Yoganova

Wow, what can I say about Yoganova classes? Having met Yoganova's Emily a couple of times and been impressed with both her infectious positivity and deep knowledge of yoga and the cultures from which it derives, I decided to start attending one of her classes last Spring. At the time, I was facing some difficult personal challenges and was feeling very depressed and anxious, and had been advised to try some light exercise. I quickly found that going to her class both temporarily distracted me from how bad I was feeling (because it was so engaging and fun), and also enabled me to return to 'the real world' with more optimism, clarity and strength  and a more healthy, toned body almost as a by-product.Its been many months now that I've been attending the Kundalini Yoga class, which is a really active class utilising pop, Motown, disco and classic rock and dance music alongside beautiful, uplifting 'meditation music'. Its an absolute highlight of my week. Even on dark wet evenings when leaving the house again after work is really unappealing, if I make it to the class I return almost singing with joy, and with a profound sense of wellbeing and everything being 'okay'. Sometimes my muscles ache the next day but this usually takes me by surprise as I don't often realise how much I'm working them at the time  I'm enjoying myself too much! That's not to say that Kundalini is just 'Yogaerobics'  there's a meaningful side too and it also incorporates relaxation and meditation aspects to complement the physical work.Emily encourages everyone to work to their own level, but to challenge themselves within it. She invites us to connect with our 'inner selves' including our playfulness and positivity, but in a really accessible and down to earth way that never feels false or embarrassing. The Kundalini class raises energy but also leaves you feeling relaxed. And I'm always asking what this or that song was, so I can go home and download it!I'm trying to find time in my schedule to attend one of Yoganova's other, 'slower' classes, such as 'Candlelight Flow' because I know it will be well worth it. I haven't felt so well in a long time. More...

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