frequently asked questions - yoga and classes

If you have any questions not answered here, please do not hesitate to get in touch. No question is silly!

I'm not flexible - can I do yoga?
Yes! In fact you are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

I'm not fit - can I do yoga?
Yes, absolutely. There is no assumed level of fitness required for the yoga classes and workshops I teach. You could be a couch potato or an athlete, yoga can benefit everyone. Yoga can help you gain a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

What should I bring to class?
Just bring yourself, in appropriate clothing (see below), and maybe bring a small bottle of water.

What should I wear?
Some people wear baggy, loose fitting bottoms or shorts and a t shirt. Other people wear tight, stretchy leggings + tops. The only thing that matters is that you wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move and stretch in. It's good to have clothes that keep you cool when you are active in yoga, but to bring a jumper for relaxation, when the body rapidly cools down. Some people also bring socks and a jumper  (maybe even a small blanket) for the relaxation.

Do I need a yoga mat?
All the equipment, including mats, you need for class is provided.  If you prefer to bring your own yoga mat that's fine too. If you want to also practice at home then having your own mat is a great idea, they are available from lots of places and I also have ones you can buy like the ones we use in class.

When should I eat before a class?
When it comes to food and digestion, each individual is different and needs to find out what works for them. In general I do not recommend a eating a large meal within 2 hours of a class - if you must eat within 2 hours of a class then a light meal or snack that it easily digested is best. Its recommended to be hydrated before a class so drink some water.

What if I am late for a class?
Ideally, please arrive a few minutes before  the class starts. But things happen, and sometimes people are late, I totally understand. If you can let me know beforehand, but if not please still come to class, and just quietly enter the class so as not to disturb others. If you're pregnant or coming to a baby class, anytime you arrive is fine (even just for relaxation at the end!).

How do I pay for classes? 
To pay for classes please contact me, and you can make a direct transfer, pay with paypal or use a cheque or cash.

Why do I need to book a block of classes?
It takes a few classes to start to feel the benefits and make yoga part of your life. Classes are limited in space so it is necessary to book a place. If you miss a class you may be able to attend another one in the same block, or we may be able to carry it over to the next one. Contact me to discuss this.

What if I can't make a whole block of classes?
If you can't make a whole block of classes, or want to join mid way through a block, please contact me and we can arrange something I am sure.

Can I drop in to class?
If there is space in a class you may be able to drop in, but you would need to check beforehand to see if these is space. You can phone or email to check. Drop in classes are more expensive than booking a block of classes.

What type of yoga do you teach?
I teach Hatha yoga, which includes moving the body into different yoga postures (seated, standing and lying) to help improve the bodies strength, flexibility and balance, along with simple breathing exercises and relaxation to help calm the mind. I aim to make yoga relaxed, enjoyable and accessible to everyone, adapting the yoga practice to the individual's needs and ability. 

How is yoga different from stretching, or other kinds of fitness?
Unlike stretching or other fitness training, yoga is more than just physically working your body. Within the physical practice of yoga we connect the movement of the body to the rhythm of our breath, which helps to focus and relax the mind by directing our attention inward. Yoga can improve your bodies strength, flexibilty and balance, whilst also calming your mind and improving your posture and how you breath.

I'm not flexible - can I do yoga?
Yes! In fact you are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

What is yoga?
Yoga focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. It originated in India many hundreds of years ago, and has continually evolved towards the form that is popular throughout the world today. There are many different styles of yoga practices today. My approach although rooted in this amazing centuries old  tradition, is modern and straightforward in approach to make it accessible and welcoming to all.