There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from extremely gentle to extremely energetic, and everything in-between. Before you come to a class please read the information on this web-site carefully, and feel free to call us and ask any questions you wish.
‘Hatha’ is a general term which is used to describe any sort of yoga practise which involves a combination of postures, controlled breathing, and some kind of concentration and relaxation. All classes involve these elements to some extent. Within this general term there are also specific types of yoga which have their own format and are practised in a particular way. Please read the following class descriptions before deciding which class to come to
Hatha Yoga Classes
These type of classes will involve practising a combination of postures, breathing and relaxation. They will vary a lot depending on the teacher. Some classes are strong and energetic, others more gentle and relaxing, and some in-between.
Below is a list of our Hatha yoga classes with brief descriptions to give you some idea of the type of class and the level.
Individual Hatha yoga class descriptions
Monday 10.00-11.30am Hatha yoga – Tara – postures and breathing taught in a gentle and precise way with emphasis on self-awareness and safety whilst at the same time self-challenging. Suitable for beginners
Monday 7.45 9.15pm Hatha yoga – Freddie – a fairly dynamic, strong class with a combination of standing and sitting postures with some breathing and relaxation. Some experience is useful for this class
Monday 7.45-9.15pm Hatha yoga – Sarah – a relatively gentle class by a very experienced teacher. Suitable for a full range of experience including beginners.
Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm Hatha yoga and 6.30-7.30pm Hatha yoga - Marie-Flore. A combination of standing and sitting postures with emphasis on breath awareness and precision - usually combined with some Pranayama (seated breathing exercises) - suitable for beginners.
Tuesday 8.00-9.30pm Anusara inspired yoga – Kate - a challenging, dynamic class which combines Anusara alignment principles with the breath-focused flow of Astanga. Each class has a different focus and includes a range of poses plus meditation and deep relaxation. Not suitable for beginners.
Wednesday 1.00-2.30pm Hatha yoga – Susannah - a fairly strong dynamic class. Not for total beginners
Wednesday 6.30-8.00pm Hatha yoga – Liz - starts with sitting to promote calmness and then combination of flowing postures taught with attention to precision and alignment along with breath awareness. Not for total beginners.
Thursday 1.00 2.00pm Hatha yoga – Julia - simple fluid sequences to mobilise the body and engage the breath – static postures to work deep into the joints – suitable for total beginners.
Thursday 6.30-7.30pm Yoga beginners Tara courses for beginners or students wanting a fairly easy clearly explained class combining postures, breathing and some relaxation.
Thursday 6.30-8.00pm Dynamic yoga – Debbie - a challenging class based on flowing sequences of postures working with the breath and bandhas. Includes specific attention on the use of ujjayi breath and relaxation at the end of the class. NEEDS TO BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
Friday 6.30-7.30pm Gentle Hatha yoga – Steve - soft style yoga with the emphasis on relaxation - suitable for beginners.
Sunday 10.00-11.30pm Hatha yoga beginners – Freddie - basic postures and breathing - suitable for beginners.
Sunday 11.00-12.30pm Hatha yoga vinyasa style – Sam - a strong class consisting of classical postures in a sequence. Most classes focus on a specific theme and end with deep guided relaxation. Not for beginners.
Astanga vinyasa yoga
More conveniently known as astanga yoga. This is potentially very energetic and physically strong. It originates from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and involves learning a set sequence of postures practised continuously, combined with controlled breathing. It involves a lot of movement, a fair amount of upper body work and you will get hot and sweaty.
There are 3 types of classes.
1. Beginners courses – for total beginners to astanga yoga. You will learn the basic principles of the practise and work your way through some of the sequence. You will look at each posture in the sequence in a lot of detail. The emphasis is on making sure every student understands the basics and is able to practice safely. Suitable for total beginners or for people who have practised other styles of yoga.
2. Self-practice classes (also known as ‘Mysore style’) - this is the traditional way of learning and practising astanga yoga. Each student practises at their own pace and gets one-to-one instruction within a class situation. Each student tries to remember as much as possible on their own, with the assistance of a teacher where necessary. If you are a beginner you will be taught a small part of the sequence one-to-one and then attempt to repeat it on your own. These type of classes involve quite a lot of hands-on work from the teacher and also lots of one on one teaching within the class. These classes are suitable for total beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.
3. Taught classes – The whole class is verbally instructed through the sequence. These classes are fairly continuous and are definitely not suitable for beginners. Even if you are experienced in other forms of yoga, you still need to do a beginners course or self-practice class before you attend this type of class.
If you are in any doubt about what type of class to attend please contact Nigel
Iyengar Yoga
Originates from B.K.S. Iyengar. It involves qualities of attention and alignment in postures. Postures are held statically for a relatively long period of time and great strength and stamina as well as flexibility can be developed. The use of various props such as blocks, belts, blankets and chairs to support the body are a key feature of this style. Great emphasis is placed on correct and safe positioning of the body, with detailed verbal instruction by the teacher. We offer one general level class on Fridays at 10.00-11.30am and a level 2 class on Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm which is run in blocks and has to be booked in advance.
Yoga for pregnancy
Yoga can help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth. We run two regular drop-in classes for pregnant women and regular birth preparation workshops.
Drop-in classes - these classes are open to all women from 15 weeks right up to delivery. The classes involve yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation. You will learn simple techniques to alleviate some of the common complaints of pregnancy and to help you in labour and beyond. No experience of yoga is needed to attend these classes.
Monday 6.30-7.40pm with Sandi Thursday 11.15-12.30pm with Susannah
Preparation for Birth
A workshop for you and your partner to learn methods of coping during labour and supporting the birth process.
Breathing and positions for labour and birth are covered alongside lots of practical information and tips. There is an emphasis on the role of the birth partner. This is also a good opportunity to meet other expectant parents.
Julia East is a midwife working within the local community. She is experienced in both hospital and homebirth and has worked with parents preparing for birth for 6 years. She also teaches pregnancy yoga and postnatal (mum and baby) classes.
See Workshops section for dates.
Post natal yoga
Special classes to help you re-gain your strength and muscle tone after having a baby. Relaxing and refreshing exercises in a low stress setting! You can come to the class as soon as you feel ready. If you have had a c-section please wait until your 6 week check. Buggy access to studio. All these classes are taught by experienced, qualified teachers who are also mothers themselves.
Classes Thursday 10.00-11.00am with Tara
Yoga for ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Teacher Lesley Horner, a British Wheel of Yoga member who has ME herself. The emphasis will be on gentle movement, relaxation and breath-work and most postures will be performed sitting or lying.
Lesley says: There are so many ways in which yoga makes living with ME easier. Just moving the body with awareness starts to release tension and improve flexibility, helping to relieve some of the physical discomfort associated with this condition. Learning to breathe correctly has many positive benefits and there are several special breathing techniques I use with my students to improve concentration, calm the mind and relieve anxiety.
I teach movements orientated to the individual, whatever their level of functioning, and I emphasise relaxation and good breathing practise. The majority of the techniques I teach can be practised at home lying down or sitting quietly in a chair.
For more details call Lesley on 020 8372 3987
Parkinson’s class
A special class for people with Parkinson’s disease, and their carers. You will practise a simple range of basic yoga techniques in a friendly and welcoming environment with an expert tutor. Exercises will be taught with appropriate modifications for each individual – if necessary you can do the whole class sitting in a chair. Yoga is an ideal activity for carers to take part in too, and this class is a great opportunity to do something relaxing and enjoyable together. Please call us in advance if you are thinking of coming to this class.
Tuesday 11.00-12.30pm with Lynda