FAQ: Getting ready for your yoga class
Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning, here’s a quick guide to help you feel prepared and make the most of your experience at Tauranga Yoga Centre.
If you’re new to yoga, our beginner classes are the best place to start. If you’re pregnant (guidelines here) or have medical conditions, give us a call or email to discuss the best options for you. Our timetable can be found here.
No need to book in advance. Just check our timetable, and arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign in and settle before class starts.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Don’t forget a warm layer for relaxation at the end of class.
If you have your own yoga mat, feel free to bring it. But no worries if you don’t—our centre has all the props you’ll need. You can leave your bag, keys, or extra clothing in our changing rooms.
Yes! We sell a range of props including mats, eye pillows, straps, blocks, and bolsters in our store.
Yes, but parking is limited so carpool or use active transport when you can! It’s essential to only use TYC parking spots (not our neighbours!) and park cars close together.
It’s also helpful to leave quickly after busy classes to allow incoming yogis to find a space. Try to carpool, ride a bike, or park further away and walk to your next yoga class.
Our classes are designed for all levels—beginner, intermediate, and experienced. Start with beginner classes until you’re ready to move up.
For $150, you can enjoy 12 weeks of unlimited yoga (sign up at the start of the term to get the full 12 weeks!). Concession cards are $90 for five classes. Casual attendance is $20 per class. We also offer a donation-based Friday ‘Pink’ class for women with cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Plan to arrive around 10 minutes early to get settled, find your spot, and prepare for class. This helps avoid disruptions and ensures you begin with a calm mindset.
Please tidy up any props or equipment you’ve used and leave the space as you found it. This helps keep the environment welcoming for everyone.
We welcome older secondary school students and full fees apply. No younger kids in class, sorry!
We recommend leaving your phone off or in the car to fully immerse yourself in your practice and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Practicing yoga is wonderful during pregnancy but there are things to be aware of before rolling out your mat.
Share your news! Please tell your teacher if you are pregnant and how far along you are.
Also make them aware of any additional medical conditions (e.g. high blood pressure). It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or midwife before attending class, especially if you are new to yoga.
New to yoga? Please attend the specific pregnancy class rather than beginners, general, restorative or Ashtanga classes if you can. We also suggest waiting until you are around 15 weeks before starting classes especially if its an IVF pregnancy of there is a history of miscarriage
Been practicing a while? If you’re an experienced yoga practitioner, attending specific pregnancy classes will help you learn what’s safe for you during the different stages of your pregnancy. If you can’t get to these classes, please ask the teacher for a copy of the TYC guidelines and practice sheets.
Keep safe! Our classes are designed for non-pregnant practitioners and while teachers will help as they can, please ensure you take responsibility for modifying and/or avoiding poses that are contraindicated with pregnancy. General guidelines and practice sheets are provided, but the final responsibility for your safety lies with you, not TYC or the teacher.
Teachers may use their discretion and not accept a pregnant woman into a class if they think doing so could prejudice the safety of the woman /or the smooth running of the class.
Listen to your body. Yoga is generally very helpful for pregnant women. However, during pregnancy some yoga poses are not advised at all, and some poses should be done only with modifications. Please ensure you come out of the pose immediately if it feels uncomfortable for you or your breathing doesn’t remain soft and natural.
Give the belly a rest. It’s very important the abdominal or belly region is not tensed, tightened or compressed while you are pregnant. Always try to create space between your rib cage and abdomen for your baby.
Be careful not to over-stretch! When you’re pregnant, the hormone ‘relaxin’ is present at higher levels than normal making it easier to over-stretch ligaments or tear muscles. Consider supporting your hips and groins (e.g., blocks or blankets under the thighs) in hip/groin openers.
Be gentle with yourself. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of props for support and if in doubt, ease off. Pregnancy is not the time to push your physical, mental or emotional limits.
At Tauranga Yoga Centre we do our best to provide a safe and supportive environment for your yoga practice. To help us keep classes safe, please let your teacher know if you are pregnant, have an injury, medical condition, or any disability that may affect your practice.
Our teachers are experienced yoga practitioners but are not medical professionals. Please take responsibility for your own wellbeing, listen to your body, and seek medical advice where appropriate before beginning or continuing your practice.