FAQ
I’m not very flexible. Can I still do yoga?
Yes! Ultimately yoga is a spiritual discipline rather than a physical workout, but students often come to this awareness through working at the physical level. By cleansing and purifying the body through yoga asana (postures) and tuning into our breath, we start to be able to process the underlying philosophy and spiritual practice of yoga and to enjoy an improved sense of wellbeing and “wholeness” in life.
Where does yoga come from?
Yoga has developed over the last 5000 years and originated in India before the very first westerners began studying and then teaching in the West. There are many different styles of yoga and teaching methods so you are encouraged to attend as many classes as you wish to find a style and approach that suits you.
How can yoga help me?
Benefits of yoga include:
• Releasing of stress and tension
• Improved health
• Boost to the immune system
• Reduction in backaches and headaches
• Toning and strengthening of muscles
• Weight loss
• Improved heart function
• Greater feelings of calm and well-being
When should I eat before a class?
Try to practice on an empty stomach to avoid nausea. Ideally you should leave 30-60 minutes after snacking and 1-2 hours after a meal, but this will depend on the individual as some digest food faster than others.
What should I wear to a class?
Anything light, stretchy and comfortable is fine. Yoga is practiced barefoot.
What do I need to bring to class?
Mats, props and anything else you need for class is provided at the studio. If you would prefer to bring your own mat then please do so. For the “hot” forms of yoga, such as Ashtanga, many prefer this for hygiene reasons. We do sell mats and basic equipment and the studio by cash/ cheque.
You may also like to bring a drink for before / after class, and a small towel if you are attending a dynamic class.
Please leave bags, coats, shoes and everything else downstairs in the changing rooms. The studio is always locked and secure during classes and it is unhelpful to have unnecessary belongings around the mats in the studio.
Which class should I come to?
You can find out about our Classes, styles and different teachers here. If you need any further advice please call or email the studio.
All of our teachers are handpicked for their experience and their quality of teaching, so it is really just a question of finding the yoga method that suits you and a teacher whose classes you enjoy. There is a lot of variety, so you just need to jump in and find what’s right for you!
I am a complete beginner. Which class should I attend?
If you are a complete beginner you could sign up for the 8 week Introduction to Yoga course (hyperlink). This is not a prerequisite for attending other classes at the studio, but will increase your confidence and understanding across a range of yoga traditions.
The other option is to join one of our ongoing level 1 “drop-in” classes. There is no need to pre-book” just turn up at least ten minutes ahead of the class start time, explain to the teacher than you are new to yoga, and you can pay on the day.
What do the class level numbers mean?
Beginners / Foundation courses: for complete beginners or those wanting to go into detail or to refresh their practice.
Level 1: for beginners and those who have been practicing yoga for up to 1 year. Suitable for those looking to work in-depth and relatively gently.
Level 2: for those who have practiced regularly for at least 1-3 years. An intermediate class looking at some more challenging postures.
Level 3: for those confident in the intermediate postures and ready to work with more advanced poses. You will have practiced yoga regularly for at least 3 or 4 years and practice at home as well as at class.
How often should I do yoga?
You should attend a minimum of one class a week to maintain the benefits of yoga, although you will progress much more quickly if you can commit to 2 or 3 classes each week. In addition to this you should try to do some practice at home.
I’m pregnant. Can I practice yoga?
We have a specialised pregnancy yoga class (hyperlink) which is designed to support you through every stage of your pregnancy. Restorative Yoga is also suitable for women in pregnancy.
I have an injury and / or back pain. Can yoga help?
Please tell your teacher about any injuries and back pain. Yoga can help alleviate back pain (and other injuries) by helping with posture and development of core strength. If you have severe pain or injury you should attend the Restorative Yoga session or enquire about a one-to-one session to look in detail at the problem.
Can I pay by card?
You can pay by cash or cheque, we do not take cards at present. If paying for a single class by cheque we ask you to add 50p to cover banking fee.
Where is the studio?
Backfields Lane is just behind Stokes Croft at the point where it meets City Road (by the traffic lights). Go past the Methodist Church and you will come to the cobbled mews on the left. The City Yoga sign is clearly visible on the building. The Lakota nightclub is opposite the entrance to Backfield Lane.
Click here for map (hyperlink)
We are 3 minutes walk from Cabot Circus or Broadmead and within easy walking distance of the main train and bus stations.
Can I park near to the studio?
There is no parking on Backfields lane, but there is nearby metered and free parking on City Road, Wilder Street and surrounding streets (only 2-3 minutes walk away).
Yes! Ultimately yoga is a spiritual discipline rather than a physical workout, but students often come to this awareness through working at the physical level. By cleansing and purifying the body through yoga asana (postures) and tuning into our breath, we start to be able to process the underlying philosophy and spiritual practice of yoga and to enjoy an improved sense of wellbeing and “wholeness” in life.
Where does yoga come from?
Yoga has developed over the last 5000 years and originated in India before the very first westerners began studying and then teaching in the West. There are many different styles of yoga and teaching methods so you are encouraged to attend as many classes as you wish to find a style and approach that suits you.
How can yoga help me?
Benefits of yoga include:
• Releasing of stress and tension
• Improved health
• Boost to the immune system
• Reduction in backaches and headaches
• Toning and strengthening of muscles
• Weight loss
• Improved heart function
• Greater feelings of calm and well-being
When should I eat before a class?
Try to practice on an empty stomach to avoid nausea. Ideally you should leave 30-60 minutes after snacking and 1-2 hours after a meal, but this will depend on the individual as some digest food faster than others.
What should I wear to a class?
Anything light, stretchy and comfortable is fine. Yoga is practiced barefoot.
What do I need to bring to class?
Mats, props and anything else you need for class is provided at the studio. If you would prefer to bring your own mat then please do so. For the “hot” forms of yoga, such as Ashtanga, many prefer this for hygiene reasons. We do sell mats and basic equipment and the studio by cash/ cheque.
You may also like to bring a drink for before / after class, and a small towel if you are attending a dynamic class.
Please leave bags, coats, shoes and everything else downstairs in the changing rooms. The studio is always locked and secure during classes and it is unhelpful to have unnecessary belongings around the mats in the studio.
Which class should I come to?
You can find out about our Classes, styles and different teachers here. If you need any further advice please call or email the studio.
All of our teachers are handpicked for their experience and their quality of teaching, so it is really just a question of finding the yoga method that suits you and a teacher whose classes you enjoy. There is a lot of variety, so you just need to jump in and find what’s right for you!
I am a complete beginner. Which class should I attend?
If you are a complete beginner you could sign up for the 8 week Introduction to Yoga course (hyperlink). This is not a prerequisite for attending other classes at the studio, but will increase your confidence and understanding across a range of yoga traditions.
The other option is to join one of our ongoing level 1 “drop-in” classes. There is no need to pre-book” just turn up at least ten minutes ahead of the class start time, explain to the teacher than you are new to yoga, and you can pay on the day.
What do the class level numbers mean?
Beginners / Foundation courses: for complete beginners or those wanting to go into detail or to refresh their practice.
Level 1: for beginners and those who have been practicing yoga for up to 1 year. Suitable for those looking to work in-depth and relatively gently.
Level 2: for those who have practiced regularly for at least 1-3 years. An intermediate class looking at some more challenging postures.
Level 3: for those confident in the intermediate postures and ready to work with more advanced poses. You will have practiced yoga regularly for at least 3 or 4 years and practice at home as well as at class.
How often should I do yoga?
You should attend a minimum of one class a week to maintain the benefits of yoga, although you will progress much more quickly if you can commit to 2 or 3 classes each week. In addition to this you should try to do some practice at home.
I’m pregnant. Can I practice yoga?
We have a specialised pregnancy yoga class (hyperlink) which is designed to support you through every stage of your pregnancy. Restorative Yoga is also suitable for women in pregnancy.
I have an injury and / or back pain. Can yoga help?
Please tell your teacher about any injuries and back pain. Yoga can help alleviate back pain (and other injuries) by helping with posture and development of core strength. If you have severe pain or injury you should attend the Restorative Yoga session or enquire about a one-to-one session to look in detail at the problem.
Can I pay by card?
You can pay by cash or cheque, we do not take cards at present. If paying for a single class by cheque we ask you to add 50p to cover banking fee.
Where is the studio?
Backfields Lane is just behind Stokes Croft at the point where it meets City Road (by the traffic lights). Go past the Methodist Church and you will come to the cobbled mews on the left. The City Yoga sign is clearly visible on the building. The Lakota nightclub is opposite the entrance to Backfield Lane.
Click here for map (hyperlink)
We are 3 minutes walk from Cabot Circus or Broadmead and within easy walking distance of the main train and bus stations.
Can I park near to the studio?
There is no parking on Backfields lane, but there is nearby metered and free parking on City Road, Wilder Street and surrounding streets (only 2-3 minutes walk away).