Category Archives: Yoga

Open Day 12 Oct 2019

Posted on September 18, 2019

Free Classes, Tea & Cakes and Meet the Teachers

As part of the Bristol Yoga Trail 2019, Yogawest are opening our doors and offering free classes all day long. We invite you to come along, take a tour of our beautiful building, chat to some teachers and try a taster class or two.

Come at least 10 minutes before the start time so you can register with us and secure your place. Some classes may be busy, and some may fill up before the start time, so do arrive in good time!

Timetable of FREE classes at Yogawest

9.30–10.45 Beginners

11–12.30 General

12.45–1.45 Family (all ages welcome)

2–3 Total Beginners: a class for complete newbies

4–5.15 Beginners

5.30–6.45 Restorative: restful poses focusing on good breathing

Donations to OTR

Although all Open Day classes are free, we are collecting donations for OTR – Off The Record, a marvellous Bristol Charity offering mental health support to young people. A £10 donation pays for a free counselling session for a young person. Read more about OTR here.

Local TV coverage of the Trail

Bristol TV came to talk to us about the Bristol Yoga Trail, many thanks to Katy and the Tuesday morning class!

We look forward to seeing you then!

Posted in Beginners, BKS Iyengar, Bristol, Bristol Yoga Trail, Charity, Children, Classes, Cleo Edwards, Diana Penny, Family, foundation, free class, General, getting to Yogawest, Health, Iyengar Yoga, Joanna Lambe, Luke Hutchison, New to yoga, newcomers, news, Newsletter, Offers, parent & teenager, stress, studio, Teachers, teenagers, timetable, Yoga

Full Timetable restarts 31 August

Posted on August 7, 2019

The Autumn timetable at Yogawest

The updated full timetable begins on Saturday 31 August, download your copy here or pick up a copy at reception from 15 August.

NOTE that some termtime and courses start later: check termtime classes dates and course dates.

There are some small changes this Autumn, with highlights as follows:

Naomi adds a class

Naomi Maggs now teaches two classes on Wednesday evenings: the Beginners class starts at 6pm and her new General class starts at 7.30pm.

Welcome to Sarah

Sarah Dietz joins the Yogawest team and is teaching the Beginners class on Tuesday evenings at starts at 7.15pm, two teenager classes on Thursday afternoons and some Foundation courses.

Welcome back to Cleo

Cleo Edwards is back on the timetable, teaching the Beginners class on Saturday afternoons at 4pm and some Foundation courses.

Low cost classes

Yogawest offers some classes to those with low wages (eg NHS, students) and operates on a fairplay basis to those who cannot afford to come to class otherwise. Classes currently listed include the 4.30 Friday class and the Saturday 4pm class and details are updated regularly here.

1:1 classes

Yogawest offers one-to-one classes for people who want a little more attention, perhaps because of a particular injury, or those who are unable to attend group classes. Classes are by arrangement, and are usually an hour long. More info here

Quieter classes

Autumn is a busy time at Yogawest and some classes can get quite full: this makes for a great atmosphere – seasoned yoga practitioners usually enjoy busy classes. However, some people prefer quieter classes and we regularly update our list of current quiet classes here

Posted in Advanced, Beginners, Bristol, Children, Classes, Cleo Edwards, Community, experienced, foundation, General, Health, Intermediate, Iyengar Yoga, Naomi Maggs, New to yoga, newcomers, news, Sarah Dietz, Teachers, teenagers, timetable, Yoga

Reduced Timetable Summer 2019

Posted on July 15, 2019

Monday 22nd July – Friday 30th August

While some teachers take a well-earned break over the school holiday period, Yogawest is running a reduced timetable with classes running throughout. As always, do check the online timetable in case of any last minute adjustments.

Download the reduced summer timetable here or pick up your copy at Yogawest.

The full timetable resumes on Saturday 31st August.

Who is Teaching the Class?

Many classes are being taught by the usual teacher for that time slot. Some classes are being covered by Yogawest teachers or other fully qualified Iyengar teachers familiar to (and approved by!) Yogawest students.

Having a different teacher is a great opportunity to experience new instructions and learn something else about your yoga. Yogawest is confident that all students will be well cared for by all of the Iyengar teachers who teach here. As always, please tell the teacher at the beginning of class of anything they should be aware of.

Full timetable resumes 31st August

The updated timetable begins on Saturday 31st August and is published here

Posted in Advanced, Beginners, Bristol, Classes, Edgar Stringer, experienced, General, holiday, holiday opening times, Intermediate, news, studio, timetable, Yoga

Easter Period classes 8–22 April

Posted on April 11, 2019

Easter at Yogawest

While schools are on holiday, the termtime classes and courses at Yogawest take a break, but most classes run as usual.

Over the Easter weekend, 19–22 April, most classes are running as usual, however a couple of classes are not on.

See the full list of Easter weekend classes below and as usual check your favourite class details on the online timetable.

Easter Weekend 19–22 April

Friday 19 April, Good Friday
10.00–12.00 Experienced Edgar
12.15–13.45 General Edgar
18.00–19.30 Restorative Lizzie

Saturday 20 April, Easter Saturday
9.15–10.45 Intermediate Luke
9.30–10.45 Beginners Joanna
11–12.30 General Luke

Sunday 21 April, Easter Sunday
10.00–11.30 General Edgar
11.45–13.15 Intermediate Edgar
18.00–19.30 General Joanna

Monday 22 April, Bank Holiday
10.00–11.30 General Janet
17.45–19.15 Intermediate Lizzie
19.30–21.00 General Annemarie

Posted in Advanced, Beginners, Bristol, Classes, Edgar Stringer, experienced, General, holiday, holiday opening times, Intermediate, New to yoga, newcomers, news, studio, Teachers, timetable, Yoga

Monday evenings changes from 8th April

Posted on April 3, 2019

Mondays Are Changing

As of 8th April 2019 Monday evening classes
at Yogawest are changing to:

17.45–19.15 Intermediate Lizzie
18.15–19.30 Beginners Zoë
19.30–21.00 General Annemarie

See you at Yogawest soon!

Posted in Annemarie, Annemarie Caracciolo, Beginners, Classes, Diana Penny, Lizzie Biggin, news, Teachers, timetable, Yoga

Yoga in Schools

Posted on March 20, 2019

Article on BBC online 8/3/19

Yoga in schools has ‘profound impact’ on behaviour

A project taking yoga classes into schools has helped children with social and emotional challenges, according to a head teacher.

The classes at Reedham Primary in Norfolk have been aimed at children with a range of special needs, including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The yoga teachers concentrate on techniques that promote a sense of calm and the trial has said to have given the children the ability to manage behaviour and respond to stress, anxiety and depression.

Head Chris Edwards said: “We have seen how the practice of yoga has a profound impact on certain children. They appear to be calmer and more at peace with themselves and their surroundings.

“By being more in control of their feelings, their behaviour and attitudes towards learning and life in general have improved.”

Read full article here

Posted in boys, Children, Community, newcomers, stress, Yoga

Yoga in Hospitals

Posted on March 20, 2019

Article from The GUARDIAN 17/3/19

Soaring stress levels have led to a workforce crisis and alarming numbers of doctors and nurses are quitting their jobs at the NHS.

But hospitals are trying to reverse the trend by giving staff yoga sessions, free massages, bacon rolls, and their birthday as an extra day off in an attempt to relieve the pressures of caring for patients.

Growing numbers of trusts are laying on mindfulness classes, physiotherapy to relieve pains, and advice on good sleeping habits as ways of improving their personnel’s wellbeing.

Kingston hospital in London has hired a physiotherapist specifically to treat staff suffering from sore necks, backs and shoulders from the rigours of handling patients. A “mind/body practitioner” also teaches them yoga to improve their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Every week scores of staff attend yoga sessions, pilates class or mind/body relaxation groups. Additionally, a “staff support chaplain”, who is a trained therapist, provides free pastoral care and counselling to those suffering with stress, anxiety or depression, whether caused by work or their personal or family life.

Kelvin Cheatle, the trust’s director of workforce, said it enlisted the trio’s help after its staff survey in 2015 showed that they “consistently felt stressed and under pressure and that the organisation wasn’t doing enough to help them. We implemented a health and wellbeing strategy to support staff through every type of their wellbeing – physical, mental, financial and family health.”

read full article here

Posted in Beginners, Health, streaa, Yoga

Pregnancy Yoga at Yogawest

Posted on January 29, 2019

Pregnancy Yoga

Yoga is a beneficial and enjoyable activity to do when pregnant. It prepares your body and mind for birth, keeps you moving and is a lovely way to meet other Mums-to-be in the area. Midwives and Doulas recognise the benefits of regular yoga when pregnant and we are always delighted when they come to class themselves.

From January the Course will be at the New Time of 12.30–1.30

Next Course Feb 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 (6 weeks)
Cost £60

Coming to Regular Classes When Pregnant

Students can usually continue attending their usual class(es) once they become pregnant, but it’s important that the teacher is aware (email us so we can let the teacher know you are coming, or arrive 15 mins before class). You may prefer to wait until 13 weeks when you can join the pregnancy class which is suitable for existing practitioners and complete beginners. During weeks 10-13 of the pregnancy you can’t come to regular classes but, if you are an existing Iyengar practitioner, you may be able to come to the restorative class on a Friday evening with advance permission (email us to check, confirming you have no complications). NB: we do not accept new pregnant students to regular classes until after 13 weeks, and then it is with permission of the class teacher.

Posted in antenatal, antenatal yoga, Beginners, Bristol, Classes, General, pregnancy, pregnant, Yoga

Free Yoga Class for beginners 19 January

Posted on December 10, 2018

Introduction to Iyengar Yoga for Newcomers

SATURDAY JANUARY 19TH 2.30–3.30

Are you interested in finding out more about yoga?

We invite you to come to this free 60 minute class at Yogawest, as part of the National Iyengar Yoga Day.

Joanna Lambe will guide you through this introductory class. You will learn a few foundation yoga poses, and get a sense of what to expect in a yoga class. Joanna will explain along the way how yoga can benefit you, and there will be a chance to ask questions at the end.

All equipment provided, wear clothing that you can move in, leggings and T-shirt ideal; yoga is a bare foot activity!

Time 2.30–3.30pm

Level Suitable for all newcomers

Cost Free

Book your place Call us on 0117 924 3330 or email to book your place. Extra places may be available on the day; pre-booking will secure your place!

Posted in BKS Iyengar, Bristol, Classes, Community, free class, General, Joanna Lambe, New to yoga, newcomers, news, Offers, Yoga

Bristol Yoga Trail 2018

Posted on October 20, 2018

We had a great day last Saturday (13th October) with our Open Day, as part of the Bristol Yoga Trail, giving free classes (and cakes!) all day and collecting money for Off The Record.

the cakes (and teachers!) arrive

Very many thanks to the teachers and admin staff that gave up their time to teach, help and make cakes on the day – your efforts were very much appreciate

A huge thank you to those that came on the day and donated to OTR. The total donations to ITR is an amazing £943.59 between the 5 participating studios.

Bristol247 wrote a lovely article about the trail: read it here

and we had BBC Bristol come to the trail in the morning to see what was happening: listen to the interviews, first here:

and second here:

Here are a couple of highlights of the day:

Martin Evans from the BBC interviewing Diana

Joanna kicking off the free classes

Amber putting the teenager taster class through their paces

Posted in Bristol, Bristol Yoga Trail, Charity, Community, Yoga