New Students

• Welcome! Our introductory offer for new students is $30 to attend any 3 classes in 10 days.  We will throw in mat hire if you need it, just read further below and come along to any class that sounds like you.  If you like our classes, we offer you 20% off regular priced packages during the 10 days, so you can continue your new-found habit!
• Every class on our schedule is ‘open’ except for Saturday mornings level 2, Vinyasa class. All other classes are suitable for beginning students. We are happy for all students to come to any class and work at your own pace under our guidance, and if you are a beginner you won’t be alone!  Be sure not to compare, and take the appropriate option as given by your instructor so that you stay safe and enjoy the experience.  Before long you will be noticing improvements and feeling really comfortable with how the class runs.
• Bookings and online payments are available but not required. Doors open 20 minutes before class start time, arrive at least 10 minutes before your chosen class and there will be plenty of time to secure a spot. Please note that latecomers are not permitted to class.
• Classes have a set duration, only come if you intend to stay the whole time.  You will experience the benefits of yoga if you try the best you can the right way – if you need a break its no problem! Just take a knee on your mat until you are ready to resume.
• Bring a large towel and water bottle (available to rent/buy at the studio) for all our classes. Wear light clothing – avoid loose or flowing clothes, sleeveless tops and shorts and yoga leggings are best.
• Mats will be provided for your 3 introductory classes. After this hire mats are $2 OR you can purchase a mat from our store.
• Shower facilities and storage areas are available.
• Talk to us regarding any concerns or injuries you may have, our teachers are chosen for their experience and their goal is to help you enjoy and grow in your practice.
• Come well hydrated and on an empty stomach. Good hydration enables you to practise in the heated environment more comfortably. If you are hungry in the 2 hours before class have a light snack, in time you will know what works best for you.
• Not flexible? Then our yoga is for you! People from all walks of life and in very different physical conditions join our classes. Increased flexibility is a lovely side effect of a regular practice, not a prerequisite! The practice of yoga encompasses many aspects of your body/mind/spirit. Come with an open mind and practice a few classes without judgment, after this you will see what its about.
• Parking Our parking is on the street, and pretty easy outside of working hours.  At prime parking times (normally during business hours) reduce stress by leaving enough time for parking, and show love for our teachers and neighbours by not asking to use their designated carparks!
• More questions? Drop us a line info@eastwest.co.nz and we will get back to you!

Refunds and extensions

Please read these policies and consider carefully before buying a package of classes. The more classes you buy the better pricing you get, but in return there is a choice and commitment you have made and we do not refund.

All our concession cards have expiry dates as noted, these are very generous on the whole but if something extraordinary happens please let us know in advance and we’ll see what we can do. We have a policy of ‘renewing’ expired classes when you purchase a new concession card of any kind.

Transfers to another person are possible for a $20 administration fee, but unfortunately time based passes (eg monthly unlimiteds etc) or expired classes cannot be transferred.

Direct debit programme

If you practice twice a week or more, then quit stalling and get on our direct debit programme! Its by far the most economic way to sweat, not to mention yoga works best when done regularly. You can sign up in-studio at any time, there is a 6 months minimum of debits, but after this you are on an open-ended contract and free to leave whenever you notify us.

Our debits run the 1st of each month for the month, but you may join at any time.  Come see us and we pro-rate the first month based on when you join.

Once on direct debit, please give any requests for suspensions or cancellations via email, to info@eastwest.co.nz. We require one month notice of cancellation, and no refunds are given on direct debits once they are processed.

Booking Classes Online

Booking classes is not essential, you can almost always get into our classes by turning up 10-15 minutes before start time.  However for students with current prepaid classes you may book online (via our website or the ‘eastwest yoga’ mobile app), so that you can plan your yoga week.  If you book a class and can’t make it, you may cancel it up to one hour before class starts, after this the class will be charged as if you came. Please don’t email afterwards asking us to change bookings.

Cleanliness

An important part of a well rounded yoga practice! Our studios are cleaned every day, and the yoga room floor is cleaned in between classes. In return, you should look after yourself and fellow yogis by maintaining a clean, dry mat, good adult hygiene and wash your yoga clothes and towel after EVERY class. Do not just rinse, washing is essential.

Lost and Found

Yoga bliss causes our lost property to overflow! Bring your belongings in a bag and you will be less likely to leave it behind. Our policy on lost and found is to dispose of underwear and towels immediately (sorry, but its for hygiene purposes) and keep all other property for a reasonable time before giving to charity. Please don’t be offended if your ‘lost’ is not ‘found’ – we try our best to return items and the more quickly you come in and retrieve, the more success we have.

Feedback

As a studio we work hard behind the scenes to ensure we offer a clean, nurturing, no-drama environment with well-trained and passionate instructors.  A good yoga practice will challenge you and push your buttons in many ways, and we have robust procedures running to ensure the heat, instructors and classes facilitate and aid this process.  We are open to your comments or feedback at anytime on info@eastwest.co.nz

How is the room heated?

Our studios are heated via radiant heat panels and temperature controlled to reach the appropriate temperature for each of our classes. The benefits of radiant heating are many, including a quiet studio experience, free of the stirring up of dust, pollen and germs which exist in our atmosphere.

Fresh air is also maintained in the yoga room, during class as needed, and in between classes.

The heat you perceive in the room can be influenced by many things – such as how regularly you practice, how well prepared you are with appropriate diet and hydration, how many people are in the room, how much oxygen is provided, how well you personally breathe, and much more. We endeavour to give you the appropriate challenge but in a safe environment, so please talk with us if you have questions about temperature.

Flooring

Our yoga rooms have hardwood floors – low allergy, clean and fresh smelling. If you have sensitive bones invest in a good yoga mat or bring an extra towel for support.

I felt quite dizzy and nauseous during class – is this normal?

This CAN happen from time to time, and for a variety of reasons you can talk over with your teacher. Normally these feelings only last the first class or two. Listen to your body and kneel or lay down if this is the case. It is important that you do not get up too quickly, or leave the room, while feeling dizzy – just relax and lay down until the feeling passes.

How often should I come?

Come as often as you can. A daily practice from the beginning can relax into a routine of 3 or 4 times per week. The more you come, the more you will want to come.  You will start organising your schedule to fit it in. In fact, the harder this yoga is for you initially, the more you need to do it and the more you are going to benefit from it. The time and effort you put into a yoga practice will be returned to you tenfold.

Can I eat before class?

Ideally come to class on an empty stomach, as food in your stomach can disrupt the flow of energy and in certain postures leave you with a feeling of indigestion or nausea. No heavy meals 2-3 hours before class. You can drink juice or eat fruits up to 1 hour before class.

What about water?

You should drink plenty of water everyday, this is better than just drinking water before or during class. With our yoga classes, you are simultaneously cleansing all the systems of your body from the inside out. It is important to stay hydrated so your elimination systems (bowel, urinary, and skin) can support your efforts.

What if I have injuries or illnesses?

Please let the teacher know if you are pregnant, had surgery, or have any injuries, illnesses, or special conditions. You can still do most yoga postures, with a few modifications that the teacher will show you.

My back (knee, ankle, insert ailment) hurts and I am scared! Can I still come?

Talk to the teacher before class, or email us at info@eastwest.co.nz. in most cases you can still do class and get much benefit. Our classes are not for perfect, healthy bodies.  They are made for you to improve your current state and most practitioners will have injuries and ailments that improve through patience, movement and regular practice. Talk to the teacher, our training and experience will help you find the right way to get the most out of your practice.