Q. What style of Yoga do you teach?

A. Firstly, I teach Hatha Yoga and all classes you will attend apart from Ashtanga Vinyasa are Hatha Yoga classes. There are many different traditions that teach Hatha Yoga, such as Sivananda, Satyananda, Iyengar, Viniyoga and they all have a different methodology and styles of teaching ultimately working towards the same goal. 

My Home page discusses my style of teaching.

Q. What equipment do I need for a Yoga class?

A. You will require a mat. I like a piece of foam, which I can supply, with a non slip mat on top. This gives complete versatility. A rug is useful too, preferably of a coarser texture. A firm cushion for sitting on or better still a happy monk stool.

Q. What should I wear?

A. Loose comfortable clothing that you can move in. I don't advise trousers that are tight around the waist or hips, these greatly restrict breathing and movement. Ensure you are warm, layers can be taken off.

A. It is not advisable to do any form of exercise after a heavy meal. Food needs to fully digest. If you need a light snack try a piece of toast or oatcakes spread with tahini, hummous or goats cheese. A protein drink can also be helpful.

Q. I have a long standing problem. Will it be OK for me to come into a class?

A. If you have any specific long term health problems please give me a call to discuss what is best for you.

Q. I have been exploring many different exercise programmes. Why would Yoga be of benefit to me?

A. Have a look at the page 'Why Yoga', which should answer this question.

Q. I am still not sure whether Yoga is for me or I have studied with other teachers and will I like your class. Can I come in for the first class to see if it is for me before signing up for the whole term?

A. You are very welcome to come along and try a class before committing to the term.

Q. What happens if I am not able to arrive on time to a class?

A. This occurs for many different reasons. Naturally I would always ask you if possible to come into a class 5-10minutes before we start. If you are late please come into the class take your shoes off and come in as quietly as possible. Find a space and then join in the class when you feel ready. 

Q. If I am not able to come to my regular class, may I come into a different class during the same week?

A. Yes this is fine. I would be appreciative if you could just let me know. 

Currently, I am not able to extend this to the Thursday morning class as it is full.

Q. I am going on holiday and shall be missing a class. Can I make it up?

A. I do not have a problem with you making up a class. However it must be undertaken in the term that has been signed up for.

I regret I can not extend this to Open Classes.

Q. What is the format of your class?

A. Please see my Home page which should answer this question. Alternatively, give me a call.

Q. If I move from a beginners class to an Intermediate class, is it going to be much more advanced?

A. The format of all my Yoga classes are the same. New practices will be introduced and practices are further developed. If for any reason I feel it would be more helpful for you to stay in a beginners/foundation class we would discuss this, but remember Yoga is about working with yourself, not measuring yourself by what others can do.

Q. Should I practice Yoga on the same day I have had body work therapy eg Acupuncture, osteopathy, massage?

A. My answer here is simply No. Always allow 12-24 hours of rest after any form of body work, so the treatment can take effect.

Q. How long until I will feel the benefits of Yoga practice?

A. Making that decision to practice Yoga has an immediate benefit, you have made a positive commitment. You will be exposed to movement and practices that we simply do not do within our every day life. You will  start to feel a greater sense of body awareness and find niggly problems becoming easier and start to disappear and in time the practice of Yoga has an effect on all aspects of our lifes.

Q. What do I do if there is a practice in class I am not able to do?

A. There are certain practices undertaken in class, shoulder stand is a prime example where I always give alternatives. Sometimes students like to just remain resting in corpse position. You will feel relaxed in my classes and feel able to respond in the way that feels right for you.

Q. A comment that might arise in a class is, ' I do not like doing this practice'. What do I do?

A. Don't worry. Usually other students comment as to how they feel too. There are always shapes that we come into that are harder, more challenging and testing for ourselves as individuals. We just gently and slowly work with them within the context of ease and comfort, deepening the stretch when we feel ready. 

This comment arises at times with breathing practices. My response to this is various, sometimes advising the student not to undertake the practice, other times to modify.

There are no hard and fast rules!

Q. I would like to read more. Can you recommend any books?

A. There are many books written on the subject of Yoga. I can recommend books but my suggestion to you is to have a look at books on Yoga for yourself and buy what you get drawn to. Enjoy. We are all exploring and looking for different aspects.

Designed & Created by David Holland