Yoga Practice - (Covid 19) Return to Yoga

UPDATE – Monday 20th July 2020 4pm

Group Yoga Classes

I am currently NOT planning on starting group classes until Tues 1st September. I will review this during the week of the 24th August, in-line with the latest government guidance.  (The rooms I teach in are not large enough for the social distancing of 2 metres for 10 people).

Individual Yoga lessons

I am now taking bookings for face-to-face individual yoga lessons.

Who can book a one-to-one appointment?
Risk-groups.  My insurance currently doesn’t cover me to make face-to-face appointments with anyone in high or moderate risk groups.
Symptoms
I won’t check your temperature before your appointment however if you have any symptoms, you’re concerned about please contact me to re-arrange your appointment.  I will waiver my 24-hour cancellation policy if you have to re-arrange your appointment last minute due to presenting symptoms or suspected exposure to someone with Covid-19.

This guidance may be updated so check the advice on symptoms on the NHS website a regular basis.

Prior to your appointment
Equipment
You will need to bring your own equipment (yoga mat and blocks) I am able to sell you new (un-used) yoga blocks at £4 each.  If you feel you will need a drink during your lesson, please bring your own water bottle. If you need to write anything you will need to bring your own pen.

 Arrival and during your appointment
Appointment time
I will be allowing 30 minutes between appointments so you can leave without meeting other people and it will allow me time for disinfecting and cleaning between sessions.  If you arrive early, please stay in your car until your appointment time.  I will text you when it is safe for you to enter the building.

Entering the building
You do not need to wear a facemask or visor as we will be 2 metres apart.  I will open doors for you and will ask you to go straight to my yoga room without touching any surfaces.   You can then either use hand sanitising gel (alcohol content of 70 %) that I provide, or you can wash your hands in the bathroom where I will provide (single-use, washable) hand towels.

Payment – if you are able to pay me online that’s great. If not, please have the correct cash that you can place in an envelope that I provide so I don’t need to handle change.

 After your appointment
I will ask you to avoid touching un-necessary surfaces and will open the door for you to leave.  I will disinfect the bathroom and yoga room between appointments.

PREVIOUS STATEMENTS 

UPDATE – Monday 23rd March 8pm
I am no longer teaching in person.  Please visit my online teaching page to find out how you can still practice yoga in your own home.

When I am able to resume in-person teaching the information below regarding my practice to keep myself and others safe will be valid.

This was my statement on Coronavirus (COVID 19) on 14th March 2020.

I want to reassure people who practice yoga with me either, in group classes or individual lessons, that I am mindful of individual’s situations. I am basing my decisions on the latest medical advice and advice from the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) who I am accredited and insured with.

At this stage (this may change according to the latest Government guidelines) I am planning to continue to teach my group and individual sessions.  This is in line with current advice and I’d ask people who come to sessions to follow Public Health Wales (PHW) guidelines which can be found here: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ 

The advice is that most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places.

To protect yourself and other people please follow the suggestions to:-

• Avoid coming to sessions if you are experiencing any symptoms related to the Corona Virus.
• Do not attend if you have been in contact with infected people or have been to one of the international hotspots.
• Please wash your hands thoroughly in hot soapy water for 20 seconds just before the session begins and after the session. There are hand washing facilities at the venue.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the crook of your arm (please dispose of the tissues after the session).
• Bring your own yoga mat or alternatively a large towel. If this isn’t an option, you are welcome to use a mat which I will ensure is cleaned with Anti-Bac wipes before & after each session.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.  We won’t be touching our nose in pranayama but can still practice pranayama whilst breathing through the nostrils.

I will:

• Ensure the mats are cleaned with Anti-Bac Cleanser before & after each session.  Blocks can’t be cleaned as easily so either bring your own if you have them or you can buy new blocks from me for £4 each.
• Continue to use separate equipment allocated to each of the venues I teach at.
• Wash my hands before and after each session.
• Avoid hands-on adjustments.
• Provide tissues & Anti-Bac wipes

Through practising yoga, we develop our skills to reflect on the actions we take in the present moment.  This advice is based on the situation we find ourselves in today.

As a yoga teacher and practitioner, I am reflecting on the teachings of Yoga – The Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali, Chapter 1 sutra 7.

pratyakṣa-anumāna-āgamāḥ pramāṇāni

Right perception is through the senses, inference and testimony.

In these uncertain times, I am making decisions from a place of authentic testimony (āgama) and am trusting in the advice of those who I believe are the most knowledgeable at this time.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.