EILDON YOGA - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Where are classes held?

Classes are held in Bowden Village Hall, a fully accessible venue with a nice large hall to practice in. Toilets are available on the ground floor; there is a ramped access and a kitchen to fill your water bottle. There is a small cloakroom on the left as you enter the Hall to leave coats, bags, shoes etc. Parking can be tricky in Bowden, so please car share where you can, and park responsibly.

How long are classes?

Classes are scheduled for 60mins, but it would be helpful if you were on your mat and ready to start class at the scheduled time, therefore come 5-10mins early to get yourself ready and settled.

Who typically comes to classes?

The classes are for anyone over the age of 16yrs old and open to men and women. Class size will be capped at 12 people for the foreseeable future. There will be the opportunity to attend some “seasons” themed weekend workshops, typically 2.5hrs to focus on transitioning from season to season and exploring the wider benefits of yoga, rest and relaxation. Details will be posted on www.eildonyoga.co.uk

What do I wear?

Yoga is traditionally practiced in bare feet to enable a strong connection to the mat and to give students full access to the feedback their bodies give them. Wear something you can move freely in, it doesn’t have to be “traditional” gym or workout gear, a comfortable T-shirt and leggings/joggers will do. Be aware that there will be some asana (poses) that may mean your head is down and hips are high, so be mindful that your top may ride up (easily dealt with by tucking it in!). You should bring socks, and a cosy jumper/top if you get cold when you stop moving; savasana (resting pose) will be at the end of every class, so you’ll want to be cosy for that.

What do I bring to class?

A yoga mat, blanket or cosy top, socks, water. Eildon Yoga can provide mats; just let the teacher know if you need to borrow one. Mats are cleaned after every class.

You will be asked to leave your mobile phone in the cloakroom: Eildon Yoga classes offer you an hour to unplug yourself from the system and focus on your body and your breath.

Blocks, belts will be provided in every class and offered to anyone who needs them. Yoga props are used extensively to help students explore the asana, to modify certain asana, to offer the opportunity to listen to the body, and to assist with any injury. Modifications are offered in the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment: they are never seen as sign of weakness, in fact quite the opposite.

Do not be offended if the teacher offers you the use of a block/belt or any other modification. In yoga we are encouraged to explore our limitations and the narratives that accompany them: accepting and working with our limitations is self-care in practice.

What happens in the yoga class?

This will depend on what the teacher has prepared for the class: this will be based on many factors, but usually a class will start with some seated breathwork, then moving through some seated or standing asana (postures) to get the body warmed up, this could be followed with a set of sequences introducing students to new asana, creating some flow, developing a sequence that students can practice at home. Or there may be a focus on a particular part of the body eg shoulders, hips etc. The teacher will be able to gauge how students are during the class and will adapt accordingly. The last 10mins of the class will be slowing down, steadying the breath and a savasana: rest pose which is super important in returning the body to a rest position before leaving.

Can I opt out of certain poses?

All asana (poses) are adaptable, can be modified and all students have the choice during class to find an alternative pose, or modify accordingly: this is your practice, your body and nobody will be judged for taking a more modified pose.

What happens if I want to leave during class?

The teacher will need to know that you are ok and offer some space outwith the class before you leave. Please let the teacher know at the earliest if you feel unwell, or really do want to exit the class. Eildon Yoga has a duty of care to students in class and would want to ensure they were ok before leaving the venue.

I have an injury – can I attend?

Eildon Yoga will work with you to ensure you can modify your practice and gain the benefits of coming to class: the trick is to let the teacher know in advance of class if you can, so she can think through any modifications that might be needed. You can still practice a full class, focussing on the non-injured areas, modify where necessary and avoiding anything that might aggravate your injury. Yoga can be hugely beneficial in injury recovery, but focussing on strengthening, lengthening and improving flexibility or mobility in and around the area of injury: if you can breathe, you can do yoga!

I am currently pregnant can I come to class?

It is vitally important that you tell the teacher that you are pregnant before you start class: there are some contraindications that need to be heeded at different stages of pregnancy. Eildon Yoga will work with you to enable you to maintain your practice but will need the assurances of your GP/midwife and yourself that you are able to practice safely.

What if I can’t touch my toes?

Sometimes the teacher can’t either – yoga is not about touching your toes, folding flat or doing impressive handstands! The best thing you can do is consistently show up for yourself, on your mat and work within the uniqueness of your own body. Nobody knows their body like you do and so spending time moving/breathing and connecting the dots will give you way more benefit mentally and physically than touching your toes.

What if I’m the worst in the class?

Yoga is a non-competitive environment, and Eildon Yoga will strive to ensure that everyone who attends gets the time/space to explore their practice, on their mat, with their body. It is up to you how you practice, how far you go with each pose, and the language in the room will be non-judgemental using an “options based” approach.

“It’s not about whether you can touch your toes; it’s what you learn on the way down”

What if I don’t understand the instruction/cues?

Many teachers mix and match Sanskrit asana names with English translations: using language is an important part of any tradition’s lineage. You will become more familiar with the asana names in Sanskrit but the teacher will always try and use English translations.  You can find a helpful Guide to Sanskrit names on the Eildon Yoga website, under Resources You Might Like.

Will the teacher do “hands on” adjustments?

The vast majority of any individual adjustments offered will be verbal: the teacher will direct any verbal cue to a student based on their observations, and will be done respectfully and quietly, near the student. In a large class it would not be possible or necessary, to do this frequently: yoga is an individualised practice/journey and students need time, space and quietness to “still the mind”. However some hands on adjustments may be appropriate to help a student avoids injury, to deepen the enquiry or learn something. This will ALWAYS be done with consent and a request from the teacher to assist. You are not under any obligation to accept, and can simply respond “No, thank you”.

How will I feel after class?

It would be normal to feel a slight muscle stiffness or soreness after any new physical activity: in yoga, movement is along all planes of the body, some we use very little, so you could expect to “feel” that you have moved your body in a different way.  If this doesn’t go away, or feels acute/painful, you should seek medical attention. You can discuss with the teacher at next class, if you felt any particular asana was challenging and they can help you modify for a while.

Will Yoga help keep me in shape and how often should I practice?

If you practice regularly – yes!

Just like any physical activity you’ll get the results if you put the work in. Yoga can be a cardio workout, a regular post workout stretch and everything in between. Evidence has consistently shown yoga to address back pain, joint pain, high blood pressure, providing mental clarity and focus, reduce blood sugar levels and promote healing.  “Consistency is key”.

You should practice as often as you like or are drawn to: 15 minutes on the mat each day will build muscle memory and cumulative benefit just as much as a one class per week. Roll out the mat, commit to 15 mins and see where you end up! Warning: you will do way more than 15mins and time will just fly! You can find further information on the benefits of yoga on physical and mental wellbeing on www.yogajournal.com

Is the teacher trained to teach yoga?

Andrea Beavon, founder of Eildon Yoga qualified in 2024 as a Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga Teacher (RYT). She completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Meadowlark Yoga. She is insured to teach yoga and required to complete significant Continuous Professional Development hours annually to maintain her accreditation.