FAQs

What do I wear?

Wear whatever is comfortable. That can be leggings, looser sports wear, shorts.

It's worth testing out what your clothes do when you're upside down for more active classes, and check they are easy to secure/tuck in (downward facing dog, or shoulder stand, for example - you don't need to know anything about these poses yet!).

Feel free to bring extra layers like a jumper and socks for savasana (the final resting pose). You'll probably want to shed them during the yoga session though. We'll be moving around, so breathable clothes during the class will help you feel cool and fresh.

Remove shoes before entering the room. Barefoot is best for gripping the yoga mat, once you're there.

It's a good idea to remove hanging jewellery and to tie up long hair.

Avoid chunky plastic hair clasps, as these can dig in.

What time do I arrive?

Aim for five to ten minutes before, please, to give plenty of time to settle in. Especially if you're new, I'd like to have plenty of time to check in!

Can I do yoga if I'm pregnant or have recently given birth?

There are pre-natal and post-natal yoga classes from other teachers that can serve you specifically. This isn't my area of expertise, so please give me plenty of notice if you'd like to attend my class so I can adapt and advise accordingly. Please check with your doctor first for your own peace of mind!

What do I bring?

Bring a water bottle if you'd like. If you have your own mat, please bring it along. Whether extra mats are available or not depends on the venue. Please check individual event details. It is always nice to have your own mat even if communal ones are available.

Do I need to book in advance?

It's better to book in advance so I have an idea of numbers, and to guarantee your place. I'll post on social media if there's space to drop in a couple of hours before.

What's the etiquette?

Please don't bring your phone to the mat, and make sure it's on silent/switched off during the session. Don't take photos of other people in the class. The odd pic of just mats/props for socials is ok though.

During the class, be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of other students' space. I'll do my best to design classes so we stay neatly on our own mats.

At Patchouli Yoga, it's first come, first served, for prime mat spots.

Let's embrace impermanence, and accept that our position in the room might change from class to class!

If you're using a communal mat, please give it a wipe down after use, using the spray/roll provided.

What if I have a minor injury or health condition?

First of all, please check in with your doctor to get their opinion on whether yoga would be helpful, and if they have any advice.

I'll check in on you at the start of class to see if you have anything you'd like to tell me. I'll most likely be able to offer some modifications and options before and during the class, if it's within my skillset.

If it's something I'm less familiar with, I'll research it so I have more advice next time.

My advice is always, regardless of conditions, to listen to your body, and back off if you're feeling discomfort. Pain is not what we're going for here, that's your body trying to communicate with you. Please remember rest poses like child pose are available to take whenever you like, regardless of what everyone else in the room is doing. I explain rest poses in class, no need to know anything about these in advance.

If you're unwell with something like a cough or a cold, please stay home! I recommend lying in bed and listening to a "yoga nidra" (yogic sleep, guided relaxation) meditation from YouTube. Get in touch before the class so you can rearrange for another time, at my discretion.

If you have multiple serious health/mobility issues, please see the separate Q&A below.

Can I eat before yoga?

It's best to practice yoga well hydrated and on an empty stomach. Please don't eat a meal less than two hours before class. More time is better. A small healthy snack is fine if you're really hungry.

I've never done yoga before, is that ok?

I'll check in at the start of class to see if you're new to yoga. My yoga sessions are suitable for beginners. If you're confused, look to see what I'm demonstrating, and what others are doing, or feel free to take a rest pose like child's pose to re-centre yourself. All will be revealed about the joys of child's pose and alternatives in class! No prior knowledge needed.

I still do all of these when I'm feeling lost in someone else's class! Every teacher has a slightly different style and ways of cuing poses, so it's normal to take a little while to get in the zone.

Perfection is not the goal; being present is. Wherever you are in your yoga journey is exactly where you're meant to be.

The more we practice yoga, the more we realise it's not about the outside, it's an inner journey.

I'd be honoured to be the one to introduce you to this wonderful practice!

I have multiple serious health/mobility issues, is your class right for me?

I am now offering Yin classes, which are floor based, with minimal weight bearing, and may be suitable for you. Drop me an email to find out more.

My Align (Hatha) and Energise (Ashtanga inspired) classes do involve getting up and down off the ground fairly swiftly. Babyama Wellness Hub has stairs. At 27 Art House, we can use the side door, to avoid the stairscase, although there are still some steps.

Often traditional yoga poses will involve weight bearing on the limbs (for example, plank pose). I leave it to your discernment whether that suits your body. I offer rest poses whenever you need.

Yoga isn't just about the strength of the body, but the strength of the mind. For someone to be in child's pose while the rest of the class is moving takes a huge amount of self-confidence/assurance. To be able to speak gently to ourselves, and say "this is what my body needs now" rather than having an inner voice that is disappointed or negative.

It's also important not to be fearful of movement, because often that would be really good for us, to help with stiffness and pain.

If you have a strong sense of what does/doesn't work for your body, and can override any instructions I give to the group with your own inner wisdom, then perhaps a regular group class with me could work. It's difficult to say without meeting you. You know yourself best.

I am not a physiotherapist, simply a yoga teacher, so please follow your doctor's advice. I'm still learning a lot about anatomy, although I do have basic training.

I believe that yoga is for everyone, although not every class is necessarily the best fit for everyone.

I can offer one to ones for more personalised adaptations.

I can also recommend some yoga classes nearby that might tailor better to your situation (although please let them know about your conditions in advance, so they can advise):

Yin Yoga (Berwick): This involves less active movement; it's passive stretching, with more long holds, mostly lying on the floor. Which might sound like it's not doing much, however, it is hugely beneficial for the body's systems/fascia. I can vouch that Jo is excellent, and also offers one to ones I believe. I've also started offering Yin yoga, check my booking page for the schedule.
Iyengar yoga (Dunbar): I haven't been to this one myself, but I have heard they do adaptive yoga. The Iyengar style is well known for using props to make poses more accessible.
Look out for chair yoga! I can't see any regular classes for this, but sitting on a chair can make yoga poses a lot more accessible, and it is no less valid than any other form of yoga. Use all of the props to make the pose fit your body, not your body fit the pose. You'll likely find chairs in an Iyengar class.

If you know of any other extra accessible yoga classes in the area, I can add them to the list.

Patchouli Yoga