Been meaning to get back in shape after one too many mince pies? Here’s some motivation to dust off your down dog: Yoga West has an alluring new look. Over the holidays the studio was transformed, with gorgeous wood floors replacing the carpet and exposed edison light bulbs bestowing a chic industrial vibe. Touches of Indian art give props to the birthplace of yoga, and the revamped reception area now conveniently offers a range of yoga clothing and products to boost your practice. The floor-to-ceiling windows of course remain, lovely remnants of the art deco building’s former life as a factory (and ideal for your sun salutations).
Located just north of Bedford Park, between Turnham Green station and Acton Park, this west London studio holds 40 weekly dynamic yoga, gentle yoga, pregnancy yoga and Pilates classes for everyone from beginners to serious yogis. With sessions running at all times of the day, seven days a week, there’s probably one that suits you. (If not, you can ask for it: if enough people want the style or time that you favour, they’ll add it to their offerings.)
In addition to the timetable of classes, Yoga West holds workshops on nutrition and mindfulness. If your new year isn’t starting off as smoothly as you’d like, you may be interested in an upcoming workshop on mindfulness-based stress reduction. Along with reduced stress, benefits are meant to include better focus, improved sleep and peace of mind.
Many of us have resolved to take better care of ourselves in 2015, and Yoga West’s offer of 30 straight days of regular yoga or Pilates classes for £45 aims to help you make health a habit. If you start your 30 days before the end of the month, you’ll also get a free place on their introduction to mindfulness workshop on 24 January and their nutrition for energy and fitness workshop on the 31st.
Flexibility being a hallmark of yoga, they have several pricing schemes, including drop-in classes (£13), various forms of membership as well as 5-, 10-, and 30-hour passes. Plus, you can even bring your infant to the parent and baby yoga classes—perhaps your wee one will help you perfect your child’s pose. For more information, including the full timetable and pricings, visit Yoga West’s website.
