Below is a list of commonly asked questions. If you have any other questions, please contact me to get in touch.
What should I wear? Anything that allows you to move easily; people commonly wear leggings, jogging trousers or shorts. Avoid tops that are too loose as they tend to end up around your neck in upside down poses! Socks are not normally worn in a yoga class because they can make you slip (the exception is Yin Yoga, where socks are fine). If you don't like having bare feet, please wear specialist yoga socks that have sticky dots on the bottom.
Bring extra layers and socks for relaxation at the end of the class. Please wear more layers than usual for the Yin classes as we are not moving around to generate heat.
As a general rule, never wear outdoor shoes into a yoga classroom/studio. Avoid wearing strong scents as what you enjoy may not be to others' tastes.
What should I bring? COVID Update on 30/12/21: Props can be borrowed at Carmargue House and OrangeYoga. The Isbourne Centre does not provide any props or yoga mats.
It depends on where the class is:
What should I eat or drink? Avoid eating anything heavy for two to three hours before the class. You don't want to be distracted by a full tummy when twisting or turning upside down. If you need an energy boost half an hour before the class, then try a small yoghurt or piece of fruit. Avoid drinking a lot just before a class, but ensure you're generally well-hydrated. It is okay to take water into a class, but it is best to take small sips.
Who can do yoga? Anyone! Most injuries or other health concerns such as high blood pressure can be catered for, but please tell me before you start a class so I can give you any appropriate alternatives. In any class, please take personal responsibility for your practice and listen to your body, not doing anything that causes pain. Yoga is a physical activity and so if you have any concerns about starting, please contact your doctor to check yoga is appropriate. Please also inform me if you are pregnant.
I'm not flexible - can I do yoga? Yes! Many people think that they're not flexible enough for yoga, but that's a bit like thinking that you're too dirty to take a bath! One aim of yoga is to become stronger and more flexible over time, whilst deepening your understanding of your body.
How fit do you need to be? Yoga is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. However, some styles are more vigorous than others. Yin, Restorative and Hatha Yoga are at the gentle end of the spectrum. Dynamic, Flowing, Ashtanga, Core and Power Yoga are more vigorous and build a higher level of general fitness. You start from where you are and develop over time.
Can you do yoga if you have an injury? Most injuries or other health concerns such as high blood pressure can be catered for, but please tell me before you start a class so I can give you any appropriate alternatives. Yoga is a physical activity and so if you have any concerns, please contact your doctor to check that you are recovered enough to start exercising. In any class, please take personal responsibility for your practice and listen to your body, not doing anything which causes you pain.
Do I have to have done yoga before? No, all of my classes are suitable for all levels.
Is there anywhere to have a shower or get changed? DUE TO COVID PLEASE ARRIVE READY TO PRACTICE YOGA, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE AT THE VENUE.
At the venues I currently teach there are no dedicated changing rooms. You can change in the washroom for privacy. There are no showers.
What if I need to leave the class early? While I encourage all students to try to stay for the whole class, I understand that sometimes life gets in the way. If this is the case, please leave before the final relaxation, rather than disturbing other students part way through it.
Is yoga religious? To me, yoga is a mix of physical and mental exercise. The classes may involve meditation techniques such as mindfulness, but these are mental exercises without any religious content. I sometimes refer to historical texts such as the Yoga Sutras or Buddhist texts, but these are philosophical rather than religious. If there are ever any practices that you are not comfortable doing, then you can leave it out. Yoga doesn't require you to give up any religious beliefs you already hold.
Can I have my mobile with me? Mobiles can't be left on during a class. This is to give you a complete break from daily life, and out of respect for the other students. However, there are exceptional circumstances in which a phone on silent and next to you would be permitted - please don't allow your phone use to disturb others. You should aim that no-one else in the class is aware that it is there.
What should I wear? Anything that allows you to move easily; people commonly wear leggings, jogging trousers or shorts. Avoid tops that are too loose as they tend to end up around your neck in upside down poses! Socks are not normally worn in a yoga class because they can make you slip (the exception is Yin Yoga, where socks are fine). If you don't like having bare feet, please wear specialist yoga socks that have sticky dots on the bottom.
Bring extra layers and socks for relaxation at the end of the class. Please wear more layers than usual for the Yin classes as we are not moving around to generate heat.
As a general rule, never wear outdoor shoes into a yoga classroom/studio. Avoid wearing strong scents as what you enjoy may not be to others' tastes.
What should I bring? COVID Update on 30/12/21: Props can be borrowed at Carmargue House and OrangeYoga. The Isbourne Centre does not provide any props or yoga mats.
It depends on where the class is:
- For classes at Carmargue House there are mats, blankets, blocks, bricks, belts and bolsters available to borrow.
- At The Isbourne there are no props or mats provided. The Centre doesn't allow drinking glasses into the room, so bring a bottle for water.
- For classes at OrangeYoga there are mats, blankets, bricks, belts and bolsters available to borrow.
- For private lessons at a venue you provide, I have a small number of mats and bricks available to borrow. However, I would encourage you to make the small investment of your own mat. That way you can practice outside of the lesson time too!
What should I eat or drink? Avoid eating anything heavy for two to three hours before the class. You don't want to be distracted by a full tummy when twisting or turning upside down. If you need an energy boost half an hour before the class, then try a small yoghurt or piece of fruit. Avoid drinking a lot just before a class, but ensure you're generally well-hydrated. It is okay to take water into a class, but it is best to take small sips.
Who can do yoga? Anyone! Most injuries or other health concerns such as high blood pressure can be catered for, but please tell me before you start a class so I can give you any appropriate alternatives. In any class, please take personal responsibility for your practice and listen to your body, not doing anything that causes pain. Yoga is a physical activity and so if you have any concerns about starting, please contact your doctor to check yoga is appropriate. Please also inform me if you are pregnant.
I'm not flexible - can I do yoga? Yes! Many people think that they're not flexible enough for yoga, but that's a bit like thinking that you're too dirty to take a bath! One aim of yoga is to become stronger and more flexible over time, whilst deepening your understanding of your body.
How fit do you need to be? Yoga is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. However, some styles are more vigorous than others. Yin, Restorative and Hatha Yoga are at the gentle end of the spectrum. Dynamic, Flowing, Ashtanga, Core and Power Yoga are more vigorous and build a higher level of general fitness. You start from where you are and develop over time.
Can you do yoga if you have an injury? Most injuries or other health concerns such as high blood pressure can be catered for, but please tell me before you start a class so I can give you any appropriate alternatives. Yoga is a physical activity and so if you have any concerns, please contact your doctor to check that you are recovered enough to start exercising. In any class, please take personal responsibility for your practice and listen to your body, not doing anything which causes you pain.
Do I have to have done yoga before? No, all of my classes are suitable for all levels.
Is there anywhere to have a shower or get changed? DUE TO COVID PLEASE ARRIVE READY TO PRACTICE YOGA, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE AT THE VENUE.
At the venues I currently teach there are no dedicated changing rooms. You can change in the washroom for privacy. There are no showers.
What if I need to leave the class early? While I encourage all students to try to stay for the whole class, I understand that sometimes life gets in the way. If this is the case, please leave before the final relaxation, rather than disturbing other students part way through it.
Is yoga religious? To me, yoga is a mix of physical and mental exercise. The classes may involve meditation techniques such as mindfulness, but these are mental exercises without any religious content. I sometimes refer to historical texts such as the Yoga Sutras or Buddhist texts, but these are philosophical rather than religious. If there are ever any practices that you are not comfortable doing, then you can leave it out. Yoga doesn't require you to give up any religious beliefs you already hold.
Can I have my mobile with me? Mobiles can't be left on during a class. This is to give you a complete break from daily life, and out of respect for the other students. However, there are exceptional circumstances in which a phone on silent and next to you would be permitted - please don't allow your phone use to disturb others. You should aim that no-one else in the class is aware that it is there.