Collective Rest

FAQs

• Who is this class designed for?

  I designed this online relaxation class specifically to suit both very active people and those with low energy, anxiety, chronic pain or illness.

  I have a good understanding of adapting yoga to meet the needs of a wide range of people.

  I have lived with myalgic encephalomyelitis also known as ME/CFS, since 1993 after a flu like illness in my first year of high school. Before that I had already started yoga when I was in primary school and a very active healthy kid.

  
  I encourage you to only do one repeat or a short hold if that is what your body needs or while you are getting used to the whole class.

  The class can be done lying on the floor or in bed, All the movement is done lying down.

  I do demonstrate some of it sitting so you can more easily see what I am doing.

  It begins with a simple breath observation practice before I guide you through very simple movements for half an hour focusing on gently mobilising each part of the body in turn.

  And finishes with guided meditation and yoga nidra

  
  
  
  

• I can't manage half an hour of movement. How can I safely participate?

  In your first class do less than you think you can manage.

  Make the movements smaller, even to the point where it barely looks like you are moving if needed.

  Do one repeat then rest rather than the handful of repeats. This may be something like turning your head to the right then left, or circling your rest once in each direction.

  If a movement asks you to hold a position, rest back in a neutral position quickly instead of holding.

  Stop and rest once we get to leg and hip movements that ask you to lift your legs off the floor.

  Preview typical movements in the recordings of previous video calls. The video descriptions have clickable links to jump to the movement or other sections of the class.

  I demonstrate some movements seated so they are easier to see but they are meant to be done lying down. https://youtube.com/@clairehuntley

• I am very flexible or hypermobile. Will this class suit me?

  If you are hypermobile or very flexible it is important to consult a physiotherapist or other relavent health professional before beginning a new movement practice so they can guide you on how to safely use your body.

  The general guidance is to focus on muscle engagement and keeping the movements smaller. This helps to keep your joints supported and prevent hyperextension.

  The movement in this class focuses on mobilising each part of the body rather than focusing on stretching.

  Please skip or modify any movements that don't sit right with your body.

  You can find recordings of previous video call classes on my YouTube. These will to give you an idea of the kind of movements included.

  Reach out with any questions or to discuss any concerns.

• One hour feels a long time, any tips to make it feel more managable?

  Some people choose to do the first half of the class lying on the floor and then move to their bed for the guided meditation and yoga nidra.

  Another option is to leave the call after the movement and watch the rest on the recording another time.

  The movement section is about half an hour. The last approx 10 minutes include some movements that require leg movement which use more energy. You could plan to rest through some or all of those movements the first class you try.

• I can't look at a screen for a whole hour. Will this class work not watching all the time?

  You are encouraged to have your eyes closed or a soft gaze for the breathing, meditation and yoga nidra parts of the class.

  The movements should make sense just from listening and the occasional glance at the screen, especially after your first class.

• I get cold easily. Do you have some tips to make the class more cozy?

  Some people choose to do the first half of the class lying on the floor and then move to their bed for the guided meditation and yoga nidra.

  You can have a blanket over you and adjust it to allow the different movements.

  Have a hot water bottle or heating pad during the movement or to grab for the relaxation.

• What should I wear?

  Wear comfy clothes e.g. Pjs, trackies/joggers, leggings.

  No need to buy a “yoga outfit” or new exercise clothes.

• Do I need a yoga mat or can I lay in bed?

  You can lay on the floor or bed.

  Before your first class, play around with your setup.

  You dont need a yoga mat, just make sure you are comfortable and have space to move.

  You can watch a previous class recording to get an idea. I demonstrate some movements sitting so you can see me better but they are more relaxing lying down

  Which room?

  This may depend on your energy, room temperature, season, or who else is home.

  Where in the room can you comfortably lay down?

  Maybe on the floor, bed, or couch.

  You may like to move from the floor to bed for the relaxation after the movement.

• Do I need a Google account to join a Google Meet videocall?

  No

  Open the email with the meeting link > click the meeting link.

  Enter your name and click Ask to join.

  When someone in the meeting gives you access, you’ll join it.

• Is there a virtual waiting room?

  Yes. You will wait there until the time the call is set to start- 1:30p.m.

  It isn't a group waiting room, it will be just you.

  This will help you to relax while you wait knowing you won't be unexpectedly on the call.

• Why should I get setup 15 minutes early?

  Setting up the screen and logging on can sometimes take longer than you expect.

  Once you are all ready you can lay in your yoga spot and rest.

  This ensures you get even more out of the class and aren't rushing and feeling flustered.

  Your body has time to settle after the exertion of doing all the little steps to get ready.

  You start off in a more relaxed physical and mental state.

• Do I need my camera on?

  No, most people keep their camera off.

  Please get in touch with any questions before your first class or speak up and ask at the start of the call.

  I had thought people may want to turn their cameras on and "meet" each other at the start of the call but I haven't introduced that as it feels smoother to start the class promptly instead.

• How does the video call end?

  I usually finish guiding the class at 2:25pm by quietly thanking everyone for joining live or on the recording, This is where the recording ends. The call continues till 2:30

  I encourage students to keep resting after 2:25 and many have a long rest after the call, some even fall asleep and miss the end of the class.

  The video call automatically ends at 2:30 as I use the free version that limits the call to one hour.

• Can I ask questions at the end of class?

  The call automatically ends at 2:30.

  You are welcome to ask questions after I thank everyone for joining. I do encourage students to continue resting at this time so be aware of this.

  You can also message or email me and if you would like we can also organise a call to go over any questions or feedback.

• How can I stop adds on YouTube when I watch the recording?

  Watch my yoga videos on YouTube with adds automatically blocked by watching via the free Brave browser app from your app store.

  A desktop Brave app is available via the Brave website https://brave.com/

  *Safari, Chrome and Edge are Browsers you will be more familiar with.

  Once you have the Brave browser search "YouTube Claire Huntley"

  Or type https://youtube.com/@clairehuntley in the Brave address bar