Frequently asked questions

Tai Chi

What should I wear?

Its simple: wear comfortable clothing you can easily move in. It could be a tracksuit or yoga pants but it doesn't have to be. Something casual and relaxed is absolutely fine.

If its cold weather make sure you have layers to stay warm as the class is gentle with slow movements.

Choose shoes that are comfortable and flat, such as trainers, sandals or soft soled pumps.

Is this class suitable for beginners?

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is a very gentle style of Tai Chi that is practiced with deliberate slowness. As such it is very accessible for absolute beginners.

What is a typical class like?

The QiGong Shibashi form is very gentle, slow and flowing. We will stay in one place and don't move around the room.

Movement is never more than 70% of our maximum potential. When required a seated adaptation is available.

We will start with a simple warm up, learn/practice the individual moves before completing a full Shibashi set and finishing with a short closing movement.

What experience do I need to do this class?

No experience necessary. I will take the class through all the postures and positions for each movement. As the movements are slow, and repeated, there is plenty of time to watch and learn, and also don't worry if you don't get it right first, second or even third time. Its about progress, not perfection.

Do I need to bring anything?

No equipment required. Just bring yourself, and perhaps some water. In cold weather I recommend some warm layers.

I haven't exercised ever/for a long time, will this class be suitable for me?

Absolutely! The Shibashi style of Tai Chi is a perfect introduction/return to exercise.

In Shibashi we deliberately keep movements to 70% of our maximum, and each movement is practiced slowly and repeated, making it easy to pick up and accessible even if you feel really unfit, stiff or lack flexibility.

We stay in one place in the room, only ever moving one foot at a time, and you can also perform the movements seated if needed or preferred.

I have some physical limitations, will I be able to participate?

Yes, definitely. All movements can be adapted and modified as needed. Each person should perform the moment to 70% of their capacity, keeping it very gentle and accessible.

You can also participate seated if perfered or needed.

I would be happy to talk to you in advance or before the start of class (please arrive early in this case, to give us time to chat) regarding your specific requirements.

Zumba

What should I wear?

We're going to be moving, bouncing and getting hot and sweaty, so wicking gym wear is best. Such as leggings, shorts or yoga pants, with a light weight t-shirt or vest top.

Trainers are a must. No specific type is necessary, but ideally avoid weightlifting or running trainers as these can be too firm and won't provide you with sufficient cushioning.

What is a typical class like?

Energy levels are up in a Zumba class. A range of latin and world dance styles have been adapted to make exercising fun.

The class starts with a warm up to increase the tempo gradually, then we pick up the pace with a mix of rhythms and style, and finish with a cool down and stretch.

Typically Zumba is led through visual cues, no yelling instructor here.

Do I need to bring anything?

No equipment required. Just bring yourself, and perhaps some water and a towel. Its a good idea to have something warm to throw on afterwards, especially during cooler months, as you may suddenly cool down after you've stopped exercising.

What experience do I need to do this class?

No experience necessary. Just turn up and give it a go. I will visually cue the movements and you only need to give it your best shot to follow along.

Is this class suitable for beginners?

Yes for sure. I keep to the simpler choreography options and I don't go super-fast, making this an accessible class for Zumba newbies.

I haven't exercised ever/for a long time, will this class be suitable for me?

Absolutely! If you want to get fitter while having fun Zumba is an ideal option. No weights, no complicated movements, and no judgement.

Just turn up, give it a go, and hopefully you'll have fun, feel a bit puffed out and start to get fitter. If you come for a few weeks hopefully you'll start to notice you are finding it easier, and are less exhausted at the end. That doesn't mean I made the class easier, it means YOU are finding the class easier - hurrah!

Do I need to be good at dance/co-ordinated for this class?

No, absolutely not. While Zumba is dance-style fitness, it is not about learning precise moves and being judged Strictly style. Its intended to be fun and uses adapted versions of the styles to create a fitness workout that doesn't feel like a workout.

Not co-ordinated, not to worry - ideally head in the same direction as the rest of the class to avoid bumping into your neighbours, but if you can't figure out the steps, if your arms aren't where everyone else's seem to be or you feel like you might have two left feet no one will mind at all.

Booking, Payments etc.

Do I need to book in advance?

The simple answer: No. Drop in's welcome, it is useful if you can contact me to let me know you are attending for the first time, or if you can't make it if you are a regular attendee, but its not obligatory.

How do I use a class pack?

Once you have purchased I will keep a running record of your usage via my weekly class registration register. I will also issue you with a coffee shop loyalty card style class pack card, which I will sign off each time you redeem your class pack for attendance.

My class packs are not time limited, although I recommend using a class pack within one 'term' period.

How much do your classes cost?

Class prices are between £6 and £8 per class, dependent on your choice of payment option.

Pay as you go: £8 per class. The most flexible way to attend my classes.
Class pack: Pay in advance for a class pack and make savings on the individual class price. Choose from:

• Pack of 10 Classes £60 (£6 per class/Save 25%)

• Pack of 5 Classes £35 (£7 per class/Save 12.5%)

Do you offer refunds?

In general I do not offer refunds. Once you have committed to a PAYG in advance or class pack, your credit is there for you to use at a date and time of class that suits you. You may hold your class credits for future use, or if for some reason you will be unable to use them, I may be able to help you gift your unused balance to someone else.

In exceptional circumstances please talk to me about a refund.

How do I buy a class pack?

Buy in class with Cash or Card or via my SumUp store which you can reach through the book now button on my classes page, or here.

What happens in the event you need to cancel a class?

If I am unable to run a class for any reason I will notify everyone who usually attends that class, including but not limited to everyone who has pre-registered, by using the contact details provided.

My preferred method for communicating cancellations is WhatsApp and/or Email.

I will also put a notification on my facebook page and endeavour to put up signage at the venue for anyone who I have been unable to reach.

Due to my schedule and the venue availability I am unlikely to be able to reschedule, however I will honour all pre-paid bookings for an alternative venue or future class.

What payment options do you offer?

In person: I can take cash, card or Apple Pay/Google Pay at my classes.
Online: Via my SumUp store I can take card or Apple/Google pay.

Can I use class pack credits for any class?

The simple answer: Yes

Whether you want to only attend the same class every week, or you want to mix and match between venues or switch between Zumba and Tai Chi, one class pack covers them all.

Is there free parking at your venues?

With the exception of the Waterside Centre, all my venues have free onsite parking.

For the Waterside Centre the nearest public car park is Camp Hopsons, or also the Wharf Car Parks and Kennet Centre Car Park are close by. Pay and Display.

The Legal Stuff

Do I need to sign a waiver, and if so why?

I kindly ask for all participants to sign a waiver before taking part in my classes using a paper copy available to read and sign at all my classes.

The waiver is your commitment that you undertake the class at your own risk, any decisions you take about your fitness to undertake this exercise are your own. I will as far as possible take steps to ensure the class is undertaken safely.

By completing the waiver you agree that I am not liable if you do suffer any ill effect or accidental injury whilst participating in the class.

If you feel unable to sign the waiver unfortunately I will be unable to let you participate in my classes.

Are you first aid trained?

I hold an Emergency First Aid at Work Certification, because we never know when something unexpected might happen.

What is a PAR-Q and do I need to complete one?

A PAR-Q is a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. The purpose of the PAR-Q is to assess your readiness for physical activity and to provide me with information that may need to be taken into consideration for your safe participation in my classes. I therefore require all participants to please complete a PAR-Q, available at all my classes, before participating in your first class. If at a future date your medical or physical fitness changes in a way that would be relevant to your participation in classes I would kindly request that you inform me.

The PAR-Q is totally confidential and will be retained only by me. In the case of a medical emergency I may share any details with a responsible medical practitioner if relevant.

Completion of a PAR-Q does not mitigate or replace the WAIVER, ultimately you are responsible for your decision to participate in the fitness classes I provide. I will take reasonable steps to provide you with any recommended modifications or adjustments in consideration of any information you provide as part of your PAR-Q.

Please talk to me about any concerns, any new issues arising, or confidentially let me know about any condition that may impact your ability to participate, or require modifications to the class. Please scale back the moves and work within your own limits as needed. I will remind of available modifications during the classes.

Are you insured?

Yes, I have public liability insurance. I hope I never need it, but it's there in case of the unexpected.

What Tai Chi certification do you hold?

I have trained with the Tai Chi for Better Health CIC in the UK, who teach the Tai Chi QiGong Shibashi form of Tai Chi. I am currently certified to instruct Shibashi set one, and am undertaking further training for Shibashi set two. Tai Chi is an ongoing process of practice and learning.

What Zumba qualification do you hold and are you a Zumba registered instructor?

I have completed Zumba B1 instructor training and am a registered Zumba Instructor. I keep my registration up to date and will be completing refresher training as well as expanding my Zumba qualifications. As part of my ongoing training I am planning to become certified in Zumba Gold and CIRCL moility.

How do you store my data?

1. Keep Waiver/PAR-Q as a paper record only.

2. Add your name to my paper registration list for each class you attend, with a record of when you attend and your payment type.

3. Add your basic contact details (name, email address, mobile number) to my email system to enable me to contact you for weekly updates and for any class changes. You can choose to opt-out of this at any time.

4. Keep a spreadsheet record of basic contact details (Name, email address, mobile number, venue/classes regularly attended) and record when and how you purchase class packs to keep track of your credits.

If you inform me that you will no longer participate in my classes and wish to be removed, I will remove your details from all of my systems and destroy your Waiver/PAR-Q.

Ask a Question

If you have a question about my classes that you can't find an answer for here, please drop me a note and I will get back to you as soon as possible.