What if I have never done Yoga before?

 

You are not alone if you feel nervous about joining a Yoga class for the first time. The beauty of yoga is that everyone can work to their own level and progress in different ways. Remember Yoga is all about how you feel, and not about how you look. I have created a non-judgemental space for you to come and feel at home in. You can be reassured that other Yogis in the class are so focused on themselves and their practice that they certainly won’t be looking at you. I suggest looking at the schedule page and choosing any Hatha Yoga class. These classes are multi-level being ideal for beginners. If you still feel nervous then book a private lesson. This is a really good way to build the foundation for your practice helping you feel more confident when you do join a class.

 

What do I bring to a yoga class?

 

We provide a limited amount of yoga mats but feel free to bring your own if you have one. I recommend you bring a towel or sarong-type material to lay over the mat for greater comfort. Bring a bottle of water, some regular students and those doing Power or De-tox classes may find it helpful to bring an energy drink to sustain their practice. Drinks such as coconut water or botanic water are recommended. Avoid drinks like Red Bull and Lucozade which contain lots of sugar & caffeine, or protein shakes which are full of chemical additives.

 

What do I bring to a meditation class?

 

Bring a comfortable cushion, yoga mat or meditation cushion to sit on. Wear comfortable clothing, and no shoes are required during meditation practice. If you are not able to sit during meditation and prefer lying down, bring a cushion to support your head and another cushion or yoga mat to support your knees.

 

What should I wear to yoga class?

 

Comfortable clothing will enhance enjoyment of your class, so this is a very personal decision. Some prefer close-fitting sports/exercise gear, others are happy in cotton loose-fitting leggings and a T-shirt. Make sure your top is not so baggy that it falls disconcertingly over your head when you are doing inverted postures! It is recommended for long hair to be tied back.

 

What should I eat before class?

 

This varies according to your metabolism. It is recommended that you have a light meal about 2 hours before class. For an early morning class, fresh fruit and cereal may work for you. It is not advisable to practice on an empty stomach unless you have specific reasons and have discussed this in advance with the teacher. Conversely, eating too rich a meal too soon before class may cause you to feel discomfort.

 

I’ve got a medical condition – will yoga be OK for me?

 

We would advise talking to your doctor/consultant first, but generally most conditions will benefit from regular yoga. Do discuss this with the teacher in advance of class so that modifications can be given for the more challenging positions. Many find that with regular practice they experience fewer illnesses and recover much more quickly from them. Remarkable improvements as a result of regular yoga practice are constantly being scientifically proven, so give yoga a go!

 

How do I choose a yoga class/style that suits me?

 

Look at the ‘class description’ section to see the descriptions for each class. Our energy levels vary from day to day which means sometimes you are up for a vigorous, challenging practice, and sometimes you need to take it easy and just restore and relax. That is why I offer variety that we do, so you can practice everyday according to what your body needs.

 

How often should I do Yoga?

 

You should try and practice everyday! Talk to the teacher to devise a personal weekly programme which best suits your objectives. Realising we all have busy lives to lead, getting to your practice 3-4 times a week will have you experiencing the changes in your body and your mind that you are looking for. Consistent practice is the key to unlocking the magic of Yoga. If you can only manage once a week, that’s fine too, the effects will be more gradual and subtle but still worthwhile. You may find you can fit in extra classes from time to time which willl enable you to take your practice to a higher level more quickly.

 

Please Note: Remember to drink lots of water before, during and after class to ensure you are well hydrated throughout, this promotes healthy and a more comfortable toxin release. You may find your appetite temporarily disappears after class – try eating some fruit first and then a light meal from unprocessed ingredients – your body will be primed to absorb all the available nutrients in the food to maintain the enhanced sense of well-being.