Student Guide
The Edinburgh Iyengar Yoga Centre (EIYC) student guide tells you how to book and pay for classes, and gives information on practical things such as what to wear.
We run both face to face and online classes (depending on current Scottish Government guidelines). Classes may be in Blocks of several weeks or Terms of several months.
There are usually no classes for a short period over Christmas and Easter and again in August for routine maintenance.
Booking Your Classes
Students generally join classes by booking a full Block or Term.
Before you Book
If you think you have a health condition which may affect your ability to practise yoga, please consult your doctor before you book a class. Please let your teacher know of any new health issues during the Block/Term.
If preferred, students can email info@yoga-edinburgh.com to ask for a private conversation with their class teacher.
Your personal information is confidential. See our Privacy Policy to find out more about how we use your personal information.
Class Prices
Class prices depend on the level and length of the class. Information on all current prices will be found on the relevant timetable page.
Book for the Block/Term
Book your place in the same class with the same teacher at the same time every week for each Block/Term. We recommend this way since it means your teacher gets to know you and can make sure the class benefits you.
Classes need to be booked online through the EIYC website here
Making Up Missed Classes
If you book after the beginning of a Block/Term or are unable to go to your usual class, you don't lose out.
You can make up classes you have missed by attending another class at the same or lower level. (That could mean two classes a week some weeks.)
You can make up any missed classes in the same Block/Term, but you cannot carry them over to a future Block/Term.
To "make up" a class please email info@yoga-edinburgh.com with your request.
We cannot guarantee places in particular classes. Please make your request at least a day in advance (longer at the weekend) since our "office" is not covered 24/7.
It is a good idea is to check our class timetable for classes with available spaces and go to one of those, not the full classes.
Pay As You Go
Sometimes work or other commitments mean it's not possible to book a whole Block/Term, even with the making-up option. Or you might want to try a class first. Instead of booking for a Block/Term, you can come to single classes and pay as you go.
Please note: Currently you are unable to book single classes online. To book a single class, check the current timetable and choose a class at a level to suit you. Then email info@yoga-edinburgh.com with your request.
If you can, it's best to stay with the same one or two teachers, as it gives them a chance to know you and your yoga. And make sure you let any new teacher know of any health issues you might have before the class.
Progressing in Yoga
Some of our students happily stay in the same class at the same level for many years. It can be daunting to move up a class level. But you will find there are benefits to moving to higher levels at the right time.
The Centre may, very occasionally, with everyone's agreement, move a whole class, with its time slot and teacher, up a level, although this is not possible very often.
Instead you can join a workshop or try a single class at a higher level to see how this feels for you.
We have some of the best teachers in Scotland and they welcome the chance to guide you through the challenge of a more advanced class.
Class Practicalities
What to Wear
Comfortable clothes that allow full movement. For example leggings/shorts and a t-shirt. Classes take place in bare feet so socks are removed before the start of a class.
For face to face classes at the Centre, we have changing rooms separate from the studio. Please leave all your personal belongings in the changing room.
Please note: we cannot take responsibility for personal items. There are no secure lockers so please think about any items you bring.
All lost property is removed every 4 months.
Food and drink
It is better not to eat heavily in the 3 hours before your class so that you do not feel uncomfortable during the class. Something light if your energy needs boosting before you come is fine.
Also, it is not advised to drink (even water) during the class. Please speak to your teacher before the start if you feel you will need some fluids during the class.
When to arrive for a class
For Online Classes
The Class opens 15 minutes before it is due to start. Please join the class in good time to give you a chance to check your set up, speak to the teacher and prepare to enjoy your yoga.
For Face to Face Classes
The outside door is closed while a class is taking place.
As there is no place to wait inside the Centre, please arrive only about 10 minutes before the start of your class so that you do not have a prolonged wait outside in possible poor weather. We have no covered waiting area.
Equipment
For Online Classes
A yoga mat is recommended as a minimum for your class. Blocks and a belt are very helpful, plus a blanket and a chair.
If you do not have equipment you can use alternatives such as books or folded towels for blocks, a dressing gown cord for a yoga belt, a sturdy kitchen or dining chair for a yoga chair and, again towels are very useful if you do not have blankets.
For Face to Face Classes
The Centre is fully equipped with all mats, blocks, belts and other equipment.
However, depending on Scottish Government guidelines we may ask you to bring your own equipment.
Please check the current Centre information about face to face classes before booking. This will be on the relevant website timetable page.
Mobile phones
Unless you are "on-call", or there are other extenuating circumstances, please turn your mobile phone to silent or completely off.
It is better if you leave your mobile in another room for online classes or in the changing room for face to face classes. This will avoid any noise disturbance during the class.
Hygiene
Since classes take place in bare feet, please cover any foot infections or wounds when joining face to face classes at the Centre.
We also expect students to have a high standard of personal hygeine when attending classes.
Please note that there are no showers available at the Centre.