Yoga for Beginners and New Students - Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! We offer classes for Beginner, Improver and Intermediate level students.  

Please note: a reasonable level of fitness is required for all classes. You should be able to walk briskly for a mile and go up and down stairs without difficulty. Flexibility is NOT a requirement, rather it is one of the benefits gained by practicing yoga. 😊

Beginners Yoga Classes

Designed for students who are completely new to yoga or with limited experience.  Students are taught the basics about:

• Yoga breathwork (Pranayama)
• How to perform beginner yoga poses (Asanas)
• Proper alignment and movement techniques
• How to modify for injuries, inflexibility or other conditions that limit movement
• How and why to use yoga blocks and straps 

Beginners/Improvers Yoga Classes

Designed for students working at beginner and improvers levels.  While we will not cover the finer details of all postures as we would in a beginners class, these classes will be appropriate for beginners with additional options provided that allow improver and even intermediate level students to increase the difficulty level for their individual practice during class.

Improvers/Intermediate Yoga Classes

These classes are not recommended for beginners.  Students attending these classes are expected to have a basic understanding of yoga postures and breathwork and a good level of fitness, strength and flexibility in order to participate in more strenuous class sequences/flows and attempt more challenging poses.

All Levels Yoga Classes

These classes are open to all levels and well be adapted to those in attendance.

Trying yoga for the first time is just like trying anything else new such as a fitness class, sport or game.  There are technical aspects to learn about how yoga is practiced and how you move your body.  Approach your first few classes with an open, curious mind.  

In order to begin, you must allow yourself to be a beginner.  It's ok to feel confused, need to rest or need to watch as you learn about the practice of yoga.  After a few classes you will have a better understanding of how classes flow, how to move your body and how to use your breath.  

If you have any questions, feel free to ask your instructor before or after class.

There are many different styles of yoga.  Vinyasa Flow is both a physical challenge and a moving meditation. We start with yogic breathwork (pranayama) and warm up our bodies with gentle movements.  We then move into a more rigorous flow where we connect our breath with our movement through various yoga postures.  Modifications are offered for beginners and those with conditions and injuries.  We then wind down with relaxing postures and deep rest.  In these classes you can expect to build physical strength, balance and stamina.  You will also develop a mindfulness practice and better body awareness.  

Yes! New students are welcome to borrow yoga mats, blocks and straps.  As equipment stock is limited at each location, established students are asked to bring their own equipment.

• Yoga Mat
• 2 Yoga blocks
• Yoga strap
• Bottle of water

As mentioned above, new students are welcome to borrow equipment.

We recommend purchasing yoga equipment from Ekotex.  They are here in Edinburgh and focus on sustainable, eco-friendly products and packaging.  Use discount code 'TWISTANDBLISS' to receive a 10% discount! (Twist & Bliss Yoga also earns 10% from your purchase, win-win!)

Wear comfortable, fitted sports clothes.  Yoga is traditionally done in bare feet however you may wear socks if you so choose.

• Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class.  To avoid disrupting class, late arrivals will not be admitted.
• BEFORE  yoga class, advise your teacher if you have any injuries, if you are  pregnant, or if you  have other medical conditions about which the teacher should be aware. Beginner yoga students, advise your teacher if this is your first ever class.  Your teacher will provide appropriate modifications.  However, you are responsible for your body.  If a  posture or movement doesn’t feel right, please don’t do it.
• Absolutely no use of technology during class.  No mobile phones or cameras.  If you wear a smart watch please ensure it is on silent and that the screen is in theatre mode.

Practicing yoga while pregnant is a great way to take care of yourself physically and mentally however,  some postures can be dangerous during pregnancy.  

Due to the style of yoga practised in our classes, only experienced yoga students should our attend classes when pregnant and they must notify Twist & Bliss Yoga of their pregnancy prior to attending.  

You will likely be asked to arrive 30 minutes early to your first class so your instructor can provide advice on modifications.  Always remember, you are  responsible for your body and your baby.  If a  posture or movement doesn’t feel right, please don’t do it.

If you are new to yoga and would like to try classes while pregnant, please seek pregnancy-specific yoga classes.

For Yoga classes held at Waterfront Dance Studio in Davidson's Mains, please leave personal items such as bags, mobile phones,  shoes and coats in the changing room. Please avoid bringing personal  items into the studio where class is held. As the changing room is  connected to the studio,  ensure mobiles are placed on silent mode  or turned off completely so they do not vibrate or ring.

For Yoga classes held at Turtle Dove Play Cafe in Davidson's Mains,  place personal items at the back of the room.   Ensure mobiles are placed in silent mode or turned off completely so they do not vibrate or ring.

If you need to eat before yoga class, keep it light to avoid discomfort during class. Be sure you are well hydrated before class and  bring a bottle of water into the studio with you.  

After class, drink plenty of water and have some food to help your body physically recover.

Your teacher will greet you upon arrival.