General Questions
What is it all about?
As a student, you will be inspired and have fun while participating in a fantastic body, mind and soul workout led by a certified yoga instructor. You will be motivated to push to your personal best at a pace that is right for you and your body.
What if I’ve never done Yoga before?
Yogis of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Nobody will be left behind or asked to complete more than they are capable of doing safely. Nor will anybody go home unsatisfied! Each day will be different providing you with a fresh challenge each day. You will inspire and be inspired by others.
Why should I participate?
Because it’s fun and healthy! You will experience a dramatic improvement in your physical and mental well-being while enjoying the calm yet invigorating and motivating environment of a yoga class. In addition, you will meet great people who share your same passion for acquiring a more healthy body and mind.
While yoga asanas are healing and effective for body and mind, yoga is so much more. Yoga is a lifestyle and a commitment. It is an opportunity and an invitation to live deeply and to experience every moment consciously.
What am I getting for my money?
Well, we don’t see it as money or a payment but rather an investment that you make into your health and well-being. So, for the duration of your class we strive to help you realise your investment.  Each class is different so you will experience something new each time you come to practice. Our teachers have in-depth experience and are carefully selected and they will guide you safely through class. They will correct your postures, provide you with alternative options should you need them, challenge you to go further if you can and provide creative, fun and inspired classes.
There is a magic to practicing in a group and our classes create a home for that magic to happen. Why not try it and see for yourself! Your first class is FREE and unlike many other studios we do not charge a membership or joining fee so you only pay when you come and not when you don’t.
How soon will I see results?
Improvements can take place from your first class. Any time we exercise, stretch and squeeze our major muscles, organs and glands we invigorate rejuvenate and energise ourselves. Everyone is different and so we all experience changes to our bodies in different ways, however, one thing is for certain changes will occur each time you practice. These changes may be very noticeable one day and very subtle the next, that is the beauty of yoga.
The more you practice the stronger and suppler your body will become and so, in turn, the more you will enjoy your practice. With a bit of dedication you’ll make rapid progress.
Yoga can be demanding but it is also invigorating. Our relaxation exercises at the end of every practice will ensure you leave feeling calm and content. If you’re lucky you may even get a foot massage!
I’m already fit. What can Yoga add to my existing fitness routine?
A LOT! Besides the physical aspect) Yoga calms the mind and promotes over-all well being by balancing hormones, flushing your lymphatic system, aids digestion and much more! Ask any of the professional footballers, rugby players and runners who are turning to Yoga to help them add flexibility and core strength to their existing fitness routines in order to enhance body conditioning, reduce the risk of injury, and add extra variety to their training!
What do I wear?
Wear non-binding clothing that does not inhibit your range of motion. We love natural fibres like cotton, bamboo and wool because they offer stretch, are high performance, regulate your temperature and are kinder on the earth! If you perspire a lot, you might opt for something with wicking properties. Wearing layers ensures that you will be able to adjust your temperature as needed.
What should I bring?
You don’t really need to bring much else to a yoga class other than yourself and a mat, but there are some things you may wish to bring:
- Something warm to wear afterwards (especially if you perspire)
- A bottle of water
- A towel
- You don’t need shoes – we practice barefoot
- A Yoga mat (we have a few that you can use for free. We also sell mats if you would like your own.)
Do you offer private sessions?
Yes! Enquire in class or e-mail us at info@lumalayoga.com to arrange a private session with one of our teachers.
Is yoga only for the young and ultra-flexible?
Not at all. We recognise that people join a Yoga class for many different reasons, at different ages and from different “activity backgrounds”. Yoga provides alternatives to every posture and we will help you to find your place in every Yoga pose.
Gaining flexibility and combating the effects of aging are both great reasons to start practicing. It is never too late to begin taking care of yourself and optimizing your wellbeing. You are never too stiff (this is what yoga addresses, bringing balance to your body)
How long should I wait after eating before I practice?
The best thing to do is to listen to your body. Give yourself adequate time to digest so that you can practice in comfort. The amount of time you require to digest will depend on your body and also on the food you have eaten.
Are children allowed to accompany their parents to class?
Due to the nature of our fitness programme, we unfortunately cannot accommodate any children at our classes. We may from time to time run workshops for children, keep watching the site for details.
Our Classes
What do your classes include?
We use many aspects of yoga and our classes combine postures (asanas), mudras (hand postures), mantras (sound), meditations and bhandas (body locks). The classes are structured to provide core conditioning, build muscular strength, boost your immune system, calm your mind, improve digestion and circulation, and strengthen your nervous and endocrine systems and much more!
Which class should I come to?
All classes are for all levels unless stated otherwise on the schedule. Yoga can be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging but it is also supposed to be enjoyable. In some classes we will work very deeply so you need to take things at a pace that you are comfortable with. If you are a new student by all means throw yourself straight in but feel free to discuss with us which class may be best suited as a foundation. Some classes will specifically teach you basic postures, help you get to grips with a new way of breathing and will give you the confidence to join any of the other Yoga classes we offer.
What can I achieve from class?
Your body will become more fit and toned, and you will gain more confidence making a dramatic improvement in your physical, emotional and mental well-being. The class programme will work all parts and systems of your body to strengthen, tone and balance. You will begin to gain strength, feel calmer, be more in control and as your immune, nervous, circulatory, endocrine and respiratory systems are balanced and strengthened, you will start to look and feel better! Also, you’ll meet great people who share in the same vision of striving to reach their goals for a healthier mind and body.
What is a typical yoga class like?
That’s difficult to say since each day is intentionally different to allow us to work our entire bodies. We teach you a great deal about proper form, core stability and the major systems in your body. We offer various Yoga classes and each system of yoga is unique but most offer a method of helping us experience joy and freedom of motion.
What do I need to know for my first class?
You should make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early. This is to allow you enough time to complete our registration form and meet the teacher. This is for your safety – so please be aware that if you have not done this before the class starts, you may not be able to practice.
About Yoga Practice
How often should I practice?
Yoga is intended to be a daily practice – and even if you don’t get to a class or on your mat there are elements of Yoga that you can practice in your daily routine. The most important thing is that you enjoy the practice and develop a relationship with it. The more regularly you can practice the quicker you will see your body changing in wonderful ways. You will also find yourself dealing with daily stresses and strains better and from a more balanced place.
Additionally, your personal goals, exercise history and general level of fitness will all determine the impact that Yoga has on your body, and the frequency that will best help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
If your goal is to gain mastery in asana, or become a teacher you might choose to practice 6 days a week. If you are serious about changing body patterns or lifestyle habits, you’ll see best results if you practice several times per week. If you would like to be spontaneous and prefer not to have definitive goals, practice at your leisure.
What’s the best time of day to practice?
This depends entirely on you, your schedule and the purpose of your practice.
Ask yourself what you would like to gain from your practice that day and go from there. You are free to change your mind at any time!
- In the pre-dawn hours the benefits are mental spaciousness, and a greater ability to connect with the spirit.
- Mid-morning, the body has good stamina, though you may have to work through some stiffness. This is a good time for a powerful practice and backbends.
- The body is more flexible in the afternoon. Try poses that require suppleness like hip openers and seated poses. Inversions are also good now because they stimulate the brain for the rest of the day’s activities.
- The evening is the time that the body and brain start to slowly settle again. A yoga practice can help move out excess energy that is not allowing you to focus or relax for bedtime. If your practice is too late and too vigorous, it could over-stimulate you and not allow you to get settled for bed.
Is yoga a whole body workout?
Yoga isn’t just a workout, it’s a practice. Yoga asanas, or postures, tone and heal the outer as well as the inner body. The asanas bring balance to the endocrine system, which balances our moods, muscles and metabolism. Each of the asanas targets specific muscular, organ and glandular systems. Prananyama (breath work) and meditation help balance both the right and left hemispheres of the brain; clearing the clutter and releasing cerebrospinal fluid. Yoga is preventative. “May you never know what you are preventing by practicing.”
Health Precautions and Pain
Will I be sore sometimes?
If you are not used to stretching and moving in the ways yoga asks, you may feel some soreness. This can last a few days if we have worked very deeply. Its part of the process that lets you improve and is an indication that you are getting a good workout! The soreness should only be stiffness and not a sharp pain, if you are concerned, speak to your teacher.
I have an injury – or am recovering from one – can I still do a Yoga class?
If you have suffered a significant injury – either recently or in the past – you will need to speak to our teachers before attending a class. Depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of your recovery from it, you may need to consult a doctor for a medical clearance form.
Pain: General (from an injury or in a specific pose)
Remember every ‘body’ is different. It is recommended to seek out a qualified yoga instructor for answers to specific questions in regards to your discomfort or injury. Always consult your doctor if you are experiencing acute pain. In any pose, be sure your foundation is set and your body is in good alignment. Check in with your teacher in class. Many pain issues are resolved with a simple adjustment, which can be offered by someone with a trained eye. If you’ve ever had major trauma to your head or neck, it may be very uncomfortable to place your head below your heart. Avoiding any posture that causes discomfort is recommended. Again, always consult with your doctor if you are experiencing sharp pain. Neck pain deserves gentle and mindful movement.
Inverted postures such and headstand and shoulder stand are not recommended in an acute state of pain.
Women Specific: What poses should I avoid during my period?
Your teacher will in most cases call out postures during class that should be avoided and will provide alternatives but since they are only human they may forget sometimes so it is best to follow these general rules:
- It is not recommended to engage your bandhas (body locks) in this condition
- Lighten your practice and don’t push yourself as hard as you normally would. Rest when you feel you need to –  restorative poses are calming and comforting during this time.
- Avoids inversions
Women Specific: Until what stage of pregnancy is it safe to practice yoga?
We recommend that you consult with your doctor. Yoga can be dynamic and high-energy, if you are already a client and fall pregnant then continued participation in the class requires a medical consent letter signed by your general practitioner. For some people practicing right up to delivery is often acceptable if the right modifications are made as your pregnancy progresses.
Please always tell your teacher that you are pregnant so that she can adjust postures for you but most importantly you should know that by the sixth to eighth week, twists and lying on your belly should be avoided. Use props and make modifications for comfort if needed. Every pregnancy is different so always consult your physician to be sure.
If you are pregnant and have not participated in a Yoga class before, we recommend that you attend private one-on-one sessions. If you are unsure then ask to talk to a Teacher before you book in. We would prefer that you seek out prenatal yoga classes if they are available in your area.
Men Specific: Is yoga for guys?
Yes! Of course! Yoga is fabulous for any BODY, male or female. The first yoga teachers ages ago were men only. Many men join our classes and experience huge benefits (ask any of the professional footballers, rugby players and runners who are turning to Yoga to help them add flexibility and core strengthening to their existing fitness routines in order to enhance body conditioning, reduce the risk of injury, and add extra variety to their training)
Booking and Formalities
What is the sign-up process?
We have a simple and once off sign-up process. Simply complete a form at or before your first class. Forms will be provided to all new students in advance of their first class.
Is there a refund policy?
Yoga classes: we will refund you any monies you have paid for class(es) and class packs. Any bookings will only be refunded if cancelled in accordance with our cancellation policy.
Workshops: If you notify us of your cancellation 48 hours before the workshop is due to commence then we can offer a refund or transfer your payment to a future session, however, we will charge a ÂŁ10 admin fee. If you notify us of your cancellation within the 48hrs before a workshop, regardless of the reason, we regrettably cannot offer any refunds or prorates as we would have by then incurred costs for venue hire, admin fees, instructor fees etc.
Do you operate a waiting list?
We operate a waiting list for all of our classes; if somebody cancels the person at the top of the waiting list will automatically be put in the class. An email will be sent to you informing you and we will also try to call. Please note that if you are put into the class from the waiting list our cancellation policy still applies.
How do I get on the waiting list?
Just click on the class as you would normally do to book yourself in and you will automatically be added to the waiting list.
Can I manage my bookings online?
You can manage all your bookings and purchases online. Your first session is free and will be credited to your account as soon as you register online.
Are there changing rooms and facilities?
We don’t operate a studio so you will need to find a place to change before class.
