We don’t ‘target’ particular experience levels; our classes are suitable for ALL experience levels and spiritual leanings! There is time to breathe, time to rest and time to laugh out loud! {never suppress a smile or a laugh in Yoga class}! And at the end of class there is time to KNOW you have just taken care of yourself in the BEST possible way! The ‘technical’ side of practice is there every class but we try to help our practitioners, via VERBAL GUIDANCE, move through the technical into a SPACE OF GRACE where they will LISTEN to their body’s WISDOM, a place where they OWN THEIR PRACTICE.
Admission Terms
No Late Admission Classes are commenced at pre-set clearly notified times. Plan your schedule accordingly. The reception is locked just prior (2mins) to class commencing. Please do not continually put the instructor under pressure to ‘hold up’ the class for you because you ‘tend to run late’. After class has commenced please do not attempt to enter the studio as refusal may disappoint.
First Time Practitioner Admittance
First time practitioners who have not hydrated will not be admitted to class. This is for their own comfort and safety and preservation of experience. Turn up for a Bikram Yoga class dehydrated and it is downhill all the way; the teacher cannot have this individual’s dehydration discomfort, which was preventable if the individual properly prepared, on their conscience whilst they are teaching. So please, hydrate well before coming to class; depending on the individual’s hydration status upon committing to coming to their first class, it can sometimes take a few days to get to full hydration.
First time practitioners who do not turn up early to sign in will not be admitted to class to practice (15-20 minutes prior to start is requested). Depending on how busy it is in reception we may be able to accommodate the occasional late newcomer. However, please don’t be offended if the reception is busy and the teacher deems the late attendance and resultant timeframe too tight to prepare the newcomer for their first class at YM. This is Yoga Matters policy in order to preserve the first time practitioner’s first experience of Bikram Yoga as something extraordinary; not a rushed, stressful experience.
Right to Refuse Admission Also Reserved In The Following Circumstances:
- aggressive, abusive, threatening, discriminatory or just downright ‘mean’ behaviours either within or without the studio environment (this includes online) towards other practitioners, instructors or our business/activity
- being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- non agreement to our Terms of Service
- misinformation or non-disclosure of relevant information on registration
- creating continuous deliberate disruption/disturbance during class
- personal hygiene standards below par
- deliberate deviation from standard practices taking place in class that have not been prescribed by the instructor or have nothing to do with the practices taking place in studio
- deliberate damage to studio and/or studio property
- non payment
- deliberately not following guidance and instruction thereby introducing risk to themselves and/or other students
- lack of respect for Yoga ethics, studio etiquettes, terms, policies and/or having behaviours that continually contrasts with our Yoga School’s culture
- any propensity to ‘continually misunderstand’ our policies, terms and intentions, (although they are clearly stated online in advance of attendance or easily understood and not a problem for all other Yoga class attendees, and even though one ‘agreed’ to them before being admitted) which propensity’s ‘energy/vibe’ may indicate YM is not a good ‘fit’ for that person’s Yoga needs
BIKRAM YOGA IS LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER TRIED BEFORE. The student needs time to read and consider the prohibitions/cautions/waiver document, talk with the teacher, get settled in a suitable area of the room for first timers, relax and get their bearings. The other practitioners in the class cannot be held up for these considerations if a new practitioner turns up at 5 mins before a class starts. After your first class experience you can turn up whenever you wish in accordance with the normal admission’s policy.
This policy also stands if you are first time at YM but have experienced Bikram Yoga elsewhere. Please remember this is a dedicated Yoga studio, not a gym or sports complex. We welcome ALL to join our Yoga family BUT will not be rushed or pressed to remodel the registration process if any experienced practitioner attempts to demean it simply because it doesn’t suit them. Admittance in these circumstances will be on an individual basis.
First Time Practitioners – Please Note Yoga Matters is not a: gym/spa/corporate/ chain/franchise/ church hall/park/beach. It is a ‘dedicated Yoga school’. It is a specially designed, ‘controlled environment’ and the class is a highly disciplined and ‘controlled time’ from beginning right to the very end. It is a special space and time that is treated with special care by the owners because of the wonderful things that take place there in the time when we are all together practicing. Therefore the environment and how things are done may be a bit different to your/any previous experience of Yoga. Every Yoga studio and Yoga school operates differently. Please keep an open mind which will be more conducive to enjoying this new experience. Existing knowledge and experience can act as a barrier to receiving what information your Yoga instructor has to offer. We want you to enjoy your first class experience. On entering our Yoga school on your first class you sign a ‘commitment’ to practice which encompasses that you ‘will have/will read as a matter of priority the Yoga class logistics and etiquette information which is clearly set out in ‘Love Prep’ ’ (this page). These class logistics and etiquettes form part of our ‘Terms & Policies’ and are not up for negotiation by individuals. The expected behaviours of student on our premises are clearly set out herein and in other areas on our website. Even if some were unfamiliar to you before entering our Yoga school they are our tools for managing a class of individuals who are trying to learn the discipline of Yoga; they are deemed part of the ‘YM Terms’ you have agreed to for admittance and ongoing participation in our classes. By proceeding to book into class you are automatically indicating you ‘agree’ to all our Etiquettes, Policies, Terms and Conditions of Service. We promise you; they are really not hard at all if you engage with them in advance. Please do not take offence if the instructor has to highlight elements of the logistics, etiquettes or policies to you at any future time if you have had a forgetful moment; we will keep you on track with these etiquettes to preserve the ambience in our Yoga school for ALL who attend and so you can have your energy and focus on the important work of collecting the benefits of your practice without distraction. It is not always clear to a new practitioner ‘why’ but following the guidance of the Terms/Policies will, amongst other things, enable one to let go of unnecessary, develop new good habits and ultimately optimize the experience and benefits to be had.
Booking
Please go to ‘Contact and Book‘ tab on our website or download the ‘Momoyoga’ App via google or apple stores.
Drop In
We are unable to accommodate ‘walk in’ ‘drop in’ practitioners. Everybody without exception must ‘Register’ on Momoyoga before booking ~ we are sorry if this seems a bit much for some but this is how the vast majority of bricks n’ mortar Yoga studios around the world operate; we are just a couple of Yoga instructors trying to keep a Yoga School going, we don’t have a team of people to do admin/reception; the minute an exception to this process happens well… you know how it goes… everyone wants to be that exception… 🙂 we are sure you understand… do speak to us, we will be happy to answer any questions and explain the detail of why we have to operate things in a particular kind of way and we promise we have very valid reasons for every policy we operate at YM
Booking Procedure and Terms
• In order to book class, passes must be purchased
• YM recommends practitioners book on the day they are attending as they are more likely to be certain they can make the class (rather than booking too far in advance)
• However, when booking on the day please ensure you are definitely going to be able to attend as the class fees/cancellation policy will be invoked if you then subsequently cancel (please carefully read policy hereafter)
• Booking and Cancellation is done online
• Cancelling formally is part of your commitment to being able to use YM’s Momoyoga booking system; to free up the space you held for other potential practitioners to use
• The individual should understand that the ‘late cancellation’ or ‘no show’ Procedure and Policy still applies even if for any reason the booker has not got around to the payment stage
• Do not ‘text’ ‘fb’ or ’email’ your class cancellation. Please only use Momoyoga.
• Everyone without exception has to book using Momoyoga; if a practitioner makes the mistake of ‘thinking‘ they booked and subsequently turned up for class and it is full or early started; we are not responsible for a practitioner not following the booking process properly/to completion. Similarly if all class attendees booked/expected are in the Yoga room we will start the class up to 15 minutes early, so any bookings/arrivals after that time who thought they had booked or booked in that last 15 minute period may be disappointed; we will not hold a class up for the chance of a super late booking or a mistake by a practitioner. Momoyoga Users Please Read
YM ‘TERMS’ FOR SELLING DISCOUNTED CLASS PACKAGES:
Like our ‘Privacy Policy’ YM ‘Terms’ may be subject to change. Please do hop back ‘here’ occasionally to keep yourself updated on these. Practitioners are responsible for reading and understanding our Etiquettes/ Logistics/ Policies/ Terms which are very clear and not open for discussion, bespoking or negotiation by the individual practitioner:
Booking / Class Fees Policy / Terms
- Classes cannot be pre-booked without fees having been paid first
- Fees paid for pre-booked classes will be forfeit if the student (1) does not show up for class (2) arrives too late to be admitted (3) does not provide minimum 12 hours notice of non-attendance.
Cancellation / Class Fees Policy / Terms
As part of your commitment to booking it is appreciated if you can let us know if you cannot then make the class. Please cancel following the same channel you used for booking: Momoyoga.
Please think carefully about booking because if you cancel the policy will be invoked in every event where due full 12 hours notice has not been given or if a class is booked and cancelled on the same day. There are no exceptions to the booking cancellation policy. It is individual practitioner’s responsibility to be familiar with the booking procedure and policy which is clearly stated on YM website. Whilst classes may be booked on the day, pre-booked classes cannot be cancelled or transferred to another day without minimum 12 hours notice (notice period is subject to change depending upon pandemic or similar or other ‘space limiting events’).
Classes booked ‘on’ the day may not be subsequently cancelled on the day or class fee will be forfeit (we urge you to be sure you want to book).
Prior to admittance in to first class the student signs a ‘commitment’ form in which they confirm that they have/will read the Yoga class logistics, etiquette and booking procedure/policy information (all available on this website). Thereafter the studio is not responsible for any lack of memory or understanding on the part of the practitioner of these Terms under which they are admitted to practice at YM Yoga school which are very clear and will be invoked without further reiteration to the practitioner.
Credits/Vouchers Terms Validity/Expiration/Terms
- valid for 6 (six) months from date of purchase
- if not used within six months from date of purchase will expire without exception
- non-transferable and non-refundable
- prizes and rewards must be used within three months from date given
- guest passes given are valid for one month
- any ad hoc class passes/credits given by instructor (for whatever reason) must be used within two weeks from date given
No Refunds
All class pass purchases are final. The discounted block of ’10 class passes’ are sold in good faith and on the understanding, basis and agreement that all 10 will be used within their validity period. However, in limited individual circumstances, any refund that we may agree to for unused passes will only be within 3 months of purchase and, if agreed, will be calculated, not on the discounted pass fee for remaining passes, but on the current ‘per class pass’ fee for passes already used and an extra small admin fee (£2 plus any postage involved) which will be deducted from the original amount paid for the block.
What to Wear
Classes are conducted in a heated room: We promise, it will be HOT 🙂 You will work hard. You will sweat! Your attire is important. Wear minimal gym style comfortable clothing; something comfortable with lycra that moves with you that you don’t have to be re-arranging. Expose as much area of skin as you feel comfortable with (modesty prevailing of course).
No long sleeve tops or polo necks. No baggy pants, these will cling and impede when they get wet. Surf or army fatigue shorts have no ‘give’ in them and will impede and distract you in your practice. White tops go ‘see through’ when wet. Your clothing should be minimal but keep you modest during practice. What to Wear
We don’t have shower facilities (hence the low class fee). Come dressed ready for practice under your outdoor clothes and have something warm to pull on over your Yoga clothes after class. There is one cubicle changing room for those who need a quick change
What to Bring / Terms
- Water
- Yoga Mat (or hire £1) (Heavy Sweaters please note ‘Sweatiquettes‘)
- Long Towel (to put on top of your mat, no wider than your mat)
In any time where virus mitigation protogols are in place please also bring a ‘mask’ and ’tissues’ for ‘catch it bin it kill it’
Mat Hygiene / Terms
We take mat care at the studio very seriously indeed. We want our practitioners to be comfortable and as you know mat hygiene is of great importance to us. Hence our willingness to invest in new mats so often. But we would like your help and would appreciate your consideration as follows:
A towel is a prerequisite and one cannot participate without one; they provide traction, comfort as well as sweat collection.
If you hire a studio mat please ensure that your towel aligns with the top of your mat where you place your face; makeup can transfer to mats and is a little harder to get off. This also ensures further hygiene benefits for the practitioner.
Dousing with water or is not permitted during class and excessive sweaters are expected to mop the floor area around their mat with their own towels brought to class for this purpose.
Practitioners should ensure their feet are clean especially when standing on studio mats; Ideally, if renting/using a studio mat they should stand on a towel at all times.
If you hire a mat please do not roll it up or hang it after class; if you do this it will get missed as a mat that has been used and will not get the customary assessment/appropriate cleaning we give all used mats after every class. Please just leave it on the floor for us to take care of.
If you identify yourself as a ‘heavy sweater’ we would be grateful if you would please invest in your own mat. Please don’t be offended if we identify to you that you fall into the category of heavy sweater; this is a compliment! We are heavy sweaters too and proud! and we always bring our own mats to class! MatMatters
Mats have a limited life span dependant on usage; and we don’t want any stinky smelly mats hanging around our studio. We replace mats as and when appropriate. Our studio mats are frequently sanitized and dependent factors dictate the cleaning methods. We interchangeably use either/any of the following:
• clear cold water wipe/flush down
• hot water and mild detergent/soap solution
• solution that contains Eucalyptus oil which is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral. The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a good room freshener for any sickbed atmosphere.
• sometimes we give our mats a ‘bath’ soak and sometimes we use the washing machine.
Method for Cleaning Mats
• Having wiped the surface of the mat to remove excess water/sweat, the surface of the mats are sprayed liberally; depending of the state of the mat the cleaner may be allowed to soak in a bit.
• Then the mat is wiped with a wet cloth to remove the cleaner; then wiped down with a clean soft dry cloth and method repeated on the other side.
• The mat has to be allowed to dry via a circulation of air and speed up the drying time. So they are hung in a manner that enables this (rail or over a chair!).
• If a mat is soaked through we take them home and put them in the washing machine (60 degree wash) or soak them in the bath overnight with a cleansing solution and hang them on our washing line to dry out.
We are careful that mats are rinsed/wiped thoroughly after this to ensure there are no strong smells left in case a practitioner might be sensitive to strong smells.
If you want to make up your own mat cleaning solution add 8-12 drops to a cup of water (distilled if you can) in a spray bottle, mix thoroughly (shake bottle); increase the drops of essential oils for stronger antibacterial/antifungal spray. Here is a list of essential oils you can use: eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, lemongrass.
Etiquette Before Class / Terms
At Yoga Matters we are pretty laid back. Nonetheless there are guidelines which must be observed to maintain the integrity of the class. Think about them before you come to class; they will enhance your experience.
Please:
• come to class properly hydrated (practitioners are responsible for hydrating throughout day prior to class) (see ‘admission’ on website)
• minimise eating before class and only eat light meals up to 2-3 hours before
• aim to turn up with 5 to 10 minutes before class commences so you can relax in the room
• New Students: please refer to bookings, admission and cancellation policy on this website and familiarize yourself
• New Students: please come at least 20 minutes early to register and to orientate yourself; arriving early ensures a stress free and relaxed beginning to your practice
• New Students: please read and sign the disclaimer/waiver document
• class is 90 minutes – plan your schedule accordingly and discipline yourself to stay for the full 90 minutes including the built in conscious relaxation at the end
• YM is a ‘Device Free Yoga School’ please read the full policy
• do not conduct phone calls in our small lobby/reception areas ~ this is really not the time or space for that; finish your call BEFORE entering our lobby! YM is a ‘Device Free Yoga School’
• all money exchanges should be conducted prior to entering the studio
• do not bring hot drinks or strong smells into our lobby/reception/studio, i.e. food, coffee, perfume
• do not bypass reception without ‘checking in’ (even if the person behind reception is busy); if the instructor does not know you are in the room this can result in overbooking and the person who did not ‘check in’ will be asked to vacate the space
• always remove your shoes before entering the Yoga studio and place them with your bag in reception; do not wear particularly muddy boots, wellingtons into our lobby/reception; it is a barefoot practice, nobody wants to step on clay in their bare feet
• it is a barefoot practice – please ensure your feet are clean
• please ensure you have taken care of personal hygiene to remove any body odour you may not be aware of
• place/tuck bags, shoes/belongings onto the shelves provided; hang coats on hooks provided, don’t take up all the space on the floor with bags and shoes
• no superfluous bulky items/clutter in classroom (sweaters, handbags, do not hang clothing on the rail in the studio)
• remove any dangling or bulky jewellery
• ensure no offensive slogans on t-shirts/tops (turn top inside out if you forget)
• do not use foul or offensive language in reception or studio
• close all doors behind you as you move around the studio i.e. keep toilet, changing room and studio entrance door, please do not leave any open, we have just spent hours heating up the studio for your class experience, it takes seconds for heat to disappear through a door left open
• texting / calls should be taken/made in street before you enter our lobby/reception space
Etiquette During Class / Terms
Please:
• do not walk cross the studio during class time to access tissues or water; alert the instructor if you need such items
• do not bring ordinary ‘glass’ bottles into the studio (they pose a risk of breakage; tempered or supported glass is safer)
• ensure ‘on call’ mobile phones ‘on silent’ / no ‘general use’ of these ‘on call’ phones in the studio prior to class (although Kindle books may be used) YM is a ‘Device Free Yoga School’
• loud ring tones on phones that are left in bags in reception can be heard clearly in the studio during class time; please have them on low volume YM is a ‘Device Free Yoga School’
• ‘on call’? leave the studio if you need to engage with your phone during class if you are on call or for any other reason
• keep your mat aligned with the tape line on the floor, especially in busy classes
• when laying down head should be towards the mirror, feet towards the granite wall
• do not chat during class
• do not chew gum in the studio
• avoid wearing heavy perfumes or colognes into class
• socks are not permitted in class unless you have a condition of the feet that is contagious
• do not enter or exit the studio during asanas unless you really have to
• toilet should be used just prior to class start; toilet breaks during class are ‘catching’; if one going triggers a third going then instructor will say something because they know if they don’t six or seven will think it is ok and trip off to the loo, movement like this during class creates a risk, disturbs the ambience of the class and is distracting (for majority, this need is a head thing)
• however, if you really have to go do so quietly and move between asanas, never during; (do not cross people’s vision when they are trying to work on balancing Asanas; they only have a short time to work on this please don’t take that time/opportunity away from them)
• ensure you have your own adequate supplies of tissues if needed
• ensure you have sufficient water at start of class
• do not use the studio tap to fill up during class time (this is noisy/disruptive)
• do not bring high sugar drinks or superfood in liquid form into class
• listen to and follow the instructions of the teacher; a large part of what is said is to help you practice safely
• do not douse yourself in water
• do not wipe your skin with towels
• profuse sweaters (i.e. where the area surrounding their mat gets flooded; these are rare) must have/use their own mat and for safety must bring an extra towel to mop up immediately after their class
• if a practitioner has a cold they must ensure they do not leave bits of tissue lying around after their class (kitchen roll is recommended for use on these occasions as it is stronger and does not disintegrate when it gets soaked)
• keep your personal belongings on your mat (including jewellery, glasses, tissues)
• adopt an attitude of non-judgement about yourself and others
• be mindful and focused moving in and out of the asanas
• be mindful of your body’s limitations; never force yourself into positions; don’t fight with your body
• never push yourself into any pain – pain is the body’s way of saying “ease off”
• show respect towards your fellow practitioners and be mindful of their space requirements
• do not fidget between asanas as this may distract others
• experienced practitioners who chose to go in the front few rows must set an example for those placed behind; keeping pace with the teacher, do not deviate from, vary or add any extra movements/asanas or flourishes
• try to permit fellow practitioners placed behind you some view of the mirror (you do not have to sacrifice your own view to do this)
• a two minute ‘conscious relaxation’ period ‘is built in’ to the 90 minute class duration; class ‘isn’t over ‘til the signing bowl sings’ at the end of this duration
• during this conscious relaxation please do not start pulling on clothes or rolling up mat
• Students are expected to stay for final conscious relaxation Savasana; this is part of their commitment to practice signed on first entering YM
Etiquette After Class / Terms
Please:
• please don’t ‘crush’ any empty single use plastic bottles (harsh noisy), don’t crinkle plastic bags or containers, don’t throw/drop wet towels from standing height to your mat (heavy noisy), don’t leave toilet area door open (fans/flushes noisy), if you really have to fill your water bottle after class you must close the ‘Change room’ door ‘behind’ you before you turn tap on (minimise the noise coming into the Yoga room)
• ‘roll up’ your belongings quietly and neatly i.e. don’t drag ‘unrolled’ mat around the room and then into reception, hitting every touch surface and possibly other people on the way
• leave the room QUIETLY after your class as some people may take longer time for quiet meditation / Savasana /
• leaving quietly means your demeanour should be that of a person who does not want to wake a sleeping child i.e. do not talk in the Yoga room whilst others are in Savasana, do not pack up your bag/belongings noisily in the Yoga room, tred quietly, softly, carefully and open/close doors softly
• if you absolutely had to leave early (aside from an unexpected feeling unwell; such departure will be a ‘one off’ ‘rare’ and planned occasion i.e. you will have notified the instructor in advance of that particular class; please remember you were admitted to the class on the basis that you committed to stay for the class duration as per Terms) please do not hold loud conversations in reception
• ensure you take away all your personal belongings after class including any used tissues and single use plastic bottles you brought in with you; left items cannot be stored indefinitely
• keep tabs on your electrolytes and drink plenty of water after class
Security / Terms & Etiquettes
The practitioner is responsible for their own personal property and the studio and teachers are not responsible for any items that are inadvertently left or have gone missing. We lock the reception door just prior to start of class. It is not uncommon for instructors to note cash, jewellery or phones deliberately left on the floor beside a bag or exposed in a shoe. Whilst items are generally quite safe, common sense really must prevail and Yogis should take responsibility to secure/tuck such items carefully away somewhere that feels safe to the practitioner before an incident occurs. Small valuable items can be kept on the mat during practice. Items inadvertently left behind are generally safe but the studio owners are not responsible for left items. Please don’t use the studio to store cosmetics or water bottles for your next class; such items are disposed of regularly for hygiene and lack of space reasons and you may feel disappointed if they are not there next time you come.
Terms
The content of ‘Love Prep’, the ‘Disclaimer’ and ‘Waiver’ that you sign on entry to your first class constitute the ‘Terms & Conditions’ under which YM offers its services to Yogis who wish to participate in YM classes. Please read them and re-read them periodically so that you are familiar and comfortable with them. Have due regard for them; they will enhance your experience. Please don’t blindly sign your undertaking/disclaimer/waiver and then promptly ignore its stipulations. Instructors at YM want to connect with all those who walk through our doors. There is one instructor per class but a multitude of different students/personalities with differing needs and differing ideas of what a Yoga studio is or how it should be run: all looking to that one instructor. Reading, knowing and abiding by the terms/etiquettes are a good way to find that first common ground so that the student/teacher relationship can grow without unnecessary distraction from your/our core purpose.
Waiver & Disclaimer Documents
Please click here for DISCLAIMER and WAIVER documents. These will need to be agreed to by you (signing the Waiver covers off both documents). Please note they may be amended from time to time, the last time amended was March 2020, the changes were emphasis and look of the forms and to broaden with regards to Pandemic considerations. Nobody is admitted to their first class if they have not signed a Waiver/Release.
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