Find the most frequently asked questions about our studio, classes and training courses

General FAQs

  • There is metered parking on Upper York Street and Wilder Street (view map) with a 2 hour maximum stay, charges apply Monday - Saturday 8am - Midnight (cheaper after 18.00). Please do not park in the spaces along Backfields Lane as unauthorised vehicles are often fined.

    Outside the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday you are free to park in St. Pauls permit holders parking without having to display a permit.

    Alternatively the nearest car park to BSY that has no limit on the time you can stay is St James Barton, approximately 5 minutes walk from the school.

    There are also some great mobile apps such as Just Park and Your Parking Space for reserving parking spaces ahead of time that are nearby the studio.

    PLEASE NOTE: Bristol now has a Clean Air Zone in the city centre. The studio is located just outside of the zone, but please check your route and vehicle exemption before travelling.
    View charges and check your vehicle here.

  • Both of our studios are located down Backfields Lane, directly opposite one another.

    Studio 16 is the main studio, found underneath our illuminated ‘Yoga’ wall sign, with a blue metal frontage.

    Studio 19 is opposite, with wooden shutters between units 17 and 21.

    Visit our contact page to see a map to our studios.

  • The studio is situated close to a Holiday Inn (BS1 3LE), and Premier Inn (BS1 3LP)
    There are also numerous Air BnB options close by.

Yoga classes FAQs

  • Visit the timetable to find a class or teacher that suits you. Click on the class name to find details about the class and the teacher.

    You’ll also be able to find out which studio the class is in (Studio 16 or Studio 19), if the class is online, in-studio or both.

    To book your place click ‘Book here’ which will take you to the teacher’s website/booking system. Follow the steps to sign up and complete your booking.

  • To cancel or reschedule your class, please contact the teacher directly.

    Each teacher will have their own cancellation and reschulling policy so please check with them.

  • Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your class. When you arrive, if the door is locked please wait outside quietly (as the windows may be open). Once the previous class has ended, your teacher will check you in.

  • For in-studio classes: there are mats and equipment available for you to use at the studio, or you are welcome to bring your own equipment and props if you prefer.

    For live-stream classes: you’ll need a mat, towel or rug to practice on, and you may be asked to find household items to use as props before class starts, for example pillows/cushions or a scarf or a belt. If you can’t find these things don’t worry, you can let the teacher know so that they can offer alternatives.

    • You are welcome to bring any of your own yoga kit that you’d like to use.
      Alternatively, there is lots yoga equipment available for you to use at the studio, which is cleaned regularly.

    • A water bottle filled with water.

    • Waterproofs or an umbrella - you may have to queue outside to get into the studio - don’t get caught in the rain!

    • Layers / warm clothing - the studio can sometimes get cold in the winter months, so bring an extra layer for a snuggly Savasana!

  • Wear comfortable clothes – leggings, shorts or jogging bottoms are all fine, and a comfortable top (preferably tight fitting, or something you can tuck into your trousers).

  • There is 1 private changing room as well as a communal bag and coat storage room in Studio 16.

    Studio 19 has 1 toilet cubicle that can be used for private changing.

    Due to the limited changing room availability, we recommend arriving ready to practice or you’re welcome to change on your mat.

  • Currently there are no showers at the studio.

  • There is a communal bag and coat storage downstairs in Studio 16.

    Studio 19 has hooks for your items inside the studio entrance.

    During your class, the studio doors will be locked to keep your belongings safe. Please leave your shoes as well as your coats and bags in the designated areas if possible, or if you prefer you can put them next to your mat.

  • You must tell your teacher about any injuries/conditions that you have, or if you are pregnant before every class (live-stream and in-studio).

    Most yoga postures can be adapted to suit injuries and chronic conditions, or alternatives can be given which will have a similar or more therapeutic effect.

    You are responsible for looking after yourself and your body in class, do not push yourself beyond your limits and always ask your teacher if you are unsure of what you are doing.

    For in studio classes (not live-stream) - please do not come to class if you have a cough or cold – resting is more beneficial and you don’t want to infect other students/teachers. If you have symptoms of corona virus do not come to the studio.

    If you are unsure – contact your teacher and they will do their best to advise you.

  • You may feel nauseous if you eat in the few hours before class. We recommend you don’t eat 2 - 3 hours before coming to yoga. If that isn’t possible for you, then snacking on light food like fruit or oatcakes would be better than eating a heavy meal.

  • If you're new to yoga and too nervous to come, remember that everyone had to start somewhere at some point, you might be suprised to find lots of people in the class who are also quite new and nervous. Most people feel a little nervous before class, but you'll leave feeling great.

    Some of our teachers may offer one to one sessions for individuals or small groups. This can be a great way to build your confidence and learn the basics. Contact the teachers directly to find out more.

  • Definitely! Yoga is for everyone, and although at the beginning some of the postures might seem hard, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can feel the benefits.

    Teachers usually offer modifications or alternatives that you may prefer to poses which feel difficult, in yoga the idea is not to ‘push’ the body as hard as you may do in a fitness class for example. You can take rest - such as lying down - at any time during your class.

    If you’re new to yoga, look for a beginners or all levels class and let your teacher know at the beginning of class that you are new to Yoga.

300hr teacher training FAQs

+ Do you offer discounts?

We offer bursaries for some students, please see here for more information.

+ What time do the training days start and finish?

On the 4 day Hatha Yoga or Vinyasa and Yin Yoga course training, days run from 9.30am– 5.00pm.

On the 2 day weekend Hatha Yoga course training, days run from 9.00am – 5.00pm

Intensives mostly run 9:00am - 5:00pm.

See individual course pages for more details.

+ Is there an official start date to the 300-hr diploma course?

Yes, we are recommending people begin the 300-hr course with the first Adjustments Intensive on 25th February 2021. You would then be signed up to all the upcoming core modules in 2020 and finish the 6 core modules with Bandhas Intensive on 2nd December 2021.

+ Do I have to take the two additional specialist intensive courses at BSY?

You can study the additional intensives (a total of 70 hours) at BSY or elsewhere. Please ensure if you study with another training provider that the course hours are accredited by either Yoga Alliance Professionals or Yoga Alliance USA so that they can contribute towards your 300-hr diploma.

Your optional modules give you the opportunity to specialise further in specific methods of yoga.

+ Do I have to pay for the course in full or are there payment options available?

You can either pay for the course in full once you have been accepted or you can pay the deposit for the course followed by 10 monthly installments to complete payment.

+ Are there written assignments that I need to complete as part of the course?

We ask you to write a 5000-word essay on a topic of choice that is agreed with your course tutor.

+ What styles of yoga will the Advanced training (300-hr) enable me to teach?

The Advanced Training Course will broaden the range of teaching styles you are qualified and confident to teach, as well as deepen the way in which you teach them. The core modules enable you to teach Hatha and Vinyasa Flow yoga, and give an understanding of Restorative and Tantra Yoga & other related techniques:

Hatha Yoga

The whole course is experiential-based on hatha yoga practices, including asana, pranayama and meditation. We have time to understand the anatomy of the body in yoga asana, for both musculoskeletal wellbeing and implications of postures for all the body systems- neurological, digestive, endocrine, fascial and energetic or subtle body. As well as how postures relate to the mind and our felt experience of the body.

Vinyasa Flow

You will be adept at creating, teaching and adjusting vinyasa flow sequences.

Tantra Yoga

The “subtle body” aspects of yoga will be explored, which ties in with teaching of tantra yoga. But we will also experience how these practices, such as bandhas can support a strong asana practice such as vinyasa flow and Ashtanga vinyasa. As well as the mental focus for meditation.

Restorative yoga

There is some restorative yoga woven into the training days, giving you the basis to integrate this technique into your own teaching.

Chakra yoga

You will gain a deep understanding and your own personal experience of the chakras, so that you will be able to teach chakra yoga, either explicitly as a class, or to include the teachings in your hatha classes.

Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness is integral to the whole course- how to meet ourselves and each other. Specific mindfulness and meditation techniques are shared throughout the course, relevant to each module.

+ Can I take it as soon as I finish my 200-hr course?

Absolutely. Some trainees find this is the perfect way to continue to learn and be supported into a really skillful, teacher from the outset. This advanced course puts you in such a good position relative to other teachers because the breadth and depth of knowledge you will achieve will be unsurpassed by other recently qualified teachers. In a year you will explore and learn what it might otherwise take you a lifetime.

+ What is the best time to take the course?

It is a great way to continue to expand your knowledge and skills, any time you feel you need some fresh input or some nurture for yourself through your practice and study.

+ Do you offer discounts?

We offer bursaries for some students, please see here for more information.

+ What time do the training days start and finish?

Intensives mostly run 9:00am - 5:00pm.

See individual course pages for more details.

+ I’m not a yoga teacher; can I still book on to an intensive?

You can do a stand-alone intensive if it is in an area that interests you. You don’t have to be a yoga teacher and can take part in the intensive simply to deepen your own practice. Please be aware, doing one intensive such as Yin does not mean you can do on to teach Yin. You would need to complete a 200hr training course to become a teacher.

+ What do I receive as part of an intensive?

Each intensive comes with a dedicated manual specific to that area of yoga. You will also receive a certificate of attendance.

+ Are there specific texts I should read beforehand?

Each intensive has a specific reading list. The key text(s) for each intensive are listed on the relevant page on our website.

+ Do I have to pay for an intensive in full or are there payment options available?

You can either pay for the intensive in full once you have been accepted or you can pay a deposit followed by the remaining amount prior to the course starting. All payments for intensives must be received prior to the start of the course.

+ Trauma aware teaching

We work very much from the basis that everyone has their specific way to teach that suits them and that this will support them through their yoga teaching & there are so many different students - they don't need everything!

The way we teach the courses is with trauma sensitive principles. If someone is terrified to talk they don't have to. Or if on any specific session someone feels they cant do something they dont have to. It's your course. Everything is for you.

Teacher training intensives FAQs

+ What advice would a past trainee give someone considering embarking on their 200hr yoga teacher training?

One of our past trainees reflects on what she wishes she knew before she started her traiinng with us. Read her wise words here

+ Do you offer discounts?

We offer bursaries for some students, please see here for more information.

+ What time do the training days start and finish?

Intensives mostly run 9:00am - 5:00pm.

See individual course pages for more details.

+ I’m not a yoga teacher; can I still book on to an intensive?

You can do a stand-alone intensive if it is in an area that interests you. You don’t have to be a yoga teacher and can take part in the intensive simply to deepen your own practice. Please be aware, doing one intensive such as Yin does not mean you can do on to teach Yin. You would need to complete a 200hr training course to become a teacher.

+ What do I receive as part of an intensive?

Each intensive comes with a dedicated manual specific to that area of yoga. You will also receive a certificate of attendance.

+ Are there specific texts I should read beforehand?

Each intensive has a specific reading list. The key text(s) for each intensive are listed on the relevant page on our website.

+ Do I have to pay for an intensive in full or are there payment options available?

You can either pay for the intensive in full once you have been accepted or you can pay a deposit followed by the remaining amount prior to the course starting. All payments for intensives must be received prior to the start of the course.

+ Trauma aware teaching

We work very much from the basis that everyone has their specific way to teach that suits them and that this will support them through their yoga teaching & there are so many different students - they don't need everything!

The way we teach the courses is with trauma sensitive principles. If someone is terrified to talk they don't have to. Or if on any specific session someone feels they cant do something they dont have to. It's your course. Everything is for you.

200hr teacher training FAQs

+ Do you offer discounts?

We offer bursaries for some students, please see here for more information.

+ What time do the training days start and finish?

On the 4 day Hatha Yoga or Vinyasa and Yin Yoga course training, days run from 9.00am – 5.00pm.

On the 2 day weekend Hatha Yoga course training, days run from 9.00am – 5.00pm

See individual course pages for more details.

+ What happens if I miss a day or some of the content on a training course?

It is really important that you come to all the modules and we encourage you to make sure you are free to attend all the dates listed. This is so you meet the requirements of the course and cover the number of training contact hours set by the Yoga Alliance Professionals. However, If you have to miss a day due to extenuating circumstances we can arrange for you to catch-up on the content you have missed. Please note that we charge for this and simply cover the associated costs of teaching, venue and administrative time.

+ Are there written assignments that I need to complete as part of the course?

Assignments are set during both our Hatha training course and our Vinyasa and Yin training course. You will be given full guidelines on these when you start the course. They include:

Observing 6 classes

  • Teaching 6 class plans for beginners (you will be given the plans to teach)
  • Presentations to your fellow students about Anatomy and Physiology and the Yoga Sutras
  • Written reviews of key yoga texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
  • Open book Anatomy & Physiology exam
  • Main essay
  • Final written exam on all aspects of the course
  • Practical Assessment

+ Do I have to pay for the course in full or are there payment options available?

You can either pay for the course in full once you have been accepted or you can pay the deposit for the course followed by several monthly instalments to complete payment, see the bottom of course pages for more details.

+ How long do I need to have been practicing for before I apply for the course?

We ask that trainees applying to our courses have had a regular yoga practice for a minimum of two years with a studio or yoga teacher.

+ What assessments does the course involve?

There is a personal practice assessment and a final teaching assessment as part of the Hatha Yoga and the Vinyasa and Yin training course. The personal practice assessment assesses whether you have understood the key aspects of yoga, such as alignment in asana or how to modify postures e.g. if you are menstruating or have an injury. The final teaching assessment assesses your yoga teaching of beginner students. Independent assessors, that are neutral, and that have not been involved in the training course, will assess you.

+ Trauma aware teaching

We work very much from the basis that everyone has their specific way to teach that suits them and that this will support them through their yoga teaching & there are so many different students - they don't need everything!

The way we teach the courses is with trauma sensitive principles. If someone is terrified to talk they don't have to. Or if on any specific session someone feels they cant do something they dont have to. It's your course. Everything is for you.