What is yoga?

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline which originated in India.  Yoga has been around for approximately 5,000 years.  It remains extremely relevant in today’s western culture and can be practiced at all stages of life.  ​The Sanskrit word yoga means ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.  
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​Yoga is totally inclusive and beneficial for all  and complements any belief system or faith.  There are many types of yoga. Each of the teachers at Yoga Rotorua has their own unique style.

What does it cost to come to a class at Yoga Rotorua and do I need to register beforehand?

The cost of a casual (drop-in) class is $20 per person for all teachers.  Concessions/term courses cost from $12-$20 per class depending on the teacher.   We are happy to take casual students in our yoga classes, but it is great if you can let us know before you come so we can welcome you to the class and make sure that there is enough space.  Just drop the teacher an email to let them know which class you will be coming to.

How should I prepare for a yoga class?

​There are a few simple things that you need to know before coming along to a yoga class...
  • We have plenty of yoga mats and other yoga equipment available for you to use, or you can bring your own.
  • Ideally don’t eat anything substantial during the 2 hours before doing yoga.  
  • Wear stretchy comfortable clothing, tights are ideal.  
  • ​Have warm clothes available (e.g. socks, jersey etc.) for final relaxation.
  • If you have any questions, just ask the teacher.

Will I get injured doing yoga?

There have been some media reports about the risks of getting injured from doing yoga.  In reality the risk of injury is low, provided that you follow these guidelines:
  • Let your yoga teacher know about any injuries or health issues that you may have at the beginning of the class.  If you are not sure whether something is an issue, then it is best to raise it anyway.
  • Always work within your own limits.  If something doesn't feel right then ease out of the pose.
  • Your breath provides a great indication of the amount of effort you are putting in to your yoga practice.  If you find that your breath is ragged or strained, you should ease back until you feel comfortable.
  • ​Follow the instructions that the teacher gives you, especially if they offer alternatives to a pose​.
  • If you are a beginner or trying something for the first time, ease into it gently.

How often should I do yoga?

In general, it is a case of the more yoga the better, however this needs to fit in with the time constraints of your daily life.  If you do one full yoga class a week then that is a great start.  If you would like to do more then doing yoga first thing in the morning works well and helps set you up for the day.
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If you can establish your own personal yoga practice which builds on what you do in a yoga class then that will increase the benefits in your everyday life.