

It’s a good idea to wear fitted, comfortable clothes that stretch and breathe with your body, to allow you the greatest range of movement. Fitted, comfortable clothes will also enable your teacher to see how your body moves.

We practise yoga with bare feet so please arrive with clean feet and leave your shoes at the studio entrance. Please wear deodorant

Note: For women, flared or loose clothes may seem comfortable, but don’t allow the teacher or you to clearly see how your body is positioned. It’s better to wear yoga tights that come in around the ankle. For men, a singlet is better than a T-shirt to give your shoulders and arms the greatest range of movement, and bike pants, or shorts or pants with stretch, are preferable to board shorts or jeans. Ultimately its important you feel comfortable and can breath and move easily in your chosen clothing.

What should I bring to my first class?

A yoga mat, if you have one. Also bring a towel if you sweat a lot.

What should I do when I arrive to class?

To make sure you get the most out of your first yoga class, we suggest you arrive 10-15 minutes before the class starts. When you arrive, come and say hello to the teacher, and let them know if you have any injuries or pre-existing medical conditions such as epilepsy, hypertension, low blood pressure, heart issues or diabetes. (It’s important to always let your teachers know this at the start of every class.)

After you have signed in, turn off your mobile phone, put your belongings away and grab any equipment (mat, blanket, bolster) you may need for the class.

If you can’t find a spot your teacher will make one for you.
Before class begins you can either lie down in supta baddha konasana (on your back with your feet together and your knees out to the side) or simply cross your legs and stretch forward. (Or have a chat with your fellow yogis!)

Remember, try not to eat two hours before class. It’s also a good idea not to drink while you do yoga as it can make you feel nauseous. Make sure you come to class well hydrated, but don’t drink excessive amounts of water before class either.

While you practice, always remember to work within your limits and rest whenever you need. If you need to rest or feel very hot, put yourself in balasana or child’s pose, which is a simple forward bend with your knees tucked up to your chest and your arms either stretched out before you or by your side. It’s important to always respect your body while you practice.

Can I leave class early?

We encourage all students to stay until the class is finished, so you can experience the full effects of your yoga practice. Savasana (the relaxation pose at the end of the class) is as important as any of the other poses in the class. It helps you to leave feeling integrated and ready for the rest of your day.

However, if it is imperative you leave a class a few minutes early, please let the teacher know at the start of the class (as you log in). They will advise you of a good time during the class to leave that is least disruptive to the class and most safe for you to end your practice.

Will my teacher adjust or correct my postures? Will my teacher offer hands on assists?

Yes – in the first few classes you attend, the teacher will observe how you respond to the instructions and keep an eye on you. If you are doing anything really dangerous, they will come and correct you.

As we become more familiar with your body and how you respond to instructions, we will begin to gently adjust postural alignment, to help you understand what the verbal instructions mean and where to position your body.

If you do not wish to be corrected or touched for any reason at all, simply let the teacher know before your class. This is particularly important if you have any injuries or conditions that would make it inappropriate for a teacher to adjust you.

Learning yoga is like learning a new language – don’t expect to master it all at once! If you learn or understand one new thing per class, that’s fantastic. Before you know it, you will be flowing through the practice with ease and grace.

Our teachers will do their best to ensure you practise safely and feel comfortable.

What should I do after class?

Pack up all your equipment neatly as you found it, ready for other students to use, drink some water and perhaps have a chat with your fellow students. You can also let the teacher know how you found the class, especially if you don’t feel right as a result of anything that you did in the class. Please leave quietly, in respect to our neighbours.

After class is not the time to do extra stretches or play around. Your practice is complete and it’s good to feel the effect of it. Also, your body will be relaxed and mobile; if you start to play around, you may injure yourself.

How often should I practice Yoga?

If you want to see real change then, like anything, you need to commit to a regular practice. We recommend a minimum of two to three times per week. The more committed students practice five to six times per week.

However, we do advise you to pick classes that are easy for you to get to and fit in with your schedule. Don’t create stress to get to yoga! If you can only make it once or twice a week, then that’s fantastic.

How many people will be in class?

Class numbers vary from class to class and also depend on the time of day. If you’re after a smaller class size, contact Amelia 0428071379 for more information on the best class to attend.

However, don’t let class size intimidate you. The energy of a big group can be quite powerful and great inspiration towards further yoga immersion. It’s also a great opportunity to practice pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), to connect more deeply with yourself. Part of your yoga journey is to further develop compassion for yourself and others, and so be more mindful of yourself in relation to others.

To practice yoga effectively, the only amount of space you really need is what your mat provides.

We also offer private consultations for those who are not ready to attend a group class

Can I bring children to class

We do not have a childcare facility but children 12 years or over may attend classes with a parent or guardian. If you are 16 years or over, you are welcome to attend without a parent or guardian