FAQ

NO! We all start as beginners. I am accustomed to teaching mixed ability groups and giving different options for those at different levels in their practice.

If you are currently doing no physical activity and additionally have medical conditions, which may limit your practice, then you may find I am not the teacher locally with the most gentle style. I do encourage you to be aware of any limitations but to work with your capacity.

My advice is this: if you think yoga is for you, then go try lots of classes and different teachers. When you find the style of teaching and the level that suits you best, it is a wonderful thing!

My most gentle classes are: Gentle/Chair Hatha (90mins) and Beginner Hatha (90mins).  Improvers Hatha (90mins) and Mixed Level Hatha (90mins) are a bit more dynamic and challenging and require a knowledge of the basic postures.

HATHA YOGA comes from the Sanskrit root word yuj, which means to yoke, to unite, to bind. Hatha Yoga is the union of body, mind and breath.

We begin class with a breath awareness exercise to centre us, help us to detach from our daily stresses and to notice how we feel. Gentle joints and glands movements to warm us up. Interwoven with pranayama (breathing practices) and asanas (postures).

Usually we include mantra (chanting/sound vibration) and always conclude with a guided relaxation.

Initial trial class £6. See if my style of teaching suits you. The discounted rate is for your first class only. Thereafter classes are Single drop in class = £15/class or block booking rate £11/class. A consistent practice is one that will bring the most benefits!

I organise classes in ‘blocks’ of usually 5-8 weeks, fitting around the school holidays. I ask for a commitment to one ‘block’ at a time. Advanced booking only.Those currently enrolled always get first option to re-enrol for the next block.

Please be sure to check you can attend class dates if block booking, as there are NO REFUNDS NOR SUBSTITUTIONS for missed classes. This is also written on the enrolment form, which you will complete before your first class.

COMFORTABLE, NON-RESTRICTIVE CLOTHING  A T-shirt and leggings or joggers is fine. Generally clothing that is close fitting rather than loose will work better. No jeans or jewellery. Yoga is done in bare feet or if you get chilly feet then grippy Yoga ToeSox are fine. (Yoga Mad or Yoga Matters stock all manner of yoga kit, including ToeSox if you need them).

I advise wearing layers at all times: you can keep the layers on during the less active parts of class where your body temperature will drop and peel them off as we get more active and you warm up.

Most importantly YOURSELF and an open mind helps. Please bring a yoga mat (NOT a camping mat please as these are slippery and unsuitable), a thick blanket (to pad your knees for any kneeling poses and also to cover up for a guided relaxation at the end of class) and a bottle of water if you wish. I keep a handful of yoga mats so you can borrow one if you don’t yet own one and aren’t yet sure about yoga.

If you attend regularly I would encourage you to invest in some of your own additional kit:  2 yoga blocks, 2 yoga bricks and a yoga strap. Mixed Level and Improvers classes may also want to invest in a resistance loop and 1kg ankle/wrist weights if they want to incorporate these into postures. I have the following kit for sharing at class: a variety of cushions, a handful of yoga mats, a large stock of yoga blocks, a small amount of yoga bricks/half blocks/yoga straps and resistance bands. In general I encourage the use of props to make yourself more comfortable in the postures.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS  It is good yoga etiquette to arrive around 10-15 minutes BEFORE class begins. Each class will start with a centring exercise designed to help us switch off from the stresses of our day and each class concludes with a guided relaxation. If you enter or leave class during these times you will disturb the others in class. 

Please be considerate for the maximum enjoyment of all. Additionally strong perfumes can be off putting for others. It’s best to come to class clean, fresh and ready for practice!

There are no substitutions nor refunds for missed classes.

YES – Yoga is non competitive. Avoid comparing yourself to others and leave your ego at the door.

Yoga is most comfortably practised on an empty stomach.  Wait 3-4 hours after a large meal or 1-2 after a light one before practising. Empty your bladder and bowels before you practice.

RUGBY RAYS www.rugbyrays.co.uk TO ME YOGA IS A VAST AND HUMBLING SUBJECT and I don’t presume my style of teaching will suit everyone. Each yoga teacher will approach the subject uniquely and I find you learn something new from every teacher. Therefore, I would encourage you on your yoga quest to get out there and explore – try lots of classes, find the ones you love, that inspire you, that make you feel great! In Rugby we are blessed with several teachers. Most, but not all, can be found on the Rugby RAYS website: www.rugbyrays.co.uk so do have a look!

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