The Class

Classes vary. Most are for mixed ability, suitable for novices and improvers and all are welcome. Some classes are specifically for beginners and some specifically for improvers (assuming at least 12 months consistent practice with a teacher).

What to expect:

There will be some movements either sitting, kneeling, or lying on a mat and some standing. Some postures are 'passive' i.e. quiet and relaxing, and others are more 'dynamic' and will get the blood moving a bit more. We begin gently before moving into the more dynamic work, then easing off and warming down before coming for relaxation for the last 5- 10 minutes.

I adapt the postures for people so that people can best work at their own pace and within their own capabilities. There is usually no chanting. I teach inversions (e.g. headstand, handstand and shoulderstand) only to more experienced students.

Please do not eat for 2 hours beforehand, and avoid heavy meals for up to 4 hours before a class. (If you're struggling, something light like a banana or piece of toast will be ok if you really can't wait!)

Aches and Pains: It is normal to ‘feel’ the work that you have done over the next day or so. You will be exploring parts of the body that perhaps have not been active for a while. Whilst you can expect to feel, maybe, some level of sensations or discomfort, either during or after the session, you should not extend this to pain. If you feel pain, stop immediately.

Your own pace: Yoga is not competitive. Yoga is about listening to your own body and extending your own capacity, freedom and ease at that point in time. It is important to listen to your body and be aware of your current limits and trust that with practice, progress will come. Flexibility and energy levels can also depend on how warm you are, the time of the month and time of year.

There will be some things that you will be able to do reasonably easily almost straight away and other things that take longer to come; this is normal. You may well feel benefits during or after your first session. It is also normal to start feeling your body changing over the first 3-4 weeks - 2/3 months whilst other things will take longer. 

What to wear: It’s best to wear something comfortable and flexible. Practice is generally done barefoot. Most people choose to wear tracksuit bottoms/leggings and a t-shirt or sports top. You may also want to bring something warmer to put over the top during relaxation.

Pregnancy, medical conditions, recent surgery and injuries:

Please let me know if you are pregnant, or have any medical conditions, injuries or recent surgery that may affect your practice.