5 Places to Unwind in LondonBy Gemma Perlin
We all need to take some time for ourselves; whether that’s away from our computer screen, switching off from social media, or kicking back after a busy day at work – we’ve listed five of our favourite places in London to unwind and refresh. Let’s all indulge in a lil bit more self care:
1. For Jivamukti Yoga: Sangyè Yoga School
The Lowdown: Sangyé Yoga School (formerly Jivamukti Yoga London) has been hosting Jivamukti Yoga classes since 2005. The schedule features more than 50 weekly classes (think yin, vinyasa and meditation), by the most experienced Jivamukti teachers in London.
What to Expect: The school offers Jivamukti Yoga which integrates the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga, and believes that yoga is more than just a system of exercises, but also a path to enlightenment. The class incorporates the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga: shastra (scripture), bhakti (devotion), ahimsa (kindness), nada (music) and dhyana (meditation), by presenting classical yoga teachings as relevant to one’s life, both on and off the mat.
Price: £16 for a drop in class.
Where: 300 Kensal Rd, London W10 5BE
2. For Relaxation: Another Space
The Lowdown: Another Space specialise in three areas: yoga, HIIT and cycling. All yoga classes combine powerful breath with powerful movements, working your strength and flexibility in equal measure.
What to Expect: Yoga 60 Unwind is the perfect class for anybody who needs some chill time. Breathe deeply and slow down. A gentler, slower flow sequence, allowing greater muscular release and mental relief. A chance to chill out and let go. The perfect compliment to the more energetic and dynamic parts of your workout week.
Price: £20 for a drop in class.
Where: Locations here
3. For Breath and Movement: Yoga on the Lane
The Lowdown: Yoga on the Lane is one of the friendliest and welcoming yoga spots in east London. Since it opened in 2012, Yoga on the Lane has become a Dalston institution, a refuge from the hurly burly, a space to breathe, but most of all a place of community where yogis of all stripes can get together to move mindfully, relax and restore.
What to Expect: The studio specialises in Vinyasa yoga (sometimes called Dynamic Flow), Vinyasa focuses on graceful, harmonised sequences that look to synchronise mind and body by aligning breath and movement. The breath is given primacy, acting as an anchor as you move from one pose to the next.
Price: £12 for a drop in session.
Where: 105 Shacklewell Ln, Dalston, London E8 2EB
4. For Reconnecting With Yourself: Zen Yoga
The Lowdown: Zen Yoga is a Japanese inspired yoga studio in Camberwell. Offering classes such as zen meditation, Himalayan Hatha Flow and Zen Yoga – all classes develop awareness of body and mind, and help to reconnect with yourself, with life, and with that which is around you.
What to Expect: The morning zen yoga class is designed to prepare you for the day ahead. The class explores a variety of flow routines to help you become aware of any blockages, restrictions, or limitations in your mind-body, and start softening and unblocking these with a range of gentle exercises.
Price: £12 for a drop in class.
Where: 24A Camberwell Grove, Camberwell, London SE5 8RE
5. For Restorative Yoga: MoreYoga
The Lowdown: If you’re looking for quality teachers that will help you take your practice to the next level, classes at MoreYoga offer exactly that. Enjoy warm and cosy studios and tranquil settings, allowing their dedicated instructors to give you the attention you need to really enhance your practice.
What to Expect: If you need to recharge during the day, MoreYoga’s Resorative Recharge class restores and stretches out your body and mind with a mix of restorative, strengthening and stretching excercises. The class combines Classic Hatha Yoga with a touch of Yin and Pranayama (breathing) to refresh your mid-day-mind and bring positive energy through your body to recharge your day.
Price: £15 for 20 days.
Where: Locations here
