In the spirit of all things ‘New Year New You’ we were asked by our colleagues at Heart Streatham magazine to help review some of the health and fitness options that our fabulous high street has to offer.
BID manager: “As a yoga returner – I practiced a lot in my twenties – almost two decades later I thought it was about time I reintroduced myself to my toes! So we, the staff team at BID HQ have taken on the challenge of reviewing a selection of new and established Yoga Studios that we have spread along the length of our 2.3miles of continuous high street.”
So whether you live in the hill, central or common ends of Streatham hopefully you can find a local class that is exactly what you need to feel good.
Welbeing95 Yoga Studio & Spa
Ifeoma attended a Power Vinyasa yoga session on a Saturday, 11am.
I booked online, though registering on their booking system was quite long. They’ve many membership options available, all displaying on the Sign Up page before the single session option which was what I was after and would have appreciated that being at the top of the page.
For a single session entry, it costs £12.99 but the Studio is currently offering 14 day trial of unlimited classes at £19.99 which I went for! Later found out this also includes a 20min massage in the S.Spa – Yay!
I’m a yoga beginner and hadn’t practised for a few months so wasn’t sure how this would go. Marieyama, the manager, was very welcoming and helpful, she gave me a tour around the studio and spa – very clean space and changing rooms were tidy.
In the class were 9 of us including the teacher, Stephane. Good teacher, he made it attainable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The class was mixed but mainly female. I left feeling calm and awakened.
95 Streatham Hill, London SW2 4UD, 020 8674 7814, www.wellbeing95.com/schedule
Yoga Embodied
Meeta attended a Vinyasa flow yoga session.
Booked for a Vinyasa Flow class online. Not cheap at £15 for a drop-in session, though that seems to be the going rate. There is currently an offer of 5 weeks at £65.
On arrival, the room was set up and calming. No instruction was given but just followed instinct and sat down. You were encouraged to bring your own yoga mats, blocks etc but there were plenty there available to use.
Only having practiced Hatha yoga, this class was a bit challenging but Anya encouraged us to go with what felt right for us. Although I don’t think this class would be suitable to a complete beginner. There was a mixture of holding poses and stretching. Together with breathing and meditation.
I did not feel relaxed when I left the studio, but not sure if it was because I had not practiced yoga for a while or this particular style was not for me.
There were 9 of us plus Anya including 2 men. Although it did not bother me I think this should be mentioned on the website in case ladies are looking for female only classes.
www.yogaembodied.com, 136 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 1BW, 07963 820702
The Yoga Edge
Louise attended a Hot Dynamic Yoga session.
This small local studio started in Crystal Palace 3 years ago, and have just opened in Streatham. Just opposite the Royal Mail post-collection centre on Prentis Road, this is a great spot for those centrally located.
I was greeted really warmly by the class instructor.
The studio was lovely and warm apparently this is to allow you to stretch that little bit further whilst detoxifying too. All good for this time of year!
I opted for the Hot Dynamic Yoga at Open Level. I would have opted for a beginner’s class but lunchtimes are ideal for work but they do have a full timetable of classes from early mornings to lunchtimes and of course evening sessions too.
I think if you had never done Yoga before the open level would be a little bit of a struggle but we were all encouraged to work at our pace
It was a mixed class: age, sex, race and gender so did feel really inclusive and there was certainly a lot of love in the air. I left feeling hot, sweaty but full of life!
It was very easy to sign up as a member online and begin booking classes. I picked the drop in rate for £16 but they have 5 star google reviews for both studios and are currently running a great introductory offer of 30 days unlimited yoga for £40.
248A Streatham High Road, SW16 1HS, 07432 529 964, www.theyogaedge.co.uk
Yogarise
Louise attended a Dynamic Vinyasa Flow session.
Another new opening for Streatham High Road is the very beautiful Yogarise which has literally just opened its doors on the up and coming destination that is The High Parade. A five-minute walk from Streatham Hill Station this is their second venture having successfully operated in the Bussey Building in Peckham since 2014.
The beautifully equipped studios have fantastic facilities and share their home with Element Fitness and Spinach London so this a real hang out spot as well as a studio and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming.
I took the Dynamic Vinyasa Flow and found the class energetic but achievable. I wouldn’t suggest a total beginner dive straight in but having done yoga before I was aware of the poses and encouraged to take it at my own pace.
I booked via the Yogarise app which was easy to find on the playstore, really easy to sign up and navigate. The only thing that could have made it even easier would be the ability to pay via PayPal but that certainly isnt a criticism.
There are a whole host of sessions from 7.30 in the morning until 8pm in the evening and lots of day time Classes for homeworkers, freelancers and local employees. There is a really broad range of styles and teachers here so it would take a bit of sampling to find the right class for each person but at their amazing introductory offer of just £6 for a drop-in or £52 for 10 off-peak sessions it’s certainly worth giving it a go.
24-26 The High Parade, Streatham High Road, SW16 1EX, 02030963158, Www.yogarise.com
Better Yoga
For those of us at the common end of the High Road (Streatham Common that is!) I was pleasantly surprised to see the wonderful new hot yoga studio at the Leisure Centre. This specially designed studio on the ground floor has heated panels in the ceiling gently warming the room to 32 degrees allowing you to stretch and flow to a new you.
With a selection of classes throughout the week and open from 6am to 10pm there are times to suit everyone. Unfortunately, I was unable to get into one of the classes as they were fully booked (well done all those organised yogi’s!) but as this is the most reasonably priced drop in class I can totally understand why. The leisure centre offers a range of hot yoga and yoga classes and with a monthly class membership at just £30.85 per month, this is a great option for those who fancy trying yoga as part of a new health regime this new year.
Better Ice & Leisure Centre, 390 Streatham High Road, SW16 6HX, 0208 677 5758, Website
