FAQs
If there are other questions not in the list, please email Rachel
Is yoga a fitness regime?
A. No, yoga is an ancient system of holistic health, which will bring harmony to the body, mind and spirit.
Do I need to be really flexible for yoga?
A. Absolutely not! People who start yoga arrive at many different stages – some are flexible and some are not. Yoga postures and sequences can be adapted to your body, wherever you are in the flexibility spectrum.
Am I too old to start yoga?
A. Generally speaking as long as you are in relatively good health you can start yoga at any age and gain
something from it.
I have some health issues, can I join a yoga class?
A. Depending on the severity of your health issues, you may well be able to join either a regular yoga class or a class that is run specifically for people with similar needs. Always tell your teacher if you have any health issues or injuries, new or old.
Is yoga a religion?
A. No yoga is not a religion. Some, though not all, yoga classes have a spiritual element which will enhance, not conflict with, any religious beliefs you have.
What’s the point of yoga?
A. Yoga means union and is a system of achieving wholeness through self-exploration. The system which includes physical postures, breathing practices, meditation and relaxation, brings a sense of unity with oneself and with the world in which we live.
Do I need to bring my own mat to class?
A. I do have mats to borrow, but if you decide to commit to yoga in the longer term, you will want to have your own mat.
What’s a typical class like?
A. Yoga teachers vary enormously and no two are alike even those who have trained in the same tradition. Generally classes will include work on postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama) and relaxation. Some classes (like mine) will also include sequences of postures, as well as occasional sessions of chanting, meditation and discussions of yoga philosophy. We usually find time each week to laugh as well!
Can I start your yoga classes part way through a term/block?
A. if you are completely new to yoga it’s best to start at the first class of the block, although a slightly later start may be possible – check with me. If you have some yoga experience you should find it easy to join part way through a term.
I am very unfit, should I start yoga?
A. There is no reason not to! As mentioned before, yoga can be adapted to all needs and stages of life, for the young/old, flexible/inflexible, fit/unfit.
I’m a man…are your classes full of women?
A. Over the years I have seen an increasing number of men turning to yoga and although women still make up the majority of yoga students, it is now much more easy to find classes with men in too. Currently I have about 10 male students across my 4 classes and some of them have been with me for years!
What type of yoga do you teach?
A. I teach Yoga in a Seasonal way, connecting the energy of the Season with the way we practice. This was of practising yoga isn’t prescriptive so within that I am able to bring in my experience of various different approaches to yoga and be creative. The terms “Yin” and “Yang” in relation to Yoga very broadly differentiate between a very slow quiet floor-based practice and a more dynamic (largely standing) practice which may be static but more likely will involve movement or flow.
Why don’t you offer drop-in classes?