What should I wear or bring?
Wear clothes that let you move freely: shorts or leggings and a T-shirt are ideal. Because the teacher needs to see the alignment in poses, baggy trousers are not suitable, nor leggings that cover the ankles or obstruct the feet. Yoga is practised in bare feet. Changing rooms with showers are available at the Centre: bring a towel if you wish to shower before/after class. There is no need to bring any other equipment as everything is provided for the class.
I haven’t done yoga before. Where do I start?
There are two options. Sign up for a yoga foundation course – a six week course for complete beginners, or join one of our ongoing beginner’s classes. It is not necessary to do the foundation course before coming to a beginner’s class: but many people prefer to do this.
Beginner’s classes don’t need to be booked – just come along.
Foundation courses must be booked and paid for in advance. Please ask us for an application form or download here.
See upcoming courses here
Alternatively, find a beginner’s class on the timetable:
Yogawest-Timetable-Nov11
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga increases flexibility, stamina, builds strength and improves posture. Most people find increased levels of energy and an enhanced feeling of wellbeing. Regular practice of yoga increases awareness and brings emotional stability and inner peace.
How often should I attend class?
Come at least once per week if you want to feel the benefits: Yogacards are available offering great discounts for regular attendees. Many students attend 2 or 3 times per week. Progress is dependent on regular attendance and you will quickly see the benefits.
Can I come to class if I am pregnant?
If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant you should attend one of our pregnancy classes. Other classes are not suitable unless you have been attending regularly already.
Can I bring my teenage son/daughter?
Teenagers can really benefit from yoga: as well as flexibility and calmness, it helps with focus and concentration, particularly at times of stress. We do run courses for 10-16 year olds on Monday afternoons, but also find that some teenagers really enjoy doing a class with a parent (and we are big fans of multi-generational classes). So, for mature 14s and above, there are a couple of classes that are particularly suitable: Fridays at 6pm (an end of week restorative class), Sundays at 10am (general class) and Wednesday at 8pm (Beginners) would be good to try. While adjusting to an adult class, teenagers may prefer to leave after an hour: please talk to the teacher about this so they can plan the class accordingly.
I’ve got a back problem. Will yoga help?
Many people take up yoga because of common back problems and find that Iyengar yoga helps. We need to know about any more serious back injuries before you come to class.
What is the registration process?
Most classes are drop-in: check timetable for details. All students need to register with Yogawest before attending classes. You can download a form here and bring it with you to your first class:
Download current Yogawest Registration form (60KB Pdf)
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga was developed by BKS Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama and many other texts. In Iyengar yoga the emphasis is on performance of the classical yoga asanas (postures) with attention to detail and alignment. The approach is disciplined and progressive and students are given individual attention, correction and provided props and supports to aid their progression through the pose. It is suitable for all levels, ages and physical abilities.
Where is Yogawest?
We are at the end of Denmark Place, just off the Gloucester Road (between 211 and 213, next to Bishopston Hardware) in Bishopston, Bristol.
Denmark Place is opposite the Texaco garage. Walk to the end of Denmark Place and you arrive at Yogawest Bristol: look for our orange flower signs. There is no parking – see below!
From the centre of town the following buses pass Denmark Place: 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 98, and 99. From Temple Meads Station take the U1 bus or the connecting train to Montpelier with a 10-min walk to us.
From Bristol Parkway take the 73 bus (15 mins)
From the central bus station take buses 308, 309, or 310.
Plan your journey here http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/bristol_bath/
Get off the bus at the old Bristol North Swimming Baths on Gloucester Road and look for Bishopston Hardware which marks the end of our road.
Is there any car parking?
There is no parking for cars at Yogawest or anywhere on Denmark Place. If coming by car, you can park in the free car park next to the old swimming baths or on adjacent streets and walk up Denmark Place. During weekdays there are parking restrictions on Gloucester Rd until 6.30pm. Bicycles and motorbikes can be left in front of the Centre: bike racks are available.
Where can I stay near Yogawest?
The following is a list of accommodation (hotels and B&Bs) in various price ranges which have been used by people attending yoga conventions, workshops and events in Bristol at Yogawest (please note we haven’t personally visited any of these places, although we hope to do so in the near future, give us a call if you want a personal recommendation):
· Basca House, 19 Broadway Road, 0117 942 2182 (two nights minimum)
· The Elms, 53 Gloucester Rd North, 0117 969 6129
· Arches Hotel, 132 Cotham Brow, 0117 924 7398
· Downs Edge, Saville Rd, 0117 968 3264
· Downlands House, 33 Henleaze Gdns, 0117 962 1639
· Youth Hostel, Quayside, 0117 922 1659
· Aztec Hotel and Spa, 01454 201090
· City Inn, Temple Way, 0117 925 1001
· Travel Inn Metro, Haymarket, 0870 238 3307
· Premier Lodge, Gloucester Rd North, 0870 990 6456
· Travelodge, Anchor Rd, 0870 085 0950
