What type of yoga do you teach?

My current favourites are Anusara and Vinyasa Flow, although my teaching is influenced by many styles including Ashtanga and Iyengar. This is a dynamic, breath-led, flowing class with plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge.

I’m stiff and can’t touch my toes. Will I benefit?

Yoga is suitable for all ages and levels of flexibility. Whatever your starting point, we’ll work to improve your posture and movement. You’ll never be asked to do poses that push you too far – pushing or pulling our limbs into places and shapes they don’t want to go can be dangerous. Bit by bit, we’ll create space in your body by lengthening your muscles and releasing tension, giving you the choice to soften or deepen into a pose. It is not a competition. Breathe, relax and enjoy.

Will yoga cure my back pain?

It depends on the causes but it usually helps. Illness or discomfort can be caused by multiple factors, but providing your body with a healthy, stronger environment is never a bad thing. Your body may have taken years to get to its current state and it may take many months to undo postural habits and tendencies.

Do I need to bring any equipment?

Owning your own yoga mat is better for hygiene and it also means you can practice at home.  

I have a health condition I am concerned about…should I do yoga?

Please seek advice from a medical practitioner/GP if you have any concerns that yoga may not be a suitable for you. And call me to discuss as I may need a letter from your GP confirming that you are likely to benefit from this practice.

Will I have to learn scriptures or Hinduism?

Absolutely not! Yoga is more lifestyle than religion. There are tenants of beliefs which explain the how’s and why’s of yoga practice, but you are not obliged to read anything to attend or benefit from a class.

Why are your classes termly? Can’t I just drop in when I can make it?

Ad-hoc attendance is discouraged. RenewMe classes are designed for progression, building on the teaching provided earlier in the term, and each term will focus on a specific aspect of yoga. As students, you’ll build your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of yogic principles to create more beneficial practice for yourselves.

How are the classes structured?

A traditional ‘Hatha’ format is adopted. This begins with a guided relaxation to increase awareness; gentle warm ups of the main muscle groups, then the yoga poses (asanas) to include forward, backward, lateral and twisting movements accompanied with breathing techniques. Finally, there’s a closing relaxation or meditation.

I am hypermobile. Will I benefit?

You may find some of the poses extra easy, but there are many ways in which you can stabilize your joints for a more effective pose. A yoga practice should be balanced with weight-bearing or resistance training to ensure the correct usage of your joints.

How long will it be before I see results?

Our flexibility is determined by a number of factors from our genes to our lifestyle. But more practice does produce quicker results. A weekly class will give you a solid base, and if it’s supported by additional yoga at home you’ll see more progression and measurable change. Don’t forget though, that yoga is a slow medicine, but its results tend to last much longer than a gym session.

Do you offer free trial classes?

Yes. There are many styles of yoga and many styles of teaching. Our free class gives you the chance to see whether we are the right fit for you. Yoga is a varied discipline and it is important that you feel comfortable and suitably challenged to learn and benefit from this extraordinary practice. I encourage all my students to explore the many styles and methods of teaching.