Most frequently asked questions about Temple Bar Yoga
Yoga is a series of physical postures, breathing techniques and mental exercises, which tone the body, relax the mind, and refresh the spirit.
Bare feet and comfortable clothing that will stretch as you stretch. Expect to become very warm, and cool down during relaxation.
A sticky yoga mat, an empty stomach, and an open mind! People often bring a bottle of water to class, but traditionally you are not recommended to drink during practice. Hydrate before and after your yoga practice. If you do not have a yoga mat, we have really good studio mats which we rent at €1 per use. And because we really want to help you to get started in Temple Bar Yoga, first use is free!
Samadhi means ecstasy. It is the final goal of yoga and spiritual practice, where the individual self merges with the absolute. The ancient yogic text Hatha Yoga Pradipika states: The yogi in Samadhi is not devoured by time, is not bound by karma, is invulnerable to any weapon and unassailable by any person.
Temple Bar Yoga is Dublin’s premier yoga studios. Temple Bar Yoga was formerly known as Samadhi, and was opened in 2005 by Greg Walsh. Greg has been teaching yoga since 1999, and loves sharing the practice with anyone who is curious. Temple Bar Yoga is all about yoga, we are passionate about the practice. We offer small group classes with expert teachers. In Temple Bar Yoga we feel that yoga is not a fitness class, it is a subject to be learned, a philosophy to be studied, and a way of life to be enjoyed.
Temple Bar Yoga is based in the quiet end of Temple Bar, near Christchurch. It is on a pedestrian street and there is no parking on Cows Lane. There is some parking on nearby Fishamble Street, and on the north and south quays. There are many car parks in the area, the closest being Jury’s Inn Christchurch car park.
We do not have showers. We do not specialize in hot yoga, so showers are not needed for Temple Bar Yoga classes.
Beginners are always welcome in Temple Bar Yoga, and we have a few classes a week especially for them. Stiff people are also welcome. You do not need to be flexible to do yoga, you need to do yoga to get flexible!
You will be made really welcome in Temple Bar Yoga. We love new yogis joining us. We offer classes especially for beginners, so you will meet other like minded souls.
Yoga can certainly be challenging. Yoga is full of stretches which change the flexibility of muscles, and that can a times feel like “good pain”. However it is useful to remember, yoga is not competitive, it is not goal orientated, and you are in charge of how hard you work. You can take it easy in class, or work as hard as you feel is right for you on any given day.
Come 10 minutes before class. If you are running late please do still come, we will try to keep your spot, but to have the best experience it is best to be changed, settled, and ready before the class begins.
We sell a range of quality yoga mats, from reasonable to premium. If you cannot find the right mat in Temple Bar Yoga we can advise you on other mats available locally or online.
Your teacher will be one of Temple Bar Yoga’s expert yoga teachers, who have all been handpicked and screened by Greg, owner of Temple Bar Yoga.
If we are active we sometimes injure ourselves. The worst thing to do is to do nothing, so though you may need to modify your yoga practice, you can still have a really worthwhile experience. It is always important to tell your yoga teacher about any injury, and they can advise you on modifications.
Yes, we have a yard out the front where you can lock your bike. While bikes are left at owners risk, we are in a locked courtyard, and classes look out onto the courtyard, so bikes are really safe. Cycling to yoga is a great warmup!
Private classes can be arranged, should you want to work on a particular pose, get advice about how to work on your own yoga practice, or how to practice with an injury.
Email info@templebaryoga.ie for more information.
Yoga is for everyone. It is gender-neutral, and benefits all bodies!
In the 1960s and 1970s when yoga first hit Europe and the USA, women were the early adopters. However in more recent times men have been realizing the benefits of stretching. In fact many of today’s sports people swear by yoga to keep supple and injury-free while they train.
Yoga Studio Etiquette:
We want to make Temple Bar Yoga a real home from home for you; a place where you can come and feel an instant warm welcome. We have a strong sense of community in the studio and it is up to us all, teachers and students alike to keep the space beautiful and tidy for everyone. This is a practice of mindfulness, clear awareness and conscious living, so that everyone can benefit positively from our actions and thoughtfulness towards each other.
On arrival in Temple Bar Yoga:
- Please arrive 10 mins before the start time of a class/workshop. Punctuality shows great respect to your teacher and fellow students.
- Check-in, register and pay at the beginning of each class.
- Please store clothes and shoes neatly in the reception. Never leave clothes on the seated area by the window. Bring valuables with you into yoga studio and put neatly on the shelves.
- Personal hygiene is very important and make sure you always wear clean appropriate clothes that you can stretch in & that your mat is clean.
- We suggest you turn off all phones before entering the yoga room.
Getting ready for class:
- Inform your teacher of any injuries or illness so as they can best advise you how to manage that during class.
- Minimise conversation. Be aware that other classes may be going on in another room so lets keep the atmosphere quiet outside the door of an ongoing class.
- When getting changed be mindful that other people will be waiting to use the changing room too.
- Roll your mat out and relax or stretch and warm-up while you are waiting for class to begin.
- Try not to walk over another students mat. If you have any infections on your feet, keep them covered.
During Class:
- Feel free to ask the teacher any questions that you may have but keep them brief to stay within the flow of class.
- Be respectful of other student’s space, and aware of the space that you are occupying on your mat and around, if you use towels or props keep them neatly at the back of your mat.
After Class:
- Wipe down your mat with spray & towels provided, this is good to do with your own mat as well as one you may have hired.
- Return props and blankets very neatly to the prop zone.
- If it’s the last class of the evening please understand that the teacher may have had a long day and needs to tidy up and lock up.
What level of yoga is appropriate for you?
Level 1
This is the level for beginners/improvers If you have never tried yoga before you will fit right in, or if you working on your basic postures. If you are coming back to yoga after a break this is also a good reintroduction. Or perhaps you just want to go a little easy on your mat.
Level 2
This is for yoga students who have a basic proficiency, and a knowledge of the basic asanas (postures), but want to challenge themselves a little more than in a level 1 class. Beginner level postures will not be explained, as we presume that attendees have a grounding. These classes build on the level 1 classes.
Level 3
This is for intermediate to advanced students. A rough guide would be students with at least 2 years of practice on their mat. This is a rough guide, as we all progress at different levels. Sometimes people try to go straight to a level 3 class. Something we hear quite often is “I have never done yoga before, but I am very fit. Can I come straight to the advanced class?” It is not about fitness, or flexibility, it is about learning the techniques, the forms and the cues. If you are a beginner, start at the start, and enjoy the journey!
Level 4
Teachers and teacher trainees only class, held occasionally. These classes are very hard working but also a forum for teachers to discuss teaching.