The images that usually come to mind when one thinks of Yoga,
include prostrating oneself in unusual and uncomfortable
positions.  Whether you’re trying to stand on one leg or sit in
the lotus position, most of us wonder how people who practise yoga can
concentrate through the pain in their legs.  

It is
true that some positions are difficult to master in the beginning, but
don’t believe that all yoga classes require you to jump straight in
with both untrained legs.  Yoga is as much about the mind as it is
about the body.  In actual fact yoga, by definition, means ‘A
Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of
perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity.’ Another definition states
that yoga is ‘A system of exercises practiced as part of this
discipline to promote control of the body and mind’.  So in effect
yoga is all about the ‘union’ between the body and the mind and the
benefits that this practise can create.

There has always been
speculation about whether yoga can actually keep you fit and help you
lose weight.  Yoga can definitely help with flexibility,
suppleness and strength but yoga won’t necessarily help you to lose
huge amounts of weight.  If you are trying to lose a significant
amount of weight, yoga can be very beneficial if used as a supplement
to a more aerobic routine such as running or swimming.

Greatly
renowned for helping to relax the body and mind, yoga has many other
benefits.  It will increase your energy levels, help you to have a
better night’s sleep and it can even help to clear the toxins from your
body such as the build-up that causes cellulite. In particular, people
with busy, stressful lives can benefit from the meditation techniques
that go hand in hand with most yoga practice.  These techniques
involve controlled breathing, some hand movements and occasional
chanting.  Once you get past the giggling stage, you’ll discover
how relaxing and rejuvenating meditation can be and will find that it
can become an important part of your daily routine.

Here are some yoga establishments across London that you can visit to start learning about yoga:

North London 

Yoga Junction
Unit 24, City NorthFonthill RoadFinsbury ParkLondon N4 3HFTel: 020 7263 3113

info@yogajunction.co.uk

Weekend drop in price £10 for 90 minute classes
Day time drop in price of £8.50 for 60 or 75 minute classes.


West London

Portobella Yoga
8 Telford Road
W10 5SH
Tel: 020 8960 0846

Most classes are approx 1 hour 30 mins and cost £10.£8 concessions for students, unwaged and seniors.


East London

Bikram’s Yoga College of India
18-24 Shacklewell Lane
London E8 2EZ
Tel: 020 7254 3060
 
Introductory pass is £10 for 10 days (New students only).
Drop in is £10 per class.


South London

Chaithanya Yoga School
23 Parbury Road
London
SE23 1NZ
Tel: 020 8699 6980

kamal@chaithanyayogaschool.com

Prices start from £8.50 per class

There
are a few forms of yoga that you can try to discover which one
suits you best.  They all emphasise different aspects of yoga, for
example, Hatha yoga concentrates mainly on the poses and postures of
your body with the breathing exercises often at the end of a
session.  Ashtanga yoga concentrates on meshing the breathing with
the postures to kick-start the internal detoxification process.

All
the forms are beneficial in their own right but it goes without saying
that those who practise daily or even weekly yoga will find it a fun
way to meet people and keep your mind and body in superb condition all
at the same time.