I haven’t practiced yoga before.
It can be intimidating and a little overwhelming beginning something new, which may deter you from beginning in the first place. Yet stepping across the threshold of the unexplored can also be exciting, filled with wonder and possibility. So the best thing you can ever do is simply start right where you are.
Experience or flexibility is not a pre-requisite as each class is beginner friendly. Every pose, shape and movement can be modified accordingly. You will be surprised at what you can do – it may just be that we approach practice in a less-than-conventional way. In fact, you’ll even find that the body feels differently day to day so chances are no two practices will ever be the same and therein lies the magic of yoga, she meets you where you are time and time again.
Injuries, medical and health conditions
These days it is not uncommon to be living with high levels of stress, pain, chronic conditions and/or injuries. If you are experiencing any of these conditions or injuries, please feel free to contact Kristie to discuss which classes may be best suited, and to find out how these presentations can be accommodated in class. Private classes are also an option.
Please note that you are responsible for your practice and a general health information and waiver will need to be completed prior to practice. Any information shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Can I practice during and after pregnancy?
Yes! Yoga is a beautiful way of creating connection with your body and the miraculous life growing within your womb. The tools of mindfulness and self-awareness gained through practice can also assist you during labouring, birthing and supporting you thereafter, particularly in the early days of your newborn’s life.
It is advisable to seek medical clearance prior to commencing any form of new movement practice. There are particular poses that are contra-indicated for pregnancy so it is important to ensure you let Kristie know you are pregnant so poses can be modified accordingly.
In the tender period of early post-partum, it is advised that you seek medical and specialist physiotherapy clearance before re-commencing group classes.
Do I need to book?
Bookings are essential as classes are limited to 8 students.
How do I book and pay?
Bookings can be made by sending Kristie a text message on 0419 371 127 with your full name and the class you would like to join.
If the class has reached capacity, you have the option of being placed on a waitlist. If a space becomes available, the next person on the list will be notified via text message.
Payment can be made via cash or bank transfer. On booking, please advise your preferred payment method and you will be advised of the banking details accordingly..
What time do I arrive and how long does the class go for?
The studio opens 15 minutes prior to class commencing.
Each class is 60 minutes (unless otherwise stated e.g. Daring to Rest Restorative Immersions, workshops).
Classes begin and end strictly at scheduled timing to not only ensure you can plan and flow seamlessly into life outside the studio, but also to ensure there is no interruption to classes that have already begun.
Cancelling your booking
You are able to cancel or change your booking up to 8 hours before the class commences. If the class has been pre-paid, the pass will roll-over to your next booking. Cancellations must be made via text message to Kristie 0419 371 127, stating your full name and the class you are cancelling.
Cancellations made less than 8 hours before the booked class will be charged at the booked rate. If you have a class pass, the late cancellation will be deducted from your remaining passes.
What do I wear? What do I bring?
Contrary to popular belief, fancy yoga clothes do not make the yogi, but of course if that’s what you have – go for it! Otherwise, clothing like track pants or similar that feels comfortable and allows for movement will be more than fine. Restrictive pieces such as denim will not be helpful. Anything that is particularly revealing may not serve you in the context of modesty.
If you have a yoga mat, you’re welcome to bring this. If not, mats will be available.
Props (such as blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps and Gertie balls) are supplied however given our current COVID-19 environment, eye pillows will not be available. You are welcome to bring your own or bring along a light scarf to cover the eyes for the final resting shape of savasana at the end of practice. It is also suggested to bring some warmer layers as you settle in the final resting shape as the body tends to cool.
What happens when I arrive?
- Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to class.
- Shoes are removed, and left outside the studio door.
- Ensure your phone is placed on silent or airplane mode. This is the same for smartwatches…you could even go out on a limb and invite yourself to remove your watch for the duration of the class….a pretty wild idea given the world of hyper-connectivity we live in!
- If it’s your first time to the studio, you will be required to complete a waiver and a short general health questionnaire.
What usually happens in a class?
- Classes typically begin by connecting with the bodymind via an internal ‘weather reading’. Just noticing what’s present and checking in what you need so that you can tailor your practice accordingly. Some days you’ll be simply bursting with energy and other days, heaviness and a sense of disinterest may follow you to your mat.
- This is followed by setting an intention to bring conscious awareness to what has brought you to the mat.
The movement practice begins. Each shape is gradually built on so you can choose the breadth of your adventure.
- Savasana brings practice toward a close. This a deliberate period of pausing in a floor-based pose of ease and comfort to integrate the practice. This may be laced with a guided meditation, yoga nidra or sometimes the unfamiliar thunder of silence.
- Each class is closed with an internal weather reading to notice just how the bodymind may have shifted as a result of the practice.
- Gratitude envelopes the culmination of practice.
Location and Parking
- Information will be sent to you on booking detailing the address and where to park. Note there are no stairs to access the studio however appropriate flat footwear should be worn.
COVID-19
As we find ourselves chartering the ever-changing territory of the COVID-19 Pandemic, additional guidelines and hygiene measures are in place to promote a COVID-Safe Environment. These include and are not limited to:
- Honouring social responsibility and not coming to class if you are unwell. This includes and is not limited to: a sore throat, cough and fever. Sadly, this also includes the run-of-mill sniffle;
- Not attending if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or someone who is awaiting test results;
- Social distancing. Mat spaces will be clearly marked;
- No hands-on adjustments. Adjustments will be via verbal and demonstrative means;
- Hands are to be sanitised upon arrival;
- Props will be sanitised after use;
- Following class, the floors will be thoroughly cleaned; and
- Before and after class, high touchpoints such as door handles and surfaces will be disinfected.
‘In truth it matters less what we do…than how we do it and why.’
Donna Farhi