Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners are very welcome!

You can start with a taster class, giving you the opportunity to experience Iyengar Yoga, meet me and decide whether the class feels right for you. Classes are taught progressively, with clear instruction and individual attention. Please contact me before attending for the first time so that I can confirm availability and help you choose a suitable class.

Not at all. Flexibility is something that may develop through regular practice, but it is certainly not a requirement for beginning yoga. Iyengar Yoga helps you work with your body as it is now, developing strength, mobility, balance and confidence. Props such as blocks, belts and chairs allow postures to be adapted to different needs and abilities.

Each class follows a carefully planned sequence of yoga postures, known as asanas.

You will receive clear instructions and individual guidance, with time to explore and understand the postures rather than simply moving from one to another. Classes may include standing, seated, reclining and supported postures, with relaxation at the end. The emphasis changes throughout the term, helping you build understanding and develop your practice progressively.

I teach weekly Iyengar Yoga classes at two venues in Wharfedale:

• Kirklands Community Centre, Menston
• Queen's Hall, Burley-in-Wharfedale

Both venues are conveniently located for students travelling from Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley and the surrounding villages.

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Yes. A taster class costs £10 and is an opportunity to experience my teaching before committing to regular classes. If you decide to continue, the cost of your taster class is deducted from your first term's fee. Please contact me to arrange your taster class, as places are subject to availability.

Yes. Places are limited, so all classes must be booked in advance. Regular classes are booked and paid for by the term, securing your place for the full term. If you are new to my classes, please contact me before booking. You will also need to complete a short student registration form.

Your place is reserved for you throughout the term, so refunds or reduced fees are not normally available for missed classes. Where space allows, you may be able to attend another suitable class as a replacement. Please contact me beforehand to arrange this, as availability cannot be guaranteed.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Leggings, shorts or close-fitting trousers with a T-shirt or fitted top work well. More closely fitted clothing also makes it easier for me to observe your alignment and offer appropriate guidance. Iyengar Yoga is practised in bare feet.

Please bring your own yoga equipment:

• A yoga mat
• Five foam blocks
• Two yoga bricks
• A yoga belt

Additional equipment may occasionally be suggested. If you are attending your first class and don’t yet have your own equipment, you are very welcome to borrow mine. Please contact me beforehand so I can arrange this for you. 

Yoga is generally more comfortable when practised on a relatively empty stomach. Try to leave around three to four hours after a substantial meal or approximately two hours after a light meal or snack. These timings can be adjusted according to your individual needs.

Please drink plenty of water before and after the class, Iyengar Yoga is better practiced without drinking water during the class.

Please arrive in good time to settle, organise your equipment and prepare for class.

If the opening invocation has begun, please wait quietly outside until it has finished before entering.

Iyengar Yoga can be adapted to accommodate a wide range of needs, but it is important that I know about any injury, operation, health condition or significant change in your wellbeing before you attend. Please include relevant information on your registration form and contact me if you are unsure whether a general class is appropriate. Depending on your circumstances, I may recommend an individual session or a more therapeutic approach. Yoga teaching complements, rather than replaces, appropriate medical care.

Yes. Iyengar Yoga can be adapted to support people at different stages of life.

The emphasis on alignment, stability, strength and mobility, together with the use of props, allows students to work according to their individual abilities. Many of my students have practised yoga for years, while others begin later in life. The important thing is to find an appropriate starting point and develop your practice progressively.

Yes. Please let me know at the beginning of class if you are menstruating, particularly if you are experiencing discomfort, fatigue or heavy bleeding. Alternative or supported postures can be offered so that your practice is appropriate to how you feel that day.

If you are pregnant, please contact me before attending a class. Your previous yoga experience, stage of pregnancy, health and individual circumstances all need to be considered.

If you are already a regular Iyengar Yoga practitioner, we can discuss appropriate adaptations and whether continuing in a general class is suitable. I do not recommend beginning my regular Iyengar Yoga classes for the first time during pregnancy. Please seek guidance from an appropriately qualified pregnancy yoga teacher if you would like to begin yoga at this time.

Absolutely! Attending more than one class each week can be a valuable way to develop your practice. Regular repetition helps consolidate your understanding, build confidence and develop greater familiarity with the postures. If you would like to attend two weekly classes, please contact me to discuss availability. This is particularly relevant to your aim of encouraging existing students to develop a more regular practice.

Yes. I offer personalised Iyengar Yoga and yoga therapy sessions in my fully equipped private studio in Menston.

Individual sessions provide time and space to focus on your particular needs, interests and experience.

They can be especially helpful if you would like to:

• Build confidence before joining a group class
• Develop your understanding of particular postures
• Establish a home practice
• Receive support with an injury or health condition
• Progress at your own pace

Sessions are tailored to you, with appropriate use of props and carefully chosen sequences.

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Personalised yoga provides individual teaching tailored to your experience, goals and interests.

Yoga therapy offers a more specialised approach when you are managing an injury, health condition or significant change in your wellbeing. Both approaches draw on the precision and adaptability of Iyengar Yoga. I am a Level 3 certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and registered Therapy Teacher, with more than 25 years of teaching experience.

Yes. My Improvers Workshops provide an opportunity to explore particular groups of postures and aspects of Iyengar Yoga in greater depth. The extended format allows more time for explanation, individual guidance and the development of your understanding. Workshops are particularly valuable for students who would like to consolidate and deepen their regular practice.

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Restorative Iyengar Yoga offers an opportunity to slow down and experience quieter, supported postures. Props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks and chairs help support the body, allowing you to remain in postures comfortably for longer periods. My monthly restorative classes also introduce pranayama, the practice of yogic breathing, where appropriate.These sessions complement regular classes and provide time to explore the quieter aspects of yoga.

Explore Restorative Yoga 

If you are unsure which class or session would suit you, please get in touch.

Tell me a little about your experience and what you are looking for, and I will be happy to help you find a suitable place to begin, develop or deepen your practice.

Contact Jo