Frequently Asked Questions:

If you have any questions not answered here, please do not hesitate to get in touch. No question is silly!

I'm not flexible - can I do yoga?
Yes! In fact you are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

I'm not fit - can I do yoga?
Yes, absolutely. You could be a couch potato or an athlete, yoga can benefit everyone. Yoga can help you gain a sense of physical confidence and overall wellbeing.

Am I too old?

My oldest student is an amazing 85 years, and an absolute delight and privilege to teach. So you're never too old. If you have mobility issues please contact me to discuss any particular needs you may have.

Am I too young?

My classes are accessible for anyone over 14 yrs old. However, as my style of yoga is slow and meditative, it doesn't tend to appeal to most youngsters; they seem to prefer a more dynamic and faster paced practice. Anyone under the age of 16 needs to have a parent present with them.

What should I bring to class?
Please bring your own mat (if you have one). It is also advisable to bring a cushion and a warm blanket to keep you warm and comfortable during the relaxation. I will have a variety of cushions, bolsters, blankets, chairs & other props for your use. A bottle of water is also recommended.

What should I wear?
Some people wear baggy, loose fitting bottoms or shorts and a t shirt. Other people wear tight, stretchy leggings and tops. The only thing that matters is that you wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move and stretch in. It's good to have clothes that keep you cool when you are active in yoga, but to bring something for relaxation as the body can rapidly cool down. Comfy layers are ideal. The Shala has underfloor heating, a wood burning stove and extra heaters for when it is cold. However, it is an outdoor building so be sure to wear/ bring enough clothing/covers etc. to keep you warm, especially if the weather is turning colder. I'd definitely recommend socks and a cosy sweater/hoody.

I have particular health issues can I still come to yoga?

Provided that you have a doctors approval and you have contacted me before hand to discuss your individual needs, it may be fine for you to attend a regular class. It might be more appropriate to initially do a one-to-one, but do contact me to discuss your needs further.

How do I book and pay for classes?
To pay for classes you can either use the booking system -if it is operational, (it's a work in progress!) or if you prefer the human touch or are having trouble filling in the forms, please contact me to arrange your place and discuss payment options.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is not possible to just turn up without prior arrangement. Class size is limited due to the size of the Shala, therefore it is necessary to book a place or contact me beforehand.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

You will find my Cancellation Policy in my Terms and Conditions which you can read here:-

Terms & Conditions

Will I need to fill in a Health Questionnaire?

Yes, after booking you will be automatically sent a form to complete. This will give you the opportunity to outline any physical or mental wellbeing issues you may have - such as a dodgy knee, aggravated injury, being pregnant, PTSD etc... The information given is strictly private and confidential (see my privacy policy) and is only used to inform my teaching. Certain poses and practices can at times trigger or make certain conditions worse. It is therefore important to provide adequate information that will enable me to teach the appropriate techniques suitable for the various medical and mental wellbeing conditions of each individual. If you have any difficulty filling in forms please contact me and we can do it together over the phone.

How will I know where to come?

After booking and paying for your first class, and filling in the Health Questionnaire, you will be sent all the necessary detailed instructions.

When should I eat before a class?
When it comes to food and digestion, each individual is different and needs to find out what works for them. In general I don't recommend eating a large meal within 2 hours of a class - if you must eat within 2 hours of a class then a light meal or snack that it easily digested is better. Its recommended to be hydrated so make sure you drink or better still bring a bottle of water with you.

What if I am late for a class?
Ideally, please arrive 5-10 minutes before the class starts. This allows you time to settle in, discuss any individual needs, meet your fellow yogis - we're a friendly and welcoming bunch-. get any notifications and possibly check booking and payment details. Understandably, things happen, and sometimes people are late. You are still welcome to come to class. Please, enter quietly so as not to disturb others.

What type of yoga do you teach?
I teach Hatha yoga, which includes moving the body into different yoga postures (seated, standing and lying) to help improve the bodies strength, flexibility and balance, along with simple breathing exercises and relaxation to help calm the mind. I aim to make yoga relaxed, enjoyable and accessible to everyone, adapting the yoga practice to the individual's needs and ability.

How is yoga different from stretching, or other kinds of fitness?
Unlike stretching or other fitness training, yoga is more than just physically working your body. Within the physical practice of yoga we connect the movement of the body to the rhythm of our breath, which helps to focus and relax the mind by directing our attention inward. Yoga can improve your bodies strength, flexibility and balance, whilst also calming your mind and improving your posture and how you breathe.

What else do I need to know?

There is a porch area with hooks for coats and a place for bags and shoes.

If driving, there should be ample parking on the drive. There is also plenty of street parking.

There is a unisex toilet.

I'd recommend you read my Yoga Etiquette page about polite behaviour/do's & don't.

All my Terms and Conditions can be found in the link in the footer below.