Yoga Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of yoga do you teach?
We teach an eclectic style of yoga, which means we draw from many different styles and traditions of yoga to find the best way to teach you. Some people prefer the accurate and precise style of Iyengar yoga, others prefer the flowing sequences of Desikachar. Many people like the gentle methods commonly referred to as Hatha Yoga, which include a guided relaxation. We talk with you about your needs and the kind of yoga practice you want, and guide you to the best way to achieve your goals. |
Do you have a beginner’s class?
We found that beginner’s classes don’t address the individual needs of each student. So instead, we teach each student in the class at the level they are at. Many of the people who come to our classes started here as beginners. In your first few weeks, we show you how to stretch, how to breathe, and how to relax. We reinforce the yoga principle of "ahimsa", or non harming, so your practice is enjoyable and helpful.
How many classes should I come to each week?
We suggest you start with one class a week, and try to practice as often as you can at home, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Some students find a home practice difficult (or even impossible) due to children and other responsibilities, so they choose to come to 2 or 3 classes a week.
Do I need to be flexible to come to yoga?
No! You come to yoga in order to develop flexibility. Many of the skills you will learn at yoga help you to soften, relax and become more flexible in body and mind.
Will I have to do headstands or upside down poses?
In our classes, you will never have to do any pose if it doesn’t feel right for you. Generally in class, students are given a choice – they may choose to do a stronger pose (stretch) or a gentler one. And if at any time a stretch is too difficult for you, or causes you any discomfort, we encourage you to stop. The teacher will then assist you to either do the stretch in a better way, or give you a different stretch that suits your body more.
We found that beginner’s classes don’t address the individual needs of each student. So instead, we teach each student in the class at the level they are at. Many of the people who come to our classes started here as beginners. In your first few weeks, we show you how to stretch, how to breathe, and how to relax. We reinforce the yoga principle of "ahimsa", or non harming, so your practice is enjoyable and helpful.
How many classes should I come to each week?
We suggest you start with one class a week, and try to practice as often as you can at home, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Some students find a home practice difficult (or even impossible) due to children and other responsibilities, so they choose to come to 2 or 3 classes a week.
Do I need to be flexible to come to yoga?
No! You come to yoga in order to develop flexibility. Many of the skills you will learn at yoga help you to soften, relax and become more flexible in body and mind.
Will I have to do headstands or upside down poses?
In our classes, you will never have to do any pose if it doesn’t feel right for you. Generally in class, students are given a choice – they may choose to do a stronger pose (stretch) or a gentler one. And if at any time a stretch is too difficult for you, or causes you any discomfort, we encourage you to stop. The teacher will then assist you to either do the stretch in a better way, or give you a different stretch that suits your body more.
Do I need to bring my own mat?
If you have a yoga mat you love, please feel free to bring it along. Otherwise we supply all equipment including yoga mats.
What clothes do I wear to a yoga class?
Wear something comfortable and stretchy, especially around the hips and shoulders. Remember you may heat up in the active part of the class, and cool down in the relaxation. So in Winter, its best to wear a warm jumper you can take on and off as you need to, and a pair of warm socks. In Summer you may like to bring a small towel if you overheat and sweat a lot.
Do I wear shoes in a yoga class?
No, yoga is done in bare feet. We need to feel the soles of the feet and the toes in many yoga poses, as they are the basis of good posture and balance.
Should I eat before coming to class?
It’s best to not eat for at least an hour before class, as you may experience discomfort with food on your stomach. If you are diabetic or need to eat frequently, then a small amount of food may be necessary. In these cases, it’s best not to do any upside down poses, or stretches which compress the stomach.
Can I do yoga if I am sick?
There are yoga practices which are ideal for recuperating from illness, and which will help your recovery. Just let your teacher know when you arrive. However, if you believe you are infectious, for example you are coughing or sneezing frequently, or you have a fever, it may be best to do your yoga practice at home.
If you have a yoga mat you love, please feel free to bring it along. Otherwise we supply all equipment including yoga mats.
What clothes do I wear to a yoga class?
Wear something comfortable and stretchy, especially around the hips and shoulders. Remember you may heat up in the active part of the class, and cool down in the relaxation. So in Winter, its best to wear a warm jumper you can take on and off as you need to, and a pair of warm socks. In Summer you may like to bring a small towel if you overheat and sweat a lot.
Do I wear shoes in a yoga class?
No, yoga is done in bare feet. We need to feel the soles of the feet and the toes in many yoga poses, as they are the basis of good posture and balance.
Should I eat before coming to class?
It’s best to not eat for at least an hour before class, as you may experience discomfort with food on your stomach. If you are diabetic or need to eat frequently, then a small amount of food may be necessary. In these cases, it’s best not to do any upside down poses, or stretches which compress the stomach.
Can I do yoga if I am sick?
There are yoga practices which are ideal for recuperating from illness, and which will help your recovery. Just let your teacher know when you arrive. However, if you believe you are infectious, for example you are coughing or sneezing frequently, or you have a fever, it may be best to do your yoga practice at home.
Can I do yoga if I have an injury?
There are 2 stages of injury. In the acute stage, when there may be swelling and strong pain, it’s generally better to rest. After this, yoga can help you recover from your injury. Always, your yoga practice should be comfortable and not cause pain, so your practice when injured would reflect this.
Can I do yoga if I am pregnant?
Many women find their yoga practice invaluable when they are pregnant. As well as helping you stay flexible, and prepare for the birth, you may experience back discomfort which you can ameliorate with your yoga stretches. Breathing and relaxation is also an important practice for both mother and baby.
Can I do yoga if I am old?
Many people start yoga in their later years, and find it helps them feel younger! Stiff muscles often respond well to gentle stretching, and many poses develop strength that is vital to keep as we age.
Can my teenage son or daughter come to the same yoga class as me?
Sharing a yoga class with their teenager is a positive experience for many of our yoga students. Being different ages with different needs presents no problem, as you will both do the practice that most suits your needs.
Is yoga good for fitness?
Your yoga practice can be individualised to be a strength or cardio practice, to build physical fitness. Just as importantly, your yoga practice can contribute to your mental and emotional 'fitness'.
Do you teach meditation and mindfulness?
Many of the skills needed for meditation, such as concentration, breath awareness, and mindfulness, are part of the teaching in every yoga class.
There are 2 stages of injury. In the acute stage, when there may be swelling and strong pain, it’s generally better to rest. After this, yoga can help you recover from your injury. Always, your yoga practice should be comfortable and not cause pain, so your practice when injured would reflect this.
Can I do yoga if I am pregnant?
Many women find their yoga practice invaluable when they are pregnant. As well as helping you stay flexible, and prepare for the birth, you may experience back discomfort which you can ameliorate with your yoga stretches. Breathing and relaxation is also an important practice for both mother and baby.
Can I do yoga if I am old?
Many people start yoga in their later years, and find it helps them feel younger! Stiff muscles often respond well to gentle stretching, and many poses develop strength that is vital to keep as we age.
Can my teenage son or daughter come to the same yoga class as me?
Sharing a yoga class with their teenager is a positive experience for many of our yoga students. Being different ages with different needs presents no problem, as you will both do the practice that most suits your needs.
Is yoga good for fitness?
Your yoga practice can be individualised to be a strength or cardio practice, to build physical fitness. Just as importantly, your yoga practice can contribute to your mental and emotional 'fitness'.
Do you teach meditation and mindfulness?
Many of the skills needed for meditation, such as concentration, breath awareness, and mindfulness, are part of the teaching in every yoga class.
