World Yoga Day: 5 Unusual Ways to Celebrate in LondonBy Angelica Malin
We love a bit of yoga in the summer. Nothing better than a deep stretching and even deeper breathing, rather than sweating it out in a stuffy gym. Here’s 5 quirky yoga classes in London you simply need to try this World Yoga Day:
World Yoga Day in London: Our Picks
1. For Yoga Up High: Yogasphere at The Shard
The Lowdown: If you’re looking to boost your physical and mental wellbeing in a spectacular new environment, then look no further than Yoga with Yogasphere at the top of The Shard. This special Saturday morning experience combines expert tuition with stunning panorama views stretching for 40 miles across London.
What to Expect: Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the capital as expert Yogasphere tutors take you through a range of specialised techniques from Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin, as well as Sivandanda and Rocket Yoga. There’s no need to worry about equipment as all mats and props are provided on the day. All you need to bring is yourself (and possibly a camera) as you prepare yourself for an hour of memorable yoga at the highest accessible point of The Shard.
Price: £40 per person through lastminute.com
When: Classes are available on selected Saturdays mornings throughout the year and take place from 08.30 to 09.30. Allow an hour and a half for the whole experience.
Where: Meet the Yogasphere team at the entrance to The View from The Shard on Joiner Street, just off St. Thomas’ Street. From the upper concourse, take the escalator down to Joiner Street.
2. For Yoga Brunch: Buddha Bar Knightsbridge
The Lowdown: Get in touch with your Zen with a Sunday yoga session at Buddha Bar, Knightsbridge. Clear your mind and revitalize your body with an hour of yoga followed by a delicious three-course Wellness Brunch to ease into the day ahead.
What to Expect: There are few London venues that can compete with the spiritual atmosphere cultivated by Buddha Bar. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with one of Yogasphere’s detox juices to boost you up and help you get the most out of your session. You’ll be in good hands as your Yogasphere tutors, Mandy Jharmat and Leo Lourdes take you through a productive and re-energizing class. Then after the class, it’ll be time to top up with a healthy brunch. You’ll enjoy three-courses of pan-Asian inspired dishes including favourites such as Buddha Bar chicken salad, quinoa and pomegranate salad as well as a dessert of dark chocolate strawberries alongside a Yogasphere cocktai. Come as you are as all mats and necessary props are provided on the day.
Price: £55 per person though lastminute.com
When: Available on Sunday mornings throughout the year. Classes take place from 11.30 (registration at 11.00) and allow at least 2 hours for the whole experience.
Where: Buddha Bar is located a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge Station and across from One Hyde Park. On arrival you will be greeted by one of the Yogasphere team.
World Yoga Day in London: Special Classes
The Lowdown: ParkLives is hosting free yoga sessions, giving locals the chance to experience ‘yogic calm’ in the outdoors. Parklives, ran by Newham Council and Coca-Cola Great Britain offers fun, free activities such as family tennis, Zumba and yoga. This is part of a nation-wide programme with the initiative of encouraging people to make the most of the outdoors.
What to Expect: The adult-only sessions explore different types of yoga including Kundalini Yoga and WalkingYoga. Set in the tranquil rose garden in Central Park in East London, participants will begin with warm up postures, then practise breathing and relaxation techniques. The balance of Kundalini and Walking yoga is designed to help participants achieve a sense of wellbeing in both body and mind. Experienced instructor Indira will teach a variety of poses suitable for both beginners and advanced residents.
Price: Free
When: 10.30-11.30am Saturday 24th June 2017
Where: Central Park, High Street South, East Ham, E6 6ET
4. For One-Off Yoga: Yoga in the Walkways
The Lowdown: Enjoy an exclusive sunrise yoga classes in the high-level glass Walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames. Daring daring yogis can position themselves on the glass floor for a suspended view of road and pedestrian life, all moving at pace 42 metres beneath their feet. Participants may even witness the magic of the Bridge’s famous bascules raising for a river vessel.
What to Expect: London-based yoga teacher Billie Woodcraft will have you striking the perfect downward facing dog through energetic vinyasa-flow yoga classes that will help you kick-start the working day. The glass floors along the Bridge’s East and West high-level Walkways each measure 11 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, and can withstand the weight equivalent to one elephant and two London Black Cabs.
Price: £25.00 per person
When: Wednesdays, 07.30am – 08.20am (arrive by 7.15am)
Where: Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP
5. For Something Special: DeRose Method
The Lowdown: DeRose Method brings the most ancient form of yoga type exercise (note not actually yoga!) to the UK, known worldwide as the deRoseMethod and adored by some of Hollywoods finest.
What to Expect: DeRose is an ancient yoga, breathing and meditation technique; a discipline that helps to bring you improved stress management and concentration and better sleep, as well as helping you overcome cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and getting you toned and fit.
Price: Bundle of ten classes for £250
When: Wednesday 21st July
Where: 1 Ramilies Place W1
