FAQs

What is yoga? Yoga describes both method and outcome, a method which works towards refining awareness in order to see clearly and live well. It is an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy combining physical postures and breathing techniques employing an inward focused state. Yoga is not a religion, but has been taught as a spiritual practice for thousands of years, more recently it has become popular as a way of promoting mental and physical well-being. Most western studio classes are focused on the asana (posture) practice which is one element of yoga. There are several types of yoga and many disciplines within the practice.

Is it for me? Yoga is for everybody. Is it not just for the bendy, not just for women and not just for the spiritually inclined. It is adaptable to different bodies and ailments and the intensity can be adjusted to suit the individual.

I am not a hippy and have no interest in spiritual practices. Traditionally yoga postures were designed as a means to prepare for meditation, to strengthen the body and calm the mind enabling a person to sit for long periods in a meditative state. Happily everyone can benefit from a calm mind and a healthy, flexible, strong body regardless of their intention to meditate or not.

Are men welcome in yoga? The idea that yoga is a women’s practice is a misconception. Yoga develops a range of qualities applicable to all; strength, cardiovascular fitness and will power alongside flexibility. Years ago the majority of highly regarded Yogis were in fact men, and women had to advocate to be included in the world of yoga. Non-harm is an important tenet of yoga practice and a welcoming inclusive spirit prevails in most studios.

I am not flexible, will I be able to take part? Yoga teachers commonly hear ‘I’m not flexible enough to practice yoga’, but in reality inflexibility does not prevent students from being able to take part or benefit and it is often the inflexible who can benefit most. Yoga does aim to improve a person’s flexibility over time and does involve poses that require a degree of flexibility. However, what yoga teaches is an ability to tune in to one’s own body and do what’s right for you in your practice. Being able to touch your toes is not a prerequisite!

I can’t sit cross legged. Many people struggle with this, seated poses are expected to be challenging for everybody and usually only take up a small portion of a class. Difficulty sitting cross legged is usually a sign of tight hip flexors and weak back and core muscles. Cross legged poses can be propped to ease discomfort and encourage good posture. Most of the time this just means raising the height of your sitting position by sitting on a yoga block, allowing knees to drop and supporting your back. Over time the supporting muscles will develop to support you better.

What should I wear? Clothes you are comfortable to move in and bare feet. Leggings and a t-shirt, shorts and a vest or a sweatshirt. Bare feet are best. Slimmer fitting clothing enables a teacher to observe your posture and make necessary corrections.

Post covid, most studios expect students to bring their own mat. Blankets or an additional layer to wrap up in at the end of class can be useful and a block or folded blanket to sit on is advisable.

What are the benefits? Tone up. Feel centred. Alleviate anxiety. Improve your quality of sleep. Reset your posture, keep your spine supple and strengthen your bones. Build muscle strength, improve flexibility. Build awareness and good self esteem. Improve your balance, release tension in your limbs. Lower cortisol and blood pressure, drain lymph fluid, and improve your ability to focus. Relax. 

Read more here https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/health/womens-health/count-yoga-38-ways-yoga-keeps-fit

Guiding Principles

Focus Yoga is a meditative practice. This means we allow ourselves to be fully absorbed in the practice and attentive to bodily sensation undistracted.

Breathe Yoga is ‘breath led’, meaning our breath provides a point of focus to tune into and enhance our connection to our body. If focused breath instruction makes you feel anxious, speak to your teacher. Yoga can be enjoyed without complicated breathwork and it is important you feel comfortable in class.

Spine Yogis believe we are ‘as young as our spine’, so we practice to keep our spine mobile. It is important to protect your back, pay attention to how it feels and don’t do anything that is uncomfortable. Over time yoga will improve your posture, strengthen the muscles that support your back and align your spine.

Know yourself Part of the journey of yoga is about developing an awareness of our individual bodies and becoming sensitive to their needs. This means allowing yourself to be gentle and kind to yourself when you are feeling tired, knowing when to ease off, and knowing when to up your game and go more deeply into a posture.

Non competitive Our bodies are all different, and this means comparison is unhelpful. In yoga we aim to concentrate solely on our own practice, and our own mat.

Why Om? Om is a sacred sound and spiritual symbol in Indian religions, and creates the primordial sound chanted at the beginning of each class. Om, or Aum, breaks down into the three syllables, Au, Oh and Mmm. Each has a different meaning and resonates in a different part of your body: mouth, throat and chest, naval cavity and skull. Chanting Om at the beginning of each class has many benefits but at a simple level it calms us and brings the class group together.