What
do I bring?
Pretty much just your self! All equipment including blankets and mats
are supplied by the Yoga Spirt Studios. However,so that you can practice
at home and for hygiene reasons we recommend that you purchase your own mat
which we have for sale at the studio. Because yoga is practiced in bare feet,
wearing slip on shoes makes things easier too.
What do I wear?
Comfortable stretch clothes that you might wear to the
gym. Eg: leggings, tracksuit pants, singlet or T-shirt. Keep in mind that
you will get warm in class.
How and when should I pay?
Cash, cheques and credit card (Bankcard,Mastercard,Visa)are all accepted.
Payments for Beginners Courses are due in full prior to the start of the course
at the time of making your booking. If you joining our ongoing classes, the
purchase of 5, 10 or 20 class tickets can be made at the studio a few minutes
before the start of your class or you can pay with your credit card over the
phone prior to attending.
I have injuries and stiffness in my body, is yoga
still appropriate for me?
Most people will find that they have some injuries and
problem areas in their body. Yoga is learning more about these problems and
working with them. If you've had recent surgery or spinal disk problems please
contact Rebecca to discuss this further.
Can I eat before class?
It is recommended to avoid eating 2 to 4 hours before
class.
What about pregnancy?
If you are pregnant and have not done yoga before, a prenatal class is essential
and these classes are held on Saturdays at 9.15am. See
our Prenatal page for further information.
Question from the Newsletter Jan 2003
Why do we do so many standing poses?
Many new comers to yoga practice are surprised how many
standing postures there are in the class which makes the yoga practice more
strenuous than we may have expected. There are some very good reasons why
we teach in this way.
The standing poses are invigorating and remove sluggishness in the body and
mind.
They refresh and energize the body and mind by stretching out tension, improving
circulation and opening the body for improved breathing.
The legs, feet, hips, knees back and shoulders all gain mobility and strength.
Thus these poses are preparations for seated forward bends, back bends, twists
and inversions.
Our body learns correct movement and posture from the standing poses so that
we can sit, walk and stand more comfortably and at ease.
While they may be physically challenging, even the newest beginner, the older
student and those with injuries can manage them and reap the benefits of yoga.
Of the standing poses BKS Iyengar is quoted:
“You should do the asanas with vigour
and at the same time be relaxed and composed”
A fantastic yoga book Yoga the Iyengar Way says of the standing poses:
“Working with effort does not mean working with tension and it is important
to learn how to stay relaxed”
So the standing poses give us much more than just the physical benefits.