Frequently Asked Questions
What is yoga? Is yoga a religion? What is Hatha yoga?
Yoga is the science of wellbeing. Yoga is not a religion. Yoga is open to everyone, regardless of religion or culture. Ladies, gentlemen, beginners and all levels are welcome. Yoga makes you more physically fit as well as more mentally and emotionally balanced.
Yoga originated in India over 5000 years ago. Yoga is a great way to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, improve posture and release the stresses of the day by calming your mind. Better posture helps to relieve your body of any aches due to poor posture for example from sitting or standing for long periods during the day.
Styles of Yoga
There are several styles of yoga, each offering something a little different. Hatha yoga is a great place to start, because it is known for its gentle pace and focus on alignment and breath. It includes physical postures (asanas) as well as breathing techniques (pranayama) and a guided relaxation (savasana) or meditation (yoga nidra). Hatha yoga is a popular form of yoga and can include a series of gentle sequences ending with meditation.
Some of the various types of yoga ranging from the more gentle to dynamic styles include: Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Prenatal, Flow Yoga, Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Iyengar (alignment-based), Kundalini (energy-focused), Jivamukti (martial arts inspired flow), Hot yoga, Power yoga and Ashtanga yoga. Whatever your goals, whether it’s relaxation, strength, flexibility or a deeper sense of self, yoga offers a chance to explore what feels right for you in the moment.
I’m not flexible, can I still do yoga?
Yes, of course you can! Lack of flexibility is probably one of the best reasons to start doing yoga. Our yoga class is suitable for everyone, from beginners to mixed levels of ability. Yoga is a low impact, relaxing exercise which is adaptable regardless of age or mobility. Increasing flexibility with yoga helps to improve your posture and it reduces tension or aches that may be caused by poor posture. Once you start stretching, energy blockages are released and through regular practice your body naturally becomes stronger and more flexible. Yoga helps you become more stress free and generally happier.
What if I have health concerns or a medical condition, can I still do yoga?
If you are unsure about any health issues, or haven’t done any exercise for a while, please check with your doctor for advice before doing any yoga. Please also contact us before coming to a class to talk about what is likely to be the best form of yoga for you e.g. gentle yoga, relaxation and meditation class or a one to one session. Before the start of each yoga class or yoga & social event it is important that you advise the yoga teachers of any change in your health or medical information. It’s also important that you only do what feels comfortable for your body and let the yoga teachers know if you experience any difficulty. Always practice yoga mindfully and in a safe, comfortable way for your body.
If you are unsure about any health issues, or haven’t done any exercise for a while, please check with your doctor for advice before doing any yoga. For Covid-19 health and safety, please keep aware of and follow the latest Government guidelines.
How do I book a yoga class and what is the booking policy?
Tickets and refunds: book your ticket online and you will be sent an email confirmation with details of your yoga class and/or how to access your online classes and videos.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, except if Salute to the Sun needs to cancel a yoga class, in which case you will be offered the choice of a full refund for that class, or the option to transfer your ticket to another date. If you are unable to make it to a yoga class that you have already booked, you can practice from the comfort of your home with any of the online yoga videos that are available for you to choose from. Thanks for your understanding. As well as creating free yoga videos, and paying for weekly hire of the hall at St Michaels, Salute to the Sun Yoga also makes an annual donation to St Michaels as way of giving back to our lovely community.
I can’t book online. Do I have to book online or can I turn up and pay at the hall?
Ideally yes, please book your next yoga class or event online. There is an incentive to encourage you to book online as it helps us to comply with health and safety, as well as to automatically track yoga class numbers and availability.
Booking online is £7.50 per yoga class including the booking fee; whilst paying cash on the day is £10 per yoga class, but please do contact us beforehand to check if there is space available. If you are having problems with the online booking system please check that your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile system is up to date; and that you are using the most up to date version of Google Chrome. You can also try clearing your browser history and using a different browser. If you are still having issues please call or text us 07985 591370.
What do I need to bring to a yoga class?
Bring along the enthusiasm to discover the wonderful benefits of yoga; along with a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially after the yoga class. Please also bring your own yoga mat; this is good practice for Covid-19 awareness, general hygiene and health and safety reasons. If you like, you can also bring a towel or blanket to use as a cushion for your knees, hips, head and neck; it can also be a lovely extra comfort or warmth during the relaxation.
What shall I wear for yoga?
Please wear loose or comfortable clothing that you can move freely in whilst bending and stretching for example tracksuit bottoms or leggings and a T-shirt. Bring something warm to put on during the relaxation such as a fleece or sweatshirt.
Can I eat before yoga?
It is recommended that you practise yoga with an empty stomach so it’s advised that you eat at least two hours before yoga for a light meal and at least one hour before for a snack (e.g. a piece of fruit). Certain movements or yoga postures can feel uncomfortable if practised on a full stomach.
Will I feel stiff after a yoga class?
No you shouldn’t feel stiff after a yoga class as long as you’ve mindfully practised within your own comfortable range of motion. If you’re new to yoga, choose the gentle variation of a pose, within a slight range of motion. Naturally, you may feel aware of muscles that you haven’t used for a while.
Water helps fuel your muscles, so do remember to keep hydrated through the day. Drinking a glass of water (at least an hour before yoga and immediately after yoga) will help keep your muscles flexible as well as help boost your energy levels.
It’s important to always practise yoga mindfully and in a way that’s comfortable for your body, within a class that’s suitable for your fitness level and never work into pain. Inform your yoga teacher if you experience any difficulties. If you do experience any pain please ask your doctor for advice before continuing with yoga.
Am I too old to start yoga?
Yoga can be enjoyed by any age group and many people start yoga after the age of 60, often wishing they’d started sooner. Yoga poses can be adapted for every age group and to suit different fitness, strength and flexibility levels.
Can I do yoga whilst I’m pregnant or soon after giving birth?
We recommend that you consult your doctor for advice before starting yoga. Yoga is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy. After your first trimester, a specialist prenatal yoga class with adapted gentle yoga poses can help to keep your body healthy, flexible and strong during your pregnancy. It’s advisable to wait 8 to 10 weeks after giving birth to begin yoga practice and depending on your doctor’s advice; if you’re ready then you’re welcome to join us for yoga. During your pregnancy, we recommend you search for a specialist ‘pregnancy yoga class’ or ‘prenatal yoga class’ e.g. at Ironstone Wellbeing Centre in Kettering.
How old is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient philosophy that originated in India; it is the science of wellbeing. The development of yoga can be traced back to around 5000 years ago. Yoga is not a religion and can be practised by anyone of any faith. To say that the word Yoga itself is a religion makes as much sense as saying that the words ‘union’ or ‘holistic’ are religions, which of course they aren’t. Yoga means union; we unite the breath with the mind and body while mindfully practising yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Through regular practice of yoga you’ll discover how to tune into and listen to your body in order to improve your strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular health, as well as self confidence and overall well-being.
Recommended Books on Yoga
If you’d like to learn more or deepen their practice, here are five bestselling and widely respected yoga books:
- “The Heart of Yoga” by T.K.V. Desikachar
A modern classic that bridges traditional teachings with accessible practice guidance for all levels. - “Light on Yoga” by B.K.S. Iyengar
Often called the “bible of yoga”, this book offers detailed instruction on poses and philosophy from one of the world’s most influential teachers. - “Yoga Anatomy” by Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
Perfect for those who want to understand how each posture affects the body and breath, with illustrations and insights for teachers and curious students alike. - “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
An essential manual for traditional Hatha Yoga, covering foundational practices in depth. Ideal for serious students and yoga teachers, this book explains the integration of physical, energetic and mental practices. - “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” by Patanjali
A foundational text of classical yoga philosophy, this ancient collection of aphorisms (clever sayings and general truths), outlines the eightfold path of yoga and explores the mind, meditation, and ethical living. It offers timeless guidance for those seeking a deeper understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice.
Any other questions?
We’re happy to answer any other questions that you have about yoga. Please get in touch with us via our contact us form or by calling or sending a text message to 07985591370.
Thanks for your kind words
Clear guidance
Atim is a fantastic yoga teacher. She explains every posture so clearly and always shows variations to suit your body and ability. Each class leaves me feeling relaxed, centred and uplifted.
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Sleeping better
I sleep so much better and feel stronger. The class atmosphere is friendly and supportive. Everyone is welcoming. It’s a lovely community to be part of.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Improving my posture
Atim’s yoga classes are helping me improve my posture, stand tall, and calm my busy mind. I always look forward to this time for myself.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yoga and Your Health: if you have any health concerns or haven’t done any exercise for a while, please check with your doctor for advice before doing any yoga. Please also contact us before coming to a yoga class to let us know about any health concerns and talk about what may be suitable for you.
Salute to the Sun Yoga
Yoga in Kettering
Northamptonshire
East Midlands
England, UK
Get in Touch
Call or text: 07985 591370
Email: click here
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धन्यवादः dhanyavādaḥ