Answers to the questions we get asked most often:
What happens in class?
Firstly, know you are very welcome! Coming to your first yoga class can feel intimidating. Hopefully the tips below will make you feel more prepared and welcome.
Before Class:
During Class:
After Class:
Which style of yoga do you teach?
Sally teaches from many styles including Haṭhayoga, Kuṇḍalinī and Iyengar (Patañjali yoga). Most classes incorporate the use of breathwork (prāṇāyāma), props, held poses, vinyāsa (flow) and meditation.
We aren’t training to become monks, nuns or sannyāsins (renunciates) - our place is very much in the world. Sally’s guidance, draws both on current science-an area that is ever-developing-and the ancient traditions, which also continue to evolve. Working with this knowledge and self-inquiry we create strength and balance in both the mind and body. This helps us navigate the world in a positive way, both physically and mentally, despite illness, injury or upset.
What happens in class?
Firstly, know you are very welcome! Coming to your first yoga class can feel intimidating. Hopefully the tips below will make you feel more prepared and welcome.
Before Class:
- Call or email to let me know if you’ve a medical issue that needs to be considered. There are always modifications available. Yoga is for everybody.
- Arrive ten minutes or so before class to ensure you have time to set yourself up before teaching begins.
- Make sure your phone is off or on airplane mode, vibrating phones are just as distracting as a ringing phone.
- Please, keep chatting to a minimum with low voices before class. This allows everyone to change gears and let all that’s gone before, and all that is to follow, class drop away and to become really present.
- What’s going on? Everyone seems to either be sleeping, meditating or stretching before class… Being new this can seem very intimidating. Everyone often seems to be in their own world before class, as above this is how people get present. Don’t be offended. Some people need stillness and some need to get into their bodies to fully ‘arrive’ and be present in class. You’ll find what works for you.
During Class:
- You’ll be in a class appropriate for your ability so follow the guidance. Note that child’s pose and Śavāsana are always options that you can take at any time. Listen to what your body needs at the time.
- The class has been planned and has a purpose, trust the teacher and be led.
- Modifications to poses will always be offered.
- The Edge. We want to expend the right amount of energy and not over-exert. There should be no strain. Too little, and too much are either side of The Edge. Staying present with our breath and body enables us to stay safe and enjoy the full-benefits of yoga. Don't worry, I'll bring your attention to The Edge during class.
- Every practice is different, use the breath to stay present and the right side of The Edge. Just because a pose was or wasn’t accessible last time does not mean the same applies this time.
- Hands-on adjustment: If appropriate gentle hands-on adjustment will be offered. This does not necessarily mean you are doing the posture incorrectly. Sometimes it helps you to deepen the pose or it brings awareness to an area, and sometimes, words just won’t filter through and manual guidance gives an understanding. It is your prerogative to say yes or no to any touch, at any time. In the last class it may have been a yes but this class it’s a no. For ease you may take a pebble (provided) and place it on or near the front right corner of your mat should you wish to decline hands-on adjustments or just let me know.
After Class:
- Stay and say hi, if you have the inclination and the time to me and other students. You’re very welcome.
- Ask questions, either in person or give me a call or email me.
Which style of yoga do you teach?
Sally teaches from many styles including Haṭhayoga, Kuṇḍalinī and Iyengar (Patañjali yoga). Most classes incorporate the use of breathwork (prāṇāyāma), props, held poses, vinyāsa (flow) and meditation.
We aren’t training to become monks, nuns or sannyāsins (renunciates) - our place is very much in the world. Sally’s guidance, draws both on current science-an area that is ever-developing-and the ancient traditions, which also continue to evolve. Working with this knowledge and self-inquiry we create strength and balance in both the mind and body. This helps us navigate the world in a positive way, both physically and mentally, despite illness, injury or upset.
Specialisms: Private tuition | Beginners | Scoliosis | Perimenopause and menopause | Deep relaxation
What should I wear?
Something comfortable that you can move easily in. Doesn’t need to be fancy sportswear. Test it out at home with a few forward folds, lying on your front, lying on your back, do you need a more fitted top or are you happy tucking your t-shirt in? Whatever suits you best. Perhaps have socks and a sweater to slip on and keep you cosy for Śavāsana.
Do I need to buy a yoga mat, blanket and props?
If you already have a mat, blanket and props, great. If not, hold off investing and let me know you need to use mine whilst you test out the practice. I have supplies for this very purpose.
Should I eat or drink before class?
Don’t eat anything heavy in the two hours before class, you’ll just feel uncomfortable. A light snack is fine. Feel free to bring a bottle of water into class.
How long is a class?
Class duration is normally 90 minutes. Check the class description for full details.
Why do we lie down at the end of every class?
I always like to highlight the importance of Śavāsana, Corpse pose -- the lying down bit at the end of class.
Śavāsana is the period of time at the end of class when we allow our body and mind to deeply rest. It should not be skipped. It is a named pose and an important part of the practice. During this time, we relax deeply, assimilate all that has gone before and then prepare for transition to life outside of class.
Is this religious?
No. People from many religious traditions can and do practice yoga and meditation. Sally doesn’t promote a religious view-point. The names of some postures draw on Hindu tradition. As with most things in life, over time, there has been adaptation and assimilation, of many traditions, cultures and disciplines. Further reading here.
Something else?
Please contact Sally directly with any further queries.