FAQ

Yes.

Mats, blocks, bricks, straps, blankets, bolsters and chairs are provided in all studios. Please note there is a £2 hire charge for hot yoga mats.

Many students prefer to practise on their own mat — mats are available to purchase at reception or you’re welcome to bring yours with you.

If you must bring your mobile phone into the studio please make sure it’s switched off and kept away from your mat to allow yourself the time to switch off from the outside world for a while and to avoid disturbing others in the class.

Yoga is not competitive and is open to everyone—young or old, flexible or stiff, athletic or deskbound, male or female. Although there are spiritual elements to yoga, yoga is not a religion and does not require you to subscribe to any particular set of beliefs. All yoga requires you to believe in is yourself.

Lockers are provided in the changing rooms at both studios. There are small shelving cabinets in the studios themselves for the storage of valuables. NB We strongly recommend taking your valuables into the studio—The Life Centre is not responsible for any loss or damage to items during your class, whether or not in lockers.

Yes, we offer pre-booking for all our scheduled classes. You can book through our website or mobile app. 70% of the places can be booked online and with 30% of places available for drop-in only. We recommend booking ahead if possible, particularly for evening classes when it is generally busier, to cut down on queues in reception. If you are unable to pre-book your class online there will still be drop in spaces available. As with all classes please arrive early to secure your place and get ready before class.

Over the centuries, many different styles of yoga practice have developed and we offer classes in most of the major contemporary posture based styles, for students of all levels of experience.

We recommend you arrive at least 10-15 minutes before class, in order to give you time to check in at reception, change and set yourself up. Occasionally, our classes do sell out, so an early arrival is also more likely to secure you a place. Please note that, if you arrive 5 minutes or more after the class has started, we will not be able to let you in.

We advise you not to practise yoga in your first trimester whilst your body is adapting to change. Intermediate and beyond students can attend general classes from the second trimester at the discretion of the teacher and with the prior approval of your medical practitioner. Hot Yoga is not suitable for pregnant students.

Our adult classes are only suitable for over 16 year olds. If you are between 16–18 years of age and would like to come to any classes/workshops, you need to be accompanied by someone over 18.

Like all exercise, yoga and Pilates are best practised on an empty stomach. We recommend that you do not eat for at least 2 hours prior to class, though juice or fruit are OK if you need a quick energy boost. We suggest that you drink plenty of water prior to class, but avoid drinking during class.

While stilling the mind has historically been the main aim of the practice, for many this isn’t something that comes until they’ve been practicing for a long time. The physical benefits can include increased flexibility, strength and stamina, and for many yoga can help people to feel more at home in their body. As you start to experience greater ease in your physical body, you may find it easier to sit comfortably for longer, thus enabling you to begin to delve more deeply into meditation so that you can begin to experience the stillness of the mind.

Yoga is set of practices originating in India over 2,000 years ago, but despite its ancient roots, yoga could not be more relevant today. It’s a powerful and transformative practice that allows us to feel more at home and at ease in our bodies and encourages a greater sense of mental clarity and wellbeing.

Dress in comfortable clothing in which you are able to stretch and move freely. Classes are barefoot, and shoes are not allowed in the studios.

Please inform the teacher of any injuries or medical conditions (including pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, or recent childbirth) before the class starts. This is really important as it helps the teacher know how to assist you, give you modifications, and keep you safe. We, and our teachers, reserve the right to ask you not to participate in a class if we feel that it would be inappropriate because of an injury or medical condition. If you are uncertain about whether or not yoga is suitable for you, please contact us.