If you haven’t started doing yoga yet, it’s never too late to find out what you’ve been missing. Yoga is great for its healing qualities – forget a stressful, busy day and calm a noisy mind by stretching and opening the body. Yes, it feels great nailing that pose or finding strength where you didn’t realise it existed, but it’s not all about the flexibility. Give yourself some “me” time, away from your phone and everything life demands from you, indulge in the meditative aspects and suddenly you’ll discover a new perspective. While you’re there, if you get the breath going you will be sure to break a sweat. Below are just a few of our favourite ways to re-connect to our bodies and minds.
Sky Garden Yoga, City of London
It’s not every day the top of the Gherkin is your point of focus during yoga, but if you make it to the 36th floor you will have a class like no other. The view over London combined with the uplifting, energising vibe of the Sky Garden is really extraordinary and definitely worth the early start. Why not grab brunch afterwards and kick off your weekend on a healthy high!?
Evolve Wellness, South Kensington
Set in a quiet mews in South Kensington, Evolve is a place of tranquillity and calm. Offering a multitude of yoga classes of every sort, you will never be short of choice. Whether you are a complete beginner or have been practicing for years, there will be something here for you. One of our favourite instructors is Mona Heep who gives off such a calm, playfulness in her vinyasa classes, you are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired and energised. Find Mona at Evolve on Monday evenings at 7.30pm or Tuesday mornings at 9.30am.
Steffy White Yoga
Steffy teaches both privately and at various studios across London. On taking a yoga class for the first time, Steffy says “My advice to someone brand new to yoga is to do what FEELS good! Rest when you need, miss out what doesn’t feel good and enjoy the power of being led by the breath!”
Find Steffy on the mat at the following times. Monday’s: 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Frame (Shoreditch). Wednesday’s: 6.15pm at Frame Yoga (Kings Cross). Thursday’s: 10.30am and 12.30pm at Frame (Shoreditch). Friday’s: 8am at Another Space Covent garden AND 4.15pm and 5.30pm at Frame (Shoreditch). Alternatively, catch her privately and discover everything your body and mind is capable of. She’s a true inspiration to us!
Total Chi, Marylebone
If you want zen in the centre of London, Total Chi is your place! The beautiful space will see you relax as soon as you step through the door. With two studios and an outdoor space, Total Chi focuses on very small classes to ensure you get a session with absolute support and attention from the teacher. As well as the amazing classes, be sure to grab a juice or coffee from Total Chi’s chilled upstairs space. With over 50 classes each week, Total Chi will certainly tick all your yoga boxes. Why not try a 7.15 morning class to put a spring in your step and set you up for a good day!
Inner Axis at Tri Yoga, Camden
If you fancy trying something brand new to the yoga scene, then head to TriYoga to experience a mind, body and emotional transformation. Inner Axis is a new class in town and is being led by US based teacher Max Strom. Designed to focus on breathing and mindfulness to alleviate depression and stress, this new-to-the-uk method will help you sleep better and feel amazing. Inner Axis is a worldwide phenomena but opening its doors for the first time in London at TriYoga Camden. Max leads the class with 5 sequences of breathing exercises with postures which are often repetitive movements from right to left. Designed to be accessible to absolutely anyone who hopes to find a more peaceful and positive outlook on life, this could be the first step to making a change which could see benefits like no other.
words by Rachel Cruickshank