Questions about yoga? Let me help ~
Yoga FAQs from Hazel Lily Yoga
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, very much so - No previous yoga experience is required. Yoga classes with Hazel are taught as mixed ability, with a step by step approach, delivered in a down to earth way with explanations and variations offered for all (no extreme body-bending-pretzel-poses here!) Yoga classes with Hazel take focus on a more nourishing, nurturing yoga practice based on traditional (yet still accessible) hatha yoga principles. Beginners are very much welcome :)
What does a typical yoga class look like?
In a 75 minute class we typically begin with a few minutes of quiet sitting, preparing body, mind + soul for the practice with simple mindfulness and breathing exercises. We move gently into jattis (warm ups) + kriyas (movement with conscious breathing) and asanas (held postures). We end with a good 15min relaxation in shavasana with guided meditation, visualisation, and relaxation breathing to fully release tension, find balance, ease, and let go.
What is Hatha Yoga?
‘Hatha’ is a Sanskrit word from two roots: Ha = Sun. Ta = Moon. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from ‘Yuj’ = To join or unite. Simply put, Hatha Yoga focuses on finding balance, and harmony amongst these dualities.
“Hatha Yoga uses our body, breath and mind as a tool to balance and unite the two opposite energies to attain the health, well-being, balance, enhanced vital energies, and ultimately prepare our body, mind and energies for further advanced yoga practices.. Classical Hatha Yoga aims to lead you to a deep state of relaxation, inner balance, and tranquillity.” - Yogachariya Jnandev.
“Hatha Yoga uses our body, breath and mind as a tool to balance and unite the two opposite energies to attain the health, well-being, balance, enhanced vital energies, and ultimately prepare our body, mind and energies for further advanced yoga practices.. Classical Hatha Yoga aims to lead you to a deep state of relaxation, inner balance, and tranquillity.” - Yogachariya Jnandev.
What do I need to bring to yoga class?
1. Ideally a yoga mat. If you don’t have one that’s fine - a towel, blanket, or anything that provides a little comfort and grip is a good place to start.
2. Blanket for comfort is recommended - Good to prop the hips and ease the lower back for quiet sitting at beginning of your practice and to stay cosy in relaxation.
3. Water bottle - Hydration is key! Sipping water during the practice is important.
First time to yoga? This super helpful > Yoga Class Essentials Guide < is for you :)
2. Blanket for comfort is recommended - Good to prop the hips and ease the lower back for quiet sitting at beginning of your practice and to stay cosy in relaxation.
3. Water bottle - Hydration is key! Sipping water during the practice is important.
First time to yoga? This super helpful > Yoga Class Essentials Guide < is for you :)
Do I need any props for yoga?
If you have any props that you like to use of course that is fine, however, in the style of Sanatan Yoga in which I’m trained - influenced by the Gitananda Yoga Lineage - props are not a mandatory requirement to practice yoga.
What to wear to yoga class?
Simple, loose, comfortable clothing that feels good to move in is key. Socks for relaxation to keep extra cosy and warm is an option, but socks needn’t be worn throughout the rest of the practice. Also no shoes required.. let the feet be free!
Looking for super comfy eco-friendly yoga trousers, tops, or socks that won’t cost the earth? Don’t know where to start? Check my helpful ‘What do I need for Yoga? Yoga Class 101 Vlog’ (keep an eye out for your special discount code in there too😉)
Looking for super comfy eco-friendly yoga trousers, tops, or socks that won’t cost the earth? Don’t know where to start? Check my helpful ‘What do I need for Yoga? Yoga Class 101 Vlog’ (keep an eye out for your special discount code in there too😉)
Do I need to let you know about any aches, pains or injuries?
Yes please. A short health form is to be filled out when pre-booking your class online. Please make sure you detail anything going on (in the body or mind), including any medication you may currently be taking, so it can be assessed (to the best of my ability) whether the class is suitable, or if any adjustments need to be kept in mind. If you do have any health conditions or concerns always seek advice from your GP before taking part in yoga, or any new form of exercise, so a medical professional can advise whether they think it is suitable for you. Also, if you have any new conditions arise, please communicate these with Hazel as soon as possible.
If I can’t attend class after booking can I transfer or get a refund?
For logistical reasons, Hazel Lily Yoga classes are non-refundable / non-transferable. However, if you book on to class then can’t attend due to illness (or last minute life stuff) then you don’t miss out entirely. When booking you automatically get a free 75min class recording in your confirmation email. Perfect to pick up the practice when needing a little extra nourishment at a time that’s convenient for you. And, as it's a home practice you can stay nice and cosy in your comfys or pjs too :)
Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
NO. The truth is: You CAN do yoga. Even if you don’t feel flexible! Unfortunately in today's insta age we’re surrounded by countless images of ‘yoga’ depicted as super bendy contortionism. In reality = THIS IS NOT WHAT YOGA IS. But, if you’ve ever felt like yoga’s been unattainable and unachievable to you due to this misconception - that is completely understandable (I felt exactly the same before I went to my first yoga class!) So, whilst being super flexible isn’t the sole focus of yoga - and definitely not a prerequisite to joining a yoga class - over time and with regular practice increased flexibility can certainly be achieved in the body (mind + soul!) > hear more of my thoughts on this subject here <
I’ve tried yoga before but I’m not ‘very good at it’, is that ok?!
Of course. There is no competition in yoga, with yourself or others, and Hazel Lily Yoga classes are in no way competitive. It is encouraged for all to move in a way that feels comfortable and right for your own body - as we are all unique after all. Adaptations and variations on postures, movement, and breathwork are offered allowing you to find a place that feels good for you and your body. There’s no ‘right or wrong’, ‘good or bad’ or strict alignment in classes - as long as you’re consciously moving, breathing, and being in a way that feels safe and right for you, that is the main thing.
Do I need to be able to meditate to practice yoga?
Previous experience of meditation is not required before coming to class but essentially yoga and meditation go hand in hand. In class you’ll be guided through a variety of yogic meditation and mindfulness tools and methods some of which will suit you and your uniqueness better than others. A willingness to be open to exploring different (maybe new) meditation techniques, coupled with a little patience is key. With practice we can certainly develop and strengthen the ‘muscle of meditation’, mindfulness, and awareness… and if you ‘don’t get it’ first time around that is fine! Sit with it, revisit, and see how you feel :)
How can I prevent getting injured during yoga?
Yoga is very much about awareness, tuning in and listening to your body. It is a skill, but one that can be honed over time and with practice. I always invite everyone to take the practice at your own pace, within a range that feels comfortable, and if something doesn't feel good PLEASE come out of it, move to a place that feels comfortable, pause, rest (and breathe!). If you’re practising physical yoga asanas (poses / postures) or yoga sequences at home it’s always advisable to carry out a variety of jattis (simple warming up subtle exercises) at the start of your practice.
How long are yoga classes and what time can I arrive from?
Yoga classes with Hazel are typically 60mins - 75mins, and please arrive ready to yoga no more than 10 minutes before class. This ensures enough time is given before class to adequately prepare the space for your arrival. We begin promptly at the publicised class start time, so please do your best to arrive on time in order not to disturb the rest of the class (5-10 mins beforehand is ideal). Please check the Hazel Lily Yoga Community Class Schedule for specific info on class duration and locations.
What if I can’t ‘do the pose’?
That is completely ok! Actually, more than ok - That is to be expected. Every single body is completely unique so what might feel comfortable and natural for one person, may feel the complete opposite for another. Variations on poses, movements, and breathing patterns are always offered in class. I invite people to also enquire with me about any alternatives if something doesn’t feel right. The emphasis is more on awareness, nourishing movement and breathing, gentle strengthening, relaxation, and generally feeling nourished (not punished). ‘Nailing the pose’ is certainly not the focus of our non-competitive classes.
Is a yoga mat necessary?
Having a yoga mat isn’t essential, however, a yoga mat is advisable for your yoga movement practice as it gives you comfort but also helps you grip and not slip.
Want to find out more about yoga mat specifics: What yoga mat thickness is best? Which yoga mat material is best for the environment? Where to buy a good quality yoga mat? Check out my free resource ‘Yoga Mats 101’ for all the answers :)
Want to find out more about yoga mat specifics: What yoga mat thickness is best? Which yoga mat material is best for the environment? Where to buy a good quality yoga mat? Check out my free resource ‘Yoga Mats 101’ for all the answers :)
Can I eat before yoga?
Ideally leave 2- 3 hours after a light meal before your yoga practice, or around an hour after a small snack to give the body enough time to digest.
What is Pranayama?
What is Yoga Nidra?
> Find out here <
How do I clean my yoga mat?
> Find out here <
Do you offer class discounts?
Yes :) When booking a hatha yoga ‘4 Week Class Block’ you receive a discount from £9 a class to just £7.50 a class. Or, when you ‘mix & match’ a variety of 4+ hatha classes for different days of the week together, you automatically receive £4+ off the total booking saving you £1 per class. Block booking discounts are also considered for Private Yoga sessions (please note all discounts and offers are subject to availability).
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