Your First Class
Preparing for Class
A medical/new member sheet will need to be filled in before taking part in the class so any injury/illness or medication that may affect your participation can be recorded. This can be downloaded here prior to coming to class…
• If possible, please bring your own Yoga mat and equipment. (Spare yoga mats, blocks, belts and chalk can be supplied subject to availability).
• Comfortable but stretchy clothing, leggings or tracksuit bottoms are recommended. Please ensure clothing maintains modesty during poses, as such shorts and loose T shirts are not recommended.
• Remove jewellery and watches that might interfere and tie hair back. A side pony or plait ensures any laying postures will not be uncomfortable.
• Yoga is practiced barefooted but Yoga socks are allowed (ideal for diabetics).
• Avoid having a heavy meal 2 hours before class but a light snack is 30 minutes before is fine.
• A blanket and warm socks are the ideal for relaxation.
• Bring a bottle of water to sip during class but drinking plenty of water after class is recommended.
At Class
Arriving at your first class may be intimidating for some, especially if you are a complete novice. You might want to consider attending one of our ‘Introduction to Yoga’ workshops which will provide you with a great foundation for attending regular classes.
Please ensure you arrive on time or early to class and stay until the end. Each class starts with breath work to focus yourself for posture work. Classes end with relaxation and disrupting a class due to lateness or wanting to leave early will disturb the other students. Please also ensure mobile phones are turned off or set to “silent”.
Classes generally begin with breathing techniques, giving students a few moments to leave their day behind and focus on their Yoga. Yoga postures include sun salutations (Surya Namaskar), breath work (pranayama), and deep relaxation (savasana) at the end of the class.
Namaste
Classes always conclude by placing the palms together and saying “Namaste”.
Translation of Namaste
The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine light or spark within all of us. The gesture is that the light within me acknowledges the light within you.
Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you, Namaste literally means I bow to you, this is a form of respect and is not religious.All classes have music, incense (organic) and mood lighting to ensure the classes feel authentic and relaxing.
Please be mindful of your own body, take water and rest when ever needed.
Please note, practising yoga can cause a physical or emotional release. These responses are perfectly normal and signify the bodies response to the class. Drinking plenty of water after class will help detox the body.