Question 1

Are your yoga classes strong or gentle?

Accepted Answer

I call my yoga classes, Gentle Yoga - I invite students to listen to their bodies and minds with a gentle compassion.
In group classes, each term is started with gentle versions of poses and practises.  As the term progresses, there is the option to take stronger variations if that feels appropriate to the individual.

Question 2

I have a health condition...

Accepted Answer

I help students safely access yoga postures and breathing practises with many different health conditions:
 • back problems,
 • asthma & other breathing issues,
 • joint pain: eg. shoulders, hips, knees, wrists, ankles
 • M.E.(Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid
 • high and low blood pressure,
 • Parkinsons,
 • Addisons disease,
 • heart complications,
 • arthritis
 • and many others.  
​
If you do have a health condition that you are concerned about regarding yoga, do contact me ()to discuss this.
I recommend you speak to your doctor/consultant in addition for their advice.

Question 3

I have had surgery - can I still practice?

Accepted Answer

typically, we recommend students leave 3 months between major surgery and joining a yoga class.
However this is dependant on the individual.
If you have a letter from your consultant/GP confirming your ability to attend yoga before this time frame, in general this will be sufficient.

Question 4

Are your classes inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Yoga & Vedic chanting are modalities that can be practised by anyone, 
regardless of health, flexibility, yoga experience, ethnicity, age*, class, gender, sexual orientation or disability.  
​
Depending on your situation, a group class,
or more bespoke 1 to 1 class may be appropriate.
Beginners are really welcome, as are those with experience.
​
​Do get in touch with Elaine ()if you need further guidance regarding
which class structure might suit you best.
​
​* (Elaine is insured to teach age 18 and above)

Question 5

I can't sing - can I still chant?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - everyone are welcome to join a Vedic chanting class, irrespective of their singing ability.
Many people find, over time, their 'ear' for notes improves but this is definitely not a pre requisite.
There are no auditions, beginners are very welcome and there are no 'parts' as in auto, soprano etc.  
Everyone chants together in a supportive circle of sound.

Question 6

do you teach drop in classes....

Accepted Answer

I don't teach drop in classes but please keep reading...
I do offer the option for you to make up classes you may miss in any one term - 
for example: if you are enrolled on the Tuesday class and miss one,
you can make it up by attending a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday class in the same term time.  
For more information see missed classes()

Question 7

can I make up missed classes?

Accepted Answer

I offer the option for you to make up classes, both yoga & Vedic chanting, you may miss in any one term - 
Yoga: eg. if you are enrolled on a Tuesday class and miss one, you can make it up by attending a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday yoga class.  
Or you can watch the recording I make of the Thursday Zoom class.  
​
Vedic chant: eg. if you are enrolled on the Tuesday midday class and miss one, you can make it up by attending the Tuesday evening class.
​Or you can access the chant recordings I have made via my website.  You will have access to these for the duration of the term in which you are enrolled.

The criteria to make up missed classes:
 • you make up both yoga & Vedic chanting classes in the same term that you missed the class
 • you have attended 3 live yoga classes with me before using a Zoom yoga recording
 • there is space in the venue to accommodate you as an additional student
(I have never had to turn away a student yet, so it is highly unlikely there will not be enough space)
 • Simply attend the class - please don't email me for permission
​
For all class times/dates/venues - timetable page()

Question 8

I can't sit cross legged...

Accepted Answer

no problem - you can still do yoga and Vedic chanting.

Yoga, is there as a practise to fit you and not you fit the practise.  
You might find that blocks, meditation stools, Zafu cushions or chairs work well for you depending on your knees, ankles, hips - we will assess this during the class and find the comfortable position for you.

As long as you can sit upright and are comfortable, you have the perfect yoga pose for meditation and breathing practises and/or Vedic chanting; whether the legs are crossed or otherwise is unimportant.

Question 9

do I need to bring anything?

Accepted Answer

yoga: ideally you will need to bring a mat, although that said, the floors in all the venues are clean.  If you don't own a yoga mat, a towel will work for lying postures.
​Some people like to bring a blanket to put over/around them when lying or sitting still.  
Also a bottle of water will help keep you hydrated.
You are welcome to bring sitting equipment such as blocks, meditation stool or zafu cushion. 
​
vedic chanting: chairs are provided but you may like to bring a mat or similar if you wish to sit closer to the floor.  
A pencil to mark your chant sheets will be useful. 
Plus ideally but not essential: a ring binder with removeable plastic sleeves to protect your chant sheets and change their filing position to maintain alphabet order for easy location.

Question 10

do I need to wear anything specific?

Accepted Answer

During a yoga class, you will probably be most comfortable wearing loose fitting or stretchy clothes, I suggest trousers or shorts plus a top. 
Definitely avoid anything that is tight around your mid-riff as this can impede natural breathing and movement.

For both Vedic chanting & yoga, the rooms have heating but it is always advisable to bring a jumper and/or blanket/shawl for those parts of the session where you are at rest and needing extra layers.

Question 11

How do I join a Zoom class?

Accepted Answer

this is simple - you download the Zoom software onto your computer or iPad or phone and click the link I send you by email, put in the password and you are ready to go..
I will not be in the room with you as you practise yoga so there are a few things to be aware of so you get the most from your session.  Do read the Disclaimer ()and Guideline ()carefully.

gentle yoga & vedic chant

gently empowering beautiful you

elaine marie ewens

frequently asked questions