Class FAQs

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.

When a teacher adjusts you in a posture, it doesn’t mean you are doing anything ‘wrong’. Adjustments allow your body to be better aligned to get the most out of the exercise, and sometime to give you more challenges in the pose.  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 teachers know.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.