How do you pronounce Maitri?

Maitri like 'my tree' or to rhyme with 'chai tea'. Listen to this recording here.

Where can I get a timetable of classes?

All the classes and events are listed on our calendar. Each month we put these in a pdf document which you can download and print (below). Last minute additions will be on the online calendar only.

I'm a beginner to yoga. What's a suitable class?

Any of the classes labelled beginners, general or mixed level are suitable. The most important is finding a teacher and a time that suit you, and encourage you to keep going with your practice! Really the only classes to avoid are those marked 'improvers' or 'intermediate'. If you're in any doubt, contact the class teacher directly. **Please always check the calendar**

How much is a class?

Classes cost different amounts according the length of class and experience of the teacher, and because the teachers are freelance and set their own prices. In general drop-in prices range from £6-10 and block booking £5-7.50. Check the page of the teacher whose class you wish to attend. Aerial yoga single pass is £13.50 as places are limited to just 8 per class but there are cheaper block booking options.

For Iyengar yoga there are Iyengar 10-class passes available for £80 (£65 concession) which are valid for three months from date of purchase, and a 6-class pass for £54 (valid 7 weeks). Drop-in is £10 (£7.50 concessionary).

Concessionary rates are to help people for whom money is a barrier to attendance. This may include, for example, full time students not earning, those on state pension only, people on full benefits or those with carer’s responsibilities and associated costs. Do speak to us if this affects you. Not all teachers may be able to offer concessionary rates.

Maitri Studio enrolment form

Please download, fill in and return the form linked below.

Do you sell yoga equipment and what are the prices?

Yes we do sell yoga equipment. We buy in from Yogamatters and sometimes other companies. We keep a small stock in the office. Speak to your teacher or Claire to purchase. You can get the latest prices in the attached document or at this link.

I want to do Pilates - what classes are there?

We have one teacher at the moment at Maitri Studio teaching Pilates. You need to contact them directly to book. Look up their instructor pages for more information:

- Aimee Sunday 10.30am (mat Pilates)

What is disabled access like at Maitri Studio?

We are tenants in the building and therefore many issues around disability access are beyond our control. If you have particular requirements for accessibility please contact us or your teacher before the class to check. We have done what we have been able to and show all of this in the linked document.

The ground floor is accessible for many people with a disability or disabilities. There is a ramp available if the step is not manageable. The ramp is 30.5" wide and has a gradient of 5" rise over 4'. There is a downstairs toilet with accessible fittings. The Sunflower room (downstairs) and the toilet have doors measuring 31" across. The toilet cubicle dimensions are 48" x 65". There are two banister rails on either side of the stairs for access to the upstairs rooms Maple, Lotus and Lily but no lift.

More details and photographs are available in the pdf. We can provide floor plans on request.

You can park immediately outside the studio if you have a blue badge on the single yellow line (restricted during office hours). There is no specific disabled parking bay. The dropped kerb is on the corner, not immediately in front of the studio entrance.

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat or other equipment?

It's up to you. We do have mats and other equipment here. Mats are wiped down with 70% alcohol solution after use. Other equipment is not sanitised or quarantined. If you feel more comfortable bringing your own then please do. We also sell mats at the studio - ask your teacher.

How do I use Tula Software to register for classes?

We are encouraging people on the Iyengar yoga single, 10- or 6-class passes and occasional course passes to register for the class they wish to attend, to avoid overbooking. We use a studio management system called Tula. Use the student portal to book passes and register for classes.

You can also de-register from a class if you find you can no longer attend for any reason.

At the moment we only use this system for the Iyengar classes with Claire, Maura, Annamarie and Eva and occasional workshops, but we may add more in future.

What should I wear?

In general for physical classes (yoga, pilates, dance etc) you should wear something comfortable and easy to move in, for example leggings or shorts with a t-shirt. It's good to have a warm top for the relaxation at the end.

Check for modesty to avoid embarrassment. Fashion leggings are often very thin and see-through when stretched...check in a mirror or ask a good friend! Men will often wear cycle or similar lycra shorts under looser fitting shorts.

Tracksuit trousers are fine but check they are not too long and you could trip over them (we've seen it happen)!

Do you teach pranayama or breathwork?

Most yoga teachers will include some level of pranayama (breath practices) in their regular classes. Occasionally there are specific workshops or classes on this which will be listed on the events page.

Alex Gabrysch teaches the Wim Hof Method which includes breathwork as a certified WHM facilitator, and Mike Ditchfield is trained in the Oxygen Advantage technique from Patrick McKeown. Clare Byrne offers Breath-Body-Mind (TM) tasters and courses. We sometimes have other breathwork facilitators using the studio for one-off workshops.

Is there a studio etiquette?

Yes, please read our welcome note below .

Do you have studio membership?

At the moment we do not have studio membership. This is because the teachers are freelance and rent rooms from Maitri Studio, then arrange their own classes, prices and booking. So you need to contact the individual teacher to book your class or event. You can read more about how we work in this article.

We do have a class pass system for Iyengar yoga, which is valid for classes with Claire, Maura and Eva.

Occasionally we host visiting teachers and will organise payment through us, but that will be made clear on the event description.

Where do I park? Which bus stops nearby?

There is free on-street parking on The Mount, Castlereagh St and nearby roads. During the day it can get busy as commuters also park here before walking into town, but there's usually somewhere. In the evenings and at weekends it's fine. The car park for The Mount Conference Centre is for people using their facilities only. The attached map shows the bus stops for Metro services 4, 5 and 6 which all stop nearby, and the Glider also stops almost outside the door.

What opportunities are there for meditation and mindfulness?

Check out mindfulness teachers Fiona or Veronica if you'd like to learn more about mindfulness and meditation in a course. Clare Byrne offers Breath-Body-Mind (TM) tasters and courses.

I have a health issue, what should I do?

You must notify your teacher of any health issue which may affect your ability to participate in class. If you buy passes through the Tula Software on the Maitri Studio website, you will be asked to sign up to the data agreement and health waiver automatically.

I want to practice at home - do you recommend online resources?

Firstly Claire still makes her Iyengar yoga classes available live on Zoom and you register in the usual way through the student tab.

There are so many online resources it is hard to know where to start. As most of us are Iyengar yogis we use the following:

> YogaVastu- online classes and articles about the principles behind the practice

> YogaSelection - online classes for all levels

> YogaJournal - covers many different styles of yoga with some good online videos and written explanations

> RoadsToBliss youtube channel - classes and interviews with Iyengar teachers around the world

Do you have classes in other languages?

We are lucky to have teachers offering classes in foreign languages.

Tomek is Polish and teaches on Tuesday 6.15pm in English but can translate.

Lucie is French so can teach in French if necessary. Mondays and some Tuesday evenings.

I'm visiting the studio for the first time - do you have information about Maitri Studio, the surrounding area and Belfast?

Yes, we have put together the document below with information about how to get to Belfast, to travel to Maitri Studio by public transport or taxi, and about accommodation and food options in the area - local restaurants and cafés. If there's anything else you need, give us a shout!

What is your policy on direct selling and/or network marketing?

What is your General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy?

You can download and read the policy below. We have an automatic data agreement and health waiver with all those buying classes passes through the Tula software on the Maitri Studio website or in class.

What is your policy on child safeguarding?

What is your policy on adult safeguarding?

What is your policy on fraud?

What is your policy on bribery?

What are your financial procedures?

What is your policy on equal opportunities?

What is your health & safety policy?

What is your freedom of information policy?

Do you have a risk assessment?

Do you have a photo consent form?

Do you have an accident report form?