Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked Questions

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move in.

What should I bring?
If you have a yoga mat, blocks or belts bring them with you, otherwise these will be provided, but be aware that I only have a limited supply.

Should I eat before class?
It is best if you don't eat for approximately 2 hours before the class, if you eat and then do yoga and feel your stomach get squashed you will know why I am advising this :) It is a good idea to stay hydrated before and after your class as hydrated muscles will stretch better, again its best not to drink loads just before the class as you don't want water sloshing around in your belly while we are moving.

What should I expect?
People are often surprised about how much of a physical workout they receive during a yoga class, but also that they feel simultaneously relaxed by the end of the class. Don’t be afraid if you aren’t flexible or strong, this will come in time. Trust and listen to your body pushing it only as far as feels right for you at that time. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, yoga is about you, it is not a competition to see how far you can contort your body. Focus on your breath, slowly breathing in and out during the asana, and connect your breath to each movement. Concentrating your mind in this way will help to calm and quieten you and will enable you to get more from your practice. Again don’t worry if you find this difficult, it will come with patience.
We will end some of our yoga classes either with pranayama and/or meditation.

Can I do my normal Yoga practice and Inversions while Menstruating?
There is some controversy in the yoga community about whether it is OK to do Inversions and a normal or strong yoga practice during your menstruation. I've heard from a Gynaecologist that there are no physical reasons not to do inversions and the original argument that inversions can cause endometriosis has been debunked. Philosophically speaking, menstruation is thought to be apāna - a downward flow of energy - concerns are that inversions
reverse apāna, which may not effectively release menstrual flow, possibly lengthening the length of time that you bleed. However, in his book Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health B.K.S Iyengar recommends doing inversions at this time to help menstrual problems like heavy flow. Other concerns are that a women feels weak whilst menstruating and should therefore do restorative relaxing yoga. I feel that this varies between women and can vary at each cycle, some women feel stronger and more energised at this time. Therefore, as with all yoga, I feel that this is a very personal thing and it is entirely up to you whether you feel like doing your normal practice and inversions whist menstruating. Take time though to notice how you feel and how the practice effects you at this time. Listen to your own inner guide and don't feel like you have to do any pose if you don't want to.

What does "OM" mean?
We will chant this at the end of the class, as it is a nice way to close the session. Please don't feel pressured to chant, but feel free to join in if you wish. OM is said to be the sound of the universe. Everything in the Universe vibrates, nothing is solid, the yogis acknowledged this using the sound OM. As we chant OM it reminds us that we are part of the Universe.

What is "Namaste"?
We will end the class with Namaste. Namaste means "The light in me bows to the light in you" It acknowledges that there is a Divine spark in each of us located at the heart centre. Namaste at the end is used as a symbol of gratitude and respect towards the students, the teacher, the teachers own teachers and the yoga lineage, and invites the students to connect in this gratitude.

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Frequently asked Questions