Frequently asked questions ...

What should I wear?

Loose-fitting and comfortable clothes are best. Leggings, tracksuit bottoms or yoga pants, and T-shirt are a good combination.  Yoga involves both movement and relaxation. In colder months,  bring a jumper, fleece or cardigan for keeping warm during the meditation and relaxation poses at the end of the class. We practice our yoga barefoot, although socks are normally kept on for warm-up and relaxation.

What do I need to bring?

All equipment, including a mat, is provided.  You may wish to bring a bottle of water, and maybe a blanket for winter evenings.

Do I have to sign up for a whole term?

No, you can just turn up and pay on the evening.

I'm  a complete beginner.  What should I expect at my first class?

Our yoga classes are designed for all levels, including complete beginners.  Every stage will be carefully explained and demonstrated, and each person is encouraged and taught to work within their personal limits.

A yoga class begins with a guided stage for for winding down, relaxation, stretching; physically and mentally preparing for the day's practice. Following this, we will work through various asanas (poses), flows (sequences of movements) and breathing exercises, all at a gentle pace intended to quieten the mind and exercise the body. Every class will be different, and we will work on increasingly challenging asanas and flows as the term progresses.  At the end of the class, there is a guided relaxation or meditation, to integrate our physical practice with the mind and spirit.  During the classes we will also explore the concepts of yoga, and how yoga can transform our everyday lives.

I am recovering from an injury or illness.  Can I still do yoga?

Yes! Yoga is an ideal exercise for restoring the body to health.  We will work around any physical limitation that you may have.

What style of yoga do you teach?

We work with Hatha yoga, the original form of physical practice which coordinates movement with breath. This is widely regarded as the best type for beginners, and is the basis and starting-point for all other yoga traditions.

Is yoga a religion?

Yoga is a holistic practice which integrates mind, body and spirit.  It does not adhere to any particular religion or set of beliefs, but yoga students commonly experience a deeper connection with the world, and an increased spiritual awareness.

I've got a bad back.  Could yoga cure it?

Yoga involves gentle and progressive twists and stretches to the spine and back muscles. It is one of the most effective methods of addressing back and neck problems. Many students report an improvement in back and neck conditions after only a few classes.

How long does it take to master it?

There are so many elements to yoga, that it would take more than a lifetime to learn, let alone master, all of them.  We say that if you have achieved your wish for coming to the class, whether it is learning a new asana, reaching a state of calm, or simply enjoying yourself, you have mastered yoga in that moment.  Like playing a musical instrument, consistent practice is the key to success in yoga.

"If I’m losing balance in a pose, I stretch higher and God reaches down to steady me. It works every time, and not just in yoga."

Terri Guillemets, 2002