I’m new to yoga, what’s the best class for me?

At some yoga studios you will see classes labeled as “beginner,” “intermediate,” and “advanced.” At Yoga 8 we have a different approach. We prefer all classes to be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level. The reason for this is that we often don’t know what we are capable of. For example, some people are naturally more flexible than others. So, should we make that person do a beginner’s class? Not necessarily.

So what we do instead is teach with variations. Having more than one variation in a given yoga pose means that everyone can work to their own limit. It’s safe and it allows you to progress as you gain more understanding of the techniques, more flexibility, and improved cardio-vascular fitness. You also get to see how more experienced students might approach a posture as inspiration for your own practice.

If you’re still unsure of where to start then head over to our home page where all of our class styles are explained. There you will see descriptions of each class that include a section on “level of intensity.” We find this to be a better guide for choosing what you want to start with. So, choose from something more relaxed (eg, Yin Yoga), something more dynamic and moving (eg, Hatha Flow) or something slower but more intense (eg, Bikram Yoga), or anything in between.

What’s the best pass or membership for me?

We have a wide range of yoga styles to choose from. If you are a first time student at Yoga 8 we recommend our Intro Month Pass. It gives you unlimited classes for your first 30 days so that you have ample opportunity to try everything and see which styles of yoga work best for you. Click here to head to our Buy Passes page to purchase your Intro Month Pass.

For other pass options it really depends on how often you plan to practice. For us, yoga is an everyday re-boot. If you feel the same then take up our pay as you go Weekly Membership or purchase a one-off 12 Month Pass (our best value pass). Both of these give you unlimited classes with an option to suspend if you’re away. Click here to go to the Buy Passes page to see more.

For occasional visitors we have drop in Casual Class passes (pay for each class as you go), as well as Class Pass Packs. Class Pass Packs have a one year expiry so that you can buy in bulk and save, but still have plenty of time to use the whole pack. You can see Class Pack and Casual Pass options here.

Do I need to book or can I just walk in?

Whilst we would love to offer a “walk-in” service we now only accept online class bookings. To book and manage your classes download our free App (click the banner head at the top of this page to go the App store) or click here to book direct via the Class Schedule page. An online booking ensures that you have a place in class as we have limits on the number of people we can accommodate in each session. If it’s your first visit please create an account and purchase a pass prior to coming. Thank you for understanding.

What happens if I don’t show up for class or am late? Am I charged?

Because we have limits on how many people can attend each class you will be charged a fee if you don’t show up to a booked class, or if you cancel a class within four hours of the scheduled class start time. The current charge is $10 and is debited automatically regardless of circumstance. We call this our “fair play” policy as it ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to both book and attend classes. Without this policy too many people don’t show up meaning others miss out. The “no-show” and “late-cancelation” fees are further outlined in our Terms and Conditions (click the link and scroll down to “Terms and Conditions”) and all clients sign off on these when they purchase their pass / membership.

These fees are completely within the control of the person booking the class, so we advise don’t book unless you know you can make it to class and on time. Our studio door closes right at class start time, with no access available after. That means if you are late your will be charged for a “no-show.”

Where is the studio located?

We are located upstairs at 238 High Street, Windsor, VIC 3181. We are just up from Chapel Street, opposite Mount Street (see map at bottom of this page). We might look small from the outside - just a front door and sign, but we are MIGHTY on the inside - 3 studio practice rooms, full bathrooms and more. Please note that we don’t have a landline, so email us if you need anything.

For security our street-front door is closed during and between classes. You can access classes during the check-in window which begins 15 minutes prior to the start of each class. Unfortunately if you are late there is no access to class.

What about parking and transport?

There is lots of free parking on High Street and surrounding streets. Parking ranges from 1 hour to 2 hours, to all day. We recommend come early to your first class if you are driving so that you can scope out the options and find what is appropriate for you. Parking availability does vary depending on time of day and day of week, though it’s rare not to be able to find a free park. Please do be aware of the Clearways (tow away zones) on High Street. High Street, in-bound is a clearway from 7.00am to 9.00am. High Street, out-bound is a clearway in the evenings (4.00pm to 6.30pm). Please also check any other street signs when you park as zones and times can change without notice.

If you are arriving on Public Transport then check for trams that run up High Street as there is a stop just opposite our studio (Bangs Street). Chapel Street is a two minute walk, so any trams that run on Chapel Street are a great option. For train travel get off at either Prahran Station or Windsor Station. Each are roughly a 5-7 minute walk to Yoga 8.

Do you have bathrooms?

We have full bathroom facilities including showers, and we hire towels if you don’t want to bring your own. With full bathrooms you can get your yoga fix on the way to and from work so you can skip the traffic jams. Mat hire is also available, or bring your own!

Are all the classes heated?

Yes. Hot Yoga is in our DNA. There are many benefits associated with heated classes, not least including helping us get through those Melbourne winters! Here’s a few benefits of hot yoga:

• Promotes sweating, which assists in detoxification (through our largest organ - our skin).

• When we stretch, fat has nowhere to sit, so it is redistributed back into the bloodstream, to then be reused for energy.

• Speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.

• Heat allows the fascia to “open up” giving the body a greater range of motion in the joints, thereby increasing flexibility.    

• Capillaries respond to heat by dilating. This allows more oxygen to the muscles, tissues, glands and organs.

Don’t forget you can hire towels at the studio and we have full bathroom facilities with showers if you want to freshen up after class.

What should I bring/wear to class?

You will need:

• yoga clothes - something to move, stretch and sweat in (wear them to the studio or change in our bathrooms when you arrive)

• a drink bottle - it’s hot yoga, so water is a good idea (note, we have free filtered water at the studio and we also sell coconut water and hydrolite sachets)

• a full size towel - not necessary for most classes but a must for Bikram (you can’t practice without one) - hire towels available or bring your own

• a good quality yoga mat (nothing ruins your practice more than a mat that flips, flops and slides around) - we hire mats if you don’t want to bring you own

What you don’t have to bring:

• We have a huge range of yoga props that are used from time to time in certain class styles including yoga blocks of various types and sizes, bolsters, blankets, straps and sandbags - free use of props is included in your pass / membership fees

Do’s and Don’ts?

• Do please remove your shoes as you enter and leave. There are benches in our main hallway with space to store your shoes.

• Please don't take personal belongings into the class (eg mobile phone). You can leave them in the lockers or in the changing room (the studio front door is closed during class for extra security). We recommend leaving valuables at home as we take no responsibility for any loss of personal items.

• Do please be respectful of other students and teachers. Yoga is a safe space and haven for all and our teachers always do their best to make your experience a great one.

• Do be prepared to stay in the yoga room for the entire class. We don’t have full time reception and our teacher can’t leave class to check on you. If you are feeling tired just rest on your mat and either join back in when you are ready, or relax until the end of class. Of course you can take a bathroom break if nature calls. Just let the teacher know so they don’t worry about you.

• Please do refrain from chatting once you have entered the yoga room. Students are preparing for class, winding down, or meditating. You can chat outside in our public areas no problem so that we can preserve the quiet sanctity of the studio practice rooms.

• After class please do leave the practice room quietly so that those remaining in meditation or rest aren’t disturbed.

• Body odour. Please be mindful that, just like loud chatter, strong body odour can be a disturbance in class. You’re welcome to shower at the studio prior or after class (towels for hire if you don’t want to bring your own).

Our friendly teachers will be happy to answer any further etiquette questions before or after your class if you’re unsure.

I have an injury. Can I still practice yoga?

We ALWAYS recommend to first check with your doctor to ensure that your particular injury / condition will not be worsened by practising. If your medical professional gives you the all clear please come along to a class. You can discuss your injury with the teacher prior to practicing and they will recommend any posture modifications you might need. With these precautions, yoga practice may greatly improve and even help heal injuries.

Remember also to not push your body through any posture that is causing pain (a little discomfort is normal and to be expected when practising) but pain is your body telling you to stop and rest.

Finally, not all yoga styles are vigorous, and some movement is better than no movement at all. For that reason we highly recommend Yin Yoga as a way to keep (or regain) your mobility if you are injured, or even just feeling stiff and sore. Feel free to email us if you’d like to know more about how Yin Yoga can help you or check out our Blog article.