​Preparation for face-to-face classes

COVID-19 health and safety protocols
The health and safety of those using HYD Studio is our priority. The following measures are in place:

  • Do not attend class if you feel unwell.  Those with cold or flu-like symptoms will be asked to leave the studio
  • There will be no cash transactions. Please pay HYD or your teacher by direct deposit
  • Bring your own equipment to class - blanket, mat, block etc.
  • Observe the entry and exit signs which provide important health and safety advice
  • Use hand sanitiser on entering and leaving the studio
  • To assist with contact tracing, complete the name and contact details form on arrival
  • Maintain 1.5m social distancing when in the studio
  • There will be no physical adjusting of students by the teacher
  • Cover your face if coughing or sneezing
  • Do not touch your face with your hands
  • The studio floor, bathroom, bench surfaces, storage units and door handles will be cleaned after each class
  • Please do not touch the walls (otherwise they will need to be cleaned).

Standard preparations
  • Wear comfortable stretchy clothing
  • ​All classes conducted in barefeet
  • Try not to eat for at least 3 hours
    and not to drink for 30 minutes prior to class
  • Arrive to class about ten minutes before starting
  • Switch your mobile device to flight mode or off
  • Leave your belongings in the storage unit provided
  • Set up your mat and rest in semi-supine until class starts
  • Advise the teacher if you have a condition which may modify how you practice ​(physical injury, emotional, menstruation, pregnancy, overtired, medical etc.)
  • Let the teacher know if you have to leave early.

Preparation for online classes
  • Download Zoom.us to your device
  • Wear comfortable stretchy clothing. ​All classes conducted in bare feet
  • Try not to eat for at least 3 hours and not to drink for 30 minutes prior to class
  • Arrive to class a couple of minutes prior to starting so that you can test your online connection
  • Advise the teacher if you have a condition which may modify how you practice ​(physical injury, emotional, menstruation, headache, pregnancy, illness, overtired, medical etc.)
  • Let the teacher know if you have to leave early
  • Switch your device to mute so that other attendees and the teacher are not disturbed by noises in your place of practice. Here are some video tutorials to help you with Zoom: Join a meeting and Joining and configuring Audio and Video.

Making practice easier

  • Look down not up
  • Keep arms/hands on hips or chest rather than away from the body
  • Bend your knees slightly in forward bending positions or to reach the floor when standing
  • Use plank instead of push up
  • Use plank with kneeling or straight legs instead of up dog
  • Use down dog with legs bent ​rather than straight legs

Making practice harder

  • Apply the teachers instructions that deepen the intensity of the pose
  • Rest less between postures
  • Use only one or two breaths to move between postures
  • Maintain grip of the bandhas and relax the face, neck and throat