Question 1

What are the benefits of yoga?

Accepted Answer

Yoga has countless benefits which touch all aspects of life – mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health.  Practising yoga can help with building resilience, fitness, strength, mobility, flexibility, injury prevention (and recovery), breath regulation, connecting with body, finding peace and stillness, sleeping better…the benefits are endless!  Additionally, if you are pregnant, my pregnancy yoga can help strengthen the body and prepare it for birth If you want to know more, or have a specific issue you want to discuss, get in touch!

Question 2

I really want to try yoga, but I feel intimidated to try it. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes – this is really one of the foundations of Elements Yoga.  I understand that some people are intimidated by big classes, or the pressure of a set programme, or sequences.  I can promise you that you will not experience this with Elements Yoga – in a private class, everything is tailored just for you, exactly where you are right now.  Options, adjustments, and modifications are available in all group classes, and my goal is to give you the skills to practice yoga with confidence.  
Or, email me to enquire about our next beginner's course - learn the basics at your own pace, in a small class setting with others  who are also just starting out!

Question 3

What style of yoga do you teach?

Accepted Answer

My initial training is in vinyasa style yoga, with a strong focus on optimal alignment (whatever that looks like in your body).  I have completed 500 hours of certificated yoga teacher training.  I have also completed training on Yoga Nidra, Yin and Restorative Yoga, as well as specialist pregnancy and post-natal training. Currently I am undertaking a further 200 hours of Hatha Yoga training. I tailor the way I put together flows and teach them in a way that suits you – meaning I can offer an active, power-style class, or a more gentle flow focused on flexibility and calm.

Question 4

What do I need to do to prepare for a class?

Accepted Answer

Try not to eat anything too heavy in the 90 minutes before your session.  Bring a water bottle and something warm (like a jumper and socks) for our final resting posture.  I supply mats, blocks, bolsters and blankets.  If you prefer to bring your own mat, you can.  All of the equipment is sanitised before and after use.  If you prefer to wear a mask while practising, please do.  Arrive a few minutes early just to get settled, and remember that the final pose (savasana) is the most important pose in yoga.  For many people, it is the only time they put aside for themselves to really reintegrate and reset.  If you are going to leave early in a group class, please set up near the door and leave quietly, being mindful of this.
Also, please familiarise yourself with the studio access instructions at www.elementsyoga.nz/thestudio so that you arrive on time, unhurried, and ready to flow.

Question 5

I’m an athlete/runner/cyclist, how can yoga benefit me?

Accepted Answer

Yoga is an excellent addition to your training programme and can help you to realise your goals.  I have run ultra marathons, marathons, half marathons and completed triathlons and yoga has been essential for that.  Here are some of the benefits: recovery and rehabilitation, building strength, practising tools for breath regulation, resilience meditation, or building endurance.  Talk to me about your goals, and I can tailor a programme that fits in with your training.

Question 6

I’ve never done yoga before, are your group classes right for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes - my yoga is beginner-friendly, and my approach to offering it is to make it accessible to all.  I will meet you where you are at in your yoga journey, even if its right at the beginning. You can schedule private 1:1 classes with me for the ultimate personalised experience, or, if you join one of my group classes, you will be offered options, modifications, and adjustments to suit you.  You are in control of your yoga journey – I just provide the roadmap.

Question 7

I am recovering from injury/not flexible/not fit/not strong, can I still do yoga?

Accepted Answer

Yes – the yoga I offer is yoga for every body, and there is a way to offer it all people.  A key part of my training and background is around adapting yoga so that it is available to everyone. If you have injuries, mobility issues, or any other quirks, let me know: I love working with all types of bodies.  In some cases, you might be asked to provide further information, or get a medical clearance, but please do ask first.  It may be that a private session is more suitable for your circumstances than a group one: reach out to me to discuss.

Question 8

I’m pregnant/post partum, can I do yoga?

Accepted Answer

Yes
Pregnancy: I have completed a specialist 85 hour prenatal yoga training  and I can offer pregnancy yoga for all levels of yogi.  Pregnancy yoga is beneficial because it helps strengthen the body and prepare it for birth, assists with building mobility, promotes calmness and stability while the body is changing, works with the changes you’re experiencing in your body, and helps to connect you with your breath and your baby.

Post-natal
I have completed a specialist 85 hour certification in post-natal yoga, and I can offer post-natal yoga to all levels of yogi.  Post-natal yoga assists the body with the repair and rebuilding the body after birth, assists with strengthening and repairing the shoulders, neck and back (essential for carrying and feeding baby) and provides you with some gently active self love and 'me time'.    You must be at least 6 weeks post-partum before you can attend post-natal yoga, and in some cases I may require clearance from your medical professionals.

My private classes are tailored just for you, and mirror where your body is at in your pregnancy.

Question 9

I want to gift a class to someone special, can I do this?

Accepted Answer

Yes – you can buy gift vouchers for group class packs, or 1:1 sessions online at the gift voucher page here: https://www.elementsyoga.nz/gift-vouchers?page=2 
If you're after something else, email me at erin@elementsyoga.nz and we will work something out!

Question 10

Do you offer online classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes – I have this capability, please enquire.

Question 11

What are your terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

For private appointments:
Private 60 minute sessions include planning and tailoring sessions designed to meet your needs.  
To cancel or reschedule your booking, please do so at least 12 hours in advance. 
Late cancellations or rescheduled bookings may not be entitled to a refund.  
Please advise Elements Yoga as soon as possible (phone, email, or text) if you are going to miss or be late for an appointment. 
	- If you are more than 15 minutes late, the session will be cancelled. Your entitlement to a refund is at our discretion. 
	- If you are less than 15 minutes late, the session will run until the scheduled finish time.

For group classes:
Elements Yoga offers regular group classes in a weekly timetable.  From time to time, including during public holidays,  particular classes may not be offered in a specific week.

If a class needs to be cancelled due to instructor sickness, Elements Yoga will give you as much notice as possible about this.

Pricing Plans/Class Packs
Regular classes can be paid for using a single drop in rate, or by purchasing one of our Multi-Class Pricing Plans.  Pricing Plans offer the best value. Note that Pricing Plans do expire and any class credits remaining at the expiry date will expire with the pack.

Pricing Plan Packs can be used to book up to three people per class.

Workshops:
From time to time, Elements Yoga will offer "pop up" workshops and classes.  Unless otherwise stated, Pricing Plans and Class packs will not apply to these special classes.  However, Elements Yoga may offer pack holders special discounts at our discretion.

Bookings and cancellation
Bookings for classes open 31 days in advance of the class, and close 1 hour before the class starts.

If you wish to cancel your booking, you must do so within 1 hour of the class starting to receive a refund or credit.  If you do not cancel within this time, there is no refund or credit.

The Studio
The are are specific access instructions for the Studio.  Be sure to read them here before signing up.
Doors open between 5 and 10 minutes prior to class starting.
Classes start on time, and doors are locked at the start of class for security.  If you are late, you will be unable to enter the class.

Safety
For all classes, Elements Yoga requests that you provide information about any injuries or physical matters which may affect your practice.  This allows us to provide the safest and most beneficial experience for you.  A failure by you to advise Elements Yoga about relevant matters, or to follow suggested modifications may result in a further injury to you, so please bear this in mind.  In some cases, Elements Yoga may require medical evidence or clearance prior to accepting a booking (particularly in relation to pre- and post-natal sessions).  Elements Yoga has the discretion to decline a booking if we do not think we can offer an appropriate and safe service to you. Your medical information will be kept private.

Our mission is provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people to practice yoga.  To that end, we expect that attendees will behave respectfully to others and to the practice of yoga.  When you sign up for a class, you agree to conduct yourself in a way which reflects this.  Elements Yoga reserves the right to cancel bookings or remove participants from a session if their behaviour does not align with this mission. Refunds will not be provided.

✨Bookings open: Elements Flow Popup Class - Thursday 24 September✨

Frequently Asked Questions