FAQ

WHICH CLASS?

We recommend trying out the Core Flow and Hot Fusion classes if you are new to yoga, which allow you to build a strong foundation for your practice. Our Equal Yin classes are suitable for all levels as well. 

Not sure which class you want to book? Let the following chart guide you: 💚💙

equal yoga

WHAT IS YIN YOGA?

Yin Yoga is a slow-paced approach practice where poses are held for a longer period of time in a relaxed way, up to 5 minutes or more. The practice requires little muscle engagement, which helps develop physical relaxation and flexibility. The real challenge of Yin Yoga lies in the ability to remain still and stay mindful and present with what comes up during the poses.

Yin Yoga is a method that teaches you to let go and surrender, to slow down and stop identifying with the streams of thoughts and emotions, cultivating a deeper state of relaxation. 

WHAT TO WEAR

As you will be likely to sweat (a lot!), wear clothing that does not limit your range of motion. Opt for breathable fabrics, especially for our Hot Fusion or Barre classes. For a post-practice cooldown or our Yin classes, consider wearing a light cardigan if needed. Think T-shirts, singlets, shorts, yoga leggings, any outfit that you would wear going for a run on a hot day. 

Choose what makes you comfortable and confident during your practice! 💚

WHAT TO BRING

When coming to class, it's advisable to bring a few essentials. The heat will make you dripping with sweat so bring your own mat and towel or anti-slip yoga towel. You can also borrow a mat and rent a towel for €2,50. 

Additionally, consider bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your practice. It's best to take small sips rather than full drinks during resting moments or whenever you feel the need, to maintain comfort and focus. 

📵 We love detoxing from phones, so please keep your phone, smartwatch or any device in your locker during class! 

ARRIVE EARLY

We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to allow for a smooth check-in, settling in, and preparing yourself for the practice without unnecessary waiting. Please refrain from arriving more than 15 minutes before the session starts or after the class has started as we would like to ensure our students a calm and uninterrupted practice. 

EAT BEFOREHAND

It's advisable to have a light meal or snack at least an hour or two before class. Opt for easily digestible foods and avoid heavy or large meals immediately before to prevent discomfort during your practice. We have a small selection of energy bars at the front desk if you need some extra fuel. 💪🏽

STAY HYDRATED

Hydration is important. Please remember to drink enough water before, during (small sips), and after class. Avoid excessive drinking to prevent discomfort during class.

You can bring your own bottle. Forgot your own water bottle? We have cold bottled water and delicious coconut water for purchase at our Front Desk. Glasses are unfortunately not allowed in our studios.

STUDIO POLICY

Once a class has started, you will not be allowed to enter the studio to maintain a calm and relaxing environment for the students attending class.

Our teachers reserve the right to deny class entrance for any reason. We also love detoxing from phones, so please keep your phone, smartwatch or any device in your locker during class!

EQUAL YOGA APP

We have our own Equal Yoga App available in the App Store and Google Play!

This app is perfect for class bookings, schedule updates and keeping tabs on the classes you have attended. 

equal yoga
Equal Yoga App Store

HOW TO REFER A FRIEND

Referring a friend is easy and rewarding! Just follow these steps: 

  • 1. Log in to your account on our website or app.
  • 2. Go to My Account - My Info - "Refer a Friend" section.
  • 3. Generate your unique referral link.
  • 4. Share the link with your friend.
  • 5. When your friend signs up using your link & follows a class, a free class will automatically added to your account!

Spread the yoga love and let's grow our community together! 👯🏽

BOOK ONLINE

New to Equal? Welcome! 💚- Before you can book a class, you must have a valid class card or unlimited membership. Click here for a full overview of our memberships. Choose which membership or class card you want and follow the on-screen guidance. Please note, that after purchasing your class card, you still need to book your preferred class before visiting our studio. Classes can be booked 14 days in advance. 

Already a member? - Click here to book your class! 

JOINING THE WAITING LIST WHEN CLASS IS FULLY BOOKED

If your preferred class is full, you can add yourself to the waiting list through your account. Up until 2 hours before class, when a space becomes available, you'll automatically be added to the class and receive a booking confirmation email. If you add yourself to the waitlist less than 2 hours before class, if a spot becomes available we’ll get in touch with you via email with a booking link to book your spot! First come first served!

CANCELLATION OF BOOKED CLASS

We have two different types of cancellations: 

Please remember that, in order to cancel, you must remove yourself from the class list through your account. 

Early Cancels – If you cancel more than 2 hours before the start of class no fee is applied. This allows for waitlist students to be added to the class.

Late Cancels/No Show – If you cancel within 2 hours before the class starts (Late cancel) or don't show up for class while having booked a spot (No Show), as an unlimited member you will receive a 5 euro fee. For OneFit and ClassPass members, you will lose a class. To resolve any disputes regarding late cancels/no shows for OneFit and ClassPass members, we kindly ask you to get in touch with OneFit and ClassPass. 

PRACTICING WITH INJURIES

It certainly depends on the injury. We advise you to consult your GP or physiotherapist before booking a class, as we are not allowed to give medical advice. 

If you decide to join our class (let's go!), please notify your teacher before class, so we can discuss any possible modifications if necessary. 

PRACTICING DURING/AFTER PREGNANCY

Please consult your obstetrician beforehand, as we are not allowed to give any medical advice.

While more obstetricians recommend yoga during pregnancy (which is great!) as a general rule of thumb it is not recommended to start anything brand new during pregnancy. If you already have a steady and strong practice you could likely enjoy your practice throughout your pregnancy, if you've never done yoga starting a hot power yoga practice might not be the best time. After your pregnancy in general you can slowly start to build up, but listening to your body and consulting a specialist or a doctor if you have doubts are the best way to go. 

If you would like to book a class, please let your teacher know if you desire any possible modifications during class. 

CANCELLING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

We're sorry to see you leave! To cancel your membership, please send us an email to info@equalyoga. Please note, you can cancel anytime but please do so at least 10 days before your membership is automatically renewed (date of the month in which your membership initially started). 

Remember, our studio doors are always open, so feel free to drop by anytime to continue your practice.💚

FREEZING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

At Equal, we're generally flexible and we have a number of options to suit everyone. Memberships can be frozen for a maximum of 2 times per year for a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 4 weeks.

If you would like to freeze your membership, please send a request to info@equalyoga.com. The email must contain the email address attached to your membership, how long you would like to freeze and a reason why you would like to freeze your membership.   

OFF-PEAK MEMBERSHIPS

Our Off-Peak Membership, exclusive to Amsterdam, offers a cost-effective option for classes during the following hours:

On weekdays: 10h00-17h00 
On weekends: After 11h30

MEMBERSHIP EXPIRATION DATE

Any of the purchased classes expire after 1 year. Please note that a 1-Year Unlimited Membership or Intro-to-Equal card starts on the day of your first booked and attended class. Monthly Unlimited Yoga Memberships start on the day of purchase and are renewed automatically every month. 

SETTING UP YOUR AT HOME PRACTICE

Even though we agree that there's nothing like the warm, calming studio space at Equal, we do want to encourage you to practice! Even if that means practising from home. Underneath are some tips on how to make the most of it:

1. Get a mat and a block You don't need much for your at-home practice. All you need is a good-quality mat. We love the anti-slip yoga mats by Ecoyogi that are used in our studios because they have good grip. We also recommend buying a yoga block, not just for modifications but as a really useful tool to help move your body into a pose.

2. Create your space, If possible, try to find a space in your home dedicated to your movement practice. A space you have enough room to stretch without bumping into anything. Make it your own- warm and inviting plus feel free to add anything that might help you focus, inviting connect with your body and mind. Some people like to add candles, incense, warm lighting or even an inspiring quote.

3. Plan ahead and decide on what time works best for you and commit to it. Try to make a weekly plan and stick to it. Some days you'll feel more motivated than others. Try to prepare as much as you can in advance. From booking your classes to preparing your space the night before. Even your workout clothes and post-workout snacks. Once you get into the flow, you'll feel lost if you miss a practice. Remember that not every practice has to be 60 minutes. A short 10 or 20-minute practice can give you just as much energy to fuel your day.

4. Make it fun and step off your mat with a smile. Introduce playlists, and try a new class or type of workout. Invite a friend for the extra motivation or try a practice outdoors. Keep challenging yourself to grow. Because good things come to those who sweat.

FOR WHOM IS OUR TEACHER TRAINING?

We warmly welcome dedicated yoga practitioners with at least 1 year of yin yoga experience and/or equivalent knowledge and training. We require our students to have a strong desire to learn and explore the modern teachings of yin yoga. 

Since all sessions and training materials are in English, we expect you to have a good understanding of the English language. 

The Equal Yin teacher training is designed as an intensive course; it is a great way to immerse yourself within the span of a 4-month period. This helps to enrich a transformational experience for your body and mind. This also means that we ask you to work hard and be dedicated in these months to explore and create awareness of who you are. Committing yourself to this course is an intense experience with self-study, regular yin yoga practice, will help to get you out of your comfort zone and can be highly transformative. 

FOR WHOM IS THE YIN TEACHER TRAINING?

This Yin Yoga Teacher Training is based on the ‘Paul Grilley Method’ and is for anyone who is interested in becoming a yin yoga teacher or desires to enrich, enhance and deepen their knowledge and own personal yin practice. You will learn the ability to translate the anatomical ‘science’ into a personalized and safe practice for yourself and others. 

- Learning to connect with your heart, your inner wisdom which tells you exactly how to use yoga to dissolve blockages and trigger transformations. –

Because of the great understanding of the human body (anatomy and skeletal variations) that you gain, this training is also very relevant for people who want to exercise injury-free beyond the scope of yoga. Because you understand how to move your body in the best way, which is beneficial for you as a unique individual.

We always advise you to join one of the introduction sessions at Equal Yoga or participate in a yin class with one of the teachers. It is important that you feel a connection with the teacher(s) and the studio. 

WHY IS THE YIN TEACHER TRANING 100H INSTEAD OF 200H?

This is part 1 of a 200-hour yin training program, that focuses more on the physical part of yin yoga (movements, skeleton and muscles). Part I steps up to part II, which will dive deep into the energetic body. The second part focuses on the energetic, emotional and healing aspects (meridians, chi, organs & emotions) of Yin yoga, and allows you to teach and adjust all 35 Yin asanas in a safe and profound way.

In Part II the focus is on spiritual development and personal growth. You will learn more about the chakras, meridians, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophy and how this can benefit your practice and daily life.

WHAT STYLE OF YOGA IS TAUGHT AT THE TEACHER TRAINING?

The Equal 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is a vinyasa yoga-based program, however, the tools gained will be transferable to many styles of yoga, including Hot Power Yoga. 

Vinyasa Flow is a style of yoga characterized by linking movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. A vinyasa yoga class is characterized by a continuous flow of poses and can be paced moderately to vigorously depending on the level of the class.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE TEACHER TRAINING?

Our 200-hour training does much more than deepen your yoga practice and help you develop as a teacher; it is a program intended to inspire transformation in your life. Through the study of asana, mindfulness, lifestyle philosophy, positive psychology, anatomy and beyond, watch the changes unfold on and off your mat! 

WHAT WE ASK FROM YOU FOR THE TEACHER TRAINING

We require our students to have a consistent, dedicated yoga practice and a strong desire to learn and explore the modern teachings of yoga. We expect you can manage a 1.5-hour vigorous vinyasa yoga-based practice. We want to make sure that trainees have a basic foundation in the primary yoga postures before learning how to teach. You have a good understanding of the English language. 

The Equal Teacher Training is designed as an intensive course; it is a great way to immerse yourself within the span of a 5-month period. This helps to enrich a transformational experience for your body and mind. This also means that we ask you to work hard and be dedicated in these months to explore and create awareness of who you are. Committing yourself to this course is an intense experience with self-study, regular yoga practice, will help to get you out of your comfort zone and can be highly transformative. 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE TEACHER TRAINING?

  • - A wide variation of yin yoga classes to deepen and inspire your own practice
  • - Learn to ‘see’ bodies, understand why some people need a different approach
  • - Opportunities to teach, adjust and observe
  • - Practical & down-to-earth information to apply as a teacher
  • - Learn to sequence a safe and personalized class for all kinds of students
  • - Explore your breath and learn how to teach pranayama, to deepen or enhance the yin practice
  • - Learn how to adjust, work with props and assist students in any way that is necessary
  • - Learn to observe without reacting and being nonjudgmental, using meditation practices.
  • - Dive into an inner journey; spiritual and personal growth to become a connected teacher and human being

WHAT IS THE TEACHTER TRAINING APPLICATION PROCESS?

Please send an email to tt@equalyoga.com to request an enrolment form. After submitting your enrolment form, we will inform you of your acceptance within 48 hours. After receiving your acceptance, please follow the payment instructions of the Financial Agreement. We will follow up within 48 hours of receiving your payment with your training welcome materials!

Your tuition fee is due upon enrolment to reserve your spot. Your payment is due in full by the early registration date in order to receive the discounted rate. Full payment is required 2 weeks before the start of the program.

TEACHER TRAINING CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY

Cancellation/Refund policy:

  • Cancel 31 days or more prior to the start of the training: Refund of 100% of the Training Tuition Fee minus EUR 150 Administration Fee
  • Cancel 21-31 days prior to the start of the training: Refund of 50% of the Training Tuition Fee.
  • Cancel 15-20 days prior to the start of the training: Refund of 25% of the Training Tuition Fee.
  • Cancel 1-14 days prior to the start of the training, or after the course begins: No refunds.

    WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE OF THE TEACHER TRAINING LIKE?

    The following schedule is a suggestion of what your daily schedule would look like when following the Teacher Training:

    • 8.00–8:30 ->  Meditation
    • 8:30–10:30 -> Lecture
    • 10:30–12.30 -> Lecture 2 
    • 12.30 – 13.30 -> Lunchbreak
    • 13.30 – 15.00 -> Posture Lab
    • 15.00 – 16.30 -> Teaching Practice
    • 16.30 – 18.00 -> Yoga Practice

    HOW MUCH TIME A WEEK SHOULD I DEDICATE TO TEACHER TRAINING HOMEWORK?

    Homework activities will help you to digest and explore yoga from all sides. Expect to do 4 hours (100h Teacher Training) and 5-8 hours (200h Teacher Training) a week on reading, writing, and practice teaching. The homework is designed to support the material covered in class and help you integrate what is presented into your own practice and teaching.

    This training has been created in such a way that it gives you frequent training weekends, but also time to digest the things you learned. In between every training weekend, you’ll have three or four weeks to practice what you’ve learned and study for the upcoming weekend.

    WHAT IF I MISS A DAY OF THE TEACHER TRAINING?

    We require that you complete all 100 hours of Teacher Training or 200 hours of Teacher training. However, we understand that sometimes conflicts come up, and we have developed the make-up policy that is listed in the Study Guide.

    Please note that you can miss a maximum of 15 training hours (1.5 days)- 100h Teacher Training or 24 training hours (3 days)- 200h Teacher Training. You will have one year from the last day of your program to complete your attendance requirements. The missed class protocol will be provided in the Study Guide. 

    WHAT ARE THE TEACHER TRAINING GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS?

    In order to graduate the teacher training, you must fulfil the following requirements:

    • Attendance of in-class teacher training sessions
    • Successful completion of all homework, assignments and final written exam
    • Participation in a final in-class practice teaching practicum
    • No more than 1.5 days, 15 hours (100h program) / 3 days, 24 hours (200h program) of absence during the training.

    SUGGESTED READINGS FOR TEACHER TRAINING

    Our in-depth and highly informative Teacher Training Manual will be handed to you on day 1 and is included in the price of the training. Other required reading: 

    • - Yin Yoga: Principles and Practice – 10th Anniversary Edition | Paul Grilley
    • - The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga | Bernie Clark
    • - The Key Muscles of Yoga | Ray Long
    • - Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice | Deborah Adele

    Optional additions/recommendations:

    • - Your Body, Your Yoga, Learn Alignment Cues That Are Skillful, Safe, and Best
      Suited to You | Bernie Clark
    • - The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice | T. K. V. Desikachar

    Happy reading! 💙

    IS THE TEACHER TRAINING YOGA ALLIANCE CERTIFIED?

    We have made the decision to not extend our registration with Yoga Alliance. It is our belief that by creating our own training program we can better fuel future instructors with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the kind of confidence that comes from joining a thorough education. The Yoga Alliance requirements limited us in having multiple excellent skilled teachers teaching their individual expertise and knowledge on several disciplines of yoga. 

    We will continue to train students in a manner that honours science, integrity, compassion and growth, without having to follow strict standard guidelines, but will still prepare and qualify you to teach all levels of practitioners after completion of our program. 

    CAN YOU TEACH YOGA WITHOUT A YOGA ALLIANCE CERTIFICATION?

    Yes, absolutely! The benefits of joining a teacher training program (with or without a Yoga Alliance registration) are gaining proficiency and an awareness how to teach. Completing a yoga teacher program builds integrity and trust with those you are teaching and you increase your confidence in front of classes.

    Being Yoga Alliance certified is not a legal requirement for teaching yoga. Currently, there are no legal certification requirements to be a yoga teacher. 

    IS IT MANDATORY TO BECOME A TEACHER AFTER THE TEACHER TRAINING?

    The teacher training is suitable for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the anatomical aspects of yoga and improve their own practice! Because of the deep understanding of the human body (anatomy and skeletal variations) that you gain, this training is also very relevant for people who want to exercise injury-free beyond the scope of yoga. It's also great for students who simply want to have a transformational experience and to be a part of our Equal Yoga Community. 

    WILL I BE QUALIFIED TO TEACH YOGA AFTER COMPLETING THE TEACHER TRAINING?

    Yes! Successfully completing the 100h/200h program gives you the opportunity to teach, adjust and practice yin yoga in safe and inspiring way. From day 1 our faculty will guide you in deepening your practice and encourage your skills to become a confident and creative teacher.

    However, if this is your first yoga training and by completing the 100h program you will notice that there’s so much more to learn that does not fit into 100 hours of training. Therefore you can consider this training as a strong foundation to build further on and we highly recommend following part II.

    HIRING PROCESS AT EQUAL AFTER COMPLETING TEACHER TRAINING

    Equal Yoga offers the graduates of the Teacher Training the opportunity to teach community classes. Teaching these classes is a great opportunity to explore your teaching skills.

    Please note that actually working at Equal Yoga, or at any studio, is not only a matter of completing a training, but of the right teaching fit for that studio as well as the availability of openings on the schedule. We can unfortunately not guarantee for you to be hired. Equal Yoga seeks a diverse, committed, and well-trained faculty who uphold our high standard of quality for safe, effective and accessible teaching in the field of yoga.

    GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

    Our General Terms and Conditions can be found here

    TERMS AND CONDITIONS TEACHER TRAINING

    An overview of the Terms and Conditions of the Teacher Training can be found here