FAQs
What have you done to make the studio COVID safe?
We have followed government guidelines closely and the safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us. Along side reducing studio class sizes to just 9 students insuring at least a 1.2 meter distance between mats, we have implemented a rigorous cleaning schedule, installed hand sanitizer stations and will operate a 1 in 1 out policy for the changing rooms. For the full risk assessment please click here.
Will I be filmed if I want to practice at the studio?
No. We will continue to live stream our classes, but the camera will only capture the teachers mat.
Is yoga for me?
Yes! At paper dress we think yoga is for everyone... the strong and the weak, the tall-ies and small-ies, the flexis and not-so-flexis. No matter what your ability/strength/flexibility there will be something for you in a class. We believe yoga is simply connecting movement and breath, nothing more complicated than that. Come and breathe and stretch with us and give it a go!
What do the different class names mean?
Astanga Yoga is a dynamic set sequence of postures that produces heat to purify the body. Energetic, playful and invigorating.The movement is synchronised with breath ( ujjayi ) which will also gives you control of the senses and wondering mind.
Creative Flow is a movement and creative approach to a traditional yoga class with a complimentary soundtrack to help you feel into the sequences. These classes feel fluid and organic and allow students to investigate not only the postures themselves but the transitions between them.
Yoga Focus - This unique class includes strength drills and stretches to safely advance flexibility to work towards traditional poses.
A chance to break down and explore some of the more challenging or complicated yoga poses. Some experience helpful.
Mindful Flow - Mindfulness & Yoga go hand in hand, but this class in particular will cultivate & explore the process of becoming aware & present in the current moment. Students will be led through a beautiful slow practice of nurishing postures coordinating movement with breath, flowing from one pose to the next creating a meditative like rhythm.
Vinyasa Flow - Translated from Sanskrit, vinyasa means “to place in a special way.” In our Vinyasa Flow classes the teachers will guide you through a flowing sequence of traditional yoga movements and poses with careful alignment cues and close attention to the positioning of the body. The breath is used as a guide for the movements and to facilitate a deeper stretch in certain postures. This can be a dynamic class but there will always be options to rest and modifications to allow for all abilities and bodies.
Dynamic Yoga - Still Vinyasa flow, we start slow build heat with sun salutes and often have a peak pose before slowing it back down on the mat again but expect a bit more jumping around and dynamic movements!
Energetic Flow - Still Vinyasa but with a few more strengthening/energising repetitions!
Yin Yoga - A beautiful practice of slowness and softness, of checking in not checking out, of challenge and change.
Yin yoga helps to increase agility, flexibility, and mobility in our joints, within their natural range of motion. A floor based practice with the body supported by props, poses are held for between 3-6 minutes to offer a deep nourishing stretch and a chance to practice meditation.
Meditation - A 24 minute sit. The first 5 minutes are guided, with perhaps a reading or intention or mindfulness practice and then we sit for time, focusing at first on the breathe, allowing thoughts to come, but not get attached to them, always returning to the breathe as our anchor.
I’m not at all flexible … can I still do yoga?
Absolutely! A consistent yoga practice will, in time, increase your flexibility. There are stages in every posture that you will you be able to achieve and our teachers are well practiced in offering modifications to all students. We have a selection of blocks, bricks & straps to help you reach a comfortable position and our teachers will be on hand to instruct you!
Where is the studio?
The entrance to the studio is around the corner from our sister shop, bar and coffee shop - Paper Dress Vintage, past A-Side B-Side gallery on the corner of the block at 352 Mare Street E8 1HR. The door is clearly signposted, push the buzzer on arrival for entry. We are a one-minute walk from the Hackney Central overground station.
How do I book?
Our website is linked to 'Mind Body Online' where you can book your class online or via their app. You can purchase single classes, a class pass or unlimited membership. Alternatively, you can pay cash or card before class - if it's your first time please come 10-15 minutes before the class starts to get registered
Can I eat before class?
We recommend that you don’t eat 2 – 3 hours before practice. In class, we often twist and invert as well as bending backward and forward so it's best to do this on an empty stomach! If you’re afraid you won’t survive until the end of class, then we recommend something light like a few nuts or a juice.
What should I bring to class?
Comfy clothes and a healthy sense of curiosity. We have mats, bolsters, eye bags and any other props you might need. You’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer practising on that.
If I am pregnant or have an injury can I still practice?
Yoga can benefit both pregnant and injured students. You know your body better than anyone so if it doesn't feel right - don't do it! Please do mention anything that may affect your practice to your teacher so they can offer you discrete modifications.
For pregnant visitors we would advise not to practice in the first trimester and after the first trimester going to a dedicated yoga pregnancy class to better understand what might be good/bad for you and your baby. Come along to a regular class when you feel confident about pregnancy modifications.