London is a city that can be stressful and overwhelming at times. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, yoga is a popular choice. In this insider’s guide, readers will discover the best yoga studios London has to offer.
Whether someone is looking to break a sweat, find inner peace, or meet like-minded individuals, this guide has something for everyone. From beginner classes to advanced practices, London’s yoga scene has it all. Keep reading to discover practical tips for practicing yoga in the city.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- London offers a variety of yoga studios catering to different needs and preferences.
- Yoga is a great way to escape the stress of city life and find inner peace.
- Practicing yoga in London requires some practical tips to make the most of the experience.
London Yoga Studios
Mission
Mission Yoga Studios is the largest yoga studio in London and even in Europe, with a floor plan of over 14,000 square footage, five separate studios, expansive changing spaces with saunas and a restaurant for after-work-out meals. The studios were set up by students and practitioners of yoga, so they knew what sort of things they’d need to make the space a success. Mission boasts some of the best yoga instructors in the UK teaching from their rooms and a heap of different classes and styles to choose from.
Puppy Yoga
Puppy Yoga is a unique yoga experience held in various locations within zone 1. The classes begin with a traditional yoga session, followed by the presence of adorable puppies. The puppies can be mischievous, but they add an element of fun to the class. Practitioners can try to remain focused while the cute baby dogs run around on the mats beneath them, licking their faces.
More Yoga
More Yoga is a citywide yoga company that provides affordable yoga classes around London. With studios in 35 locations across the city, they offer over 1000 classes every week, ensuring that practitioners can find a class that fits their schedule and preferred style of yoga.
Hotpod Yoga
Hotpod Yoga is a top choice for hot yoga in London. Practitioners can enjoy hot yoga in an inflatable pod kept at a stable 37°C, flooded with ambient lighting and music paired to the rhythms of the class. Hotpod Yoga has been tried and tested by reputable sources and is regularly voted one of the best yoga classes in London.
Ashtanga Yoga London
Ashtanga Yoga London is a small community dedicated to spreading the philosophy of yoga. They teach yoga in its traditional forms, maintaining a strong link to Indian teaching but doing so in an inclusive way that’s welcome for all. Classes are small and personal, offering a peaceful environment for practitioners.
Yogarise
Yogarise is a community yoga program that provides affordable yoga classes in Peckham and Streatham. They have multiple teachers and styles of yoga to choose from and do a lot of charity work and outreach. Practitioners can rarely pay more than ten pounds for a class, and it’s easy to find classes for as little as two or three pounds.
London Buddhist Centre
London Buddhist Centre offers classes that are more in touch with the spiritual side of yoga. They may not have the range of classes on offer that some other studios do, but practitioners can expect teaching from people who’re in it for all of the health benefits and none of the insta’ flex. London Buddhist Centre also offers access to a relaxing yoga retreat.
Flying Fantastic
Flying Fantastic is a studio that teaches all sorts of aerial sports and exercises, including aerial yoga. They offer classes to practitioners of all levels, whether they’re just starting out or already experienced. Aerial yoga offers many benefits, including increased spinal health and core strength, and is a relaxing experience, even when hung upside down.
Iyengar Yoga London
Iyengar Yoga London is a niche studio that prioritizes strength and alignment over the need to fly or stretch out with puppies. They have been running classes for over thirty years and offer a range of classes for all levels. Practitioners can expect serious teachers who are passionate about what they do. The studio only has one location in Maida Vale, but it’s worth the trip for those looking for an Iyengar yoga class.
Practical Tips for Yoga in London
To fully benefit from yoga, it’s important to find the right class that suits your needs. London offers a variety of yoga classes, ranging from intensive to more relaxing ones like flying or puppy yoga. It’s recommended to shop around and try different classes to find the one that suits you best.
Before starting a new class, it’s advisable to give the school a call and speak to the instructor to get more information about their style of yoga. This is especially important if you have any injuries. Informing the teacher about your injury will help them work around you with the stretches and activities, preventing any further harm.
It’s important to read the room and understand the purpose of the class you’re attending. Some yoga classes in London are more serious than others, and if your goal is mostly social, it’s probably not best to train under someone at a more serious location, such as the London Buddhist Centre.
In summary, to get the most out of yoga in London, it’s recommended to shop around for the right class, speak to the instructor before starting, inform them about any injuries, and choose a class that aligns with your goals and preferences.