Do you offer PRIVATE (one-on-one) sessions?

Yes, YOGABOWL and INGRID SHAW PILATES + GYROTONIC offer private sessions for students who want a focused, individual practice with their teacher. A private lesson can help you deepen your practice by exploring the fundamentals of Yoga, Pilates or Gyrotonic, specific breathing techniques, hands-on alignment adjustments and modifications for injuries or special populations. We offer both private and semi-private sessions which can be arranged on an individual basis. All Gyrotonic sessions are done as private sessions. Pilates can be done privately, in duets or in small groups of 3.

I’m carrying an injury/condition/postural issue/pregnant – can I still do Yoga?

Because we can modify poses and exercises to suit individuals, we encourage people to participate. You will be taught how to modify around your condition and gain a heightened experience of the mind/body connection - as your body will be giving you clearer signals than most. However, YOU MUST speak to your instructor about your condition prior to starting YOGA, and keep them updated as things progress; and YOU MUST obtain your doctor/physical therapist’s approval before joining in. Alternatively, enquire about doing PILATES in our individually tailored sessions. We will adjust your exercises to assist in helping your issue as appropriate. PILATES is well known and respected as an excellent method of rehabilitation, especially in a STUDIO setting where the exercises are tailored to meet your needs. All our Pilates teachers are trained in and have experience in the rehabilitation of a wide variety of conditions. PILATES is well known as being excellent for posture improvement.

I'm pregnant. Do you have any recommendations?

Yes - YOGA is a wonderful thing to take into your pregnancy with you. I recommend you attend the GENTLE classes (as we're prenatal trained @ YB). Alternatively, PILATES is fantastic during pregnancy and can be tailored to your needs as your body changes. Our small group individually tailored sessions are perfect for you. All our Pilates teachers have undergone thorough pre and post natal training. Email or phone for session times and bookings.

What should I wear / bring?

Wear comfortable work-out clothes, or whatever makes you most comfortable! Bring a bottle of water with you and a towel if you would prefer it. If you are coming to our Yoga classes, you're more than welcome to bring your own mat.

Can I join a Gyrotonic session?

Yes that would be great. Gyrotonic is all done on a private, one on one basis. It comes from a Yoga base, so you will no doubt enjoy it. Find out more about it by clicking onto the description under "classes" tab. Gyrotonic can be tailored to all needs and abilities. There are Gyrotonic sessions throughout the week. Contact Ingrid.

What is the difference between Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis?

Gyrotonic uses equipment and is generally done one on one as a private. Gyrokinesis is generally done in a small group, although one can do it individually too. In Gyrokinesis one uses a stool and a mat. Stools and mats are provided, however you can BYO mat if you prefer.

What`s with the whole mind/body thing?

The direction towards mind/body exercise has been a Godsend to our sedentary, stressful culture. All bodies - and their owner’s expectations, are different. They don’t come with specific instructions. We can best learn how to keep them healthy and performing to our expectations by listening to what they tell us, and acting accordingly. When we learn to achieve this connection and give our bodies and minds the care they are asking for, our overall health and quality of life improves. It’s important to acknowledge that in your practice you need to do what your body wants to do, not what your brain thinks it should be able to do.

My yoga mat is slippery/dirty. What can I do?

Most mats are made with a `non-slip` coating, though for some people this turns out to be even more slippery than non. If it`s a problem, follow these WASHING INSTRUCTIONS: Put your mat through the GENTLE CYCLE in your washing machine, perhaps with a little bit of wool wash (softly, etc), and then hang it over a clothes line, clothes horse or even a door to dry - it’ll take a good couple of days to dry - they absorb a lot of water (and are hard to squeeze out). That should fix the problem. If you find your hands are still slipping on your mat (downward dog pose especially), make sure you give your hands a good soapy wash before your class to get rid of any body lotion/hand cream residue.