Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our classes and courses at Village Wellness.
Whether you’re new to Village Wellness, looking for more information about our courses, or curious about trying a new practice, this page is designed to provide helpful details to guide your journey.
If you don’t find your answer here, feel free to contact us directly—we’re happy to help!
Please bring a mat & if you use your own props (bricks/straps etc) you are welcome to bring them along too. Hydrate well before class as it is not that comfortable to move with a belly full of water.
We advise you to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and supportive shoes that allow you to move around freely. Avoid overly loose clothing to allow the instructor to check your alignment. For most classes, bare feet are recommended, but socks can be worn if you feel more comfortable.
Please bring a mat and some water. If you use your own props (bricks/straps etc) you are welcome to bring them along, too.
You’ll be guided step-by-step. Don’t stress about “getting it right” – the focus is on listening to your body and finding your own pace. The instructor will offer subtle support and modifications tailored to your ability throughout the class. Never compare yourself to anyone else. They have a different body and life to you.
Absolutely! We offer regular beginner yoga and pilates courses, as well as more advanced sessions. At Village Wellness, our classes cater to all levels, and our instructors will provide modifications for beginners and more advanced students to ensure everyone has the most tailored experience.
Not at all! Our classes are designed to be accessible to everyone – no matter your age or ability.
Most classes begin seated on the floor or a chair, or lying down on the floor, with our instructor guiding you through some breathwork and sometimes a short meditation. You’ll flow through a gentle warm-up, maybe followed by sun salutations, a standing sequence, and a seated sequence. The class will finish with a final relaxation in Savasana to absorb the enriching benefits of the practice. At the end, you’ll be invited to sit up, to close the practice together. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, non-competitive space where participants, no matter their ability, are welcome.
There is an abundance of benefits linked to both practices. Here are just some of the top ways in which yoga and Pilates can empower and enrich your life:
- Improve balance and build core strength
- Reduce stress and boost mood, energy, and confidence
- Reduce injury risk by using strength-building exercises to increase the support and stability of your joints as they move
- Ease lower back pain
- Improve flexibility & mobility around the joints and muscles
We meet you where you are at. We offer classes for every fitness level – from those with limited mobility to more challenging sessions. Our instructors will always provide options and modifications to suit your needs. The more you show up for yourself, the stronger and fitter you’ll become, and we’ll support you every step of the way on your personal health journey.
Not at all! One of the main benefits of regular yoga is improving flexibility. Wherever you’re starting from is the perfect place to begin.
Consistency is key. Starting with 1-2 sessions a week is a solid foundation, and you can gradually increase as your body grows stronger. The frequency will depend on your goals and schedule, but even one extra session per week can make a noticeable difference.
It’s typically advised to eat no later than one hour before a yoga or Pilates class, but a small snack would be okay. Please hydrate well before and after class. It is generally best not to drink during class but we always recommend you listen to your body.
We recommend drinking plenty of water after class and eating a balanced meal within 60 to 90 minutes to help hydrate and replenish your body.
While both practices focus on body awareness, yoga is more about flexibility, relaxation, and connecting breath to movement, while Pilates emphasises core strength, stability, and muscle toning. Yoga is a spiritual practice with a philosophy and lifestyle, while Pilates is confined to a physical practice.
Both practices promote relaxation, mindfulness, and increased body awareness, all of which can help reduce stress. Yoga would be more associated with relaxation and mindfulness.
Everyone has their own station with a chair, weights, resistance bands, and spikey balls. You will be guided through yoga and Pilates exercises and learn how to lift weights at your own pace. Osteo 1.0 is for total beginners. Osteo 2 is for those who have progressed from Osteo 1.0.
Osteo Fit & Strong is specifically designed for bone health and strength-building. It’s perfect for those looking to strengthen their bones, and joints, and maintain and build muscles in a safe, supported way, as well as those interested in menopause strength training. The classes are not hectic. They are mindful and aimed at a mature audience. Our classes are safe for anyone with Osteoporosis who may be fearful of exercise. Don’t worry, you are in safe hands.
Chair yoga is fantastic for improving flexibility, strength, and circulation. It’s especially useful for those with limited mobility or anyone looking for a gentle, supportive form of exercise to promote overall wellness. Many people say they enjoy the breathing exercises we do and find them good for relaxation. These classes are ideal for anyone not wanting to get up and down from the floor a lot during class.
Not at all! Chair yoga is for people of all ages. It’s perfect for those with injuries, limited mobility, or anyone seeking a gentle practice to enhance overall wellness, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles.
A sound bath is a meditative experience where those in attendance are “bathed” in sound waves (not water!). The practitioner will use instruments such as crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, and rain sticks to bring you into a relaxed, meditative state. Our sound bath sessions are carefully crafted to restore balance and calm. The vibrations will resonate on a cellular level and may facilitate deep relaxation, releasing energetic blockages, and restoring balance to the system
Cultivating an awareness of how you breathe can be life-changing. Your breath is your inspiration! We always begin our yoga classes with breathwork (pranayama), allowing you to reset and release any lingering tensions from the day and empowering you to begin your class with a clear mind.
Mindfulness is not a great word really! It sounds like your mind is full when really it is about being fully present in the moment. Different techniques help us to stop the mind from racing and the heart from pounding. Many techniques have developed and are grouped together as mindfulness techniques. They help us to de-clutter a busy over-stimulated self. A yoga class helps us to become present through instructions and breathing practices. It’s wonderful to experience and share.
Yes, but we always recommend consulting with your doctor first. Let your instructor know about any injuries before class so they can offer modifications to keep you safe and comfortable.
It’s natural to feel that way at first but remember that everyone is there to focus on their own health journey. We are an inclusive, non-competitive space where respect for each other and the practice is at the heart of everything we do. Instructors will remind people to focus on their own practice. It can take time to feel comfortable moving in front of others, but soon it will be second nature. Trust us!
Progress isn’t just about flexibility or strength or linear–it’s also about feeling more at ease in your body, managing stress, and enjoying the practice. Watch your energy levels, mood, and sleep. All of these are indicators of progress. It takes a little time to learn something new. Progress is never linear and there will always be room to improve no matter how long you practice.
No, there’s no age limit! Minors need a parent present unless we’ve agreed otherwise with the parent’s approval. All classes are designed to be inclusive, with modifications to suit various abilities and ages.
For most classes, a mat and water are all you need. If any additional props are required, we’ll let you know beforehand, but all necessary equipment is typically provided. For Osteo Fit & Strong, we provide the equipment, but you are welcome to bring your own weights if you prefer.