frequently asked questions
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient system of personal development encompassing body, mind, and spirit. It originated in India approximately 5,000 thousand years ago. The practice of Hatha Yoga helps to reduce the effects of stress, improves health and wellbeing, rejuvenates as well as relaxes and aids concentration and clarity.
What happens in a class?
All classes regularly include warm ups, yoga postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama) and deep relaxation. Also regularly included is meditation practice, work with sound and ancient wisdom.
What is my yoga qualification?
I have been practicing Yoga since 1993 and have worked with teachers from various Yoga traditions. I am a qualified Yoga Teacher, my training was with the British Wheel of Yoga and I have been teaching since 2000. I have a love of Yoga as a tool for transformation.
What equipment is required?
Once the yoga course has started you are required to have your own equipment consisting of a non slip yoga mat and a blanket for relaxation. Also optional - a yoga belt, foam yoga blocks and a meditation stool. I can order some of this equipment for you if you like. During taster sessions there will be plenty of this equipment that you can try. I have also produced a Yoga CD to support you in your home practice. Cost is £12.(see shop to order CD) This is suitable for beginners to yoga.
Money questions?
It is my preference to work with a group of students who have committed to a term together. This is because I like to get a sense of progression and a sense of group. Once you have booked and paid for the course money is non refundable unless someone else can fill your place. (Minus an admin fee of £10). There may occassionally be space for someone to 'drop-in' to a class, the cost for this will be higher than the normal class rate. Please make cheques payable to ‘Frances Lewis’.
Health questions?
If you have any health conditions please consult with your GP or health consultant to confirm if Yoga would be beneficial for you. All weekly classes involve physical postures to improve strength, flexibility and balance as well as breathing and relaxation. Please let me know of any health conditions before a class. Be aware that general classes are not suitable for people who need remedial work. One to one sessions are available. If you are pregnant it is best to change to Yoga for pregnancy class.
How can I prevent injurying myself?
The most common yoga injuries are caused by repetitive strain or overstretching and occur at the wrists, neck, along the spine, knees and hamstrings.
How to prevent injuries:
- Progress slowly and steadily
- Avoid competing. Yoga postures are meant to be a nurturing form of exercise so aim to avoid competing yourself or with anyone else. Try to focus on your breathing during a pose rather than how far you stretch.
- Listen to your body. Aim to listen to your body in the session rather than think about what you have achieved before. Any pain is an indication to stop or soften the practice.
- Listen to your breath. Holding your breath, ragged breath or straining the breath are all signs that you are overextending yourself. Soften and breathe well or come out of the practice.
- Ask questions If you are unsure of any position or movement stop and ask for more explanation or ask for clarity at the end of the session. If you have any health conditions ask your doctor or health consultant what range of movement is beneficial and what should be avoided.
- Be responsible for your health and well being.
- Warm up the body before moving into stronger stretches.
- Develop strength as well as flexibility. Muscles that are just stretched and not strengthened are more prone to injury.
AIM TO DEVELOP: HONESTY, SELF AWARENESS & SENSITIVITY
Can I still do yoga when I have my period?
During mensturation I think it is best to go more gently than usual and to honour that time as a time to go inwards. There is conflicting advice about inversions at that time and again I think it is best to go gently and to not do full inversions such as shoulderstand and headstand.
Sometimes I feel tearful during relaxation - is this ok?
Many of the yoga practices are designed to release tension in the body. When we release physical tension there can be an emotional release as well. If you are feeling overwhelmed, balancing the in and out breathe can help to bring you into harmony. If you are depressed and sad then a longer in breath might be helpful. If you are anxious or afraid a longer out breath might be helpful. This release of emotions during or after a yoga practice is common and fine especially during times of high stress. Give yourself time to go gently and get support if you require it.
What clothes shall I wear in class?
Wear layers of comfortable clothing that do not restrict your movement or your breathing. Practice in bare feet.
Can I eat food before a class?
It is best not to eat a big meal for at least 4 hours or a light snack for 2 hours before a Yoga class.
What is the best time to arrive?
Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before the start of the session so that you can be settled and ready for the beginning of the class.
Data protection
All contact details and any health information will be kept confidential. Please let me know if you no longer wish to be on my mailing list.
I hope you enjoy the sessions
With thanks
Frances Lewis Dip BWY
Namaste