Simply Soulful
Yoga FAQ
Please visit my Coronavirus Update page to read more.
The benefits you may receive from your yoga practise include:
- Increased relaxation, flexibility, strengthen muscles, weight loss, energy levels
- Improved blood circulation, posture, balance, lung capacity, immune system, digestive system, sleep patterns, toxin elimination
- Reduced stress, anxiety, blood pressure, emotional frustration
- Enhanced healthy habits, positive thinking, spiritual growth, involvement in own healing, inner wisdom, confidence, self-esteem, self-worth
- A sense of tranquillity, calmness and positive well-being
- Greater creativity, clarity of thought and concentration
- Balance of mind, body and soul
I am trained in both hatha and yin yoga. My classes are small and friendly. Movement (flow) is married with breath (pranayama) and postures (asana) to bring about a sense of wellbeing, relaxation and enhanced mind-body connection. To ensure there is a class to suit everyone, I offer a variety of face to face classes at Merrifield House, Kingsbridge (South Devon), livestream and on demand (available to anyone regardless of location) at different times of the day and different days of the week.
Weekly classes (studio-based and livestream) include Hatha Yoga, Flow Yoga, and Yin Yoga. I also offer Kids Yoga, seasonal yoga classes (Beach Yoga, SUP Yoga, Glow in the Dark Yoga), events, workshops and retreats. Private sessions and 121's, both in the studio and online are also available. Sessions are suitable for all abilities and can be tailored to support most health conditions, pregnant and post-natal yoginis - Please contact me to discuss.
Hatha yoga - The Sanskrit term "hatha" is an umbrella term for all physical postures of yoga. In the West, hatha yoga simply refers to all styles of yoga that are grounded in a physical practice (Ashtanga, Iyengar, etc.). Hatha yoga classes are good for beginners since they are usually slower paced than other yoga styles.
Iyengar yoga - Iyengar yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar and focuses on alignment and precise movements. Practitioners perform a variety of postures while controlling the breath and holding postures for a long time while adjusting the minutiae of the pose. Iyengar relies heavily on props to help students perfect their form and go deeper into poses in a safe manner. This style is really great for people with injuries who need to work slowly and methodically.
Kundalini yoga - Kundalini yoga is all about releasing the kundalini energy in your body, which is said to be trapped, or coiled, in the lower spine. These classes work your core and breathing with fast-moving, invigorating postures and breath exercises. These classes can be intense and involve chanting, mantra, and meditation.
Ashtanga yoga - The Sanskrit term “Ashtanga” is translated as "Eight Limb path." Ashtanga yoga involves a very physically demanding sequence of postures, so is suitable for a more advanced practitioner. Ashtanga starts with five sun salutation A's and five sun salutation B's and then moves into a series of standing and floor postures.
Vinyasa yoga - Vinyasa means "to place in a special way" and in this case yoga postures. Vinyasa is the most athletic yoga style. Vinyasa was adapted from Ashtanga yoga in the 1980s. Movement is coordinated with your breath and you flow from one pose to another.
Bikram yoga - Bikram yoga is named after Bikram Choudhury and features a sequence of set poses in a sauna-like room, typically set to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. The sequence includes a series of 26 basic postures, with each one performed twice.
Yin yoga - Longer, deeper, slower stretching of connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia), helps bring about stillness and deep relaxation. This deeper connection is why yin yoga is often called "yoga of the joints". Seated postures are held from 45 seconds to five minutes assisted by gravity and breath.
Restorative yoga - Restorative yoga focuses on relaxing body and mind, spending more time in fewer postures throughout the class. Poses are modified for maximum comfort, ease and relaxation. Props, such as blankets, bolsters, and eye pillows, are used and are placed just right, helping you to sink deeper into relaxation, and free your mind.
All classes are open to all levels of ability (both beginners and more experienced yogis alike) with both less and more challenging options being offered throughout the sessions. Although you should be able to participate in a flow sequence with relative ease if attending Flow Yoga. If you have any concerns about your health or ability before attending a class, please do not hesitate to contact me before booking.
If you have your own favourite mat, then please do bring it along. Otherwise, for studio based classes, you are welcome to borrow a mat whilst you are starting your practise and figuring out if you want to continue long-term. After you have practised for a while, you might like to invest in your own mat. This allows you to connect with the relaxation process each time you roll out your mat and may also encourage you to practise at home. Yoga mats are available to purchase from my Online Shop. With regards to other equipment, for studio based classes I provide, straps, blocks, eye pillows, bolsters and blankets. Again, you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. If you are attending Beach Yoga please bring an old mat or beach towel.
There is no minimum age, however participants under 16 years old, must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. The exception to this is Kids Yoga. A variety of classes are suitable for 2 to 17 years. Participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian (no cost). All participants, regardless of yoga class and age, must complete a parental consent form before the start of class.
You can book and pay for yoga classes, events, courses, workshops and retreats on my website via a secure online booking system. Your booking is secured with full payment which can be made by either credit/ debit card/ gift voucher/ class pass. Classes can be purchased as:
- A block of classes with a yoga Class Pass.
- As a single class with a Pay-As-You-Go.
After you have checked out, you will receive an email confirming your booking. You will be asked to complete a HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE the first time you attend. Please ensure you complete this before your first class.
Absolutely! You are very welcome to join yoga classes at any time. There is no need to wait for the start of a term.
Absolutely! You can purchase a Class Pass this will help encourage commitment in a regular practise, optimise your physical, emotional and spiritual development and save you some money over the Pay-As-You-Go (single class attendance) option. Passes are valid for a set number of days.
Absolutely! You are welcome to attend a single class and Pay-As-You-Go. Please note all classes must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.
If the class you would like to attend is fully booked, please join the WAITING LIST displayed within the event page. You will be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.
Your clothing will depend on the type of class you attend. Generally, you want your attire to be close-fitting and comfortable. Fitted clothes allow me to observe your form and offer adjustments when necessary. In addition, they will stay put during bending, twisting and inversion asana. Depending on the temperature, you might want to wear layers that can easily be removed as you warm up and put back on before final relaxation. Yoga is practiced barefoot, but you might like to bring a pair of socks to keep your feet warm during relaxation.
Please bring a re-usable water bottle to stay hydrated, a yoga mat* and any other equipment* you might like to use to all classes. Please also bring extra blankets* and pillows* for Yin Yoga classes; and an old yoga mat or beach towel to Beach Yoga.
* Equipment can be supplied by Simply Soulful Yoga, however this is subject to prevailing government legislation and COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Classes will differ depending on the style of the class you are attending. However generally, class will begin with breath awareness and gentle stretching. We will then progress onto traditional yoga asana and pranayama, finishing in savasana, or “corpse pose” in which you will lie on your back with eyes closed. There might be a guided visualization before the end of class (please note savasana is slightly shorter in Flow Yoga, Beach Yoga and SUP Yoga).
Weekly yoga classes are all 1-hr. Workshops and special events may last a few hours up to half a day.
Please avoid eating a meal or drinking caffeine 1-hour before class. If you need a pick-me-up before class, have something light like a banana or a small handful of nuts 20-minutes before start of class.
Sessions can be tailored to support most health conditions, pregnant and post-natal yoginis. If you have any health conditions you think may affect your yoga practise, please indicate this at the time of your booking and on your HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE. If your health changes after you have submitted your questionnaire please let me know as soon as possible. Please also ensure that you complete your details in your profile (and update them if/when they change) - especially about your health and injuries, so that I can make sure classes are safe and appropriate for you. We can then have a chat about your health and how it might affect your yoga practise. It might be necessary to modify some of the yoga practises to ensure your safety and comfort during class.
Sessions can be tailored to support pregnant and post-natal yoginis. Relax, stretch and breath with confidence, comfort, and support. If you have recently given birth, please wait for a minimum of 6 weeks, before returning to your practise. Please indicate relevant details at the time of your booking and on your HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE. If your health changes after you have submitted your questionnaire please let me know as soon as possible. Please also ensure that you complete your details in your profile (and update them if/when they change) - especially about your health and injuries, so that I can make sure classes are safe and appropriate for you. Please see my blog post called - Supporting pregnancy; before, during and after - and contact me to discuss how to maintain a safe practise.
Classes are held at various locations. Some venues have their own parking. Others have parking a short walk away. Details about parking will be included in your event booking confirmation email.
If you think you might be running late for your class, please email or text me in advance. Please respect the first 15 minutes of class, where fellow yogis will be in relaxation. Please wait until the warm up asana commences before coming into the room.
If a class is not going ahead I will endeavour to let you know with as much notice as possible. If a class needs to be cancelled at last minute I will contact you using the details you provide at the time of booking and/or on your HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE. Therefore, please ensure that you update your health questionnaire and all details in your profile so that I have the correct contact details for you at all times. You are also welcome to call or text me on 07941 508 004 to check if a class is going ahead.
Outdoor sessions, such as Beach Yoga and SUP Yoga may be cancelled due to weather issues. I will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible and reschedule the date of the session. If no suitable date is available, you will be offered a refund, or credit back onto your Yoga Class Pass. If a class needs to be cancelled at last minute I will contact you using the details you provide at the time of booking and/or on your HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE. Therefore, please ensure that you update your health questionnaire and all details in your profile so that I have the correct contact details for you at all times.
If you have booked a yoga class, event, workshop or retreat, and can no longer attend, please see my Refund Policy.
Absolutely! You can purchase Gift Vouchers for friends and family by either choosing:
Absolutely! I offer both private yoga classes and bespoke packages. Individually tailored yoga, meditation, laughter yoga, forest bathing, holistic treatments, and Stand Up Paddle boarding activities suitable for both business and personal clients. Whether your focus is on relaxation and rejuvenation, or motivation and inspiration; the perfect package can be tailor made to suit you. Design your own personalised event with friends, family or work buddies. Ideal for informal gatherings and team-building events seeking positive impact.
Please keep an eye on my website for current information about yoga classes, events, workshops, retreats, holistic therapies and promotions. You can also Sign Up to my Newsletter and/ or follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Ensure your phone is turned off or on silent.
- Arrive in good time to start the class (please don’t be late), so that you can settle in without being rushed. This helps all participants feel relaxed and comfortable and enables the class to start on time.
- Remove shoes and socks so you don’t slip on the mat.
- Leave shoes, bags and coats outside the yoga studio. This helps to keep the studio clean and clutter free, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment in which to practice, meditate and relax.
- Try to avoid smoking before class, and wearing strong perfumes, as some smells can be off-putting for students.
- Use the bathroom before class to avoid interruptions later.
- Respect Savasana. Please stay for final relaxation, as this is where much of the benefit will be received. However, if you wish to leave class early, please do so before we start Savasana.
- Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga (especially the yamas and niyamas) remind us to be kind, honest and gentle with ourselves. Listen and trust your body at all times. Be open to any messages that it may wish to tell you. Please let your body and mind guide you in your practise. Avoid comparing yourself with other participants within the class. Work entirely at your own pace.
- Focus on your breath. Allow your breath to be slow and controlled throughout the practise, the inhalation and exhalation should be the same length. If your mind begins to wander, simply come back to the natural rhythm of your breath.
- If you wish to rest at any time, a seated position, reclined position or child's pose is always a good option. Rest, connect with your breath, tune into your body and re-join the movement whenever you are ready.
- Please do not get hung up on not being flexible. “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down”.
Asana – The 3rd limb of Pantanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Translates as “seat”, refers to the physical postures of the yoga practice
Chakras – Translates as “wheel”. Refers to vortices of energy located centrally up the spine, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, which assist in governing different aspects of our life
Dharma – Universal law that is constantly guiding us into alignment with our life’s purpose and our highest Self
Dharana – The 6th limb of Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refers to focused concentration on a single point, and is the practice that guides us towards states of meditation
Dhyana – This is the 7th limb of Pantanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refers to the complete and undistracted concentration that is meditation
Drishti – Translates as “point of focus”. Refers to your where you focus your eyes when practicing asana, pranayama, or meditation
Mantra – A word, syllable, or group of words or syllables repeated in the mind to help cultivate deep focus, while invoking a deity, feeling, way of being, or intention
Meditation – Means “to become familiar with” and is the practice of complete concentration when the mind is fully focused on a single point, whether that be a mantra, an object, the breath, the body, or simply observing the flow of thoughts within the mind
Mudra – Translates as “seal” or “gesture”, most commonly practiced with the hands, but can also incorporate the whole body, and is used to seal in energetic flow and help to manifest an intention or way of being
Namaste – A Hindu salutation that means, “I bow to you”, and used to close a yoga class, with the honourable expression of “the divine in me recognizes and honours the divine in you.” Namaste is offered with Anjali mudra, sealing the palms in front of the heart
Niyamas – The 2nd limb of Pantanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refers to personal observances that we make to live more peacefully within ourselves. Cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and devotion to a higher power
Om – The universal sound, often used to close a yoga practice, and when broken down has 3 syllables, each representing their own specific function. “Ah” represents creation, “Ooo” represents preservation, and “Mmmm” represents transformation
Om Shanti – Sanskrit word meaning “peace”. Often used to close a yoga practice
Prana – Referred to as “life force energy”, but more accurately translated into “constant motion”, as prana is the vibratory force that animates all living things
Pranayama – The 4th limb of Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refers to the controlling of life force energy through breathing techniques
Pratyahara – The 5th of Pantajali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refers to the withdrawal of the senses
Samadhi – The 8th of Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refer to absorption into Spirit. The ultimate goal of yoga
Ujjayi – An audible breath technique produced by a slight contraction of the throat muscles, which creates an oceanic sound at the back of the throat with each inhale and exhale
Vinyasa – Translates as “to place in a special way”. Referred to in class as “our flow”. Moving in and through postures synchronized with the breath
Yamas – The 1st of Pantanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga. Refers to social observances we make to conduct ourselves in living more peacefully within society, and include, non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation of action and non-collection of material items
Yoga – Translates as “yoke, join or unite”. Refers to uniting of the body, mind, and spirit, the uniting between the individual and the universal