Question 1

I’m new to yoga - where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry - we’ve got you!

We have a beginner class (https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/beginner-yoga)every Tuesday at 4.30pm that's perfect for those getting started with their practice.

If that class is full on the date you'd like to come, revive yoga (https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/revive-yoga)is also great for beginners. We've got years of experience in pitching a class to meet you at your level so you will never feel uncomfortable or ‘out of your depth’. Feel free to reach out to us if you need any guidance when choosing a class.

Question 2

What’s the difference between each class?

Accepted Answer

Each of our classes have detailed descriptions as well as a guide to intensity level and experience.

Please visit our class page (https://www.sidayoga.com/classes)to learn more about our current schedule and don’t forget to follow us on socials to be kept up to date on special events and workshops.

Question 3

Is anyone able to join a class?

Accepted Answer

We welcome all genders, generations and experience levels to our classes.

If you have any medical limitations or issues that might affect your ability to practice, we recommend you inform us on booking so we can discuss suitable modifications.

If you are a beginner we recommend starting with Tuesday’s beginner class.(https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/beginner-yoga) Advanced yogis will love flow on a Friday (https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/flow-yoga)or power yoga (https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/power-yoga)on a Monday.

At the sìdà yoga studio we accept clients from a minimum age of 16* to a maximum of 116!

*note : specific "teen-appropriate" classes, listed in their description, do allow for attendees aged 14 & 15 when accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

Question 4

Is yoga a fitness class?

Accepted Answer

It can be - and for some this is exactly what they want to focus on.

Many different types of yoga can check off those various fitness components such as building strength, increasing endurance and boosting cardiovascular health. If this is your vibe, our power yoga class (https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/power-yoga)will be just the ticket.

But the physical aspects of yoga are just a very small part of what yoga is all about. Yoga means to connect, unite or yoke. Yoga philosophy teaches us to dig a little deeper (well, a lot deeper) and the 8 limbs of yoga are said to help us along an eight-fold path that leads to liberation. We have books in the studio that can provide the reading fodder you need if you would like to read around the wider aspects of yoga itself.

Question 5

Can I do yoga if I'm pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Yoga is fantastic for preparing you both physically and mentally for pregnancy and childbirth.

We do ask that you consult your GP/midwife before starting a new exercise regime and please contact us before booking. This is so we can ensure you are booking the right class for you and that we can provide a safe class for you and bump!

Question 6

Can I join if I have a health condition?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, most health conditions can be accommodated as long as you're in the right type of class for your needs.

By booking a yoga class with us, you're confirming that you've informed us of any condition that may:
 • hinder your ability to move any part of your body
 • cause injury to yourself or others
 • mean you're attending a session against medical advice

If any of those challenges apply to you, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't take part in a class - but we do need to know about any issues in advance so we can discuss options and offer modifications if necessary.

Therefore, if you have any concerns about your fitness or suitability for a class, please contact us (https://www.sidayoga.com/about#contact)so we can assess the best way forward.

Question 7

How long is my class pass valid for?

Accepted Answer

We have three class pass options available:

• 4 class pass - valid for 1 calendar month from the date of activation.
 • 10 class pass - valid for 2 calendar months from the date of activation.
 • 20 class pass - valid for 3 calendar months from the date of activation.

With all passes, you can choose a date in the future for your class pass to begin - or select your first class that's booked with it as your start date.

Question 8

When should I arrive for my class?

Accepted Answer

Our doors open for class 15 minutes prior to the stated start time.

We ask that all students are settled in the studio no later than 5 minutes before their chosen session to ensure others aren't disturbed due to any late arrivals. (This also gives you plenty of time to get set up and settled in, ready for your practice.)

Question 9

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

While it's possible to practice some form of yoga in almost any clothing, we'd recommend wearing something comfortable that allows you to move freely in all directions.

Gym kit is usually a safe bet as an alternative to the more well-known yoga clothing brands, but for restorative and meditation classes the comfier the better.

You don't need to worry about trainers or shoes - we leave those in your own provided storage cube while you're in class.

Question 10

Is all the equipment provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our studio pictures are not just for show - we have industry-leading equipment available for every class participant.

From mats to blocks, straps to blankets, we even have a yoga wheel for you to play with if you desire! With a focus on alignment and posture, we also have special TAV spines that are exclusive to the sìdà yoga studio, offering a unique new way to engage in specific poses.

And if you would prefer to use your own equipment - of course you're more than welcome to bring it along.  We'll even provide you with some mat cleaner for after class to help keep it in tip-top condition!

Question 11

What should I bring to a yoga class?

Accepted Answer

Yourself, and we'll provide the rest!

We pretty much have you covered but please bring your water bottle so you can hydrate (we'll provide the water!) as well as a small towel for any heat building sessions such as power yoga.(https://www.sidayoga.com/service-page/power-yoga)

Question 12

Is there a class etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Aside from asking students to arrive on time, we also ask students to remove their shoes on entering the studio. This allows us to keep our lovely  floor clean and hygienic for everyone.

We also ask that if you borrow any equipment, you use the cleaning products provided after class to prepare for the next student (just like it was for you).
 
Mobile phones must be switched off or put into silent mode. To ensure that everyone can experience class with minimal distractions, talking should be kept to a minimum once the session begins.

And last but by no means least, please do not come to class if you are unwell. Let us know as soon as you can if you feel unwell by managing your booking in your account – please do not use social media messaging to request to cancel class, as we can't guarantee we'll see it in time.

Question 13

Can I bring my...?

Accepted Answer

...mat?  Of course - and any other yoga equipment you enjoy using.

...child under 16?  Sorry, no. We offer classes that are designed for participants 16 and over. But do keep an eye out for our special child-friendly events*.

...furry friend?  (We're assuming you mean a pet!) No. Our studio environment is an animal-free space to avoid any issues with allergies and cleanliness.

...A-Game?  ABSOLUTLEY! We'll see you on the mat!

*note : specific "teen-appropriate" classes, listed in their description, do allow for attendees aged 14 & 15 when accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

Question 14

What should I do if I’m running late?

Accepted Answer

Out of respect for everyone in the class we ask that students arrive on time in order to avoid any form of disruption for others.

Unfortunately, once class starts we cannot allow late arrivals.

You can manage any booked class online, where options to cancel or reschedule will be available in advance.

Question 15

Can I cancel or reschedule my class booking?

Accepted Answer

We understand that sometimes life can get in the way of our best-laid plans - so we've made bookings as flexible and fair as we can.

You can cancel or reschedule your standard class booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your confirmed class, online, through your account. You'll find a full order history in your account (or use the link in your confirmation email) and can manage all bookings directly there. Confirmed private tuition and bespoke events are non-refundable.

Question 16

What if I'm feeling unwell?

Accepted Answer

First things first - please focus on getting yourself better as number 1 priority!

Please do not come to class if you are unwell or feeling sick - for the sake of others as well as yourself. Let us know as soon as you can by managing your booking in your account – or if within 24 hours of your class time, contact us (https://www.sidayoga.com/about#contact)to discuss options that may be available in emergencies. Confirmed private tuition and bespoke events are non-refundable.

Question 17

Can I join a class if I’m a teacher?

Accepted Answer

We welcome everybody to the studio, and have in fact trained many of the teachers who work in our local area.

However, to get the best out of your time with us we'd encourage instructors looking to further their practice to attend our events that we advertise as being specifically designed for trainers.

Question 18

Who is sìdà yoga?

Accepted Answer

sìdà yoga was founded by Victoria Boast in 2015 – following her extensive teacher training across Asia, beginning in Shanghai.

The name originates from the Chinese concept of the “Big Four” - 四大  or “sì dà” - which references the four elements of which all things are made: earth, water, fire and wind.

Having brought the brand back home to England with nearly a thousand hours of qualified teacher training and more than 7,000 hours of experience instructing, sìdà yoga is now the first dedicated yoga studio to be established on the Isle of Portland, Dorset.

Question 19

What should I look for in a yoga studio?

Accepted Answer

For a start, make sure that the studio is fully insured and that all your teachers are qualified to teach yoga.

We require our instructors to have a minimum of 300 hours certified ytt (or equivalent). They must be registered with either Yoga Alliance or British Wheel of Yoga and also carry their own insurance too.

The responsibility of an experienced yoga teacher goes far beyond that which can be offered as an add-on module in a fitness course. We are not a gym offering a stretch class; we are a dedicated, fully equipped yoga studio with expert trainers focusing on providing the best possible yoga instruction around.
 
A purpose-built yoga practice space will provide a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to focus 100% on your practice, distraction-free. Our studio has been designed after countless trips to studios all over the world, working out what works and what doesn’t.

As your journey progresses, you may well wish to purchase your own kit to give you the flexibility to practice wherever and whenever you feel like it - but while you're starting out, make use of the different range of provided equipment that's on offer in the studio to try new things and decide what items (and brands) work for you.

Question 20

How do I find you?

Accepted Answer

Our address is:
Units 3-5, Victoria Building
Lerret Road, Portland DT5 1GB.

We're opposite The Beehive café (we cannot recommend their iced lattes and sour dough loaves enough!).

If the weather is fine, the rear door will be open where you can access the studio directly. There is also access via the main entrance to Victoria Building. Through the doors, turn left at reception and walk all the way to the end of the corridor where the studio is clearly signed.

Please keep noise to a minimum as the Victoria Building is a multi use facility and we want to ensure we are being good neighbours. Bear in mind there may also be a class in progress before your session, so we really appreciate you being respectful to others while waiting.

Question 21

What facilities are there at the studio?

Accepted Answer

The Victoria Building has individual private toilets where you can also change.

We provide herbal teas which are available before and after class, along with water stations should you wish to refill your own bottle (don't worry if you forget, we have glasses there too!)

Question 22

I want to really advance my skills - can you help?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! How about a private session?(https://www.sidayoga.com/bespoke)

Whatever your needs and goals we can offer 1-2-1’s that will help you to progress your practice and achieve those perfect poses.

Please email info@sidayoga.com (mailto:info@sidayoga.com)for further info and to check our availability.

Question 23

What are your terms and conditions for booking and attending a class?

Accepted Answer

Please see our terms and conditions page (https://www.sidayoga.com/about/terms-and-conditions)for the not-so-small-print and further information.

Question 24

Can I hire the studio?

Accepted Answer

We love working with local businesses that can offer complementary services to our fantastic clients.

If you believe you have a service that is truly unique we would love to hear from you.

Please email us at info@sidayoga.com (mailto:info@sidayoga.com)with what you can offer and don’t forget to include your qualifications and insurance information.

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