First time?

We’ve all been new to Yoga at some point in our lives, so we understand that choosing the right class for you can be overwhelming and daunting. But with our guide below, you’ll soon know your Hatha from your Vinyasa and arrive on the mat as well prepared as you can be.

So you’ve made it this far. You obviously have an interest in joining one of our classes. But you still might not know what the right class for you is. Allow us to help you through your journey.

You do Hot Yoga don’t you? What’s that?

Yes we do! We teach both the full 90 minute Bikram series and also the condensed hour long version. The full 90 minutes is the same 26 postures along with two breathing exercises every time you visit. This is a Hatha based practice. The word hatha means wilful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. Put simply, the teacher will explain a pose like a big game of Simon Says crossed with Twister (think “right hand on green”). They don’t touch you and they don’t deviate from the scripted dialogue, but it’s easy to follow along. 

It’s my first time so the 60 minute class will be easier, right?

Not quite. It may be shorter, but there’s less rest time between the poses. The full 90 minute class really is the best place to start as you get two opportunities to do every posture and a little break between them. The 60 minute class is a faster pace and you only do some poses once on each side.

Ok I’m signing up, but what do I wear?

Well the room will be hot! 105 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels around 40%. It will hit you when you first enter the room, but you soon get used to it. Yes, some classes may feel cooler or hotter than others. No surprises for guessing that full classes with more body heat tend to get sweatier. So in terms of clothing, shorts are a good choice for both genders. They also allow you to see knee and hip alignment a bit easier in the mirrors. Vest tops or crop tops are always a good choice and some men choose to go without a top.

How much should I eat and drink beforehand?

We recommend not to eat any large meals 2-3 hours beforehand. There are a few twisting postures that will feel uncomfortable on a full stomach. Hydration is essential before, during, and after a hot yoga class. You should drink 1-1.5 litres of water before your practice. But stop an hour or so beforehand, you don’t want to be running out to use the toilet. During the class, the teacher will tell you when you can drink. Bikram is a discipline as much as anything, so listen to the teacher and they’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts.

How do I get to the studio?

We’re on Hornsey Street and our post code is N7 8EG. Walk past Tesco and we’re the big pink fronted building half way down. You can’t miss us. Our studio is situated a two minute walk away from Holloway Road underground station (Piccadilly Line). We do recommend this option as it's the easiest and parking is restricted on match days and pricey. There are a couple of bike racks nearby the studio.

Ok I’m prepared, what time should I arrive?

We recommend getting here 15 minutes before your first class so we can show you around and introduce you to the teacher. They’ll tell you the best spot to stand in the class so you can see them and also somewhere that’s a bit cooler. This also gives you a chance to tell them about any injuries you may have. We ask that you don’t get here more than 15 minutes before your class starts either, it gives the class before yours the chance to come out and shower before the next class gets ready.

And what should I do afterwards?

Stay hydrated after class. Water or coconut water are both available from reception. And come back again the next day. You’ll already see the difference in your second class. It’s a good way to learn a lot about yourself. You might notice some classes have a you a bit wobblier on your feet. Maybe you had a coffee that morning? Maybe you’ve got a lot on your mind. Still mind, still body! It’s a great eye opener for what else is going on in your life.

What about the days when I don’t feel like doing a hot class?

We also offer our Vinyasa class “Yogasana.” This is different to the Hatha style that you just learnt about. Vinyasa or “flow” yoga sees movements form a flowing sequence in coordination with the breath. You might recognise some of the poses from the Bikram series, but it’s a bit more of a cardio class where all the poses link together instead of a stop-start style. There’s also more weight-bearing on the arms in this class, think planks and downward facing dogs.

What about those days when I want to hit the cardio?

Inferno HIIT Pilates is the class for you on the days when you have a lot of energy to burn. Our hour long class, or our 45 minute express class, is based on Pilates principles. Think is engaging that core during a glute busting bridge sequence, before hitting those abs, five minutes worth of planks and then a cardio killer session to finish. It’s high intensity and low impact, so no jarring of the joints. Oh and it’s in a slightly lower temperature of 90 degrees, but you’ll still get a sweat on.

I’m exhausted after that. How can I relax?

Join us for Yin, you’ll have earned it after trying all of those classes. It’s a very passive, slow yoga class where you might only do 6-8 poses in the hour, but you’ll be holding them for around seven minutes each. This allows the muscles and the fascia to REALLY stretch off. Props are the order of the day here. Straps, bolsters, blocks and blankets will make sure you’re fully supported and comfortable. 

That’s my timetable sorted. What do I need to bring?

We supply everything to rent but we encourage you to invest in your own equipment. Mats are £2 to rent and you’ll need a towel big enough to cover all of it to prevent slipping in your sweat. We rent towels for £2.50 but we recommend a grip towel which we sell for £18. You can also shower here after class, we provide shower gel and hair dryers, but not shampoo and conditioner.