new to unfold?

In each class you’ll be guided through a sequence of postures, learning to stretch, strengthen and balance, with attention and awareness. You’ll be introduced to standing poses, seated poses, inversions, back bends, and breathing exercises. The teacher will give instructions, demonstrations and adjustments (for in-person classes) to deepen your understanding of the pose, the practice and yourself. Classes are a combination of shared practice and learning. No two classes are the same. The variation in the content of the class is based on the level and condition of the students, the time of day, the season and many other factors.

No, not at all! Iyengar yoga is perfect for you. Postures are accessible for every individual body, no matter the level of flexibility. We use props such as blocks and straps to assist in the postures so that every individual body can experience benefits. You will be surprised how quickly your flexibility progresses with consistent practice.

You will receive benefits from your very first class. Regularity is key. One class a week provides a time in your week to engage with the practice and enjoy the community of the class. Yoga helps you to take time out for yourself, reduce longer term stress levels and increase your mobility and strength. Attending two or three times weekly you will notice significant changes in your body, mind, and overall health. When practice is more frequent with your teacher, you are more likely to progress to a home practice whilst the principles of yoga sneakily enter your life.

Yes! Share as much information about your condition as possible with your teacher and complete our online health form. Our teachers are experienced in modifying postures to accommodate injuries and you may find that regular practice helps increase your range of motion and ease pain. Props and modifications are offered, and you will gain confidence in managing your injury. Please allow time before class to discuss any injuries with your teacher so they can best support you through the class.

Most certainly you should still come to class! Taking time out when you are stressed or tired is essential and yoga will help you focus on your body and breath. Many students report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after coming to class. It is unlikely you will regret coming to yoga, but it is likely you will regret not coming!

Wear comfortable clothing with some stretch that can accommodate your movements. Leggings, tights or shorts are ideal for your teacher to observe the alignment of your joints and guide you. Wear a t-shirt or singlet with an extra layer to put on, depending on the weather. We practice in bare feet so we can better grip the mat when standing and feel the movements of the feet. You may like to bring socks for the final relaxation poses at the end of the class, particularly in cooler weather. The studio is heated and cooled to a comfortable temperature for each season. There is storage space for you to put your shoes, extra clothing and valuables during the class.

Definitely! Your teacher will offer options and modifications to support you in the poses. We encourage you to alert your teacher if a particular pose causes discomfort so they can work with you. Yoga is the practice of uniting mind, body and breath and finding a way of being at ease in our physical body, it is not about achieving the ‘perfect pose’!

No one is too old for yoga. The best age to start yoga is the age you are right now! At Unfold we have students from 12-83 years old. You will be surprised at how your body responds to yoga with regular practice and expert guidance.

Yoga is for everyone, regardless of gender. At Unfold we pride ourselves on our inclusivity of all genders and identities. Everyone is welcome and valued.

Not at all! We use the traditional Sanskrit names for the poses as a mark of respect for the ancient lineage of yoga. Sanskrit is the universal language of yoga. Over time, you will start to learn the names but your teacher will always ensure you know what you are doing!

YES!!! We don’t look like that either!! All people of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome and valued at Unfold. It doesn’t matter what you are wearing as long as you are comfortable and can move. It does help to have clothing that is slightly fitted so your teacher can observe the alignment of your joints to keep you safe and help you receive maximum benefits from the poses. Come as you are!

It is important to us that our students feel comfortable and at ease in all our classes. Arriving a little earlier to class can help settle your nerves as you can meet your teacher and have a chat about any concerns before the class starts. Your teacher will help you set up with all the equipment you need and show you around the studio so you feel settled in the space. You can select a position in the room that you will feel comfortable in. It is natural to feel a little nervous when you are first starting a new activity in a new space with new people, but rest assured you will find Unfold to be a warm, friendly, peaceful environment.

Have a chat with your teacher after class. We encourage you to explain what you are looking for in a yoga class, and your teacher may be able to suggest other offerings on the timetable that may better suit your yoga needs. It may be that you wanted a quieter practice or something a bit more challenging or a smaller class, whatever it is, please let your teacher know. Unfold offers a range of classes from gentle through to more challenging and your teacher can help you navigate the various classes.

Absolutely not! Yoga is not a religion and is practiced by millions of people worldwide, regardless of religious beliefs. The practice of Iyengar yoga is based on a philosophy of freeing ourselves from external distractions so we can focus on the alignment of the body and the flow of the breath to find inner peace and quiet. This practice is perfectly compatible with any religious practices.

You can keep on with the Introductory Classes or move on to regular classes where you will learn new poses and progress at your own pace. You don’t need to know all the names of the poses, or know how to do every pose, you will learn how to progress with the poses and be given ways of modifying them if needed. Iyengar Yoga is a dynamic style of yoga that encourages your engagement in your practice and repeating the foundations will bring greater familiarity and confidence and not get boring or be too easy. You get as much as you put in. If you think you could go again, then that’s fine.

Yes you can make up classes at any other Beginners Course class or at regular classes. No need to book, just let your teacher know you are doing a makeup class.