Get Fit in London: Gyms, Studios & Classes

The Best Yoga Studios & Classes In London

Sky Garden

For a truly magical yoga spot, head upwards to London’s highest green oasis, Sky Garden. Its popular yoga series in collaboration with TruBe Fitness is back for summer, offering one-hour vinyasa flow classes amongst the greenery, with panoramic views over the city. Classes take place Tuesday and Wednesday at 7am, and on weekends at 8am. Afterwards, refuel with a pastry and coffee at Sky Pod.

BOOK: skygarden.london

Immersive Yoga at Frameless

New immersive art space Frameless has been the talk of town since it arrived in London last year – and now there’s even more reason to visit. From 11 June, the exhibition will run monthly yoga classes on Sunday mornings, led by two of the UK’s top yoga teachers, Adam Husler and Julie Montagu. Achieve inner zen to the backdrop of epic masterpieces from some of the world’s greatest artists as you’re transported through a symposium of colour and sound. 

BOOK: frameless.com

Freddie Miller

FLY LDN

At immersive yoga studio FLY LDN, technology actually helps you switch off. The dark studio space is lit up by a huge HD screen, which shows a series of images and videos of serene landscapes: from crashing waves to snow covered mountain tops. Choose between 45, 60 or 75 minute signature yoga flows, or for ultra calm go for their candlelit ‘Chill’ class, perfect for stressed city workers keen to unwind after a long day. Here, it’s all about going back to basics – no jargon, no cliquey feel, just great yoga with an interesting twist.

BOOK: flyldn.co.uk

FLEX Chelsea

Spread across three floors in the heart of Chelsea, the recently opened FLEX offers a range of different types of yoga. Novices should give Chill Yoga a go – a gentle vinyasa flow designed to help align your body and breath – while Dharma Yoga is well-suited to advanced yogis, with focus on arm balances, deep backbends and inversions. They also recently introduced CBD Yin, which involves spraying CBD oil on any muscle group that needs particular attention at the beginning of class.

BOOK: flexchelsea.com

Patrick Williamson

The Power Yoga Company

This studio in Fulham has established itself as the destination for power yoga, last year celebrating its 10th birthday. With a huge variety of yoga classes on offer at all hours of the day, seven days a week, you have no excuses not to fit practice into your schedule. Power Yoga is especially good for improving strength, balance and flexibility, helped greatly by the hand-picked selection of the best teachers in town. The nurturing and relaxed environment makes the studio perfect for newbies and advanced yogis alike.

BOOK: First-timers pay £15 for 3 classes; drop-in from £14. thepoweryogaco.com

Psycle

Psycle is best known for their cult-like spin sessions, but they recently started offering yoga too. Classes range from beginners to very tough – ‘Power Flow’ is a cardio/yoga hybrid class, while their OMFG class is described as ‘the toughest, sweatiest yoga class in town’. Get involved, if you dare.

BOOK: Individual class costs £22, bundles also available. psyclelondon.com

Bhuti

The yoga classes on offer at Bhuti yoga and wellness centre in Richmond are seriously good. Try the Iyengar yoga for just the right balance between energising and relaxing practice to start your day or destress after work. Alongside a full schedule of yoga and pilates classes for all ages (take the really young along with you to the mother and baby classes) and abilities, there are treatment rooms for luxe spa treatments, and holistic and alternative therapies from reflexology to tarot reading. Become a member for unlimited classes and access to the workspaces and members lounges. Oh, the organic café on site is a brilliant spot for a healthy lunch, too.

BOOK: bhuti.co

Lululemon London

It is possible to find some seriously good yoga classes in the capital without breaking the bank; Lululemon offer complimentary Yoga classes in-store every week on different days, at various stores in London. We can’t promise you won’t want to splash out on some new kit while you’re there, though.

BOOK: Free; find out where your nearest free yoga classes are happening here

More Free Exercise in London

Frame Yoga Studio

Part of the hugely popular Frame group, the standalone studio at Kings Cross is well worth a visit for excellent classes in the capital. They offer ‘Anti-Desk Yoga’, a class specially designed to ease the tensions of office workers. Great as a lunchtime pick-me-up (between slouching over spreadsheets), it’s a class of gentle flow which focuses on releasing the shoulders and improving posture with long holds, to boost flexibility, de-stress and energise.

BOOK: moveyourframe.com

Stretch London

As well as traditional classes, Stretch also run functional classes to compliment your practice, such as kettlebells, TRX, HIIT and calisthenics. The even run a Calma Club, a class for 3-5 year olds for the mini-yogis in your life.

BOOK: stretch-london.com

3Tribes

This is one of the only places in London where you can experience a 50:50 mix of spinning/ HIIT and yoga, so within the hour, you’ll have a hot, fast and sweaty cycle class then hop off the bike to your mat for vinyasa and deep long stretches. The gym’s name refers to the three fitness tribes on offer, rider, warrior or zen. Pick your tribe and enjoy.

BOOK: 3tribes.co.uk

London’s Most Luxurious Gyms

MOVE by Market Halls

Light and airy with plants dotted around, the boutique studio above Fulham’s Market Halls is a lovely yoga spot. After class, pop downstairs for a bite to eat in the food hall, which offers everything from vegan pancakes to churros.

BOOK: themovestudios.co.uk

Triyoga

With a focus on finding the class that’s right for you, there are dozens of options available at the four Triyoga locations. Their inclusive attitude makes them a popular choice for kids, teens, mums and older yoga fans, as well as the typical legging-clad crew.

BOOK: triyoga.co.uk

Sangyé Yoga School

If you’re more into the spiritual side of practice, this could be the studio for you. Yoga at Sangyé is a spiritual practice which allows for movement from ego to awakening. Forget fitness classes, this practice is about getting out of your overactive mind and connecting with breath and body.

BOOK: sangyeyoga.com

Yogahaven

Get your sweat on at one of Yogahaven’s hot yoga classes, which take place in studios across Clapham, Richmond and Birmingham. They teach a unique style of hot yoga called ‘leela’, which means ‘play’ in Sanskrit, and aims to create ‘magical and fun’ yoga classes which leave you feeling revitalised. If you’d rather avoid the heat, they offer traditional yoga classes too for all abilities.

BOOK: yogahaven.co.uk

The Hot Spot Yoga

Tucked away in pretty Parsons Green you’ll find The Hot Spot Yoga, a friendly studio offering a variety of hot yoga classes. If you’re a newbie to Bikram, start with the 60-minute class and build up to the classic 90-minute session. Their candelit classes in the evenings are perfect for winding down after the day, although be warned: it’s not an easy ride. Bring lots of water!

BOOK: thehotspotyoga.co.uk

Chroma Yoga

If you fancy a yoga class with a difference, try Chroma Yoga in Shoreditch. Classes use colour therapy to combat the amount of blue light from our screens, with colour-coded sessions geared towards different purpose. For instance, orange is slower paced, pink is restorative, yellow wakes us up and blue increases energy.

BOOK: chromayoga.co.uk

Featured image: Sky Garden

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Best Thailand Resorts 2023

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Featured Image: Lao Lading island in Krabi, Thailand (c) Getty.

This article is part of our series on Winter Sun destinations. Discover more here.

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Wellness Retreats: The Best Places in the World to Meditate in 2023

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And if you can’t travel…

We also called on Dominique Antiglio, Sophrologist and founder of BeSophro to get some expert advice on choosing meditation locations…

‘Sophrology is a type of dynamic meditation that I love to practice because it can be easily incorporated into daily life. I have had amazing Sophrology experiences at the Ghats in Varanasi, India which faces the Ganges River, as well as being wrapped up among the mountains of Courmayeur facing Mont Blanc, and also in Ibiza when facing the sea. I also love practising early morning on Primrose Hill as it offers such a beautiful view over London, and no two days are ever the same so I have a unique view each time.’

But you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. ‘For best practice at home, I advise people to create a private space at home or in the office with a comfy chair. If you have a small, shared space only, don’t let it stop you, as you can put your headphones on and listen via a guided practice.

‘You may wish to personalise your space with a photo of a loved one or have an item of sentimental value nearby to enhance the connection of the space to your inner world. You could also light a scented candle to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in your space.

‘Personally, I have a comfy chair in my light, airy and minimalist office where I love to sit and start my Sophrology meditation practice mid-morning. I usually have a cup of herbal tea nearby to drink when I finish too. I also practice in between meetings, and even on the Tube and in taxis – if I feel tense, just five minutes of simple breathing and relaxation techniques is enough to relax me.’

So if you do make it to one of our ultimate meditation locations, you’ll have to pack the memories up to take home with you, back to your hardwood floor with the number 32 bus outside, to conjure up the images of your retreat as you find your inner calm on demand…

Featured Image: Palm Rock.

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The Best Yoga Studios & Classes in NYC

Three Jewels

Started up by the main students of the First American Geshe in the Gelugpa lineage Buddhist tradition back in 1996, Three Jewels has grown in the years since into a massive community of yoga enthusiasts keen learn the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. The studio is run as a non-profit, with classes created to help people on the path to Enlightenment. Students can attend daily classes in person and online, enroll on courses covering Buddhist teachings and even take part in immersive programmes and international retreats. Those who want to get more involved can even take on meditation teacher training.

BOOK: 5 East 3rd Street, New York, NY, 10003, threejewels.org

Sky Ting Yoga

Tucked away in Chinatown, Sky Ting (meaning ‘sky courtyard’ in Chinese) was founded by friends Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan back in 2015. The studio is located in a light and airy loft with plenty of leafy plants – as well as the occasional giraffe – and features spacious changing rooms and bathrooms stocked with fluffy towels. While known amongst local enthusiasts as the best place for a spot of yin yoga, Sky Ting also hosts a range of classes spanning katonah, kundalini and yoga nidra delivered by expert teachers. Can’t make it to class? Not to worry, Sky Ting also offers a subscription-based streaming platform, Sky Ting TV, which allows learners to take part in classes from home.

BOOK: 17 Allen Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10002, skyting.com

 

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Bhakti Center

If you’re after a more spiritually-focused form of yoga, look no further than the Bhakti Center on Lower East Side. Students take part in Bhakti-yoga, a Hindu-derived practice which focuses on ‘loving devotion’ towards any personal deity, which includes practicing mantras, pranayama (breath control) and meditation techniques. Students can get stuck into daily classes, workshops and retreats (some abroad, some local), and even become a yogi themselves with teacher training courses. This is quite a vocal form of yoga, but shy students are welcome to just listen if chanting isn’t their thing.

BOOK: 25 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003, bhakticenter.org

Humming Puppy

Having made a name for itself as one of the leading yoga studios in Australia, Humming Puppy has made its way across the pond to take New York City by storm. Studios are set up for a completely sensory experience, with low-lit rooms and a humming soundscape, and are limited to classes of 40 maximum (with plenty of space between mats to avoid distractions). Yoga classes are open to practitioners of all levels, and are a blend of styles reflective of each teacher’s background – although all include tutorials of breathing, movement and meditation. Mats are provided, and after class visitors can wind down in the bathroom and shower facilities, which are stocked with towels, hairdryers and hair straighteners. Just make sure you’re not late to your session – even by a minute – as Humming Puppy’s strict lateness policy will prohibit you from entry.

BOOK: 119 West 23rd Street, Level 2, Suite 200, New York, NY 10011, hummingpuppy.com

Kula Yoga

Spanning over multiple locations in the city, Kula Yoga offers a range of classes both in-person and online for students to get well-acquainted with the art of yoga. Its signature class is Kula Flow, a vinyasa based practice with an emphasis on creative sequencing and alignment, expect a strong physical practice and plenty of hands on assists. You can also book onto the hour-long kula class for a burst of energy set to live music, or try out the Mysore Ashtanga yoga programme (which originates from Guru Pattabhi Jois’s institute in Mysore, India) for a more traditional experience. Kula’s Williamsburg location is also home to a lovely garden where you can grab a few peaceful moments after class before setting off back into the daily city grind.

BOOK: 481 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013 / 85 North 3rd Street, Space #113, Brooklyn, NY 11249, kulayoga.com

(c) Terri Diamond Photography

Sky High Yoga at NY Edge

Fancy your yoga with an edge? We’ll do you one better. The highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, Edge, puts on morning yoga classes that overlook the city from over 1,1000 feet in the air. A ticket for the class includes a 45 minute session with Equinox, as well as a yoga mat, admission to Edge (where you can explore the sky deck and take in the view) and a gift bag packed with wellness products. Sounds like a cracking way to start the day, if you ask us.

BOOK: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, edgenyc.com

(c) Related Oxford

The Yoga Common

When co-founders Erica Whalen and Cynthia Rayner bought their studio in 2007, they wanted to create a space that helped people reach their happiest and healthiest state through mindful movement. Now with two studios in the United States (one in NYC, the other in Austin, Texas), The Yoga Common is a thriving hotspot renowned for its Signature Flow. Classes span morning, lunchtime and happy hour, and have different difficulty levels so all students can join. Those after something gentle can try the ‘Yin & Meditation’ class, ideal for beginners, or try something a little more challenging with the ‘Vinyasa Flow’ class, guaranteed to make you work up a sweat. The studio offers classes in person, as well as via livestream and on demand, so you can get your flow on anytime and any place.

BOOK: 322 East 39th Street, Suite 1, New York, NY 10016, yogacommonstudio.com

Featured image: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

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The UK’s Best Meditation & Wellness Retreats 2023

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Featured Image (c) Min An via Pexels.

What Is The Point Of A One Day Yoga Retreat?

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In Brief: The 2023 Wellness Festival Calendar

• May: Balance Festival
• June: The Big Retreat Festival, Wellnergy
• July: Love Trails, ALSO Festival, LoveFit, Peter Crone at Camp Kerala, Summer Camp By The Good Life Society
• August: Wilderness Festival, Green Man, Soul Circus
• September: VERVE

UK Wellness Festivals To Book In 2023

Balance Festival

Work out with global fitness experts, learn from top wellness gurus and sample some of the hottest health foods of the moment at Balance Festival, which returns to The Old Truman Brewery in London this May. As well as classes from London’s top fitness studios (Barry’s, Boomcycle, and KXU), expect a meditation dome, a market and start-up village to see the latest venues in the wellness sector.

Where? The Old Truman Brewery, London

When? 19–21 May 2023

BOOK: balance-festival.com

The Big Retreat Festival

After a two-year hiatus, The Big Retreat Festival returned this summer, taking place in Lawrenny Castle Estate in the UK’s only coastal national park. Billed as ‘an adventure for all five senses’, the event combines music (Toploader and Scouting For Girls are confirmed headliners), books, storytelling and wellness. Fitness is a big part of the event, too, with the Energy Field hosting a range of classes including circuit training, pilates, dance and assault courses, alongside mindset talks and nutrition workshops. Afterwards, replenish in the Soul Space, a sanctuary complete with wood-fired hot tubs, wild swimming and gong baths. You can also listen to inspiring speakers in the Talk Tent, a collaboration with the global Shelf Help Community, which is dedicated to supporting personal development.

Where? Lawrenny Castle Estate, Wales

When? 1–4 June 2023

BOOK: thebigretreatfestival.com

Wellnergy

Drawing together five pillars – mindfulness, fitness, food, music and laughter – Wellnergy is a London-based day festival packed with fitness activities, learning sessions, and delicious and healthy food. Speakers including Grace Beverley, Dilly Carter, Dr Alex George, Alice Liveing, Maude Hirst and Laura Hof will all be present, and there will also be music curated by the Gardens of Babylon collective with internationally renowned electronic music artists Magit Cacoon and Patrice Baumel. 

Where? Barn Elms Sports Centre, London SW13 0DG

When? 17 June 2023

BOOK: Tickets from £65. wellnergy.co.uk

David Altabev

Love Trails

Explore some of the UK’s most beautiful coastal sights, tidal islands and ancient woodland at Love Trails, a festival which combines running, music and adventure. Taking place on the spectacular Gower Peninsula in South Wales, there are a number of organised runs taking place, ranging from trail runs to mindfulness runs to pub crawl runs.

If you’re not big into running, there are plenty of other fitness activities to get stuck into, including wild swimming, orienteering, paragliding, rock climbing, surfing and sunrise yoga. Talks, debates and live interviews also take place throughout the weekend from the likes of Hannah Phillips, Sarah Thomas and John Kelly.

Where? Gower Peninsula, South Wales

When: 6–9 July 2023

BOOK: lovetrails.com

ALSO

Taking place in the lakeside setting of Warwickshire’s Park Farm, ALSO is centred around reconnecting humans with nature. Spanning the likes of mindful thinking, climate change and mental health, guests can anticipate wellness activities, forward-thinking discussions, workshops, art and theatre, with a number of theorists, authors and comedians hosting talks around topics such as parenthood and our relationship with technology. For 2023, comedians Sara Pascoe and Celya Ab will perform alongside great music from K.O.G, Love Itoya, Get the Water and plenty more. The 50-acre landscaped grounds also offer space for outdoor activities like forest bathing and wild swimming, while family style dining events encourage festival-goers to meet new people, get inspired, and tuck into delicious food.

Where? Park Farm, Warwickshire

When? 14–16 July 2023

BOOK: also-festival.com

LoveFit

Fancy the best of both worlds? Head to LoveFit, a festival that fuses fitness with classic music festival vibes. By day you can take part in everything from spinning to boxing to paddle boarding, but by night it’s all about music, DJs and late-night partying. The line-up typically sees some of London’s hottest fitness studios in residence, including Kobox, F45 and Fierce Grace, alongside an abundance of good, healthy food to fuel the weekend. The ultimate detox-retox.

Where? St Clere Estate, Kent

When? 14–16 July 2023

BOOK: lovefitfestival.com

Peter Crone at Camp Kerala

Known as the ‘Mind Architect’, Peter Crone is a writer, speaker and thought leader who specialises in human potential. He has worked with world-famous actors and athletes all over the world – and now we can experience his work thanks to a festival from luxury, under canvas accommodation provider Camp Kerala. Taking place in the remote British countryside, the 2022 event was transformative, with talks and Q&A sessions with Peter designed to help participants unlock their potential. Alongside this, guests enjoy nourishing meals made using fresh, organic ingredients, take part in yoga and guided walks, and reside in a luxurious private tented lodge. There’s a spa too, where you can relax in the sauna, have a tailored massage or try ‘fire-ice therapy’. Worlds away from your average festival, this one is designed as a ‘weekend of enlightenment’, which will inspire a new way of living.

Where? Glastonbury

When? 27–31 July 2023

BOOK: series.petercrone.com

Summer Camp By The Good Life Society

Over in the glorious, unusual and historic setting of the Hawarden Estate against the backdrop of two castles, The Good Life Society is back with Summer Camp, a series of micro festivals set in the estate’s Walled Garden, taking place over four weekends in July. Stepping back from larger-scale events following the pandemic, micro really does mean micro: there will be space for only 125 guests at each weekend, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere bolstered by guided foraging walks, wild swimming and self-improvement workshops.

Where? Hawarden, Wales

When? Throughout July

BOOK: thegoodlifesociety.co.uk

Andrew Whitton Fanatic

Wilderness Festival

Set in the idyllic Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire, Wilderness Festival is hailed as one of the UK’s top weekend wellness festivals. While it holds many of the aspects of a traditional music festival (including a stellar line-up), guests can also take part in activities like wild swimming, fireside cooking sessions and mindfulness classes. Think yoga brunch clubs, foraging workshops, supper clubs and live theatre shows, alongside relaxation time at The Sanctuary & Lakeside Spa, complete with outdoor hot tubs.

Where? Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire

When? 3–6 August 2023

BOOK: wildernessfestival.com

Otherlands Music & Arts Festival

Rejuvenate mind, body and spirit in Perth this summer at Otherlands, the festival striving to to be more than just a music festival. Expect yoga and breathwork classes for a moment of tranquillity before more typical festivities commence. There’s also the wellness sanctuary – compromising of saunas, hot tubs, and masseurs – offers a serene escape across the whole weekend.

Where? Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland

When? 11–13 August 2023

BOOK IT: otherlandsfestival.com

Green Man

Ultra-zen hideout-come-retreat, Green Man Festival is a haven for nature lovers, explorers and health enthusiasts alike. Not only does it offer your usual yoga and pilates, they have a dedicated Nature Nurture garden, a quiet corner tucked away in the Welsh countryside complete with gong baths, restorative hot tubs and Indian summer massages.

Where? Brecon Beacons, Wales

When? 17–20 August 2023

BOOK: greenman.net

Soul Circus

Yoga and wellbeing festival Soul Circus has soared in popularity since launching in 2017. Held at the picturesque Cotswolds hills of Elmore near Gloucester, festival goers can try an array of different types of yoga, from aerial to restorative, as well as other exercise classes such as barre and boxing. You can also enjoy a wide selection of locally sourced, healthy food, live music and DJs, attend one of the many workshops on offer, or simply chill out in a lakeside hot tub. The gardens and woodlands make a beautiful backdrop for the festival’s many light shows and parties, which run late into the night.

Where? Elmore, Gloucestershire

When? 17–20 August 2023

BOOK: soulcircus.yoga

VERVE

Ever worked out in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Here’s your chance: VERVE festival, set in the beautiful Cranborne Chase. Activities on offer include sound baths, yoga classes, storytelling and farm runs, alongside talks on topics related to physical and mental health, such as sober curiosity and fertility. Guests can also explore the non-alcoholic bar, try a CBD IV drip, and meet like-minded friends at evening supper clubs. VERVE is also taking steps to conserve the natural beauty of the earth: it’s one of the UK’s first zero-waste festivals, and there’s no plastic on site.

Where? South Wiltshire

When? 16–17 September 2023

BOOK: feeltheverve.com

Featured Image: ALSO Festival 2022.

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Wellness Festivals Around The World To Book In 2023

• February: Envision Festival
• May: Annual Yoga Summit, PACE by Peligoni
• September: SOUL Festival
• December: Wonderfruit

Envision Festival

WHEN? 27 February–6 March 2023

WHERE? Costa Rica

WHAT? Every February, hundreds of artists, yogis and wellness enthusiasts descend on the Costa Rican rainforest for Envision Festival, nestled where the Pacific Ocean meets the wild jungle. With a focus on ‘awakening our human potential’, the four-day celebration is designed to inspire through art, music, yoga, performance and nature.

HOW? envisionfestival.com

Image courtesy of Schloss Elmau

Annual Yoga Summit

WHEN? 21–26 May 2023

WHERE? Schloss Elmau, Germany

WHAT? Yogi’s know it well: the Annual Yoga Summit brings passionate and advanced practitioners from across the globe together to deepend their knowledge, alongside beginners looking to try out new styles and find their perfect fit. The rich programme is filled with daily classes, workshops, meditations, lectures, music, Schloss’ spectacular spas and delicious vegan, vegetarian and asian food. Just don’t forget your mat!

HOW? schloss-elmau.de

PACE by Peligoni

WHEN? 22–26 May 2023

WHERE? Zakynthos, Greece

WHAT? Kicking off the summer season in style, Greece’s Peligoni Club will be back with their week-long wellness festival in 2023, in collaboration with Rob da Bank. The programme focusses on wellness at your own pace, offering guests an opportunity to dip into fitness, cold water exposure, breathwork, yoga, gong baths and meditation alongside plenty of delicious food and Rosé. Last year, contributors included Sir Chris Hoy, Rosemary Ferguson, the IO Project, Emma Lucy Knowles, Richie Norton and Aodhnait Lombard (certified Wim Hof) – so 2023 is bound to be a good one.

HOW? Tickets from £400, including a week’s membership to the club, a full water sports upgrade which includes paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing, and all the fitness and yoga classes, meditation and wellness workshops. peligoni.com

Soneva Fushi, Maldives (c) Julia Neeson

SOUL Festival

WHEN? 29 September–8 October 2023

WHERE? Soneva Fushi, Maldives

WHAT? Time for wellness in paradise: pioneering, sustainability-first Soneva is partnering with wellness enterprise ORGANIC INDIA on the inaugural immersive wellness festival, SOUL, at their Soneva Fushi resort in autumn 2023. Over 10 days, guests from across the globe will explore wellness in all of its forms, led by a line-up of visionaries, thought leaders, and wellness pioneers, and celebrating both ancient healing traditions and modern innovations through workshops, programmes and one-to-one consultations. All proceeds from tickets sold will go to the Soneva Foundation and ORGANIC INDIA Foundation to support the development of positive impact environmental, social and economic projects.

HOW? Tickets from USD 6,900 for two guests, for a minimum three-night stay. This includes two festival tickets and full access to the entire programme, with luxurious private villa accommodation, daily full board at selected dining destinations, and complimentary round-trip wheeled plane domestic transfers. soneva.com

Wonderfruit

WHEN? TBC (in 2022, the festival took place from 15–18 December)

WHERE? Thailand

WHAT? Asia’s answer to Coachella, Wonderfruit takes place in Thailand’s Pattaya, around two hours’ drive south of Bangkok. Wellness offerings here are diverse and some out-of-the ordinary – expect everything from TED-style talks to crystal bowl meditation to capoeira to ‘orgasmic yoga.’ Sustainability is a big part of their ethos, with pretty much every structure on-site made from recycled or reusable materials – in 2017, this included a stage made out of parcels of rice that were given away and eaten after the festival.

HOW? Tickets typically from THB 4,000 (approx. £94). wonderfruit.co

Featured image: PACE by Peligoni Crystal Gong Meditation (c) Holly Farrier Photography.

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Best Online Yoga Classes For 2023

1. The Yoga Library

Set up by yoga teacher Jaime Hepburn after running a string of successful classes via IG lives during lockdown, The Yoga Library offers classes for students of all levels and places more emphasis on intuition and mood. The types of classes on offer include vinyasa, slow, power, rest, yin and still, as well as short workshops that break down the various postures and give tips on technique.

EXPLORE: From £19.99 a month or £180 for a year, theyogalibrary.co

2. Movement For Modern Life

This digital yoga platform not only offers unlimited access to thousands of classes, challenges and courses, it introduces you to a supportive community through live Q&As and online events. Sessions range from two to 90 minutes long and include options for all abilities from beginner to teacher, with everything from energising morning classes to relaxing flows to do before bed.

EXPLORE: From £15.99 a month or £131.88 for a year, movementformodernlife.com

3. Fable’s 30-Day Yoga Series

Ease your way back into exercise with Fable’s free 30-day yoga series, run by Claudia Mirallegro. Subscribe to Fable’s YouTube channel for daily classes, plus optional supportive emails.

EXPLORE: Videos are free to watch on YouTube, fableyoga.com

4. In Your Element On Demand

Dreaming of yoga on the beach in Bali? Teleport yourself to sunnier climes through new wellness platform In Your Element On Demand, which offers a range of holistic classes based around the four elements: fire, air, earth and water. Designed to create an international wellbeing community, the platform includes everything from yoga to meditation to sophrology, plus inspirational talks and workshops on managing anxiety.

EXPLORE: Prices vary, inyourelement.com

5. Yoga with Adriene

Lockdown has catapulted YouTube’s biggest yoga guru, Adriene Mischler, into a new level of fame. Her channel now has over 7 million subscribers, including over a million Brits – though Adriene herself lives in Austin, Texas. So what’s behind the popularity? Firstly, there are classes for pretty much everything, from back pain to vulnerability to anger, as well as dedicated 30-day yoga challenges. Adriene’s encouraging, supporting demeanour plays a part too, with support and coaching for both beginners and experienced yogis. And, of course, everyone loves the frequent cameos from her little dog Benji.

EXPLORE: Videos are free to watch on YouTube, yogawithadriene.com

6. Psycle

Though Psycle was originally known for its high-energy spin classes, the studio recently expanded its offering to include yoga, barre and HIIT – all of which you can do from home via its new digital platform, Pscyle At Home.

EXPLORE: Yoga credits start at £12, psyclelondon.com

7. triyoga

One of the selling points for London yoga empire triyoga has always been the variety of classes available, which translates to their online platform. The digital offering includes vinyasa, kundalini, yin yoga and yoga nidra, as well as children’s classes and a selection of workshops. If you’re into alternative wellness, you can also book specialist virtual therapies, such as gong healing and chakra balancing.

EXPLORE: Yoga credits start at £10, triyoga.co.uk

8. FLY LDN

Technology has always been a big part of immersive yoga studio FLY LDN, so it’s no surprise they’re now using it to stream classes. Flowlife is their signature class, ideal for regular yoga practitioners, Slow Flow is great for beginners, and Chill is an ultra-relaxing class featuring deep openings and gentle movement.

EXPLORE: From £9.99 a month, flyldn-online.com

9. Shona Vertue

Sydney-born fitness influencer Shona Vertue places just as much emphasis on restorative practice as hours in the gym. Her unique method – dubbed the ‘Vertue Method’ – combines bodyweight resistance training with traditional yoga, focusing on sequences that improve both body and mind. Classes include morning mobility, hip openers and desk yoga – all of which are particularly relevant at the moment. With such a bubbly, down-to-earth personality it’s no wonder Shona has amassed over 90k subscribers to her channel. Even David Beckham’s a fan!

EXPLORE: Videos are free to watch on YouTube

10. Soul Sanctuary

Cat Meffan’s online platform is the perfect way for novices to get into yoga. Each month you’ll get two 65-75 minute yoga flows, two 30-minute yoga flows, a guided meditation, movement breakdown videos and a live Q&A – plus access to the archive of classes from the past year.

EXPLORE: From £14.99 a month, catmeffan.com

Featured image: Getty Images

The post Home Relaxation: 10 Online Yoga Classes To Try Now appeared first on Country and Town House.

Get Fit in London: Gyms, Studios & Classes

Free Exercise In London: A Guide

Sweaty Betty Fitness Classes

Sweaty Betty stores not only sell some of the best activewear around, they’ve been hosting free fitness classes for over 10 years. These days you can choose from around 70 classes a week, ranging from yoga to HIIT to barre – but you’ll need to be on the ball to secure a spot. Places can be booked up to a week in advance, so register online and keep your eyes peeled.

TRY IT: sweatybetty.instabook.io

Happy Bootcamps

Operating in 12 countries across the world, Happy Bootcamps are all about feeling good and getting fit – without the hefty price tag. Groups meet every Saturday and Sunday at 10.30am for a challenging workout featuring bodyweight training, running and games, with sessions taking place at both Kensington and Victoria Park.

TRY IT: meetup.com

GoodGym

Get fit while doing good at GoodGym, which sees runners pausing along the way to help with community projects. Recent good deeds have included planting trees at the local park, sorting cans for food bands and visiting isolated elderly people.

TRY IT: goodgym.org

Adidas Studio LDN

Women-only fitness classes take place regularly at Adidas Studio LDN, run by ambassadors like Zanna Van Dijk and Adrienne Herbert. There’s everything from boxercise to yoga, and you book a space through a chatbot on Facebook Messenger. Afterwards, grab a post-workout shake from the Refuel Bar, which serves hot drinks, juices and light snacks during event hours. 

TRY IT: 52 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU

parkrun

Every Saturday morning in parks all over the world, thousands of runners meet to run together – from beginners to Olympians, young to old. It’s a simple concept: run, jog or walk a timed 5k amid pleasant parkland surroundings. But it’s hugely popular – perhaps because there’s an especially friendly vibe, everyone’s welcome, and there are numerous venues to choose from around the city, from Clapham Common to Walthamstow to Ally Pally. To get involved, find your nearest parkrun here.

TRY IT: parkrun.org.uk

Everyone Active x Southwark Council

If you’re a Southwark resident, you can work out for free in six of the borough’s leisure centres all day Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. All you need to do is register here and complete an online induction, then you’re free to sweat it out at the gym or cool down in one of the pools.

TRY IT: everyoneactive.com

London City Runners

The largest free running club in the capital, London City Runners welcomes everyone from newbies to seasoned marathon runners. Come rain or shine, runners meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at London’s Druid Street, before setting off on a non-competitive group run. You can either run 5k, 6k or 10k depending on which bridge you cross over the Thames, and there are three different speed groups for each session. For an extra incentive, Sunday runs are followed by a hearty roast somewhere nearby.

TRY IT: londoncityrunners.com

Featured image: Tirachard Kumtanom, Pexels

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Pilates vs Yoga: Which Is Right For You?

Strength

Suzy: Yoga provides a great range of strength-building poses, addressing the whole body. Some poses are held in stillness building strength and stamina, others are moved through with fluidity, taking the body through full range of motion. A balanced practice builds functional strength for the whole body which is useful in everyday life.

Jess: Pilates allows you to really break down and understand how your body moves, empowering you to build strength and stability in all areas. The great thing about pilates is that you can target personal areas of weakness with simple specific movements.

Flexibility

Suzy: Yoga offers dynamic flexibility for the whole body – in particular the neck, shoulders, spine and hips – which helps to reduce tension and stiffness.

Jess: Pilates allows you to experience the full flowing movement of your body and helps to release stress and tension. This allows your muscles to relax and in turn improve your flexibility.

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Weight Loss

Suzy: Fluid movement in vinyasa yoga – where you move in and out of poses in tandem with the breath – offers cardiovascular training and fat-burning properties. This vigorous style of practice can be effective for weight loss and boosting the mood.

Jess: If your goal is to lose weight, pilates can be a useful addition to combine with your strength and conditioning training. Lifting weights shortens your muscles and it is important to lengthen them back out, and pilates is perfect for doing just that.

Mindfulness

Suzy: Yoga is a moving meditation when the mind is anchored on the sensation of the body or the breath itself. This is a powerful way to build your mindfulness muscles and allows you to take your yoga off the mat and into everyday life.

Jess: I always bookend pilates sessions with meditative breathwork. Breathing techniques encourage mindfulness and allow us to connect to the changes happening within our bodies during workouts. This in turn will often help students to hold pilates poses for longer.

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Posture

Suzy: By incorporating a variety of movement – forward bends, back bends, twists, extensions, inversions and core work – yoga systematically releases imbalances and tension and builds the muscles that hold us in a tall upright posture without even having to think about it. Balance poses in particular fine tune our core strength and awareness of how we are holding ourselves.

Jess: For me, pilates is all about bringing attention to the natural alignment of your body. It allows you to notice where you place your body and, when needed, to make small changes each session, which leads to improved posture.

At Home Practice

Suzy: Yoga requires no equipment: all you need is your body and a little space to move. You don’t even have to have a mat – a carpet will do, or in the garden on the grass or a blanket. It doesn’t need a large investment of time or a complex sequence. A single yoga pose can cause a shift in how you feel, deeply affecting the mind by anchoring it on the here and now.

Jess: Pilates can absolutely be done at home, and most of it requires no equipment (apart from reformer pilates). There are tonnes of tutorials online – all you need is a mat and your smile. Since lockdown I have been running all my classes via Zoom with wonderful feedback of clients feeling strong, energised and supple.

Jess Ellmer is a pilates teacher running online classes and can be found at jessellmer.co.uk. Suzy Reading is a yoga teacher, psychologist and author and can be found at suzyreading.co.uk.

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