+ What is yoga?

The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj, means to yoke or bind, and is often interpreted as "union”. Yoga is the connection of the body, mind and breath through a series of guided poses, sequences and meditation. Yoga encourages increased body awareness while also improving strength, flexibility and balance. There are many types of yoga, each with different focuses and benefits, however most revolve around the central idea of connecting the body, mind and breath.

+ How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

+ What are the benefits of yoga?

You've probably heard by now that yoga is good for you. Maybe you've even tried it once and discovered that it makes you feel better. A consistent practice offers all kinds of mental and physical health benefits. Some, like improved flexibility, are clearly evident. Others, including mental clarity and stress reduction, may be more subtle but are just as powerful. All the evidence based benefits below contribute to an increased feeling of well-being, which helps explain why so many add the practice to their lifestyle:

• Decrease stress
• Relieves anxiety
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve heart health
• Improves quality of life
• Fights depression
• Reduce chronic pain
• Prevents lower back pain
• Supports joint health
• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes sleep quality
• Improves flexibility and balance
• Increases strength
• Increases muscle tone and definition
• Improves quality of breathing
• Improves heart health
• Relieves migraines
• Promotes healthy eating habits
• Increase self confidence

+ Is yoga a religion?

Although there are spiritual elements to yoga, yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path, not to be confused with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' Ashtanga yoga) is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.

+ It’s my first time at the studio, how do I get started?

If it is the first time at the studio we strongly recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your yoga class. We need you to complete a “New Student Registration” form. After your first time, we ask you to arrive at least 10 minutes before your class, so that you can get changed, make yourself at home, and relax on your mat before class. You will be asked to remove your footwear before entering the practice spacec, there are places in reception to leave your footwear. There is storage space in the changing area to leave bags and personal items. Your mobile phone is best left there on silent.

+ How often should I practice?

Come as often as you can! The more you can practice, the more benefits you will feel and see. Come to class at least 2-3 times a week and you will soon notice an amazing transformation physically and mentally.

+ What should I bring?

We have tried to make coming to class as easy as possible by providing clean mats and fresh towels for hire at £1 each to save you carrying too much stuff to the studio - all you need to do is bring yourself! You may want to bring a bottle of water for the more dynamic classes.

+ What should I wear?

It’s good to wear lightweight clothes that you can move freely in. Sometimes very loose fitting clothes can get caught and be restrictive, we often bend over in yoga and things end up over your head! However, you being comfortable and happy is most important, so wear whatever you want.

+ I’m not very flexible, can I practice yoga?

You do NOT need to be flexible to practice yoga. We like to think that’s like saying, “Am I too dirty to take a bath?”. Increased flexibility and strength (it is a balance!) will come in time as you practice. We often spend our days sitting down at work, driving cars and staying sedentary for long periods. This lack of movement of our body not only shortens our muscles resting length making us susceptable to injury but ultimately increases a variety of health issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, stiff joints and poor posture, to name just a few. Practicing yoga enables you to stretch and improve the flexibility of your muscles, and over time that resting length also improves, along with a multitude of other health benefits. Motion is lotion!
Everybody is different, come as you are, never feel the need to practice poses exactly like the teacher and listen to their cues and modifications: they are there as a guide (and have often been practicing yoga for over 10 years). Listen to your body, don't force yourself and stay within your limits.

+ Are there any age restrictions?

Our classes are recommended for everyone 16 years and over. If you are between 16-18 you will need a guardian or parent present.

+ Can I eat before class?

As with any movement, try not to eat just before class as we will often be bending and twisting our bodies. We suggest you leave at least an hour between eating a meal and practicing, but if you are starving, do have a light snack, tea or juice. Everyone is different, some take longer to digest food than others so just take it easy and get to know your body over the first few practices.

+ Can I practice if I’m pregnant?

Yoga is a great exercise during pregnancy as it relieves stress, aches and pains, connects you to your baby inside, and allows you to discover a new strength and power from within. However, there can be poses and transitions that need to be modified during various stages of pregnancy so please let your teacher know before attending any timetabled class. Whether you are new to yoga or a regular practitioner, it is always important to consult with your doctor to ensure what is safe and healthy for both you and your growing baby. Take a look at the details of our specific prenatal 'Wild Nurture' classes: HERE

+ Do you have parking facilities?

There is free parking (up to two hours), paid parking and public transport within a minute's walking distance of the studio.