Studio questions
Class questions
Membership questions
Teacher Training
Yoga Questions
Booking questions
Is there pre-course work or homework?
When sending your acceptance letter we enclose a reading list and ask that you write 200 words explaining how two of the texts made your FEEL. It’s not examined, just a chance for us to get to know you 🙂 super relaxed. You will need to work through the course reading list at your own pace but you don’t have to complete it before the course start date, yoga teaching is a lifelong journey, as long as you have a read (or listened to audiobook versions of) a couple of the core texts that’s great.
Course text book
We have written and designed our own bespoke course text book which covers all the material in your training and more for extra reading with space for you to make notes. You will be given hard copies of this handbook if doing an in-person training, and an e-book for online trainings.
What will I need?
- Comfortable, breathable clothing. Lots of layers. Warm socks 😀
- Water
- Lots of light snacks
- A journal and a pen to take notes
- A yoga mat, block, brick, strap, just email if you need help with this.
Is there an exam?
Yes, theory – we run through all the questions with you a few days before hand, and everything is in your course handbook, no surprises, it’s super simple, we just need to know that you would be a safe teacher. And practical, you will be practising teaching from day 1; your practical exam is just another practice teaching session. Online exams are observed via Zoom, or sent in as a pre-recorded video. This course is designed to help boost your confidence. It’s all FOR you!
Are there Payment Plans available?
Can I just do my Teacher Training online?
Will I be able to teach as soon as I qualify?
How many people are on each training?
No less than 5, no more than 15
What if I have to miss a day?
We ask that you attend as much as possible, but you can catch up on any theory online. If you have to miss a day please let us know in advance so that we can prepare the content for you to catch up on. We will support you all the way!
Do you require a certain level of physical practice?
We accept any level of practitioner. Our training has a strong focus on empowerment and self development so for us, your ability to do certain poses is not important. It’s likely that most of your students will be beginners so it’s more important that you connect with them by sharing your journey and your practice. You do not have to be able to do advanced poses to inspire others. For us, it’s never about the pose, it’s about what you learn about yourself on the way to it. You do need to be well enough to be able to practice a flowing yoga class, but of course you can rest as much as you need to, it’s not bootcamp, more like a retreat for you!
Parking
At our current venue we have free parking on site.
Accommodation
At our current venue we do not include accommodation, but we can offer local recommendations.
What is the course procedure for Injury / illness / pregnancy?
You can complete our course whilst injured as long as you meet the attendance hours. You will learn a lot from having to modify poses and then be able to help others who may experience a similar injury. We do not recommend pregnant students attending the course as the practical sessions are not tailored to pregnancy yoga so you wouldn’t get the most out of the training and it would not be safe.
Why do we focus on breath?
Breath is an integral part of the practice, in yoga the pose and the breath work in union to offer you the most out of your practice. One is activated by the other, they cannot work alone.
Why do we focus on meditation?
Yoga is a moving meditation, we are practicing stilling and controlling the mind through the body. Poses/asanas were traditionally created to be held for long periods of time during meditation, it is the reason we do the pose.
Do I have to meditate?
Everything in class is optional; if it’s not for you, just take rest or chose another pose to practice
Why is the vinyasa sequence repetitive?
Vinyasa yoga comes from Ashtanga yoga, Ashtanga is a set sequence the poses can be made more advance but the sequence never changes. It is a about mastery and patience. Baptiste does offer more variation as the sequence has been westernised but the roots of the practice encourage repetition and mastery, focus and dedication rather than mixing things up..
Why do we OM?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. Coming from Hinduism and Yoga, the mantra is considered to have high spiritual and creative power but despite this, it is a mantra that can be recited by anyone. It’s both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth and when pronounced correctly it is actually AUM. Symbolically the three letters embody the divine energy (Shakti) and it’s 3 main characteristics: (1) creation, (2) preservation and (3) liberation. As such AUM is the basic sound of the universe; so by chanting it we are symbolically and physically tuning in to that sound and acknowledging our connection to all other living beings, nature and the universe.
In addition the vibrations and rhythmic pronunciation also have a physical affect on the body by slowing down the nervous system and calming the mind similar to meditation. When the mind is relaxed, your blood pressure decreases and ultimately the health of your heart improves.
Finally it is also a way to delineate the time of our practice from the rest of our day and signify that this is a special time in which to care for ourselves and practice being mindful. All in all, beginning and/or ending your yoga practicing with AUM helps to connects us to our practice in a deeper way than just with physical postures. Reference: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7565/om-what-is-it…
Can I drink water in class?
Of course you can drink water whenever you would like to. As with any action, we look at all the signals in our practice to learn about ourselves. Some teachers believe drinking is a means of distraction from the self, especially as we won’t feel any benefits for several hours later.
What happens if I get emotional in class?
This is very common and not something to worry about! It’s a good opportunity to watch what is coming up for you and let it out, if you feel uncomfortable of course you can leave class. Feeling emotional is often a great sign that you are connecting with the practice.
What books can you advise I read to learn more about yoga?
We would always encourage reading any of Baron Baptistes books (Journey into Power and Perfectly Imperfect are brilliant) as the founder of our practice. The history of yoga is the source of the practice, including the Yoga Sutras and The Bhagavad Gita.
Why do we roll onto the right after practice?
Yoga is a science, the sequence has been specifically designed for hundreds of years to replenish the body. Direction of blood flow has a big part to play in that, which is why we move in the way we do.
How often should I practice yoga?
The more the better. You will notice physical progression and shifts in your way of being if you can cultivate a regular practice, including a regular self practice. We would recommend twice a week or more, twice daily would be wonderful if we can make time! It is all part of the practice.
Can I practice yoga if I have a bad back?
Please seek advice from your doctor to see whether you should be practicing yoga. If you are told that it will be helpful for your injury by a medical professional we can help you modify in class.
Should I practice yoga if I have a cold/flu/bug?
We do ask that if you are sick you take rest. It is usually your bodies way of asking you to rest, and we want to avoid making other students ill in the studio.
If I have a heart/cardiovascular condition what do I do?
Please seek advice from your doctor to see whether you should be practicing yoga. If you have any current or history of heart or cardiovascular conditions it is your responsibility to let us know, and to share a letter of consent to practice yoga signed by your doctor, as stated in T&C’s.
Do I need to book my yoga class online?
Yes please, classes are full so you need to book in using the steps below rather than just turn up.
How do I book in for my first class?
Download our app – https://mndbdy.ly/e/761819:
1) Go to App Store or Google Play, search ‘Soul Sanctuary’ and download our app!
2) Open the tab on the top left hand corner
3) Create your account and log in
4) Go to Menu and ‘+ Buy’
5) Select the category ‘*Memberships & Class Passes’
6) Select the Membership or Pass of your choice, then ‘Next’
7) Agree and sign to the terms and conditions
8) Add Payment Details and click ‘Buy’
9) Enjoy your yoga classes!
Can I come to a 90 minute class if I am a beginner?
90 minute classes are more challenging, its totally dependant on your fitness levels and personal preference, there are always ways to modify and make poses easy or just take rest whenever you need to
How do I know if I have got on the class from a waiting list?
If you go into your app and click on the class you are on the waiting list for it will tell you what position you are on the waiting list. As soon as you move from the waiting list into class, you will receive an automatic email, updating you that you are in class. We have recently activated automatic texts as well as emails for those who provide their mobile number and ‘opt-in’ to text on their desktop profile. If you don’t receive texts, please check your account settings to ensure this is enabled. It is not possible for teachers to text clients personally to let them know they are in class.
How likely am I to get onto class from a waiting list?
We have great success rates from our waiting list, students often tell us they have got into class after being 5th on the waiting list. It is impossible for us to predict how many people will cancel out of class on any day, but you can follow the steps above to check your position on the waitlist and you will be notified by text and email if you do get moved into class from the waiting list. If you are not receiving these updates, please tick the box on your profile to allow these notifications to get to you.
How can I book a one to one?
You can now book both private classes and check ins online! If you go to book into class as you usually would you will see ‘Appointments’ next to ‘Classes’ you can pick if it is a Check-in or Private appointments. Check in’s are for Gold Founder / Platinum members only. Privates are for anyone who would like 45 minutes of private tuition, pricing options will become available once you have chosen an available time slot.
Why have I been late charged?
As stated in our T&C’s, if you cancel your space within 12 hours of the class start time, or you don’t turn up for class, is considered a ‘late cancel’. Late cancels incur a cancellation fee of £5.00 to your account, this can take up to 72-hours to be processed after class. This is to ensure that students who are on the waiting list have a chance to get to class and to prevent block booking without attendance. If you have put yourself on the waiting list, it is your responsibility to check if you are added into class.
Do I get a late cancel charge on the Intro offer?
Yes, we need to make space available for paying members.
How do I add my child to my account to pay for them and book them into class?
Fill in, sign and return the youth waiver please
Please follow the steps to add your child to your account so that you can pay for them below:
1. Log into your Mindbody account online (not using app)
2. Click on MY INFO tab along the top
3. Under FAMILY MEMBERS, click ADD FAMILY MEMBER
4. Fill in their details and press SAVE.
5. If adding your child to our account, please remember to tick the box that enables you to pay for their classes.
6. Go to Retail, select who you are buying for, purchase kids class pass on your child’s account.
How hard / what is the difference between classes?
Please see our Class Styles page for information on each class.
Can my child come to class?
We do have kids classes in the holidays and will soon be adding a regular kids class to the schedule. Kids are allowed to come to class with you as long as you have signed the kids waiver. However, we do ask you to try the class before you bring your child and knowing your child best, make a decision whether the class content is appropriate and whether they will be able to stay focussed for the duration of the class.
Can I leave my child outside class?
Our T&C’s state that we ‘do not allow children to wait unsupervised outside of class or in the cafe’.
The reason is that if the child needs anything, they cannot come into class and fetch you / this is disruptive. If anything was to happen to the child, they are unsupervised in our premises, which puts us in a difficult position. If we allow one person to bring their child, it’s unfair for others who arrange child care, or if others see kids waiting outside it will be assumed that they can do the same. Considering the space in class/environment we are trying to create, we cannot have kids sitting in the studio. If you feel your son/daughter would be able to cope/concentrate in class, you can sign the under 18’s waiver. If she/he is not in the class, she will need to be with a supervising adult.
Do I have to take my shoes and socks off in class?
Yes please – Please use the shoe racks and space outside the studio to take your shoes off before coming into class. Please also take your socks of whilst you are practicing yoga, whilst we know no one likes their own feet you you need to be able to grip your feet on the mat during the sequence, safety first!
What happens if I am late for class?
As stated in our T&C’s, we ask that students arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time. If you arrive after the class start time please do not come into the classroom. The cafe is closed for pre and post work classes so the front door will be locked at the class start time. We aim to promote respect for our students by starting and ending class on time and respect for teacher by arriving in time. Lateness results in the a late cancel charge.
I’m a beginner – which classes are good for me?
All of our teachers are trained to teach classes and offer moderations for all levels. However, twice a month on a Saturday we have a Beginners/fundamentals class.
What happens if I get emotional in class?
This is very common and not something to worry about! It’s a good opportunity to watch what is coming up for you and let it out, if you feel uncomfortable of course you can leave class. Feeling emotional is often a great sign that you are connecting with the practice.
Why is the studio so full?
You only need the size of your mat for your yoga practice, in many city studios the rule is ‘finger tips between mats’! Yoga means to yoke, the bringing together of body mind spirit, and community! A lot of the yoga poses are designed for you to make contact with your neighbour. Although we want you to feel comfortable on your mat and of course have the space to explore new moves, we do also encourage you to not worry if you are sitting close to your neighbour
We have an amazing community at Soul Sanctuary and a large part of that is based on the interaction you have with your neighbours before and after class. It creates a wonderfully warm and welcoming environment. We have a thriving membership and want as many people as possible to get the chance to be on their mat. We have a smaller, more intimate city centre studio at Wayland’s Yard and an out of town studio, with more space, at Spetchley Gardens.
Can I use my own mat?
We have mats for you to use if you don’t have one, but if you prefer to use your own mat then please feel free to!
Should I wipe my mat after class?
Yes please! We now have hygiene wipe dispenser to keep our mats, blocks and props as fresh and clean as possible. Your teacher sometimes may ask you to also wipe down your blocks and put those away too.
Can I take my flapjack/coffee into the studio?
Please don’t bring food/drink into the studio – as our work is floor based, we make special effort to keep the studio as clean as possible.
Where can I park?
Please see our Directions & Parking page for more information.
How does an ‘Intro offer’ work?
Intro Offers are for NEW students only, to help them see how much yoga they can fit into their week – this will then inform which membership suits them best! Intro Offers vary in length according to the offer at the time, access to the studio starts from the moment you purchase the pass, so if you purchase a 20 day Intro Offer on the 3rd of the month, you have access to unlimited classes until the 23rd of the month. If you purchase your offer at the end of the month, the days of your access run into the following month. You are only permitted to purchase 1x Intro Offer per person, if you purchase a second offer it will be revoked from your account and your payment will go towards a platinum membership which offers the same access (unlimited classes).
What counts for pension/retired/unwaged documentation?
Any authentic documentation which is evidential of you being categorised as one of the above.
What is the difference between the memberships options?
Please see our Pricing page for details. Essentially, you pay for one, two or unlimited classes per week with our membership.
Can I carry my Silver passes over?
No, Silver membership entitles you to 2 classes/week which cannot be carried over (this may appear as 10 passes maximum for the 5 week months but is not indicative of a 10 class pass). This is a membership not a class pass, we do offer a class pass of 5 classes which can be used over 6 months.
I have a monthly membership so why can’t I book into class?
Usually this is because you have exceeded the amount of classes that your membership allows that week – this includes waitlists. It could also be because you have debt on your account above £20 and so your account may be blocked. See steps below to pay off account debt.
Can I pause my membership for holiday?
As stated in the T&C’s we cannot ‘pause’ memberships for any other reason than medical reasons. Memberships are 3-month contracts, you would need to wait until the 3rd month after your most recent payment and then request to cancel your contract. You cannot simply remove your card from the account as the charge will accumulate as debt on your account. If you do not want to be tied into a 3-monthly contract (which offers the discounted class rate), a class pass is available at a slightly higher class rate.
Can I pause my membership for illness/injury?
If you have a signed doctors note that you can share with us you can cancel your membership and restart the membership when you are ready to come back to class. Memberships can only be renewed 3-monthly, you will not be refunded mid month as stated in T&C’s online and at point of purchase. You cannot ‘pause’ your membership for illness, injury, holiday or any other reason without medical signature.
How to check your outstanding account balance
How to check your outstanding account balance:
1. Log into your Mindbody account online (not using app)
2. Click on MY INFO tab along the top
3. Click on ACCOUNT button on far right
4. Check ACCOUNT BALANCE in the bottom right-hand corner
How to pay off account balance
How to pay off account balance:
1. Click on ONLINE STORE
2. Click on ACCOUNT PAYMENTS
3. Choose ACCOUNT PAYMENT from the drop down menu
4. Enter account balance and click MAKE PAYMENT
5. Follow steps to complete the sale
