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. You will be assigned a key tag that you can bring with you to each class so that we can scan you in. You will also have your photo taken if you give permission. This is not used for any purpose other than identification as it helps us to put a name to a face, and it also ensures that nobody else can use your membership if you lose your key tag. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water bottle with you. If you don't have a yoga mat, we hire them for $2. Make sure you are well hydrated when attending our classes. This does not mean drinking a litre of water before you arrive, but refers to ensuring you have been drinking an adequate amount of water in the 24 hours leading up to your class. We do not recommend drinking coffee in the two hours prior to class. We will offer two drink breaks during class, however we suggest taking small sips of water as gulping down a belly full of water may make you feel nauseous. Our doors will be locked at the class start time to ensure our full attention is on the clients in our studio. Unfortunately, late comers will be not be able to join the class. It is not uncommon to feel a little dizzy during your first class, so remember that you can always take a break on your mat and rejoin the class when ready. It usually takes a couple of classes to acclimitise to practising in a heated room so we suggest making full use of our two week unlimited Get Going Pass and doing a few classes.



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. We prefer that you stay in the studio so we keep an eye on you and to avoid a sudden temperature drop when stepping out of the heated room and into a cool area.



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. If you are fit and healthy and are not fussed by the heat then our Hot Embody class is a good starting point. This class is a set sequence that stays the same each week so you can familiarise yourself with the yoga poses and track and monitor your progress.



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. You may be asked to provide a letter from your doctor or healthcare physician to confirm that they are recommending hot yoga as part of your injury treatment plan.



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. The heat and the sweating process can affect how drugs interact in the body which is why we suggest discussing this with your doctor/specialist if you are taking regular medications. If you are taking blood thinners or medication to control hypertension (high blood pressure) then we definitely advise you to speak to your medical professional and consider doing our non-heated yin yoga classes. If you carry an asthma inhaler we suggest placing this on our reception desk for easy access rather than taking it into the hot room with you because inhalers should not be left in the heat.



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. For safety reasons we practice bare foot and we ask that you remove your shoes before entering the studio so we can maintain a clean space to practice in. Thongs, slides or ugg boots are the most convenient footwear to easily slip off in reception before you enter the studio.



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. As always, listen to your body and know what works best for you!



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. We do not recommend anyone under the age of 14 to practice hot yoga as it is best to wait for the sweat glands to be fully developed. Children 14 to 16 are best to stick to the Warm Variation classes and those who are 16+ years can do any of our classes if accompanied by a parent/guardian who is over 18 years. We do ask that if you have a minor attending with you that they are prepared for a yoga class and can respect other clients and adhere to studio etiquette.



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. You can bring a water bottle into class with you, however we recommend holding off till our designated drinks breaks. Take small sips of water during these quick breaks and wait until after class to rehydrated with a full drink. Avoid coffee or caffenated drinks before class and remember that alcohol consumed in the 24 hours leading up to a class can have an effect on how you feel during the class.



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. If you are coughing, sneezing or have a runny nose it is best to stay home. Similarly, you definitely do not want to be practising hot yoga if you are running a temperature. A fever is a sure sign that a virus/infection is brewing in the body. Take particular caution during COVID-19 restrictions and do not practice if you are feeling unwell, have a temperature or have travelled outside of South Australia or been in contact with someone who has travelled.



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. We have a wait list available in our online system so if ever you go to book a class and the class is full, the system will ask if you would like to be added to the wait list. Once you are added to the wait list, the system will notify you that a space has become available if another client cancels out of the class. Once you receive your notification to say you have been added from the wait list, you can come and join the class. Remember to cancel out of a class with at least two hours' notice if you can no longer make it so that someone else has the opportunity to take the spot. In the case of a 6:00am class, where it might not be practical to cancel two hours prior, we suggest that if you are not confident you will make the class the next day that you hold off booking until the morning. For example, you can book into the class anywhere up until 2 minutes before the class start time and the system will add you to the class list if there is still a spot available. Many members who know they like to hit the snooze button on the alarm find this option the most suitable. Alternatively, remember to cancel out by 10pm the night before the early morning classes. Please note that during COVID-19 restrictions our classes will be restricted to smaller numbers so ALL bookings will be managed online. Download the Embody Hot Yoga App to book and cancel classes from the touch of your phone.



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. Cancellations with less than two hours' notice may incur a $10 late cancellation fee.



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. We do not accept American Express cards. The minimum transaction fee is $10. If wish to charge a $2 bottle of water to your card we can load $10 to you account in our system to meet the minimum transaction requirement. This account is essentially like a tab so we can use the reamining balance towards your next purchase. For our fortnightly and monthly direct debit membership we can accept either a credit card or bank account details. Bank account details are the preferred method as you do not need to worry about updating your card details if your card is ever lost/stolen/expired.



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. The reason we do not have shower facilities is so we can reduce costs and keep our classes affordable and accessible to everyone. Also, based on client feedback, we have found that the majority of people prefer to go home to shower.



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. Please note that any discount only applies whilst you are studying or hold a current student/concession card and will revert to our standard prices thereafter.



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. Remember we do have the non-heated Yin and the Warm Variation classes as good alternatives if you are concerned at all.



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. You can cancel the Easy-Pay Memberships by giving two weeks' notice in writing via email to info@embodyhotyoga.com.au.



Can I place my membership on hold or transfer it to someone else?

The Upfront Memberships cannot be placed on hold/suspended/transferred/refunded. The Easy-Pay fortnightly/four weekly memberships are the only memberships that can be placed on hold for a minimum of one month and maximum of three months at the reduced rate of $10 per fortnight by emailing info@embodyhotyoga.com.au. Please allow two weeks notice to set up the suspension. No memberships can be shared/transferred.



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?

Please note that you cannot update your billing information via the mobile app and you will need to log into your account via a web browser such as Google Chrome or Safari. Whilst it may appear that you can update your billing details through the App, please note that the details will not link with our payment system. To change your billing information, you have the following options: 1. Bring your new credit card or banking details with you when you come for your next class and we can update for you; or 2. Email info@embodyhotyoga.com.au or phone 0497 200 300 and we will update for you; or 3. Log in to your account via a web browser and follow these steps:



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. All personal information retained within our system remains confidential and complies with statutory government requirements including but not limited to the requirements to store and not misuse information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. Disclosure of this information will only be permitted in accordance with these legislative requirements. Information will not be shared with third partes. We do take a once-off photo of new members which is saved in their profile in our MindBody system. This is merely for identification purposes and also ensures that a member loses their key tag, nobody else can use their pass/membership. It also means that we can put a name to a face and personalise our service. Please do not take photographs with other clients in the background without their knowledge. Do not upload photographs to social media without the express permission of the people appearing in the photograph.



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. You can also text the word START in uppercase letters to 0447 987 675 to opt into receiving SMS notifications. If the system will not allow you to book or join a wait list it means that both the class and the wait list are full. Make sure you come back and check again as sometimes spots become available the next day (depending how far in advance you are trying to book). If you receive an email or text notification to say you have been added from the wait list to the class then it means you definitely have a spot. If you do not wish to take the spot you will need to make sure you cancel out so that the next person on the wait list can be offered the spot.



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). If you cannot remember the password you have saved in the general MindBody App, you will need to click 'forgot password'. When you get the instructions to reset your password, choose the same password that you have used to set up an account in our Embody Hot Yoga site. Once your password has been reset and the email address and passwords match for both sites you will be able to log in to either the MindBody general App or the Embody Hot Yoga App using the same username/email and password.



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. For example, if today is Friday 3 April and you purchase your fortnightly membership and select a start date of Monday 20 April, the first payment will process today but will be applied to the start date of 20 April. This means that your next payment will not be until Monday 4 May which is two weeks after the start date you selected. You will not be charged again on 20 April.