in person class details during covid-19
Here you will find answers relating to how in-person classes will be, whilst ensuring that government guidelines are followed and that we all stay safe.
And if I haven't thought of everything, please drop me a message and ask.
Will I need to wear a mask in class?
Currently the guidance is that you do not have to wear masks during a yoga class, as it is a physical exercise. However, if you would prefer to do so you can. You may also wish to wear a face mask as you enter the venue and as you leave. This, at the moment remains your choice.
What extra cleaning will there be?
I will be sanitising door handles before and after sessions, with antiviral spray. To reduce risk of transferring the virus, all doors will be propped open by me, so that as you enter and leave there will be no need to touch a door. The same will be the case with toilet doors. The venues will be responsible for cleaning floors and toilets. I will be cleaning the floor between classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings, following the school's requirements.
Antiviral spray and hand sanitiser will be available for your use at every class and you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
What will happen if there is another lockdown?
Any classes that are pre-booked will automatically move to live, online classes with recordings available afterwards. I shall not be able to refund or defer any pre-booked sessions.
How will we practice breathing techniques safely?
Most of the time in my classes we rarely use any of the more vigorous breathing techniques. However, current guidance is that such practices (like Kapalbhati breath) should not be done in classes at this time. In the venues I have chosen, we will be able to have at least 2m between each mat so breathing techniques such as the full yogic breath and brahmari (bumblebee breath) can still be practiced safely. In fact, it has been shown that such techniques are beneficial for immune and respiratory health.
How will we enter and leave the venue?
We will arrive and leave through the main entrance. What I ask is that as you arrive, the door will be open, maintain your distance and head to the hall. I will leave markers out for you to line up your mat with, this will ensure the 2m distance is kept. As you arrive, I ask that you fill up from the furthest point first, so first person in will be at the furthest corner, last one in by the door. We will then leave in reverse order, so person nearest the door first, furthest corner last. Be warned, if you're a person who has your favourite spot each week, you might not be able to have it!!
What will we do with our shoes and can we still have bare feet?
I ask that you leave your shoes in the entrance hall, and then socks will be worn until you have unrolled your mat. From that point on you can remove socks and put them to one side of your mat. If you need to leave your mat at anytime, please put them back on until you return. Shoes can be worn in the toilets.
What about props?
I will not be loaning out props at this time. However, if you know there is a prop you use regularly it is really worth investing in them. I have some remaining stock of my props which I am selling if you are interested. Please ask for details.. They will be cleaned and thoroughly sanitised, are of studio grade and will be at a reduced price.
I would ask that at the minimum bringing a yoga belt every week (or a dressing gown belt can work fine) and at least one brick is always useful. Two ideally.
What about if I am ill can I extend my booking?
If you are ill please STAY AT HOME! It is crucial that you stay at home if you have any of the following: headache, persistent cough, raised temperature. I will not be able to offer a refund or transfer if you are ill and miss a class - it is simply not financially viable for me, or logistically possible to do this. In unusual circumstances (such as a severe illness that persists and causes you to miss a full block) I may offer a reduced or free place on the next block, but this is at my discretion and dependent on the availability of spaces.
How will we be able to socially distance?
Guidance at the moment is to aim for 2m between mats, taken from the centre of the mat, or 1m+ where that is not possible. Yoga is considered lower risk as we generally stay on our mats and are side by side, rather than facing each other. The venues I have chosen allow at least 2m between mats. You will be reminded that when you enter and leave to maintain the 2m social distance.
How many people will be allowed in each class?
In Bilton Infants School 2m between each person allows for up to 16 people.
In Long Lawford Memorial Hall 2m between mats allows for 10 people.
In Dunchurch Village Hall 2m between mats allows for up to 20 people.
How early can I arrive?
Please do not arrive too early - I will open doors a maximum of 5 minutes before class starts and then close and lock up just before we start, so please don't be too late either 😁
How will it work with class changeover?
I ask that as you leave, you do not congregate in the entrance hall or outside blocking the doors. If you are using the car park and in the early evening class, please be mindful to be out of the way for the later class arrival.
To view my Risk Assessments for my venues, please click here