Here are some commonly asked questions. Please keep in mind the answers that are given are specific to my teaching style and experience. If there are other questions/answers you would like to see please email me or post a question using the comments section below. Take your time and happy scrolling!
General Class
Questions
What to bring
Essentials: yoga mat, bottle of water, willingness to
receive joy
Optional: towel, blanket, strap, block, bolster, cushion,
eye-pillow
Your bottoms should be comfortable and allow free movement through
the legs and groin – track suit bottoms, leggings or shorts. Your top should be
comfortably fitted (not too baggy) and/or you should be able to tuck the bottom
of it into your trousers. Most of the class is done barefoot, however warm
socks are recommended for the deep relaxation portion of the class.
Can I eat before
coming to class?
Ideally you should not have anything to eat for at least two
hours. If you do need to eat before classes then I recommend fresh fruit, fresh
fruit or vegetable juice, a smoothie, light soup or healthy bar – choose something easy to digest that won’t leave you feeling full or heavy.
What can I expect
from each class?
Every yoga class is different. I like to be spontaneous,
fluid and teach to the mood of the class environment. I do include a balanced
yoga sequence, meditation, deep relaxation and breathing techniques (pranayama)
in every session.
I originally trained and became certified in Integral yoga,
a very gentle form of yoga where yoga was a meditation in motion. I have done
various courses and workshops in many of the popular styles, so I do pull on
some of those themes. In addition I have done Anusara trainings, which is a
very heart-opening form of yoga. My classes can range from gentle to dynamic,
but rest assured every class caters to the different levels of each student.
1.5 hours of BLISS.
All of my classes are mixed sex. Currently I do not have any
women only or men only classes.
How often should I
practice yoga?
As often as you can. Doing shorter sessions many times a
week is more beneficial than doing just one or two long sessions. Try to fit in
a few morning poses, some poses while you are at work, or even if you are
watching television. I suggest at least 3 times a week for at least 45 minutes.
No. Yoga is a discipline that began nearly 5,000 years ago
in
Of course not. However, ahimsa is a major tenet of a yogic
lifestyle. Ahimsa literally means non-violence to animals, to others or
ourselves. Practising ahimsa deepens our yoga practice, but it is not
mandatory. Eating a very clean diet based on ahimsa principles promotes a
healing space for our bodies to flourish, which gives us a more easeful body.
Basically the cleaner we keep our bodies the more we’ll benefit from a yoga
practice. <Side note: If you are interested in the relationship your diet
plays in the role of your yoga practice or you want to improve your diet, touch
base with me to find out about my other offerings.>
Yoga is a very personal journey. My top tips are: work
within your limits (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual), release any
physical expectations to allow your body to surrender into the poses. Where you
are today in a pose may be very different than tomorrow. Yoga is not
competitive – not with those around you or yourself. Focus on your breathing,
listen to your body – you know it better than anyone else - and be open to the
possibility of something greater than yourself.
This is a tricky question. Doing your yoga practice at
different times during the day will provide different experiences. Our bodies
feel very differently at various times, too. Ultimately, you will do your
practice at a time that suits your body and schedule. Your intent while practising is more important than the time.
Yes. It is normal to experience mild soreness, especially if
you are new to yoga or flowing movement. However, mild soreness is very
different than an acute pain or ache. Soreness may also be a sign that is
asking you to listen to your body more carefully and to practice more easefully.
Yes. Beginner students may feel this more often. Over time
and with practice your body will adjust to this new form of movement. This is
just your body’s way of re-circulating and re-wiring to become even healthier.
Yoga
Fitness/Wellness Questions
Will yoga help me lose
weight?
In general yoga on its own will not help you to lose weight.
Most styles of yoga will not raise your heart-rate for long enough to aid you
in shedding excess weight. Yoga will provide you with a great platform to build
muscle strength and begin toning muscles. It will also help improve your self
image, along with mental and physical well-being.
It depends on your definition of fit and toned, along with
the style of yoga you practice and your current level of fitness. Unfortunately,
I can’t make any blanket claims, but it will increase your suppleness and
flexibility, as well as make your mind fit!
No. Yoga is for everyone – from very young children to very
wise elders. Some forms of yoga do require more stamina and experience, but in
my classes all fitness levels are catered for.
Absolutely not! Flexibility is a bi-product of yoga not a
precursor. The only flexibility you need to have is in your mind. Being
flexible there will allow you to flow into the poses.
The main difference between yoga and other forms of
stretching and exercise is the mind, body, spirit connection that is offered in
yoga. Yoga connects you to your highest self through breathing, mindfulness,
stillness, relaxation and acceptance. Yoga is a complete practice unto itself.
Absolutely! Yoga can work beautifully at healing backs. It
is important to advise me if you have had back surgery or any other back-related
challenges. This will help me make alterations to the poses that will suit your
body’s needs.
Yes. Knowing about any underlying health issues will help me
to understand your body’s needs, requirements and abilities.
Yoga triggers our parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)
responsible for the ‘rest and repose’ of the body as opposed to our sympathetic
nervous system (SNS) accountable for the ‘flight or fight’ response. Quite
simply the stimulation of yoga creates a PSNS predominance in the body, which
decreases blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and in increase in the
alpha waves in the brain (good sleep will be on the horizon!). Yes, yoga
definitely helps with our stress and relaxation levels.
For Women
I am pregnant, can I
practice yoga?
It is definitely beneficial to continue practising yoga if you were practising yoga before conception. If you want to try
yoga and have just become pregnant it is recommended to wait until the twelfth
week. Then working with someone trained in pre-natal yoga is advisable. I will
soon be offering this service, so please contact me for more information. Yoga
is fantastic for mom and baby, strengthening the pelvic floor, normalizing
thyroid function and regulating blood pressure, plus so much more. Always tell
your teacher if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Yes and no. It depends on who you ask and what style of yoga
they teach. The jury still seems to be in disagreement. However, my opinion is
that you should do what you are most comfortable doing. Keeping in mind that
your body may feel very differently at this time and it is okay to honor those
feeling and emotions.
What is the
investment and how can I pay?
Each course varies in price depending on the length in weeks. Please see the Yoga Class Schedule page to verify costs. Paying for a block of classes is always more cost effective, but if choose to drop-in it is £8 per class. Please email a completed registration form to me. (Click here to download the registration form)
Once I process your
form I will send you the details of where to send your payment. Cheques should be made payable to Jamie Abrams. Cash or cheques will be accepted in person. Please note your space is not reserved until I receive the full payment.
I am new to yoga - can
I pay as I go?
Yes. You can drop-in for £8 per class (exact change is appreciated). I do prefer students to commit to a block of classes. One reason being it is important to give yourself a firm commit to make space for yourself and regain balance and peace. Also I really enjoy
building upon a theme, so students can see a return on their energy, have a deeper
understanding of the theme, and feel the progress of their efforts for the
given course. In addition I
have to account for the static costs of the hall hire so investing in a block of classes is preferable.
Yes! I am so sure that you will find a natural rhythm in my
teaching style that if you sign-up for a full-course, after you attend two classes if you do not
feel happy about your commitment to my classes I will refund you your money
less the cost of the two attended classes.
My services are promoted mostly by word of mouth. Yes, by
all means bring your friend along. They will need to pay the drop-in rate of £8
(exact change is appreciated) and if they choose to sign-up for the course this
amount can be taken against the full cost of the course. You will also qualify
for the Share the Bliss Program. Email me or ring me in advance and we can discuss this further.
Yes! I am glad you asked. Please see my Yoga - Private Sessions page.
What is your Share
the Bliss Referral Program?
Are you feeling easeful in your body, peaceful in your mind
and blissful in your life as a result of my services? I feel honored that you are excited about
what I do. Exchange in life is important, so why not Share the Bliss? Spread
the word, refer a friend to my services and when they sign-up for a full yoga
course, you will receive a 10% credit* toward your next yoga course or private
yoga session with me.
*Only a maximum of 20% can be applied at anyone time to my
services and offerings.
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