There are many similarities between Yoga and Pilates. Both will help you improve strength, balance, flexibility and posture. The main difference is in approach. Yoga’s origins lie in ancient Eastern philosophy (although the physical side of Yoga is most commonly taught today), and focuses on the integration of mind and body, using the breath. A typical yoga class involves a mixture of posture work, breathing techniques and relaxation. Pilates was developed in Europe as a system of physical exercises around one hundred years ago and its emphasis is much more on precise movements to target specific areas of the body.
No. All of our classes are mat-based and we have equipment such as rollers, rings and soft balls. The Improvers class uses Swiss Balls.
No. Yoga is not a religion. It can be enjoyed by people whatever their faith or lack of it. However there is a spiritual side to the philosophy that underpins it and meditation is an important part of Yoga practice.
For both Yoga and Pilates you should wear comfortable non-constrictive clothes so you can move freely and easily. You might get warm during the class so layers are a good idea. Men usually wear a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms or shorts. Yoga is normally done in bare feet, for Pilates you might wear socks but not shoes.
Heart rhythm meditation is usually practiced sitting in a chair. Please wear something comfortable and warm as you will not be moving much.
We have equipment at the studio for people to use in class, but most people like to have their own yoga or Pilates mats. You can buy one at Studio Yoga or from any sports equipment retailer. Iyengar students will also need bricks, blocks, a strap and a blanket. For the Pilates improvers class, students will also need to buy a Swiss Ball.
Absolutely. Please let your teacher know if you have an injury or other medical condition that may affect your ability to participate. She will be able to offer you modifications so you can practice safely. If you are receiving on-going treatment from a doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional please consult them first if appropriate.
It’s not advisable to practice Yoga or Pilates on a full stomach. If possible try to refrain from eating for two hours before class. We don’t encourage drinking in a Yoga class, however you may bring water in with you if required.
There is plenty of free parking on site. Please park either in front of the Studio or alongside the large storage barn. All cars and their contents are left at the owner’s risk.
The easiest way to do this is online. But you can also book by email, phone or at the Studio. We also accept payment by bank transfer (please ask for details), cash or cheque (made out to Studio Yoga).
Please book in advance. Some classes are full and we can’t guarantee you a place if you just turn up.
Our Yoga and Pilates classes are structured as termly courses and for that reason we prefer people to sign up for a course. However, you can join part way through a course or just drop in for the occasional class if there are still spaces.
If you miss a session you are welcome to make it up by attending a different group class (not workshops, masterclasses or 1:1 lessons), subject to a space being available. Please check with the teacher first.
All classes must be made up during the current term and cannot be carried forward to future terms.
You may cancel any booking for a course or workshop (an ‘Event’) so long as you do so at least 30 days before the start of the Event, in which case we will refund you the amount you have paid for that Event, less an administration fee of £20. If you cancel within 30 days there will be no refund unless we are able to transfer your booking to another participant, in which case we will refund you as explained above, less an administration fee of £20.
For 1:1 lessons we require 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a booking, or you may be liable for the cost of the class.
Studio Yoga reserves the right to cancel an Event for any reason, though we will endeavour to do so only in exceptional circumstances or if there are insufficient numbers booked onto a course for it to be commercially viable. Should this happen we will notify you promptly and refund you in full the amount you have paid us for the Event.
