From the minute you enter our studio you will be feel at home. However, we understand that coming for your first class can be a little overwhelming so we have put together this list of frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do your classes go for?
All of our standard classes are one hour, except the Hot Express class which is 45 minutes.
What do I need to know before my first class?
Aim to arrive at the studio 10-15 minutes before your first class. This will ensure you have time to meet the teacher, familarise yourself with our facilities and let us know about any injuries or illnesses we should be aware of.
Does it matter if I have never done hot yoga before?
Of course not - everyone has to start somewhere! Remember there is no pressure or expectation in our classes so we encourage everyone to listen to their body and rest if needed. If you do take a break during the class, you are welcome to sit, lay on your mat or come into child pose and rejoin the class when ready.
Which class should I start with?
If you have never done yoga before and do not undertake other exercise, or are unsure about the heat, we suggest starting with our Warm Variation class. This class is approximately 26 to 28 degrees whereas our hot classes are approximately 38 degrees. Also, the yoga style of the Warm Variation class and the sequencing is not as fast-paced as our hot classes.
Can I practice with an injury?
Yoga can be beneficial in the recovery process of some injuries, but it does depend on the type of injury. It is best to follow the advice and recommendations of your healthcare provider as we are unable to diagnose or offer medical opinions.
Can I practice if taking medication?
It depends on what medication you are taking so it is best to speak to your doctor prior to coming to your first class.
What should I wear to class?
Just wear something that is comfortable and non-restrictive/easy to move in. Most people wear leggings or shorts and a loose tank top or t-shirt with a sports crop underneath for the ladies.
Should I eat before coming to class?
The general recommendation is to not eat for two hours prior to undertaking a hot yoga class. However, this is just a general recommendation and will not suit everyone. Some people find that they feel dizzy or nauseous with an empty tummy so we say to have a small piece of fruit or something light. You just want to avoid a heavy meal prior. We do not recommend prolonged fasting prior to a class.
Can I practice hot yoga during pregnancy?
Unfortunately we do not offer prenatal yoga at our studio but we are happy to refer you to an appropriately qualified pre-natal yoga instructor/studio should you get the exciting news that you're expecting!
We assure you that we are not discriminating by referring you to another studio during pregnancy as a baby is an incredibly precious gift and we would like to ensure that you receive a tailored yoga practice to keep you and bubs safe. The teachers at our studio have not undertaken prenatal yoga teacher training so it is unfair to put them in a position to instruct outside of their scope of practice.
There are poses which are contraindicated during pregnancy and others that require modifications, as well as many changes occurring within your body to prepare for the progression of your pregnancy. There is also an increase in the core body temperature. Therefore, it is important that you practice with an appropriately qualified pre-natal yoga instructor in a non-heated environment.
Here is an article you may find interesting regarding the changes that occur in your body: https://www.precisionphysio.com.au/pregnancy-and-your-back-pelvis/
What is the minimum age to practice at your studio?
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is also undertaking the class and the parent/guardian will need to sign a liability waiver. A profile for the minor will also need to be completed online as well.
How much water should I drink before class?
Remember that good hydration is achieved over a 24 hour period so what you drink the day before a class is more important than what you drink right before class. Too much water in your belly right before class can make you feel a little nauseous, particularly in forward folds.
Can I practice if I have a cold or am unwell?
Whilst it is tempting to come and practice to have a good sweat and feel like you're flushing any germs out of the system, just remember that those practicing around you do not want your virus/infection.
Do I need to book classes or can I just turn up?
Booking classes guarantees your spot. We keep limited spots available for 'walk-ins', so if you are planning on just turning up, then we do suggest arriving 10-15 minutes before the class start time to secure a spot. Please refer to last paragraph during COVID-19 restrictions.
Do I need to cancel my booking if I can no longer make a class?
Yes! Our booking system is managed electronically so we ask that you cancel yourself out of a class with at least two hours' notice so that somebody else has an opportunity to take the spot.
Do you have Eftpos facilities and is there a minimum transaction?
We do not have an Eftpos terminal but we can process both credit card and cash payments. We can only use direct debit/eftpos cards if they have a Mastercard or Visa symbol on the front of the card.
Do you have shower facilities?
No, unfortunately we do not have shower facilties. However, we do have a toilet area which is large enough to change in if you are coming straight from work or between double classes.
Do you offer any student discounts?
Yes! We can offer 5% off our memberships/passes if you are a student. Just send an email to info@embodyhotyoga.com.au and we can organise this for you.
Can I practice hot yoga whilst breastfeeding?
Yes, but we have to advise that there is a potential risk for your milk supply to decrease if you do not remain appropriately hydrated. We have many students who practice hot yoga whilst breastfeeding with no issue, however you do need to be aware of the potential risk and make your own informed decision about whether or not you wish to practice hot yoga.
Does it matter if I'm not flexible?
There is no such thing as not being flexible enough for yoga! Remember flexibility is not all about the physical body. You just need to have an open mind come and give it a go. You'll soon realise that yoga is for every body.
How many classes should I do each week?
This all depends on your personal goals and your current fitness regime. Some yogis make hot yoga their sole fitness regime and attend the studio 3-4 times per week. Others attend the gym and swim and use our studio to complement their other activities so attend 1-3 times per week.
I work away from home for periods of time or I have alternating custody arrangements for the care of my children, is there any membership which is flexible to my needs?
Yes! We understand that there are many lifestyle factors which impact your ability to make a regular commitment to your practice. Email info@embodyhotyoga.com.au and explain your situation so we can find a solution for you.
Do you have creche facilities?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a creche service. When you come to our studio for your first class you will understand why this is not possible.
Do your Easy-Pay Memberships have lock in contracts?
No, we do not have lock in contracts on our Easy-Pay Memberships. When you purchase an Easy-Pay Membership the system will set up a fortnightly or four weekly payment schedule (depending on which option you have chosen). This payment schedule will be set for 12 months and will auto-renew at the end of 12 months. However, this does NOT mean that you are locked in to that membership payment schedule.
Can I place my membership on hold or transfer it to someone else?
The Upfront Memberships cannot be placed on hold/suspended/transferred/refunded.
Can I leave the class 5 or 10 minutes early?
Unfortunately we do not allow yogis to leave the class early. Firstly, the final shavasana is one of the most important parts of the class as it allows the body to come back into balance and promotes clearing of the mind. We also find it disruptive to the yogis who are trying to enjoy the tranquility of the final shavasana when there are people shuffling around and packing up. Lastly, opening the studio doors (particularly in the cooler weather) lets a cold draft in which can be unpleasant and distracting to those in their shavasana.
How do I cancel an Easy-Pay Membership?
You just need to email info@embodyhotyoga.com.au and give two weeks' notice of your request to cancel. If you have a payment due to come out two days after you have sent your request to cancel, the next scheduled payment will still be processed and the cancellation will be programmed at the end of that fortnight. You will still have access to use the studio during your two week notice period.
How do I update my credit card/banking details?
Will you live-stream classes from the studio when you re-open?
No, unfortunately, we believe this is a privacy issue for other members in our room who may not wish to be recorded. We also feel that it is too distracting for our teacher to be focussing on the live-stream camera whilst giving their full attention to the members in the actual studio.
What is your privacy policy and will I be spammed if I register in your system?
Contact details are only used for the sole purpose of operating our business (ie to email you receipts of purchase, to let you know of any special offers or to send a monthly newsletter). Because we are a small, personalised studio, we do not have a need to be sending spam emails with unnecessary information.
How does your wait list work?
All of our classes have a wait list available to join if a class is full. The system automatically manages this so that if a person cancels out of a class the spot is offered to the first person on the wait list. You will receive an email notification that a spot has become available. You can also receive a text if you would prefer but you need to make sure you have ticked the box to opt in to receiving text notifications from us.
I can't log into the Embody Hot Yoga App as it says I already have an account in the MindBody network. How do I fix this?
If you already have an account in the general MindBody App (orange App as pictured below), and you are using the same email address for this App as you have used when creating a profile in the Embody Hot Yoga site, you will need to make sure you use the same password when logging in to our Embody Hot Yoga App (blue App as pictured below).
Can I select the date I wish my Easy-Pay Membership to start?
Yes, you can set your easy-pay membership up today with a start date in the future. Please note that the system will take the first payment at the time of purchasing the membership to set up the membership and set the payment schedule. However, that first payment will be applied to the future start date so you will not have another payment come out on the actual start date.