student advice | classes
what you need to know
If you are a new student, WELCOME! And please visit our NEW STUDENT page where you can find out more on how to find us alongside a general overview of what we have on offer and general advice.
To help you understand the format of our offerings, here we explain our terminology!
- IN STUDIO = in person in the physical studio
- VIRTUAL = livestreamed online; workshops and trainings often have a 7-day catch up period
- HYBRID = option to do livestream online or come in the studio
- BLENDED = a combination of the above – sometimes with a pre-recorded element
attending the studio
- If you are feeling ill or have any possible symptoms of coronavirus please practice at home with our live streamed classes or virtual library rather than coming to the studio.
- In order for us to assist with Track and Trace, please make sure your contact details are up to date on our system, in case we need to contact you.
- All classes, workshops and trainings must be pre-booked.
- If you have any issues with booking, we can book a class for you or help with technical hitches just email us
- Our front of house area functions more as a lounge area than a formal reception with most administrative matters being dealt with online or by email.
- Please bring your own mat and any props you may wish to use, plus an extra layer as the rooms will be cooler than usual due to maximising ventilation.
- Come dressed ready for class with minimal belongings.
- If you can’t make it, please cancel on our website, sometimes you will be able to rebook for livestream online instead
- please note our cancellation period for all classes is 6 hours
- Please arrive 5-15 minutes before your class starts.
- Teachers have the right to refuse entry to students who are late for class and if you are too early you may need to wait to get access.
- When you arrive, please check in at the iPad on the front desk by ticking the box next to your name.
- If it is your first visit, please tell a member of staff so that we can show you around, answer questions and ensure you feel welcome.
- Note that we currently do not always have someone at the front desk so the teacher will be able to assist should you need an orientation or help
- Please wash your hands with soap in the bathroom as soon as you enter the Shala
- Face coverings should be worn at all times in all areas of the building except when on your mat in the studio.
- Leave your shoes on the shoe racks by reception.
- Coats and bags can be hung up in the changing room – please go in one by one.
- Bring your own mat. Studio mats will not be available for use. In the event you forget your mat, then you may borrow one but should sanitise it before and after use.
- Bring any valuables into the studio with you in a small bag
- As usual we are a cash free centre and all account queries should be emailed to admin@theshala.co.uk rather than being discussed at the front desk
- Please observe the directions of travel, distance markings and signage on floors, doors and walls throughout the studio.
- Any props that are used should be sanitised before and after use
- Aerial swings will be rotated so that they are used once a week only.
- Yamuna balls will be used once a week only.
- For hygiene reasons we cannot store members’ mats at the centre for the moment so please take your mat home with you after every visit
- Once you are on your mat it is best if you do not then leave the studio again. If you have to go to the toilet during class please be mindful of walking in front of the camera that may be livestreaming.
- Please place your mat at the first available spot furthest from the door you enter by mats should be distanced 1.5-2 meters apart.
- Depending on the current restrictions, teachers may remain on their mats rather than moving around the room.
- Windows will be open during class to increase ventilation so you may wish to bring an extra layers of clothing.
- Classes will usually be live streamed to allow people to still practice at home – only the teacher will in visible in the livestream frame.
- Please take your yoga mat home with you – we will not be offering members storage at the centre for the time being.
- If there is a class after yours it is essential you leave promptly after class to avoid people leaving and arriving at the same time.
- We recommend cleaning your mat at the end of each class.
- Please wash your hands again before you leave.
- If you have any feedback or suggestions please pass them on to the Front Desk staff or to the admin team.
attending the virtual shala
- Book as usual through our schedule page any time before the class starts
- Download the latest version of ZOOM
- Click on the meeting ZOOM link to join the class – you will receive this at least 30 minutes before the class
- You will be taken in to the “Waiting Room” and will be let in to the class a couple of minutes before the start time
- If you do not receive the email link, please check your spam for an email from confirmations@ribbon-confirmations.com
- Any issues email the Admin Team
- Please note our cancellation window is 6 hours
- If you are the only person experiencing loss of visuals or audio then the issue will at your end. We recommend leaving the meeting, quitting ZOOM and reentering
- Make sure you have your audio switched on so you can hear the teacher
- It is encouraged that you opt to keep your video on so that your teacher can connect and everyone gets a sense of community (of course this is optional)
- Please mute yourself when you arrive in class and unmute whenever you wish to speak – this helps with noise disturbance
- You can also use the CHAT box to message the teacher or individuals in the class
- During class the teacher will put everyone on Mute
- If you are not seeing the teacher in your full screen, click on the three dots on the teacher screen and selecting ‘PIN VIDEO’ – this will ensure the teacher only is in full screen and you don’t get rotating visuals when someone else speaks
- At the end of the class there will be the opportunity to connect with the Virtual Shala community and say goodbye. Select the gallery grid option so you can see others in the class
- We are offering unlimited access to our online streaming classes as well as class packs. View our Online Pricing.
- If you lose connection to the class at any point, we recommend leaving and rejoining the meeting by following your link again. Internet can be intermittent at this time. If the teacher loses connection, they will usually regain access within a couple of minutes so continue practicing and they should reappear!
If you are attending our online VIRTUAL classes, it is essential you are opted in for emails so that we can send you class links as well as schedule changes and updates. PLEASE OPT IN for all emails. If you don’t opt in, we reserve the right to manually opt you in to emails.
It is best to use a laptop but phones and iPads also work
Make sure that all notifications that make a sound on your devices are muted and phones are on “Airplane Mode”
If you have issues with sound, use bluetooth headphones or a speaker connected to your device
Familiarise yourself with ZOOM. It’s very easy to use and it helps if everyone in the class is set up correctly. Most importantly find your MUTE and UNMUTE button!
- Spend some time making your home set up inviting. Create your own calm corner with a blanket, props, perhaps a candle or incense and your own playlist if you like music during your practice. If possible leave that set up for a daily practice.
Can’t make it to any of our scheduled livestream classes, we have an ON DEMAND video library with free access for anyone on a Virtual | Monthly Pass.
choosing a class
We have a range of yoga classes to suit your mood, energy levels and abilities. Our teachers do their best to accommodate various abilities but we recommend trying out a beginners class first unless you have some experience of yoga. The level of the class does vary from teacher to teacher.
Each teacher brings their own style to the class so to learn more about a specific class, check the teacher’s biography. To see our team bios, click here.
If you have any questions a class, including whether a specific class is suitable for you, please email us.
For those new to the practice or coming back after a break, do note that classes with a * on our schedule are generally not suitable for beginners.