yoga & billing faq

             what you can expect 

YOGA QUESTIONS

The basics of what to expect 

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

cancelation, billing & missed classes POLICieS
YOGA RELATED QUESTIONS 

 This section covers everything from what to eat and wear, how to get the best results, who Michelle draws from for inspiration and why she wont teach drop in. A great place to get familiar with the Yoga basics. 

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What is Yoga?

Yoga is very difficult to define as it means many different things to different people. To me yoga brings balance and inspiration to me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga is a Sanskrit word most commonly translated to yoke, bind or union. To me it is the union of breath, body and mind and when we find this union life becomes easier. We are healthier, happier, and we learn how to prioritize which brings contentment.

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Who have your main influences been?

Acharya Venkatesh, Mysore India… Introduced me to the stillness of the mind, true yoga.
www.atmavikasayoga.com

Elisabeth Peckham, Victoria BC… inspires me to be the best student/teacher I can be
maryelizabethpeckham@hotmail.com

Shirley Daventry– French, Victoria BC… helps me find stability in my mobility
www.iyengaryogacentre.ca

Dharma Mittra, NYC, NY…reminds me to explore & play without the need for perfection
www.dharmayogacenter.com

Lauren Peterson, Malibu California… encourages me not to be afraid to let my light shine
www.yogacompanion.com

For these and other lessons I am TRULY GRATEFUL

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Why don’t you teach drop-in?

I choose to teach in a more traditional method where I can create a stronger connection to my students. Small class sizes allow me to get to know each student individually, their strengths and weaknesses. I also creates a safe community to learn and receive support from. I want to see growth in all levels of student lives and to support them in their development as best I can. I require a minimum of one class commitment per week because if you are not willing to put 1.5 hours a week into your health and well being you are not ready to learn what I am teaching. I believe wellness is a choice, which requires commitment and discipline. I assist students to achieve what they never thought they could, to push their edge and abilities safely and in return to find the freedom which yoga can bring. Freedom of the body, mind and spirit.

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What are you trying to teach?

Basically that individuals find the courage to take responsibility for their own lives, their own health and wellness and with the learn discipline and patience required to see that responsibility through. I strive to accept where people are at as individuals. I don’t believe everyone is destine to be a Yogi nor would I want them to be however I would like to live in a society focused on prevention and self preservation and I see Yoga as one way to achieve this.

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Do I need to be flexible to do Yoga?

Heck no! I started yoga because I had a bum knee from downhill racing and a lifetime of impact sports. I was not flexible, but with time and patience my knee healed and with that strength and flexibility came.

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Can anyone do Yoga?

YES! They just need to find the right class. I have taught students as young as 4 and as old as 101. I have taught individuals who could not move and professional athletes. Yoga does not and should not discriminate. If you don’t like a class try another one there are so many styles and so many teachers keep looking till you find one that fits. I hated Yoga the first decade I did it! But I kept on doing it because I knew it was the maintenance my body required in order to do the activities I loved doing and to live pain free. I took Yoga as a medicine and over time I grew to love it.

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What makes your studio eco-friendly?
  • environmental cleaning products
  • recycled bamboo locally made blocks
  • recycled material bolsters locally made
  • second hand and eco-friendly mats
  • second hand and hemp straps
  • environmentally conscious printing and business practices
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What type of Yoga do you teach?

I teach what I have learned over many years of practice and study under many amazing teachers and masters of Yoga. I have tried every style or lineage available to me. I teach what I choose to practice based on what has worked for me. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to different styles or yoga over the years to combat different difficulties I have faced such as; ADD, dyslexia, chronic insomnia, migraines, asthma, serious allergies, depression, poor digestion, general health issues and sports insures. Over the years different teachers have introduced different techniques to eradicate problems which plagued me. To keep it simple, if it worked for me I teach it to my students. I have been fortunate to study in depth the tradition of the 8 limbs of Yoga and am humbly trying to pass this system on to my students.

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How would you describe your class?

Each class is different depending on student requests, strengths, weaknesses and injuries. Every class starts with pranayama (guided breath work) followed by asana (yoga poses ) taught in a sequence to bring maximum benefit. We use movement to build heat and burn toxins then tend to hold the poses to build strength, flexibility and balance whilst break up scar tissue and calcifications. Classes tend to have a theme and we work on monthly “homework” routines which encourage students to build a home bases practice. All “homework” is accessible on this site. I try to weave in philosophy in a practical not preachy manor. Classes are completed by a nice long savasana followed by group oms and dedication of the class merit.

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How often must I do Yoga for it to work?

Every little bit counts! However the more you practice the quicker you will see results or benefits. Once a week is a great start; if you want to work toward excellent health or fix an ailment I believe that doing 1.5 hour, 3 times per week is extremely effective. Personally I tend practice 5 – 6 days a week not because I have to but because I feel so great when I do. I encourage my students to be reasonable and honest with themselves. Start slow and allow momentum to grow. Keep in mind the hottest flame burns out the quickest… and time and time again I’ve seen students who push themselves too hard too fast burn out.

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Is Yoga a religion?

No it is not. I myself am not a religious person nor do I see myself as particularly spiritual although many call me spiritual. However, I do feel yoga makes you a more conscious person and in turn a better individual. Yoga makes you more aware of the world around you and the effect you have on your surroundings. Yoga is a spiritual practice but I personally feel that spirituality cannot be taught it is an experience; it is personal understanding of where we fit into the world. Spirituality requires looking to oneself for the answers to the questions of life; it requires us to do the work ourselves. The question you may be asking could be as simple as how do I fix this bum knee?

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What illnesses/ailments have you eliminated from your life through Yoga?

Migraine’s, Asthma, Insomnia, serious allergies, bum knee, depression, poor body image, addiction, common colds/flu, irregular periods, extremely poor posture, unhealthy relationships, poor digestion, flatulence, dyslexia and ADD. I know that list is long and to be honest it has been hard work and I continue to do the work. I have also personally seen yoga eliminate or reduce the effects of serious disease and body pain in others.

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Are there any rules to Yoga?

In my opinion there is one rule…. BREATH… oxygen is required for all functions of the body so in order to get 100% benefits all you have to do is breath. Apart from that for best results: Do your best to arrive a wee bit early, wear comfy cloths, try not to eat right before class (for an intermediate-advanced class try not to eat and take limited liquid a few hours before class), bring water… try not to drink during class but you’ll be thankful for it after class. Mats are provided at MY Studio however most students choose to bring their own mats.

STUDIO POLICY, billing and missed class questions 

This section covers our business bondries that help us thrive as a small buisness. Review details agreed to upon registration regarding billing, cancelation and missed classes. 

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Limited Liability Policy for classes, workshops, and retreats

Classes, workshops, and retreats with Michelle Yoga (Michelle Rubin) may be physically strenuous and students voluntarily participate in them with full knowledge that there is the risk of personal injury, property loss or death.
All students agree that they or their legal representatives will NOT sue or make any other claims of any kind whatsoever against Michelle Rubin or its members for any personal injury, property damage/loss, or wrongful death, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
Michelle Rubin is in no way responsible for the safekeeping of individual’s personal belongings while attending classes, workshops or retreats.

Each yoga students is required to agree to the following terms:

1. I am participating in the Classes, Workshops or Retreats offered by Michelle Rubin during which I will receive information and instruction about yoga. I recognize that yoga requires physical exertion that may be strenuous and may cause physical injury, and I am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved.

2. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding my participation in any or all offerings by Michelle Rubin. I represent, verify, and warrant that I am physically fit and that I have no medical condition that would prevent my full participation in any or all of Michelle Rubin’s offerings.

3. In further consideration of being permitted to participate in any or all of Michelle Rubin’s offerings, I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have against Michelle Rubin for injury or damages that I may sustain as a result of participating in Michelle Rubin’s offerings.

4. I further hereby indemnify and hold harmless Michelle Rubin and her substitutes from any and all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or relating to any claim by a third party resulting from my practice or instruction in the field of yoga.

5. I will zoom all classes and not come to the studio if I am feeling any flu like symptoms.

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Payment Policies

*New students register for one-month minimum.

All group classes require an automatic monthly payment to be setup. Secure online registration using your credit card or your banking information for EFT direct deposit is easy to setup and will be automatically billed on the 15th of each month.

Students pay for their first month (4-5 class minimum) of group classes at the time of registration regardless of class start date. The second monthly payment will be pro-rated to reflect students who start mid-month their first month.

Students can cancel automatic monthly withdrawals before the 15th of the month BEFORE the month they wish to cancel classes. To do this please follow instructions below.

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Making Up Classes I Miss

All students are welcome to take a makeup class to replace any missed classes that were made available to other students by :

A. Request from Michelle a zoom link to the class by email info@michelleyoga.com or text 250 8183531

B. On the actual day you wish to attend class to do your make up text or email Michelle to let her know you would like to do a make up that day should space be available. Michelle will respond when and if a class becomes available. Open spaces are filled on a first ask first get basis so feel free to contact Michelle early in the day. (info@michelleyoga.com or 250 818 3531)

~ All students are asked to use the honour system to keep their own tally on missed and made up classes.

~Make up classes can be used in any appropriate level scheduled group class with space taught at the studio.

~Make up classes are only valid while students are enrolled. Once monthly enrolment and payments end makeup classes are invalid.

~You may use a makeup to bring a friend as a guest to an appropriate level class.

~All makeup classes should ideally be taken within the month of missing the class.

~It is individual’s responsibility to use their make up classes.

~If you take a makeup spot and don’t use it you are not eligible for another makeup.

~All makeup classes must be used by January 1 of each year.

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Group Class changes or Cancellation Policy

Students are welcome to cancel or change their registration with a minimum of 2 weeks notice all group class changes or cancellations must be made BEFORE the 15th of the month previous to the month you wish to stop attending. Please CLICK HERE to cancel or change your group class registration.

EXAMPLE: If you wish to stop attending or change group classes on February 1st you must cancel or change classes by using the appropriate link on or before January 14th.

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Missing a Class

All students are welcome to take a makeup class to replace any missed classes when they make their unused class space available to other students by:

 On the day you are scheduled to attend class, a minimum of two hours before the class time text or email Michelle letting her know you are unable to attend class thus freeing your spot for another student.  (info@michelleyoga.com or 250 818 3531)

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How often must I do Yoga for it to work?

Every little bit counts! However the more you practice the quicker you will see results or benefits. Once a week is a great start; if you want to work toward excellent health or fix an ailment I believe that doing 1.5 hour, 3 times per week is extremely effective. Personally I tend practice 5 – 6 days a week not because I have to but because I feel so great when I do. I encourage my students to be reasonable and honest with themselves. Start slow and allow momentum to grow. Keep in mind the hottest flame burns out the quickest… and time and time again I’ve seen students who push themselves too hard too fast burn out.

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Workshop, Apprenticeship & Retreat Cancellation Policy
~ All retreat and workshop deposits are non-refundable (if applicable)
 
~ Cancellations of workshops, apprenticeships or retreats if students cancel with enough notice so we can fill the spot, we give students a 50% credit of the amount paid. This credit can be used on any future classes, retreats or workshops.
 
~ For retreat cancellation due to personal or family illness or death, students can request refunds or credits with appropriate verification. These cases will be addressed individually based on situation and type of retreat. 
 
~ Cancelation of workshops due to illness will be credited with 2 group classes.