Am I ready to come to a yoga class?
It can be really daunting starting yoga. Most people tend to have a preconceived opinion on what it will be like. You don’t have to be flexible, you don’t have to be strong and you don’t have to know any of the poses before you start!
Also there really is no need to compare yourselves to other students, wishing you could touch your toes like the person next to you! All that matters is your own practice, that you focus on where you are and accept what you’re able to achieve at this present time.
I’m not flexible, can I do yoga?
Yes, absolutely! Many people believe you need to be able to touch your toes before coming to a class. You’ll be surprised how quickly your body becomes more supple when you practise regularly. The main thing to remember is to focus on yourself, listen to your body and work within your own range.
Are the yoga classes only for women?
Not at all! My yoga classes are open to all, regardless of gender identity. I strive to create an inclusive and welcoming space that values and respects individuals, embracing their unique experiences.
I am completely new to yoga, which class do you recommend?
I recommend ‘Flow & Chill’. This is suitable for complete beginners and takes place on Tuesdays at Houlton School, 7.15pm-8.15pm. ‘Flow & Chill’ offers a balanced blend of flowing movements and relaxation techniques, allowing you to ease into the practice while finding moments of calm and tranquility.
What style of yoga will I be learning?
During my weekly classes, we practise Vinyasa Flow, a dynamic style of yoga where poses are carefully strung together to form a fluid sequence of movement.
I bring a contemporary and modern-day vibe to my classes, combining the essence of ancient yogic wisdom with present-day relevance. You can expect some thoughtfully-chosen, short quotations and you’ll hear some of the postures in the ancient yogic language of Sanskrit, along the way! Throughout our sessions, I aim to create a holistic experience that extends beyond the boundaries of the yoga mat.
What’s the difference between ‘Flow + Chill’ and ‘Dynamic Flow’?
Flow + Chill is suitable for beginners and those seeking to unwind and de-stress. Expect more cues on alignment, slower movements and deep stretches to melt away layers of tension from the day or from physical exertion.
Dynamic Flow is an intermediate level, heat-building class where you’ll be encouraged to explore your limits and challenge your practice as you build strength, flexibility and balance.
Read the full Class Descriptions.
What postures can I expect in the classes?
In ‘Flow + Chill,’ you’ll establish your yoga foundations, beginning with Downward Dog for strength and flexibility. Lunges and Warrior poses I, II and III enhance strength, balance, and flexibility, while postures like ‘Tree’ and ‘Single leg mountain’ improve balance and stability. The class includes gentle backbends, twists, and folds, which work wonders in releasing spinal tension.
In ‘Dynamic Flow,’ you’ll be introduced to a wider range of balancing postures, backbends, deep twists, and arm balances and binds (with variations and straps if needed). Additionally, this class includes more complex transitions between postures, adding a dynamic aspect to your practice. Keep in mind, the term ‘dynamic’ doesn’t necessarily mean faster; holding poses can be just as challenging.
Remember, there’s no hierarchy in yoga. Whether fine-tuning ‘wheel pose’ or sun salutations, dedication to form and breath is what really matters.
Should I eat before a yoga class?
Try not to eat at least an hour before class. Your body will want to focus on other things apart from digesting, plus it’s uncomfortable lying on your belly with a tummy full of food. If you’re hungry, have a light snack beforehand and plan a good meal after!
What time should I arrive for the yoga class?
Doors open 10 minutes before class. Arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in calmly and not disturb others. If it’s your first time coming, arrive 5-10 minutes early so we can have a quick chat.
What should I wear?
Wear comfy stretchy clothes that are not too loose! Layers are a good idea. Yoga is practised with bare feet. At the start of the class you might want to keep your socks on if it’s cold but you will need to take them off when we start. You can buy special grip yoga socks if you don’t like going barefoot.
For Yin classes, it’s a great idea to wear warm layers to stay cozy during longer holds.
What do I need to bring?
For all classes, bring your yoga mat and a water bottle. To boost your comfort and support, think about packing 2 yoga bricks and a block, especially for Flow + Chill and Yin. For added coziness in any class, you might like to bring along a blanket and an eye pillow!
To enhance your Yin experience, consider bringing a bolster or a large pillow.
Your comfort is my priority, and these can make your practice even more enjoyable.
What if I can’t do all the poses?
Yoga is non competitive and It’s totally normal not to do every pose in a yoga class. I give lots of options in class and you can always rest at any point.
Where should I place my belongings?
Place your bag and footwear at the back or side of the room. Instead of keeping your mobile by your mat, if possible keep it in your bag. Place your drinks bottle and any props to the side of the mat. For many people, their mat is a safe and clean space. Please respect this by not stepping on other people’s mats.
Do I need to fill in a Student Registration Health Form before coming to class?
Yes. If you are a new student who has not attended one of my classes before, or if your health or personal details have changed, you’ll need to fill in a registration & health form upon booking your class space.
What if I have a new injury?
Please let me know any new injuries or medical conditions before the day of class.
What if I’m running late?
If you find yourself behind schedule and the class has already started with a meditation or breathing exercise, I kindly ask that you respect the peaceful atmosphere by waiting outside the room until we begin our first posture.
Do I need to let you know if I can’t make a class?
There is no need to inform me if you can’t attend a class.
Can under 18s book onto classes?
I am not trained to teach children. I recommend attending a yoga class specifically for children. These classes are led by instructors who specialise in teaching yoga to younger individuals, providing an environment that caters to their unique needs and developmental stages.
What if I am or become pregnant during the block?
All sales are final. No class refunds, rollovers or transfers. My classes are not specifically designed to support you in pregnancy. I recommend attending a pre-natal yoga class tailored for pregnancy. Prenatal yoga classes provide specialised guidance and modifications to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and your baby throughout your pregnancy journey.
What if I can’t attend some of the classes in the block?
Life happens. Enjoy flexibility with my new pay-as-you-go option. Two drop-in spots are available per week at the Houlton venue. Please note that all sales are final. There are no refunds, transfers or rollovers.
When do classes take place?
Classes are held during term-time in blocks of 6 consecutive weeks. Some blocks may have 5 weeks due to school term dates.
How much are classes?
Weekly classes are priced at £8 for 60 minutes, payable as a block of 6 classes (£48 + £1 booking fee). Occasionally, due to school term dates, some blocks may consist of 5 weeks with block pricing adjusted accordingly (£40 + £1 booking fee). Drop in class spaces for vinyasa and yin are £11.
Do you have any plans to offer more than the current three weekly yoga classes?
At the moment, this amount of weekly classes is the right balance for me. Outside of teaching yoga, I have a job that I really do enjoy! I work for a children’s educational charity developing meaningful corporate partnerships to transform the lives of young people. Managing this workload, along with my family commitments, allows me enough time to maintain my own yoga self-practice. And by nurturing my own yoga journey, I am able to cultivate valuable insights and knowledge that I can then pass onto you, enriching your yoga experience.
When will I be able to book onto classes?
Head over to the booking page. Join my mailing list to get exclusive updates and priority access. Rest assured, no spam—just thoughtfully selected occasional updates. Your connection with me is a priority, and I’m dedicated to making it both valuable and respectful of your time.