How do I book?
Head to the Class Timetable and follow the process to register for a class and make a payment. Please make sure you have completed a physical activity readiness or health questionnaire as this protects your health and safety and helps me to understand if you have any special requirements.
What is yoga?
Yoga is much more than simply physical exercise. It has a rich history and strong cultural associations, it is not a religion but it does have connections and associations with some Eastern religions and philosophies.
The word yoga translates as yoke; to yoke means to join. This directly implies the holistic nature of yoga practice which incorporates a vast array of practices, these include physical movement and gestures, breath work, concentration practices, use of sound, cultivation of energy.
ReaLIZe yoga sessions are designed with all this in mind, combining physical movement with breathing techniques and mindful concentration practices to balance the body and mind.
There are obvious physical benefits such as improvements your strength and flexibility.
Less obvious physiological benefits are positive effects on the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems. You might not notice these immediately but rather over time, perhaps you sleep much better, or have more energy, maybe you begin to make different choices about the way you go about things.
Yoga can also positively impact mental health by cultivating a mindful understanding of body, breath and brain.
What is Asana?
Asana are the individual postures within a yoga session.
You move, bend and stretch the body in a particular way.
Asanas can be static, or dynamic (involving movement or transition) many have an element of balance and physical control.
Asana requires some degree of physical effort and you might feel a rise in your heart rate and temperature during a practice.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a state of mind, we work towards this state of mind through practices designed to focus our concentration, and spend time in quiet contemplation. For most people it is not usually a natural state, and it is not easy, this is because we have busy chattering minds.
Meditation practices may involve gentle movement or stretches, breathing techniques and concentration techniques.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that we might incorporate in to both asana and meditation sessions.
It is a technique of observing mental activity without interfering in it or trying to change it.
Any kind of meditation technique requires practice which inevitably involves patience and discipline.
What is the difference between asana and meditation sessions?
Asana sessions are more physical with movement of the body in conjunction with the breath.
Meditation sessions are concentration focussed, with limited physical movement.
What is a private session?
A private session is an individual and personalised session specifically tailored to your needs and requirements.
Can there be more than one person in a private session?
Yes, private sessions can booked for groups. These can include sessions to improve health and wellbeing in workplaces, care homes and learning environments and also recreational sessions – it can be fun to connect socially with yoga or sound.
All private sessions will be designed and delivered according to your requirements.
What equipment do I need?
A mat: 6mm thick with a good grippy surface is advisable, this will provide a safe, comfortable surface for your practice and stop you from slipping. You may want to have some extra padding for the knees if you experience discomfort kneeling. Alternatively you can fold the mat under the knees to increase the thickness and relieve pressure on the knees.
Online access: Online sessions are on Zoom so it helps to download the app and create a free account or you can access Zoom meetings via a web browser.
Electronic device: for online sessions you will need a device that can access the internet. Your device will need a camera, microphone and speaker output. A phone or tablet work well but a computer is preferable as a larger screen gives a better view.
Water: Its useful to have some drinking water on hand to quench your thirst if necessary.
Other props: There are other yoga accessories or props that might help support your practice, for example a blanket, strap, block, or sometimes a chair. This needn’t be at any cost as often items you have around the house can be used. A chat prior to your first session will identify if you would benefit from props. I sometimes have a towel on hand in warmer weather as the effort can make you glow a little. A blanket to keep you warm during relaxation is also useful to ensure you are not distracted by a drop in temperature.
Sound baths: I provide a mat, a blanket or two and an eye covering but it is important to feel really comfortable and warm during a session so bring along any extra padding for you to lie on or to make your position more comfortable, examples include camping mats, bean bags, bolsters, cushions. Also warmth is important so blankets, sleeping bags, even duvets are welcome. Think warm, comfy and cosy.
Do I need to do anything before I turn up?
You will need to complete a health questionnaire before you start so I can understand a little bit about you and do what I can to keep you safe.
Turn off any mobile phones or other electronic devices that could interrupt the session.
Avoid eating or drinking large amounts directly before or after a session. Plan to eat no later than an hour before the session and I at least a half an hour after the session to allow your digestive system to resettle. Regular consumption of water is advised during and after any session.
What should I wear?
For yoga wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement, something stretchy is good. Barefoot is preferable for yoga but if you like to wear socks then yoga socks, or socks with a grip underneath are best, so you don’t slip. This is less of an issue for a chair yoga programme.
For sound baths comfortable clothing that won’t distract you during the session is advisable. Also wear enough layers so that you don’t get too cold, your temperature will drop during a relaxation session where movement is limited and this can be distracting so we want to make sure you are as warm and comfortable as possible to fully relax.
What are yoga props?
Yoga props include straps, foam blocks or bricks, chairs.
Sometimes props can be useful, we might use chairs, straps or blocks. Household items can be substituted for formal yoga props, for example books can be used as a substitute for blocks and a belt or scarf as a substitute for a strap. If you decide you would like to use props you can make sure you have some of these items to hand, I can advise on this or on purchasing them if this is something you wish to do.
I’m not flexible, can I do yoga?
Yes you can, yoga is progressive and many people report positive effects in a very short time. Everyone starts yoga at their own level and improvement comes with regular practice over time. To do yoga you need to have an open mind and little in the way of expectations.
It should be noted that you can modify within a posture to suit your own body, this is something that only you can decide as your practice is individual to you, however I will give cues throughout the practice to ease you up to your level, you then decide how far you take your body or mind.
Can I talk to you outside sessions?
Always happy to arrange a chat about the sessions or your experience.
See contact details
How do I join your community?
To join sessions complete the relevant health questionnaire on the booking page, this is essential before you start. Then select your session via the class timetable and register.
You can also follow me on facebook and instagram
I have a health condition, so I don’t think I can do yoga or a sound bath?
You will need to complete the health questionnaire. Some health conditions are contraindicated for both a general yoga practitioner or a sound bath. Many conditions can be accommodated by exercising care, applying modifications and using equipment or props to support the posture.
If you do have a serious condition you may be asked to obtain a letter of approval from your doctor before you proceed.
If I am unable to offer you an option to accommodate your health condition I may be able to help you find a specialist teacher/ practitioner that can help.
Do you offer chair yoga?
Yes, a chair yoga programme can be devised upon request – see private sessions.
Age – is it a barrier?
There is no upper or lower age limit to yoga.
Why should I do yoga with you?
Why not? Everyone has different preferences but you will only know if reaLIZe yoga is right for you if you try it.
If you don’t like me or my teaching style, that’s fine and there is no pressure to continue, there are many teachers out there and you may find a better match, your feedback is always welcome.
Why can’t I just follow a you tube session?
In a live yoga session I can see and interact with you, this means that you can receive additional cues to help you move safely into and out of the postures.
In addition you have a direct connection with me and you can speak to me should you need to.
Also a live class has the added bonus of seeing that yoga teachers are also fallible humans. Sometimes we have a bit of a giggle when things don’t go to plan, perhaps when I fall over, forget how to speak or have a laughing fit…much more fun than youTube!
How will I know if I am doing ‘it’ right?
I will give you cues and instructions on how to get in to a posture, what to look for and what you might feel. Avoid being guided by any expectation of what is ‘right’.
What is right for you will be indicated by your body and your breath and you will generally feel if it is “right” or not.
You have freedom and “wiggle room” within each posture to discover what “right” feels like for your body, this is important as we are all different and one shape does not fit all!
The key is to stretch but don’t strain. Feel and enjoy a degree of challenge but don’t push yourself beyond your personal limits.
If you experience pain then you should immediately withdraw from the posture to a safe position to avoid risk of injury.
Will other people be able to see me?
In an online class you will “pin” my video so that you can see me on the screen.
Other people in the class will be in small thumbnails either down the side or at the top of your screen. You will be so small in your thumbnail that nobody will be able to see you.
I will have my screen on gallery view so that I can see all students in the session, this is so that I can see if any postures need correction or modification.
In a face to face class you will be in a group, you will be reminded that your practice is your practice, yoga is not a competition it is a personal journey and we avoid comparing ourselves with others.
I don’t have Zoom what do I do?
You can download the app and create an account for free. You will need to register with your email address and create a password.
Once you have the account you can join in online sessions with a meeting ID and passcode which you will receive following payment.
An added bonus of a free account is that you can use it to schedule your own meetings. (If you already have the app installed, please check you have the most up to date version).
If using the app for the first time it is a good idea to set up a practice run with a willing volunteer before the meeting to make sure you can confidently access the application. I can help with this if necessary, just drop me an email request.
Alternatively, you can access the meeting through a browser with or without an account of your own. I would advise that you avoid using Internet Explorer if possible as this browser is no longer supported and you may experience difficulties. Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome are all good options.
How does a Zoom class work?
You will receive a Meeting ID and Passcode or a direct link to the session.
Either click the link or enter the meeting ID and Passcode and click Join to access the session.
Once admitted to the room you will see the options:
“Join using video” Select Join “Join using device audio” Select Join
Hover over the bottom of the screen and you will see options which you must enable.
“Start Video” (if not automatically enabled) “Unmute”
Angle your camera so that I can see you clearly and so you can see me clearly. An ideal height is around hip height and if you can stand approximately 2 metres away from the camera I should get a pretty good view of you.
You may need to make some adjustments to the angle or height of the screen during the session when moving from standing to the mat.
I can’t hear the Zoom session what do I do?.
Make sure the volume on your computer is turned up so you can hear the audio.
Sometimes you will need to check if there is a Zoom update required as this can occasionally cause problems.
I don’t have a yoga mat, can I still do yoga?
You can practice without a mat but a mat does help you to avoid slipping on the floor and provides some cushioning.
Mats can be bought relatively inexpensively. If you need advice on buying a mat I can help.
If you do decide to practice without a mat please assess the risk yourself and take any safety precautions you decide may be necessary.
I don’t have space, can I still do yoga?
You will need a space large enough to allow you to lie down and stretch your arms out overhead and to the sides. Occasionally arms can be bent at the elbows if space is tight.
Make sure that your practice area is free from breakables just in case you lose balance – we wouldn’t want any precious family heirlooms to be a casualty of your practice.
What happens if reaLIZe yoga cancels a session?
In the rare event of a cancellation by reaLIZe yoga, you will be contacted as soon as possible prior to the session start time. You will not lose your session credit. Refunds are not standard policy, reaLIZe yoga will offer a credit for a future session or an alternative session will be offered.
