I find yoga to be the best start to the weekend. A Saturday morning class puts my day on the right path. I free myself of any stress or negativity leftover from the work week and begin the weekend with a sense of freedom, relaxation, and positivity. I also feel great about getting a workout in and tend to make healthier food choices throughout the day, before going out to a big dinner and/or night of drinking.

 

 
 Sangyé Yoga School is a laid-back yoga studio on West London’s Kensal Road (just a short walk from the Westbourne Park tube station). Formerly known as Jivamukti Yoga London, Sangyé still practices using the Jivamukti method. Jivamukti is an international yoga company that started in the 1980s with a method that incorporates their own five tenets into each open class. These main principles include scripture, devotion, kindness, music, and meditation. So be prepared, that while a lot of yoga classes are about an hour and focus mainly on the positioning of your body and connections to the earth and your breath, this yoga may feel much more spiritual and a lot more educational.  Every class at Sangyé is slightly different, but they usually include learning the meaning and technique behind Oms, a lesson on the different types of breathing, or even a full 20 minute chanting singalong. The class is an hour and a half long, so there is definitely still time to break into a full sweat, don’t worry. I just need to give full disclosure so you know what you’re in for.

The music is different, too. I was used to practicing just to the voice of the teacher, but these classes have a pretty unique soundtrack. The class is set to a mix of trance, spoken word, ragas, and even some pop. This I find really cool.

The last difference, compared to my prior yoga experiences, is their use of China Gel. The herbal therapeutic pain relieving gel is massaged onto your neck or lower back at some point during the practice by the instructor. I am not sure if this is necessary to the practice, or if they just use it to advertise their product they have for sale in the lobby, but either way, I love it. It’s like an all-natural Icy Hot that awakens your senses and helps ease your body into some deeper stretches.

But, the reason I love Sangyé Yoga isn’t because of these Jivamukti method differences or the China Gel. It’s just an easy place to go. Their drop-in price is only £16.00 for an hour and a half.  You never seem to have to book ahead. I’ve been able to get into every class, weekends and weekdays at all different times. And the classes are for everyone. All different levels coming together for the open class, taught by extremely passionate teachers. It’s a no-pressure environment where you can do something good for yourself without feeling guilty about the price. And that is why I love Sangyé. So, namaste and have a great weekend.

Sangyé Yoga School
300 Kensal Road
London W10 5BE