How do I start if I am a beginner?
Feel free to speak to us about the best style of Yoga or Pilates for you. (It will depend on what your goals are such as relaxation, stretching, fitness & toning, injury rehabilitation and so on.) If you want to get started there are 2 ways to begin:
1) Join a course - we run both Beginners Pilates, and Hatha, Jivamukti & Ashtanga Yoga courses over 6 weeks. To discuss which course best suits your needs, call us on 8904 0202.
2) Buy a New Student Pass - this allows you to try any 5 of our classes at a substantial discount so that you can get a feel for which style best suits you. 

What do I need to start?
We provide mats and all other equipment. You just need to wear comfortable stretchy clothes. (we have change spaces) You won't need shoes or socks. Try not to eat a big meal before your class. Allow yourself some time to sign-in and get ready for class. Arrive 10 minutes before your first class. You'll also need to fill out a registration form.

I'm not flexible enough to do yoga
Ahem. That's why we all do it! Take heart that it's often the stiffer bodied who notice results first.

My Pilates class in the gym often has 40 people in it. Will I get the personal attention I need in class? Our class maximum for all classes is 17. Our teachers pride themselves on giving one on one attention to ensure you stay safe and get the maximum benefit.

Will I be the only guy in the class?
Men are often surprised to discover in their first class that, while yoga dramatically increases their flexibility, it also requires strength so they have a natural advantage. Men often gravitate towards strong yoga like Ashtanga and Jivamukti yoga. Men make up about 25% of the students at our yoga classes.

Will the classes help my sports performance?
Yoga and Pilates are the perfect cross training tool as it buffers the beating the body takes on any goal focused fitness regime - Many runners and sporting people notice the injury preventative effect of regular yoga.

My teacher keeps correcting me - Will I ever improve?
When a teacher adjusts you in a posture it might be because your alignment means you are not getting the most out of the exercise. However, it often doesn't mean you are doing anything 'wrong', but the teacher can see you need more challenge. Even people who have been practicing for years get a lot out of the adjustments. If you prefer not to be adjusted, just let the teacher know.

I'm not in the best of health
Inform your teacher prior to class if you have any serious health conditions such as neck, back, or joint injuries, recent surgery, high blood pressure, pregnancy, etc. You're welcome to call us first on 8904 0202.

Should it hurt?
During your practice you will feel intense sensations. The sensations you get from a strong stretch are not necessarily bad. Discomfort might be a feeling of working strongly which still feels positive. Pain is more acute than discomfort and there will be nothing pleasant about the soreness. While discomfort produces a 'good hurt', pain is a negative feeling and is counterproductive. Pain in a pose means you have overshot your limit by moving too quickly, or that you are improperly aligned. Pain in the muscles or joints could lead to injury so never ignore it. Come out of the exercise and check with your teacher. 

What's the 'yoga mindset'?
Competitiveness might arise and you'll observe yours it's mostly directed towards yourself! Yoga fosters self-acceptance. You simply begin at the only place you can - where you're at right now. More than how deep you go in the postures, the essence of Yoga lies in the breath. Remember, if you can breathe you can do yoga!

How can I make it easier?
Rest well between postures. Don't feel pressured to rush on to catch up with the group. Breathe calmly. Move slowly. Relax your muscles during the postures, and in particular, keep your face and eyes relaxed. Often during a pose, your teacher will continue giving instructions which will deepen the degree of challenge in the pose. Rather than following these, stick with the basic initial instructions. Feel free to say 'no' to any adjustments by the teacher. Keep your arms down rather than raised up in postures. Bend your knees when leaning forward, or when coming up from a forward bend to standing. Practice a resting pose such as Child's pose whenever you feel the need during class.

How can I make my yoga class harder?
Firm the muscles around the shoulders, knees, wrists and ankles, and those of the lower abdomen (without over-hardening them). Move from one posture to another in just one or two breaths. With awareness, follow your teacher's instructions which will increase the degree of difficulty in the pose. Fully absorb your mind in your practice and the sensations of your body. 

What about my injury?
Our teachers can give you modified versions of exercises to cater for physical limitations. We have lots of ideas on how to accommodate troublesome knees, ankles and other body bits. Always let your teacher know before the class of any injuries you have. And don't be afraid to speak up during the class if you experience pain or if something isn't feeling right for you. Feel free to discuss it first with us on 8904 0202.

I suffer from back pain
Pilates is renowned for fixing bad backs. So is yoga, and you need to do both with attention to correct alignment. You will need to speak with your teacher about the nature of your condition. You might also consider a private session to get you started. If you have questions, call us on 8904 0202

What if I'm Pregnant?
If you are new to yoga or pilates you will need to wait until you are 12 weeks pregnant before you start. If you have a long term consistent practice, then call us on 8904 0202 for advice on whether to continue or take a break for the first trimester. Always let your teacher know if you are pregnant or become pregnant during a course. Pregnant women often enjoy our smaller lunchtime classes. (especially the Gentle Yoga class) and they and their baby usually love the meditation classes. 

Can I claim my classes?
Some health funds contribute towards classes. You'll need to ask your particular health fund. You may be able to claim for stress management. Ask us for a receipt. 

Where are you located?
The clinic and exercise studio is located in North Sydney on the Pacific Highway between Miller and Berry Street and a five minute walk from North Sydney station. Click here for a location map.

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