Hello!
So I have promised to write this review and here I go!
So the Yoga Lounge is in Deansgate in Manchester, real easy to find! Right next to the Hilton you definitely cant miss that! They offer at the moment around 3-4 types of yoga and one hot pilates and some new pilates which I haven't tried yet! The new pilates opened just as my 30 days ran out!
The staff are always friendly and there are around 4-5 teachers, each with their own style of teaching and differences in the classes, so you may go to hot yoga twice a week but have two different experiences, all the teachers are encouraging and offer really good advice to help you do the poses. I know I really struggle with downward dog as all the weight was going in my wrists and Eleanor explained how to shift it to my hands which made things a lot easier! Though, I still hate downward dog! haha! I've tried each of the classes and love them all! Hot Flow is the hardest class but after a few tries I found I was doing a lot better. If you are wondering how hot yoga is different to bikram: Bikram has a particular set of 26 poses/breathing exercises, the classes never change and it is very disciplined, no talking! you also are encouraged to drink less water in bikram. Hot yoga has a lot of similar poses but you work on a warm up, standing poses, balancing poses and then back/core strenghening poses. You are encouraged to drink water throughout the class to stay hydrated and some of the poses encourage a good giggle around the class.
Everyone is really friendly with each other and the studio is really clean and fresh, I do wish they would get blinds for the 7 o clock classes when the sun goes down though! The changing rooms offer spaces to put your bags and coats have showers and hair dryers. If all classes are full you can be a little pushed for space sometimes but it's never been that bad. The studio has state of the art heating system which means the heat bounces off surfaces, completely different to bikram where its just the room heated up so if you have a cold not everyone is going to get it. The temperature is also adjustable which sometimes has been a life saver if the class is fuller and hotter! They also have the capability to book sessions online, which is amazing! you can keep a good yoga diary of what you are doing and they have a good range of times. You can tweet the studio with suggestions and they really do go off peoples feedback.
As for myself, hot yoga has induced some more weight loss, as you know I had an ankle injury and couldn't run or do anything in the gym so the classes really helped me with my fitness, this type of yoga is cardiovascular. The heat and movements themselves have helped my ankle heal and loosen my back. I'm constantly stretching in work realising how stiff it is working at a desk! I am so much stronger then I was 30 days back! Mind-wise I usually cannot shut my mind off, but when I am in class I am able to clear my mind, and to have that break feels amazing! I come out feeling so much calmer and I feel so much more confident in myself, I cannot describe how much much confidence has changed!
The Yoga Lounge has been a really positive impact in my life and I can't wait to get my membership in June, 75 pounds sounds like a lot but when you think its 10 pound a class and your getting all you want yoga/pilates, It's actually a really good offer!
So check it out:
http://theyogalounge.co.uk/
Ciao x
Update: They tweeted me to let me know they are getting blinds next week!! Told you they took all comments on board :) 10 days till I go back!
