How do I prepare for my first class?
Please avoid eating for at least 2 hrs before class. Practicing on a relatively empty stomach helps the body feel light, alert and responsive. As your asana work develops, eating too close to class may create discomfort or nausea and can interfere with the sensitivity required for practice.
Hydrate well before class. During practice, we encourage students not to drink water or bring water bottles to class. In Iyengar Yoga, we cultivate attentiveness to the intelligence of the body and the feedback of the senses, which include the way the salivary glands function. Allowing the natural responses of the body to arise without interruption supports greater awareness and steadiness in practice.
Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement and enables the teacher to clearly see the knees, ankles and legs. Leggings, tights, or bike shorts with an elastic waistband work well. Please wear a modest, close fitting top.
How do I decide which level to attend?
The class levels are explained on the returning students page of the website. Read carefully and reflect upon the descriptions given about each of the level. Progress in Yoga is based on experience and therefore the number of hours we spend on our mats and in a classroom really matters. It is easy under our western model of education to intellectualise about our progress and to interpret our development through the filter of our personality (our desires and fears).
The influence of the personality on interpretation of experience is exactly what Yoga advises us about: that mind is not able to observe the objects of life clearly.
Think carefully about the number of terms of practice experience that you have had and how much you practice at home. Make a decision about what level to attend based on that information rather than where you think you should be or where you would like to be. If uncertain, consult your teacher.
What qualifications do teachers have and who issues the qualification?
Alan Goode, the principal teacher and Director of the Institute with 50 years of yoga practice. Alan was a direct student of BKS Iyengar. Yoga Mandir trains teachers and prepares them for certification by Iyengar Yoga Australia. Our teachers undergo a 3 year mentorship before applying for assessment with some of the teachers certified at higher levels. Teacher profiles can be found on the home page.
What is the Pranayama class?
Pranayama is the Yogic art of breathing. Pranayama classes at Yoga Mandir apply a principles-based approach to practice. The classes recognise that breathing is both essential and habitual and deeply subjective. Learning to adapt the breath takes practice and requires a systematic approach to gain objective feedback. How we work affects the outcome as much as which Pranayamas we do. Learning to listen to the breath requires the development of sensitivity and awareness and this is the focus of this class format.
These classes run Tuesday 8.30-9.30am taught by Alan. Studio and Virtual attendance. Students enrolled in Virtual classes receive the link to the recording after the class for 3 days so that students can attend in real time or attend the class in their own timezone.
Yoga Studies-Saturdays?
Yoga Studies – Saturdays in 2026 is for anyone looking to start or strengthen a home yoga practice and to gain confidence working independently. You have the option to join either in person or online.
Our Yoga Studies – Saturdays program provides a space for students to develop skills, explore principles, and deepen their understanding of why and how we practice. It offers an opportunity to share experiences, bridge theory and practice, and gain insights that enhance personal capacity and support ongoing exploration in practice.
These 3-hour sessions are comprised of:
- A presentation where we identify a principle in practice
- An asana practice where this principle provides the foundation for exploration
- Work in small groups to discuss and apply these principles
- Saturdays monthly, 1:30–4:30 pm. Attendance can be either in studio or remote.
What are the Reflective Practice-Sessions?
Each term, over a 10-week period, we focus on two subjects from our study site -Yoga Vidya allowing students to support their class attendance with greater depth of practice. These online subjects hold a Learn/ Study/ Practice focus where participants can read articles, listen to lectures, view samples of teaching and practise to material in the subject area on a weekly basis.
During the term students can also book in to one or both of the Reflective Practice-Sessions (RP-S) noted below. These are classes conducted by Alan Goode and can be attended either in studio or online. The classes draw on the content covered in the Study Focus subject along with forum submissions made by participants.
Look for the class name Reflective Practice-Session. Use your monthly unlimited, 10-class pass, or pay for a single class.
What are Intensive classes?
The Intensive spans five consecutive days from Monday to Friday, featuring sessions each morning from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m, encompassing both asana and pranayama practices.
This presents an excellent opportunity to engage in daily practice and delve into the advantages of pranayama exercises for overall well-being.
This class is suitable to students from Developing level upwards. If in doubt, ask your teacher
What are One-on-One sessions?
Our One-on-One sessions are a chance to work on an issue or to focus your personal practice. Bookings for One on One (60 minute) sessions are now available. Go to the Timetable drop down box at the top of the page and click on Appointments. From there simply follow the instructions on how to make a booking. There are also a One on One (30 minute) sessions to get some short sharp input.
What is a Private consultation?
A private consultation is an hour-long consultation with our Senior Teacher Alan Goode. These sessions are ideal for those individuals with injuries or medical conditions. During your consultation Alan discusses the condition, reviews your history including any medical notes, explains the approach to working with your condition and will recommend an enrolment or may provide practice guidance and advice. Go to the Timetable drop down box at the top of the page and click on Appointments. From there simply follow the instructions on how to make a booking. A Private Consultation is required prior to attending the Yoga Therapy class.