Questions

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a system of Indian philosophy. It incorporates a range of practices from meditation, chanting and study to physical postures and breath control. All of the yoga styles we teach at Yoga Junction come under the umbrella term of 'Hatha' Yoga. Hatha Yoga specifically involves physical postures and breath control to purify the body systems to focus the mind. There are many different syles of Hatha Yoga (Iyengar, Astanga, Viniyoga, Sivananda etc.) Where the timetable says simply Hatha Yoga this means it is a class in the classical tradition of Hatha Yoga and does not follow an particular 'Guru' or teacher. The ultimate goal of all forms of yoga is self-realisation, to help you discover your true nature.

Why practise yoga?

The regular practice of yoga can have a profound effect on your physical and mental state and whether you reach a state of self-realisation or not practising yoga can help:

- Build strength and Increase flexibility

- Promote calm and relaxation

- Relieve tension and Improve concentration

- Boost energy

- Develop stamina

- Enhance body awareness and improve posture

Yoga has also been shown to help alleviate many common complaints such as insomnia, anxiety, IBS, digestive disorders, PMS, stress, backache and headaches. It makes you feel better, live better and age gracefully.

Who can practise yoga ?

Almost anyone can practise Yoga, regardless of age, level of flexibility or strength. Yoga is not competitive, it is designed to help you learn how your body works and maximise its potential. Through yoga you will discover what you are capable of in your own time. Depending on your individual circumstances you may prefer a very gentle class or one that is athletically challenging. We also have special classes for people living with serious illness or injury, for children, for pregnant and post-natal women.

What happens in a class ?

During a Yoga class, you will be guided through a series of Yoga postures (called asana). The teacher will both explain and demonstrate. He/She may also help you learn a posture by physically adjusting you - if you don't want this you can just let the teacher know. Some classes include breathing exercises (pranayama) and some include chanting. At the end of class there is a relaxation period, which is usually done lying down.

What should I wear ?

Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in freely. You don't need shoes. In the more dynamic classes you will tend to get hot, so we recommend that you wear thin leggings or shorts and light T-shirts. For the gentler classes you might want to wear a little more clothing and bring some socks for the relaxation.

Do I need my own mat ?

Yoga mats, blankets and other props are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one. We sell a small range of yoga mats, blocks and belts if you would like to buy your own, or have a look at yogamatters.com for a vast selection.

What if I am pregnant ?

We have 2 classes each week specifically for women who are pregnant. Thursdays at 6.30pm and Tuesdays at 10.30am. These classes are ideal from around 15 weeks right through to delivery. It is sometimes possible to attend regular classes through pregnancy at the teacher's discretion. It is not advisable to do strong stretching or very heating type of practice during pregnancy. If you do plan to come to a regular class, please call first to check it is ok, and always remind the teacher that you are pregnant before the class.

We also run Preparation for Birth Workshops. You can attend these with your partner. They usually run every couple of months. Check out the Workshop section for more information.

Injuries, mobility problems, high blood pressure and other health problems

Yoga postures can be adapted for most conditions. We would be happy to discuss the most appropriate classes for you. If you do come to a class and you have any injuries or health problems, please inform the teacher before the class begins. If you are very restricted in movement we would recommend that you come to the Chair Based Yoga class on Tuesdays at 2.15pm with Lynda, which is specially designed for those with any sort of injury or physical restriction.

We are quite happy to meet you for a chat before you come to a class, so if you are unsure about which class to come to, call and ask for Nigel or Tara, or you could arrange to come in and chat to us.

Eating and drinking

We'd advise you not to eat for at least an hour before class and even an hour may not be enough to digest a heavy meal. It can be very uncomfortable to practise yoga with a full stomach.

Generally it is important to drink enough water if you are exercising. We do not recommend drinking water during yoga practice as this is traditionally thought to negate some of the benefits of practicing asana (postures). So we discourage bringing bottles of water into the class but positively encourage you to make sure you have some water after a class (ideally room temperature and about 15-30 mins after practice.).

Parking

Please try to walk, cycle or use public transport to come to your class. Its better for you, for the environment and for our neighbours! If you do have to come by car the streets around Yoga Junction now have a residents only restriction from 12.00-2.00pm every weekday. There are pay and display bays close by. Please note we are in a residential area and there may be very little parking space available in the evenings.

I've tried phoning but always get and answer machine

We only have people manning reception part time. The best time to call if you want to speak to someone is immediately after the start of a timetabled class. Otherwise please do leave a message with your name and number and we will call you back as soon as we can. Or email us if you prefer.