Going to your first yoga class can be quite intimidating. We know that, because at one point were beginners also!
We like to think that we have one of the most relaxed yoga studios in Melbourne – there’s no hustle and bustle and you won’t be impersonally ushered around. We like things to be relaxed and welcoming. We discourage dangerously bendy, vanity approach to yoga that is becoming all too common and we understand that each individual is on their own journey. At Studio Q Yoga & Pilates, we want you to find your own way, comfortably, in a non-judgemental and supportive environment. You might even find you connect with a whole new bunch of friends!
Bikram Yoga classes are designed for beginners, even though many people say it’s hard. It’s more of a mental challenge than anything else. You will feel the difference to your body and mind after the first few classes. Bikram Yoga classes are heated using infrared heaters at a temperature of approximately 40ºC and 50% humidity, so we recommend a few classes to adapt to the heat and allow your body to open up in its own time.
Read below for all the things you need to know
- Bikram Yoga classes are beginner friendly, advance at your own pace.
- Bikram Yoga classes are 90 minutes.
- Inferno Hot Pilates and other classes on our schedule are 45-60 minutes. (Times are always specified on via the booking schedule)
- Doors open 15 minutes before the start time and class starts promptly, at the designated time. Please prepare yourself to be ready to start class at the designated time.
- Doors close approximately 15 minutes after the class, so to ensure that there is enough time to clean and prepare between classes and so to respect the time of the teaching team.
- Online booking is essential.
- Eat lightly, no earlier than 2 hours before class. We recommend a piece of fruit if you are still hungry close to class time.
- Drink plenty of water before a Bikram Yoga class.
- Bring a large towel (bath size) for your class.
- Bring your own yoga mat or hire for $2
- We do not have showers, however, we do have a small change space. We recommended arriving as prepared for class as possible.
- Please remove shoes before entering the studio room.
- Please don’t take personal belongings into class (eg mobile phone). We recommend leaving valuable belongings at home and won’t be responsible for any lost items.
- Please be respectful of other students and teachers in the yoga room. Chatting once you enter the yoga room is strongly discouraged – we like to think of the room as a sacred space, where students can unwind, meditate and relax without any distractions. We have common areas to chat and socialise before and after class.
- Leave the room quietly after class.
Do I need to book for my first class?
Class bookings are essential! You can book your classes via our website or the mindbody online app. If you are having any difficulties booking your class, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bianca prior to class to sort out your booking.
Studio Q cancellation/no show policy
As we have limits on our class capacity, you will be charged a fee if you do not cancel your class/do not show to your class within two hours of the scheduled class time. ($12 fee for anyone on a monthly unlimited pass or simply forfeit the class if you are on a casual or class pass) Please note that class cancellations are not accepted via social media platforms, text message or email. The class booking system is set up to ensure that each individual can manage their own class bookings, so please log in to your account to both book and cancel your classes. Our studio doors close right before class start time and there is no access to class after the scheduled start time. A no show fee will be applied if you arrive after the scheduled time.
What do I need to bring?
You will need a yoga mat, bath-size towel and water for the room. We have yoga hire mats on offer.
What should I wear?
Wear light, comfortable exercise clothing – something that you would wear on a hot summer day and something that you feel comfortable sweating in. Wear what you are comfortable in but be reminded that less is better.
- Girls generally wear a sports bra or exercise top and shorts or 3/4 pants.
- Guys tend to wear shorts and maybe a T-shirt or singlet.
- Tight-fitting clothing is better than loose, baggy clothing as you sweat a lot and clothes can become wet. We do not recommend tracksuits as they are too bulky for hot yoga.
I’m not flexible, should I do yoga?
Yes – you most definitely should do yoga.To what degree you are flexible is different for everyone. If you don’t think you ‘are flexible enough’, you should definitely start practicing yoga as soon as you can! Please also remember that yoga is about so much more than being flexible.
The specially heated environment warms and softens your muscles so you can get more out of the yoga right from the first class – and practicing yoga increases your flexibility over time.
When you have improved flexibility then you are less prone to soft-tissue injuries, which can be common in people who don’t exercise.
It does not matter what someone else can do compared to you, all you have to do is do what you can, be patient and mindful of your body, and just within a few classes you will notice a change in your body you have never seen before.