27 May 2024

New Studio Open June 24th

Hi Yogi,

We are excited to share an update with you on the development of our eagerly anticipated state-of-the-art wellness and hot yoga studio. As we work towards our opening this summer, we’re excited to unveil some of the incredible features that will be awaiting you:

Red Light Sauna: Experience the rejuvenating benefits of red light therapy, known for its ability to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin health.

Cold Water Therapy: Immerse yourself in the invigorating benefits of cold water therapy, which can help improve circulation, speed up recovery, and boost overall well-being.

Sound Healing & Visual Art: Transport yourself into deep meditative states with our immersive soundscapes and captivating visual art projections, designed to enhance your relaxation and mindfulness practice.

Personal Training Studio

We’re also delighted to introduce an array of new classes tailored to meet your diverse wellness needs, including:
Hot Barre
Breath & Ice
TRX Fitness Circuit (featuring an exhilarating ice dip to conclude)
Strength & Fitness Classes
Meditation
Senior Mobility Classes
Teen Yoga
Family Yoga
Kids Fitness Classes
Kids Club during school holidays
And rest assured, all your favourite classes will still be available!

Stay tuned for more detailed updates coming your way soon. In the meantime, let’s share some of the remarkable science behind our cutting-edge wellness studio:

Benefits of Red Light Therapy:
Stimulates collagen production, promoting skin health and reducing wrinkles.
Alleviates inflammation and accelerates injury & wound healing.
Improves joint health and reduces pain.
Enhances mood and reduces symptoms of depression.

Benefits of Ice Baths:
Speeds up muscle recovery and reduces post-exercise soreness.
Improves circulation and boosts the immune system.
Increases alertness and mental clarity.
Helps in weight loss by activating brown fat.

Benefits of Hot Yoga:
Increases flexibility and improves muscle tone.
Enhances cardiovascular health and endurance.
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

We can’t wait to share this transformative journey with you. Thank you for being a part of our community!

Warm regards,

Yogalife Family!

27 May 2024

New Class: BARRE!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new studio location this summer, and with it, an exciting addition to our class schedule: Barre! Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to our community, we invite you to explore this dynamic, transformative workout that will elevate your fitness routine.

What is Barre?
Barre is a fitness class that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga, creating a unique and highly effective workout. Named after the ballet barre used in classes, this method focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to strengthen and tone your body.
What to Expect in a Barre Class

In a typical Barre class, you can expect a series of exercises that target your core, arms, legs, and glutes. The class usually begins with a warm-up, followed by sequences that use the barre for balance while performing small, controlled movements and isometric holds. These exercises are designed to build muscle endurance and improve flexibility. The class often ends with mat work and a cool-down to stretch out and relax the muscles.

Benefits of Barre
Full-Body Workout: Barre classes are designed to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a comprehensive workout that targets all areas of the body.
Improved Posture: The emphasis on alignment and core strength helps enhance your posture both during workouts and in everyday life.
Increased Flexibility: Combining ballet and yoga elements, Barre helps improve flexibility, making it a perfect complement to your yoga practice.
Muscle Endurance: The small, repetitive movements and static holds challenge your muscles, increasing their endurance and strength.
Low-Impact: Barre is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for all fitness levels, including those recovering from injuries.

Class Schedule and Booking Information
Starting this summer, you can join us for Barre classes at our new studio location. The classes will be available every Thursday at 11:00 AM and Friday at 9:15 AM.

Opening Week Special
To celebrate the opening of our new studio, we are offering a special opportunity to try our Barre class for free during the first week! This is our gift to you, a chance to explore this exciting workout and see how it can enhance your fitness journey.

We Value Your Feedback
Your feedback is essential to us as we continue to grow and improve our offerings. We would love to hear your thoughts on our new Barre class, as well as any requests for additional styles and teachers. Your insights help us create a schedule that meets your needs and preferences.

Join us this summer at our new studio location and take the first step towards a stronger, more flexible you with Barre. We can’t wait to see you there and hear what you think!

Warm regards,

Stuart, Gareth & all the Yogalife family

27 May 2024

Embrace the Healing Power of Red Light Therapy

As the anticipation builds for the grand opening of Yogalife’s new state-of-the-art wellness studio this summer, we are excited to introduce an innovative and transformative addition to our class offerings: Red Light Therapy. Integrated with our yoga and meditation sessions, this cutting-edge therapy promises to elevate your wellness journey to unprecedented heights.

What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy (RLT) involves exposing the body to low levels of red and near-infrared light. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage the skin, red light penetrates the skin to reach deeper tissues, promoting a range of therapeutic benefits without harmful side effects. Originally developed by NASA to aid in plant growth experiments in space, RLT has since been adapted for various medical and cosmetic applications.

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy works by stimulating the mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, to produce more energy. This increase in cellular energy enhances the body’s natural healing processes, offering numerous benefits, such as:
Enhanced Skin Health: Red light boosts collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. It also helps in healing acne and other skin conditions by reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair.
Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation: RLT alleviates chronic pain and inflammation by enhancing blood flow and reducing oxidative stress. It’s particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and musculoskeletal pain.
Accelerated Healing: By increasing cellular energy and promoting regeneration, RLT accelerates the healing of wounds and injuries, making it an ideal therapy for athletes and individuals recovering from surgeries.
Improved Mood and Mental Health: Red light therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety by influencing the production of serotonin and other mood-regulating neurotransmitters.

Integrating Red Light Therapy with Yoga and Meditation
At Yogalife, we believe in holistic wellness, which is why we are integrating Red Light Therapy into our yoga and meditation classes. Here’s how you can benefit from these innovative sessions:

Yoga with Red Light Therapy: Enhance your yoga practice with the synergistic effects of red light. Experience deeper relaxation, improved flexibility, and faster muscle recovery. This combination is perfect for those looking to maximise the physical and mental benefits of their practice.

Meditation with Red Light Therapy: Amplify the calming effects of meditation with the soothing presence of red light. This integration promotes a profound sense of tranquility and well-being, making it easier to achieve deeper meditative states.

Who Can Benefit from Red Light Therapy Classes?
Red Light Therapy classes at Yogalife are designed to support a wide range of individuals, including:
Fitness Lovers and Athletes: Accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve performance.
Individuals with Chronic Pain or Inflammation: Alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility through natural healing processes.
Those with Skin Concerns: Improve skin texture, tone, and clarity while addressing conditions like acne and eczema.
Mental Health Seekers: Enhance mood, reduce stress, and find emotional balance.
General Wellness Advocates: Anyone looking to boost their overall health and vitality through a natural and effective therapy.
Join Us at Yogalife This Summer
We are committed to providing our community with the most advanced and effective wellness solutions. Our new studio, opening this summer, is a testament to this commitment. By integrating Red Light Therapy with our yoga and meditation classes, we are offering you an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach our grand opening. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new studio this June!

Namaste,

Stuart, Gareth & all the Yogalife family

19 May 2023

The Profound Impact of Yoga Studio Communities: A Reflection on Health and Connection

As the fast paced technological world seems increasingly eager to connect us only digitally, the value of genuine human connection has become increasingly significant. I’d like to share with you a reflection on the role I believe a Yogalife plays in the lives of its community.

Mental Well-being: It’s not long before you feel part of the fabric of this studio and each time you walk through those doors you’re filled with a the sense of belonging and acceptance. It is a place where people gather, sharing experiences and finding solace amidst the demands of daily life. Studies published in the Journal of Psychology and Aging outlines positive correlation between regular social interactions and decreased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Holistic Health: Yogalife offers a truly holistic approach to wellness. Regular practice, guided by skilled instructors, will improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall fitness. However, it’s the method of this guidance that makes it so valuable in our lives. Yogalife nurtures a supportive environment that fosters growth & exploration, it encourages development & challenge, but also acceptance.

Immune Resilience: Deepening our understanding of the mind-body connection, we discover that hot yoga has a great potential to strengthen the immune system. By reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and nurturing overall well-being, yoga practice positively influences immune function. One interesting article I quote during our teacher training course comes from the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, and highlights the significant correlation between social support, prevalent within the yoga studio community, and an enhanced immune response.

Meaningful Connections: Yogalife offers an opportunity to develop deep, meaningful connections. The yoga becomes a catalyst for forging bonds between our students as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth together. At every class you can encounter like-minded souls from diverse backgrounds, united by a common interest in health, wellness, and personal development. These connections extend beyond the confines of the yoga mat, becoming a network of support & friendship that will enrich your life.

 

My personal take on the studio is that people come to the studio to strengthen their body, maybe to help heal an injury or even to learn more about the tradition of yoga, but they stay to be part of the community. The profoundly special part of Yogalife isn’t the heat, mood-lit room and beautifully designed furnishings, its the people who roll out their mat.

 

I feel truly grateful for being part of this family.

 

Peace

 

Stu

19 April 2023

Restorative Yoga Training

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an ever present in peoples lives irrespective of their economic status, physical health, age and gender. In the short term stress can disrupt sleep, create a loss of focus, leave you feeling agitated, fatigued or even place pressure on personal relationships. Prolonged levels of stress have been associated with various physical and psychological ailments such as heart disease, depression, and anxiety disorders. That information is nothing new, so why have we not found a remedy for the stress “disease” before it leads us into our ill health? 
 
There are many reasons, but the two most prominent are; 1) We masks the signals (symptoms) with caffeine, sugar, sleeping tablets, energy drinks, painkillers, alcohol, TV, social media etc or 2) We treat stress with more stress – I could list all of the points from reason 1) and add; we take on more at home or work, we join a gym and go straight for the high intensity exercise classes – we could even group dynamic power yoga in this category too. 
 
Let’s pause on that final reason – high intensity exercise is a stress?
Yes, high intensity exercise, even practices like power yoga and dynamic flow yoga are loading stress onto the system (body & NS) – yes they have great value but they don’t destress us in the way we believe. Power Yoga and Flow yoga differ from exercise because they bring more awareness into your experience. This improves your ability to withstand stress and move through stress. They essentially “stress” your system with a view to making you more resilient to stress and that definitely works. However, there is a tipping point & trying to cure acute stress with more and more stress is akin to putting up a small picture frame with a sledge hammer. 
So, theres something missing in our general societal approach.
 
The missing part of the jigsaw is re-educating your mind & body in the skills of wilfully calming down. 
 
It’s a re-educating because so many of us have simply forgotten how to relax & feel peaceful. We know how to try hard, how to push through, how to give more. But, we have forgotten how to be still, let go & receive. 
 
It’s corny but the recent passing of the great Burt Bacharach made me think of practices like restorative yoga, yoga nidra & meditation. When he sings “what the world needs now, is love sweet love” thats really what these practices are. They are without doubt nothing short of a radical act of self-love.
The best version of you, is the version that is cared for, loved and nourished. You are the only person who has the capacity and responsibility to action those virtues. That person can be found with these styles of practice, I will bet my 15 years of experience on that. 
 
OK, I might have tempted you to seek out more of these practices. But… imagine taking a deep diving into them!
Imagine having all the knowledge and techniques yourself! That level of agency gives you the capacity to influence your own thoughts and behaviours forever. 
The Restorative Yoga Training & learn To Connect (meditation) courses  offer this very skill. 
 
Let me tell you more about the Restorative Yoga course staring in May, and before you skip, the course isn’t just for teachers! Read on. 
 
Our restorative yoga teacher training course is rooted in neuroscience, spiritual tradition, and humanities making it a comprehensive program designed to provide a deep understanding of the mind-body complex. The course gives students a better knowledge of the therapeutic potential found in restorative yoga & provides a holistic perspective on the human experience.

The course would begin with an introduction to neuroscientific concepts and the effects of stress on the human body and mind. Students will learn about the effects yoga and meditation have on the brain and the nervous system, along with how these practices can help reduce stress and promote healing.
Students will then delve into the principles of restorative yoga, learning how to modify postures and how to use props to create a supportive environment for the body to relax and renew. The course will also cover the spiritual roots of this practice, including an exploration of yogic philosophy and the significance of breathwork.

Throughout the course, students will learn about how the humanities, including literature, philosophy, and history, can help us understand and appreciate our inner world. They will explore the ways in which these disciplines intersect with yoga and how they can inform our practice.

In addition to theory, the course will include extensive practical training, including supervised teaching practicums and opportunities for personal practice and reflection. Students will also receive guidance on how to create a safe and supportive environment for students and how to integrate restorative yoga practices into therapeutic settings.

Upon completion of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of restorative yoga and its therapeutic applications, as well as knowledge of the scientific, spiritual, and humanistic principles that form the foundation of this ancient practice.

 
Who Is The Course For?
 
You might not have any ambition to become a yoga teacher, but you know that learning these practices and the science behind them will benefit your life unquestionably. So book on! 
 
If you’re a thinking of becoming a yoga teacher, or you’re currently a flow/power/ashtanga/rocket teacher, fitness coach, wellbeing enthusiast, or therapist – then this course will develop your knowledge and skills so that you can serve your community more wholly. 
 
The course comes with online support via videos, a workbook & personal journal. 
Course Dates 
May 27th & 28th
June 17th & 18th
July 1st 
Saturdays 12:00-17:30
Sundays 11:00-17:00 
Investment £199 if booked before April 30th (£250 there after)
How to Book: click the link below.
* Option to become a certified restorative yoga teacher. 
For more details or to speak to me about anything that ‘clicked’ with you from this post please contact myself direct stuart@yogalifeuk.com I am available for small group and 1-2-1 sessions that teach the practices of restore & revive.
See you in class
Stu
Summary Benefits of Restorative Yoga
 
By activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting relaxation, restorative yoga teaches the body and mind how to destress and deregulate. Over time, this practice can lead to profound changes in how individuals respond to stressors in their environment. Beyond just reducing stress, restorative yoga has been shown to have a host of other benefits, including:
 
– Reduction in anxiety and depression: Restorative yoga has been found to significantly reduce levels of anxiety and depression in individuals who practice it regularly.
– Improved sleep: Sleep is often disrupted by stress and anxiety. Restorative yoga has been shown to help improve the quality of sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
– Reduced pain: Studies have shown that restorative yoga can significantly reduce pain levels in individuals with chronic pain.
– Improved flexibility: Restorative yoga can help to increase flexibility, range of motion, and mobility in the joints.
 
Why Restorative Yoga is Important 
 
We all face numerous stressors ranging from work or family pressures, financial burdens, social challenges, and general life transitions. Research has shown that todays adults are more prone to stress and anxiety than their parents and grandparents were, making restorative yoga an essential practice. 

1 November 2022

Hello November

While it’s a little warmer than we would normally expect at this time of year, the Autumn is in full swing. Leaves are falling, pumpkins are everywhere and the cold darker nights make a hot yoga studio even more inviting.

The yoga practice teaches us that each season has an energetic direction and quality that can be clearly seen throughout nature. Theres a system of yoga that encourages us to balance our lifestyle and behaviours to align with the the energies in season, and in doing so we feel more connected to our lives on a day-to-day basis.

The Autumn is filled with change and movement and in our culture it seems as though everyone is racing towards the year end trying desperately to hold things together and finish off those last few important tasks. This can take its toll on our wellbeing so it’s important to remember it is our responsibility to manage our physical and mental health to avoid burn-out, anxiety and stress related illnesses.

Looking after yourself isn’t a luxury, its a necessity.

Before you take the appropriate actions to create greater balance, you must first become aware of what you need. Stress is complex and its causes are diverse, however Dr Andrew Huberman says that we can categorise stresses into 2 streams. He says “one type of stress is when you’re too activated, alert, and agitated. This is what we usually experience when we’re in physical pain or emotionally bothered. Then, there’s another side of stress, wherein you’re feeling another shutdown or when you’re feeling exhausted and you can’t get mobilized and alert enough. This is the stress that gives us the feeling of fatigue.” 

Both categories of stress are managed in different ways so it’s important to know what you are feeling. One stress management technique comes directly from the yoga practice, we call it pranayama, the rest of the world calls it breathing exercises. By changing the way you breathe you can learn to control your heart rate, your nervous system response and therefore your mind.

Heres a simple tool for you to explore.

When you inhale more vigorously or longer, you’re speeding up your heart rate. When you exhale, the diaphragm moves up, signalling the brain to tell the heart that it needs to slow. This knowledge is not enough – you must practice the techniques to build a stronger relationship with the stress signals and your response to them. Then at will, you can shift your state of being.

Another great tip is to try a different style of yoga. If you are feeling hyped up, then try a Restorative Flow or Yin class. If you feel low on energy or have been picking up the seasonal coughs and bugs then trying something more physically challenging such as a Vinyasa Flow, Power or HIIT yoga is a must!

You know a change is going to be good for you, but your monkey mind plays its tricks and tells you that you won’t like it or that you can’t do it. So, lets get that money put back in its place! Our team are basically super humans trained in mind-zoology. They will make you feel at ease, support you, challenge you, motivate you and most importantly help you recognise that you CAN do anything at Yogalife. If you are feeling nervous about a class or sitting on the fence about booking – then drop me an email (stuart@yogalifeuk.com) and I’ll give you a pep talk or even better I’ll get on the mat with you because this month I’m making big shifts in my yoga too. I practice daily but its always on my own in a kind of indulgent “I have the keys to a yoga studio” kind of way. I know I’m missing out on that Yogalife vibe and being on the mat next to you all instead of at the front. So, I’ll be more than happy to  be your yoga buddy this November – just holla!

Here’s my recommendations for November classes:

Calming classes

Mondays & Wednesdays 19:30-20:30 Yin Yoga with Rachel

Thursdays 19:30 Nourishing Yoga with Emma

Uplifting Classes

Mondays 6:45-7:30 HIIT Yoga with Gareth

Thursdays 18:00-19:00 Power Yoga with Jules

Sundays 10:15-11:15 Shake It Up with Jen

21 June 2021

How to enjoy International Yoga Day – 4 tips from around the globe

“International Yoga Day, it’s finally here!” you say aloud, grinning ear to ear. You cross off the 21st of June in a bright red marker on your calendar and bound out the kitchen door to start your day.   

As a yoga lover you can’t wait to spend the day celebrating with your friends, getting a sweat on over at the studio or performing some Sun Salutations in the local park (Hey, it’s also the summer solstice too don’t forget). 

You are alway amazed by how much International Yoga Day grows every year. It’s an opportunity to make new friends, catch up with old ones and spread the joys and benefits of yoga to people everywhere. 

The day is a true international celebration. With yoga classes, meetups and sessions happening globally and on a massive scale. Everyone enjoys the day a little differently and in this article we’ll be looking at how a few different cultures we’ve experienced at Yogalife spend this special day.     

 

Why is there an International Yoga Day?

As the name suggests International Yoga Day is a global celebration of yoga that happens on the 21st of June. This date was chosen as it’s the summer solstice and the longest day of the year in most parts of the world. 

The date was proposed by The United Nations General Assembly in 2014 and the first International Yoga Day happened the following year. It was decided there should be an international day for yoga to promote the positive impact it has on people’s physical and mental health.  

The word yoga is derived from an ancient language called Sanskrit. In Sanskrit it is pronounced “Yuja” and the word means the uniting or unification of body and consciousness. 

Translated into the modern age, the mental and physical benefits of yoga are beyond doubt and the more people that are exposed to this amazing activity the better.  

 

How should you celebrate?

Everyone will have their own unique way of celebrating International Yoga Day. Some people will head over to their nearest studio for a morning session or read up on the philosophy of yoga. 

Many people like to use it as an opportunity to introduce friends and family to yoga. They’ll spend an afternoon sharing their experience and stories from their time doing yoga (along with a few beginner poses) in the hopes they can spread that joy to other people. 

At Yogalife we’ve been fortunate enough to run yoga retreats all over the world and during our travels we’ve seen how other cultures like to spend their International Yoga Day, how they celebrate it and what they like to do. 

 

France – Skiing and Yoga

Our retreat in France was our first ever winter yoga retreat or “snowga” as we like to call it. When people think of yoga they tend to associate it with hot sunny beaches or tropical retreats.

We’ve actually found yoga has a lot in common with winter sports too. Both require dedication and passion, both teach you to be in tune with your body and both bring you closer to nature. 

It’s no surprise then that keen yogi’s in the Alps like to spend their International Yoga Day enjoying a spot of Ashtangi on the mountain side in between runs. Combining skiing and yoga is a great way to take yoga to an unusual location and expose a new audience to yoga who might not have seen it before.  

 

Spain – siestas and yoga 

It’s a commonly known fact that it’s hot in Spain. Take our word for it, we run three retreats there (Barcelona, Majorca and Gran Canaria). And whilst it’s great to do some al fresco hot yoga sessions, the heat can get a bit extreme from time to time. 

Spanish yogis are likely celebrating International Yoga Day with some early evening or late night yoga after their afternoon siesta to avoid the heat. Feeling fully recharged and ready to take on the evening is a great mental state to be in when doing yoga. You’re also more likely to get first time yogis up and having a go when it isn’t 35 degrees outside!

 

Greece – Yoga by the Aegean

Yoga is all about centering yourself and getting back to nature. Whether that’s in a desert, up a mountain, or in the case of Greece, listening to the crashing waves and ocean swell of the Aegean whilst doing yoga next to the sea. 

Greece and the sea go hand in hand, our Greek retreat in Corfu isn’t far from the sea (nowhere in Greece is really) and you can be sure that Greek yogi’s will be grabbing there mats and heading to the cliffs and beaches on International Yoga Day to feel the sea breeze on their face and enjoy a session of yoga next to the ocean.

 

India – Yoga with a vegan meal

For many people yoga is more than just an exercise. It goes beyond an activity you do to keep fit and limber and becomes a way you live your life. Yoga originated in India and encompasses more than just physical exercise. Most Indian yogis will be eating a strict plant based diet and they’ll be celebrating International Yoga Day with a yoga session and a vegan meal. 

If you’re not a vegan but would be interested in trying it for a day, International Yoga Day is a great opportunity to combine both and celebrate yoga wherever you are.  

 

How will you celebrate? 

However you decide to celebrate International Yoga Day we hope you have fun and enjoy it with friends and family. Find out more about our yoga retreats over on our yoga retreats webpage and book a class for International Yoga Day with us here: Book a class.

18 May 2021

Get more from your all inclusive – 4 ways a yoga break will leave you truly recharged

The hum of traffic surrounds you. The heat of the city is inescapable and you’re struggling to read your map because of the glare of the sun.

“I’ve got three more sites to see today” you think as you head off to the Colosseum.

“Then I can have a break and relax with a pizza and a beer” that’s odd, you think.

You came away on holiday to relax but instead you’re all stressed out and looking forward to the end of the day. You might as well be back at work.

“This isn’t a very relaxing holiday” you say aloud, maybe you should have gone on that yoga break instead.

A calm retreat of like-minded individuals all wanting to truly switch off from the world and recharge. No barrelling around Rome or Paris, but a secluded yoga holiday in the hills. Now that sounds relaxing.

Yoga breaks can be truly life changing experiences and they don’t cost an arm or a leg either. If you’re looking for something different to your standard all inclusive you should consider a yoga holiday with friends or your partner.

If you’re still unconvinced about the benefits of a yoga break we’ve listed the 4 ways a yoga holiday will leave you truly recharged below.

 

You don’t need to worry about trips to the supermarket

There’s no denying that sometimes it’s nice to go self catered on a holiday. You can pop to the shops like a local, cook up a storm in your self-catered rental and really feel like a local.

Whilst this is fun if you’re in the mood to go hunting for food it can also be a really stressful experience. If you want your holiday to be a relaxing experience and stress free adventure then a yoga holiday might be a better fit for you.

Yogalife retreats are all inclusive. That means all your catering needs are looked after. You don’t have to think about cooking at the end of the day (After all the yoga you’ll be doing, why would you want to cook). You can focus on resting, recharging, and working on your yoga game.

 

You’ll detoxify and glow from the inside out

A yoga retreat isn’t a party holiday, far from it. It’s a chance to give yourself and your body a break from alcohol and focus on eating balanced, healthy, plant-based meals.

A week or two in Ibiza might be fun but you’ll probably leave more frazzled than when you arrived. Yoga breaks have the opposite effect on their guests. Allowing your body a chance to detox, repair, and heal will have you leaving your yoga retreat a glowing beacon of calm.

 

You’re with a collective of like-minded yoga lovers

Hectic crowds, boozy parties, chanting. All can be par for the course on a normal beach holiday. Even a sophisticated city break could see you harassed by pushy market sellers, congested traffic, and frantic crowds.

For a truly recharging holiday it’s best to get out of the cities and tourist resorts and to a yoga retreat you can enjoy with other like minded individuals. That way you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’re surrounded by friends and peers all working towards the same goal. A relaxing, transformative holiday.

 

You’ll get to experience some truly unspoilt beauty spots

You can’t have a yoga break in the middle of a packed city or on a beach full of tourists. Yoga holiday’s need calm. You want to be in a secluded, serene location where you can focus on yourself and yoga.

This means yoga retreats are often located off the beaten track, far away from tourist hotspots and in the parts of countries most foreigners won’t visit. This means you can see some real unspoilt natural beauty and relax in a calming location truly undisturbed.

 

Where will your next yoga holiday be?

Yogalife runs yoga breaks all over the globe from Barcelona to India. If you’re interested in finding out more about our retreats you can check them out here.

As things start to open up again our trips away will become more and more likely so keep checking back with us for the latest information. If you need to get your yoga fix right now you can attend one of our studios in Cheshire. Book here.

 

 

13 May 2021

Post-lockdown dread – 5 ways to use yoga to calm anxiety

The world is getting back to normal (Hurray). Masks are becoming a thing of the past. The previous 18 months have had their ups and downs. They’ve been challenging for everyone, but have also given people lots of time to reflect, recharge, and learn new skills.

Our world’s have shrunk and things have become a lot more cosy. We’ve been wrapped up in our own bubbles and time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life has, for many, been a truly relaxing experience.

So, it’s only natural to feel some apprehension when we hear about things opening up. You haven’t been in a crowd of more than 6 people in a year. How will you manage 100?

For many of us this adjustment won’t be too awkward but for others this could bring about a real sense of anxiety. As the world rushes to reopen again we could long for our lazy days in the garden.

Being anxious about the end of lockdown is normal and there are many ways to cope with the creeping unease. One way you can overcome this dread and enjoy a drink with your friends is by using yoga to calm anxiety.

 

Can you spot anxiety? How can yoga help?

We will all feel anxious sometimes. It’s an evolutionary trait that’s been built into us from the dawn of time. As humans there are times in our life where it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious.

Job interviews, a wedding day, going to the dentist. Being anxious at times like this is just your body telling you to be on high alert. It’s doing its job.

Anxiety can range from anything from butterflies in your tummy to a nervy, excitable energy and cold sweats. Although this can be unpleasant, more often than not it’s endurable.

When anxiety spirals out of control however it can become a really limiting force in your life. People who have suffered anxiety attacks have described persistent feelings of dread, flurries of panic, feelings or urgent fear, and their fight or flight response kicking in.

Not nice symptoms.

The idea of going out to a crowded market place, or to a busy restaurant could trigger feeling like this in you. But using yoga to calm anxiety is a great way to snap out of this fear spiral and tell your body everything’s fine, you’re not in danger.

Yoga can help to calm your anxiety in these situations because it doesn’t force you to rationalise your way out of fear.

When you use yoga to calm anxiety what you’re actually doing is taking the lessons you’ve learned from yoga to recognise which of your thoughts, feelings, or actions are making you feel anxious. Once you’ve identified these things you can implement self-soothing, anxiety coping habits into your schedule that’ll allow you to get on with your life.

5 way to use yoga to help calm anxiety

There are many ways you can use yoga to calm anxiety. Some methods can be done on the move whereas others should be done before you go out or when you return home. Below are 5 ways you can use yoga to help calm your post-lockdown anxiety.

 

Do some deep belly breaths

We’ll start this list with a very practical tip. Deep belly breaths can be done anywhere. Even at work, although it does require you to lie down so maybe find a side room in the office so you’re not stretching out in front of co-workers.

The effects of conscious deep breathing are really beneficial. It directly calms the nervous system and helps you achieve a relaxed, soothed state.

To do deep belly breathing properly you need to lie on your back. Find a support for your legs or back if you’d like more comfort. From there you can place your hands above your navel and slowly, and deliberately begin breathing in and out. Be conscious of your breathing and enjoy the relaxing effects.

 

Interrupt your panic

A hectic day around town can lead to a heightened sense of panic. Conversely, getting ready to meet friends at the start of the day can also send you into an anxiety spiral.

These can be tough to get out of, especially when you have nothing to break the cycle of your own thoughts. Being stuck in your own head is the worst place to be but in this situation you can use yoga to calm anxiety. How?

When you step on to a yoga mat you have an opportunity to step out of thinking mode. Yoga is the conscious practice of letting go of your worries. It is, in effect, a way to break the current worry cycle you’re in, become relaxed, and move on with your day.

If a tough day at the office or plans with friends are making you feel anxious a quick 15-minute at home yoga session could break that cycle and let you get on with your day.

 

Decompress after a tough day

Stress and anxiety can make you feel physically compressed. Worrying too much can bring about physical symptoms such as tension and fatigue. Knotted shoulders, necks and back are some of the classic indicators of anxiety and you’re literally carrying that around with you.

Yoga can help remove this physical tension with some good old exercise. Yoga is not only great for removing mental stress but physical tension too. This combination of de-stressing the body and mind and releasing the grip anxiety has on us.

 

Have a gratitude journal, write in it often

Lot’s of yoga practicers keep gratitude journals. They’re a great way of putting your thoughts on paper and keeping them out of your head. When we’re anxious it is easy to focus on the negatives and forget about all the great things happening in our lives.

By writing down three things a day you’re grateful for you can turn your worries into positive thoughts.

 

Have a guided meditation podcast on standby

Meditation and yoga go hand in hand. Often you’ll find that people practice both. Meditation helps us to slow down, reduce stress, and connect with our inner self.

If you’re just starting out with meditation or you’ve had a particularly hectic day getting into the right mindset for meditation can be tough. So having a guided meditation podcast or playlist on standby is a great way to switch off, recharge, and reduce anxiety.

 

Ready to get back out there?

The world opening back up is exciting but a bit daunting. We’d suggest you take all the time you need to readjust to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re a little apprehensive about in-person meetups you can book online yoga classes with us. For those ready to enjoy a class at one of our studios you can find all the information you need on our studios pages.

16 April 2021

We’re Hiring! Front of House Manager

Job Description: Front of House Manager
Reports to: Yogalife Director
Direct Reports: Front of House Hosts


As a part of the Yogalife family in our unique community you will support the team to provide a welcoming place where people of all levels can come explore, grow and laugh together

Yogalife Core values:

  • We provide disciplines & practices with modern approaches that enable accessible Yoga to all diversity groups
  • We are ONE & Connected with our members. We create a sense of belonging & respect
  •  We are Social, engaging and FUN
  • We offer Challenging practices, in a safe, controlled environment
  • We actively encourage Self improvement at a members own pace
  • We seek to explore a members Personal Potential for growth
  • We operate locally, ethically and commercially sustainable

Job Purpose:

As a member of the front of house and service team you contribute to the success of the customer experience, your areas of responsibility, your team and creating a positive environment for our wider Yogalife family to work and practice in.

You inspire and empower the front of house team to seek every opportunity and achieve the right outcome for our customers, both front and back of house. You work with the Studio Managers and Yogalife Directors to deliver the business priorities, achieving and exceeding targets set and leading and coaching the front of house team to success.

Your responsibilities in your home studio include hosting reception, maintaining the studio, handling all elements of customer service and completing compliance tasks.

You will act as an ambassador for our brand, delivering exceptional service through good communication, passion and engaging with our customers.

Accountability

Outcome

Front of house
  • Welcome and check in customers
  • Conduct familiarisation with new members
Front of house
  • Inspires lifelong relationships with our customers
  • Achieves good customer retention
Brand Execution
  • Cleaning of studio and Front of House
  • Maintaining Studio Standards
  • Prepare Studio for class
Brand Execution
  • Creates consistency of brand building our reputation and loyalty
  • Provides a clean and safe sanctuary for our customers
  • Inspire yogis to rediscover themselves
Growth
  • Data analysis (bookings, classes, memberships)
  • New member follow up regime
  • Membership management
  • Member feedback
  • Collaborate with marketing team to implement effective and targeted marketing

Growth
  • Improve brand loyalty
  • Reduce membership attrition
  • Influence the business based on customer needs
Customer Service
  • Deal with Booking and Payment queries
  • Complaint Handling
  • General customer queries
Customer Service
  • Provides smooth customer journey
  • Make our customers feel valued and gain trust in the brand.
Safety and Compliance
  • Compliance checks
  • Health and Safety protocol
  • Document Audits
  • Covid secure processes
Safety and Compliance
  • Ensure a safe and legal environment to work and practise
Team
  • Lead, coach and inspire front of house team
  • Create an environment to support teachers to be at their best for class
  • Plan and manage front of house rotas and cover
Team
  • Confident and supported Front of house team
  • Successful and positive working environment for all yogalife team members
  • Smooth running of front of house

Qualifications:

  • N/a

Experience (desired):

  • Customer Service

Skills & Interests (essential):

  • Good social and interpersonal skills
  • Positive attitude
  • Self Motivated
  • IT capable – Computer skills (word, excel, emailing)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Skills & Interests (desired):

  • Understanding and passion for yoga,fitness or wellbeing.
  • Experience managing a team 
  • Social media user (instagram,facebook)
  • Experience of use of Mindbody app

Other (essential): 

  • Flexibility
  • Transportation

Locations or work:

  • Yogalife Alderley Edge (Base studio)
  • Yogalife Poynton
  • Yogalife Wilmslow
  • Some working from home

Rate of pay:

£13 per hour

Hours:

Circa 25hrs

Benefits:

  • Annual Pay review and bonus scheme
  • Yogalife Membership (T’s & C’s apply)
  • Uniform

If you think you fit the bill, send over a CV and covering letter to  with the role you’re applying for in the subject line.