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Empty Stomach

Yoga is practised on an empty stomach, so try not to eat for 2-3 hours before a class. this will make your practice more comfortable.

Clothing

It is best to practice yoga in bare feet, so please take off your shoes and socks. Our feet have tiny receptors on the bottom, so we can feel the earth beneath us. Practising in bare feet also helps our balance and provides a natural grip. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing, so that there are no restrictions around the limbs, joints, or waist and try not to wear a hood. A top with an elastic waistband is also a good idea so clothing doesn’t ride up, when you are upside down. Before commencing your practice please remove spectacles, watches or any jewellery.  Please wear layers, especially if you are practicing yoga outside or taking part in the more gentle classes to ensure that you remain warm and comfortable.

Equipment

The only things that you will need include: A bottle of water and a yoga mat and eye pillow; the latter if you like to use it in your relaxation; and you can think about buying blocks, belts, bricks, blankets, for your home practice.  You can borrow our blocks and belts in class.  In the more flowing and tougher classes and workshops you may also like to a towel.  In the gentle classes you may like to bring a blanket for warmth and comfort.  If you need some extra padding under knees, for example, try folding up a blanket and you can also make a bolster by rolling up a towel and blanket together to place under your knees in savasana when you relax.

Do please ask if you need to borrow anything so that we can make sure you have all you need.

Beginners

Tell the teacher if it’s your first class—you probably won’t be the only one. If you do have a pre-existing health problem or conditions, please tell your teacher as there are ways to adjust the postures to suit you.  Please listen to all instructions and be kind to yourself.

Early arrivals are fine

Please try to attend your class a few minutes early.  Being early is on time.  Consider being prompt as part of your practice. There is nothing worse than feeling stressed before you start.

Turn off your phone

Please turn off your phone so that you do not disturb your own practice.

Non-Competitiveness

Everyone learns at their own pace. And we are all made differently so some people are naturally more flexible, supple or stronger than others. Do your best, but let go of a competitive mindset.

Breathing

Always remember to breathe in and out of your nose unless asked to do otherwise; but if you have trouble doing this, breathe through your mouth.  Some classes will include different types of breathing/ pranayama techniques, so give them a go and please ask your teacher if you need more guidance.

Awareness

Throughout your yoga practice try and be aware of what you are doing. Try to concentrate on the sensations you feel in the body and on your breath.

Don’t pull or strain

Never force or strain. Relax briefly between each posture if you need to. If you feel pain or strain, stop. Listen to your body. As you do yoga more regularly, you may notice that you become increasingly supple and stronger.  Don’t think that you have to move to the deeper versions of postures given.  Stop at the level that suits you.

Injury or illness

If you have an injury / illness / medical condition, you should advise your teacher. If your medical condition changes then it is for you to let the teacher know of any changes or deterioration in your condition. If in doubt please also consult you GP / medical adviser.

If you feel unwell please rest and do not attend class.  It is a way of the body telling you to rest and be kind to yourself.

Menstruation

Some people advise that you don’t do inversions, for example: handstands, shoulder stands, headstands; and alternative positions will be provided in class.  Menstruation should not prevent you coming to class, unless you feel weak or unwell.

Pregnancy

Please tell your teacher if you suspect that, or if you are, pregnant.  If you find out you are pregnant then we strongly recommend that you rest until your first scan.   Your body may naturally tell you to rest in any event!  From around 13/14 weeks you can rejoin the class, which can be adjusted to suit you. However, it is important to check with your doctor or midwife that yoga is suitable for you, at each stage of your pregnancy.

Adjustment

When you return to the studio your teacher may adjust you into a more suitable position or apply pressure so you are pushed deeper into position. If you would prefer not to be adjusted please let your teacher know before the class starts.

Relaxation

The class will end with a relaxation session. This is an important part of the class and students are encouraged to stay for the duration of the lesson. Relaxation gives the body an opportunity to assimilate all of the benefits of the postures you have just done; and also counteracts stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Enjoy and try again

We hope you enjoy our classes and hope to see you again.  Do tell us if there is something that you particularly enjoyed or disliked!