For the safety and comfort of yourself and others, please consider the following guidelines when attending classes.

Preparation

(a) Eating

It is recommended that you don’t eat for two hours before your practice. This means the body is lighter and freer to move. However, if you feel hunger will become a distraction then have a small, light, easily digestible snack about thirty minutes prior to class. Of course, for those with diabetes or any other medical condition affecting metabolism or energy, please be guided by your existing knowledge of your body's needs.

(b) Drinking

Some schools of yoga advocate allowing the fire of the practice to be maintained throughout the asana session, which means that the heat generated by your practice is not quenched by drinking water until after the practice is complete. Other schools of yoga recommend maintaining hydration throughout asana practice. Be guided by your own intuition. Therefore, if you need to drink water during the class, go ahead. If you prefer to wait, ensure you drink sufficient clear water after the class to detoxify and rehydrate the body.

(c) Clothing

Wear comfortable clothing that will allow you freedom of movement. Whatever you usually wear for exercise will be fine. Practice in your bare feet.

(d) Equipment

If you already own a mat, please bring it with you. Some venues have mats available for our use, others do not, if in doubt please enquire. If after attending a few classes you decide that ‘yoga is for you’, it is worthwhile investing in your own mat. Mats are readily available from local sports outlets and via the internet.

Injuries and ill health

If you are recovering from an injury or illness that may affect your yoga practice, listen attentively to the instructions and practice modifications where necessary. You are also welcome to speak to the teacher in confidence, who will suggest modifications or specific therapeutic postures to help you. Learn to be respectful of your body without judgement, competition or expectation. Regular yoga practice will help you tune in to subtle changes in your body's temperament. Aim for the balance between effort and contentment. In other words there is intention of accomplishment without greed, and the intention of contentment without laziness.

Pregnancy

For an experienced yoga practitioner, who knows the nuances and strengths of her own body, pregnancy does not usually present any reason for discontinuing an established practice. When practicing during pregnancy, be particularly mindful during forward, back and side bends as well as spinal twists, to neither overextend nor overcontract. Be gentle with the abdominal area and give junior plenty space. If you are new to yoga or have any doubts about the effects of pregnancy on your practice, then it is preferrable to attend a pre-natal yoga class. It is recommended that you do not begin a yoga practice during pregnancy, wait until after the baby is born.

Respectfulness

Respect yourself and others by arriving on time for class. If on occasion you are late for class or need to leave early, please enter or exit quietly so that others are undisturbed. Many venues have classes scheduled back to back, which for various reasons can run a few minutes late. If the class ahead of you is running late, try not to become anxious or angry, this will only diminish your personal benefit from the class. When your class is finished, please tidy away your mat and leave the room promptly, so that the next class can gain access to the room. In other words, while it's important to chat with friends, it's also important to do this where there's no obstruction to others.