Why I Engage with a Yoga Practice

As sweat droplets crept their way across my forehead, I took the support offered by the floor. My left hand moved onto my chest, and with sudden awareness I found my heart pounding hard against my ribs. Now that I had stopped to listen, there was nothing else other than that what was happening on the mat: an undeniable raw connection between mind and body. Seconds later the din of the mind kicked in again, but for a brief moment there was clarity on why I engage with a Yoga practice. Read More

How to keep up your Yoga practice & reduce stress during the festive season

I can’t quite believe it is December! It seems like only yesterday we were enjoying the Summer heatwave. December can be a stressful month for many, with work and study deadlines, school holidays, child care dilemmas, work parties and family commitments…. sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Read More

Why I love Yin

I have been practising different styles of Yoga for several years, and almost exclusively Hot 26 over the last two. I discovered Yin nearly by accident last June. After one class, I was completely sold; not replacing my Hot 26 practice but enriching it to an extent I wouldn’t have thought it was possible. Read More

What are chakras?

Like many people, I came to Yoga for its physical benefits, attracted by the promise of greater strength, balance and flexibility. In those early classes, the mention of chakras, koshas or vayus would leave me feeling confused, uncomfortable or downright sceptical. Gradually though, it became hard to ignore the sense that my asana practice was more than just a chance to sweat and was having effects on a profound, energetic level. Read More

How to prepare for your first Yoga class

All booked in and ready for your first Yoga class? How exciting! So what should you bring and what should you expect? A little preparation will help you feel comfortable and ready for your first class. You’ll need suitable clothing such as shorts and a t shirt, or leggings and a tank top. Whatever you would wear to the gym will be fine for Yoga too! If you are unsure, read our 'what to wear' blog here. You are welcome to bring your own Yoga mat and towel (you will need a towel for all hot Yoga classes) or hire them at the studio. Read More

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: why this Saturday is an important fundraiser - a personal view

I was heartened to hear that Yogavenue are supporting the Oxford group of Bosom Friends this Saturday and donating 25% of all the class fees to the charity! I don’t often need encouragement to go to Yoga yet if you are sat at home this Saturday wondering whether you should venture out on a cold autumn day, this is a wonderful reason to both do some Yoga and support a charity which is run entirely by volunteers. Read More

Will Yoga help my bad back?

We get asked this question a lot. Will Yoga make my bad back better? Will it cure my back ache? The honest answer is maybe, and it can a fantastic healer of the spine! A lot of people start a Yoga practice because of a bad back and their doctor has advised them to start, or they are just sick of being in a state of constant discomfort. If you ask Alessandro or I, we will tell you that bad backs are what made us start Yoga and it saved our backs (and moods too!). Read More

Ganesha Mural

If you practise in the downstairs Vinyasa studio you’ll have seen the mural of the elephant’s face in the back corner. But this is no ordinary elephant — this is the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha. Ganesha is a very popular figure in India and has become significant even for non-Hindus, especially for modern western Yogi’s. He is most often considered as the remover of obstacles but we particularly like the help he offers when invoked for auspicious beginnings. Read More

Challenge Yourself!

I completed my 30 day Yoga challenge in October 2017 – about a year and half after I first started Yoga. I had been looking for an appropriate time to undertake YogaVenue’s 30 day challenge for a while, so I was really excited when the occasion finally arose. For various reasons ranging from personal relationships to the requirements of my PhD work, my life as an Oxford student has been quite nomadic. I feel lucky for the many travelling opportunities that I have, but this lifestyle can also be tiring and stressful. Read More

Cultivate a morning practice

What matters is not when we practice but that we can create a structure for a regular Yoga practice in our life (BKS Iyengar, the Tree of Yoga). The greatest benefits come from a consistent practice. That being said, there are many benefits to practising early an early morning Yoga class. Read More

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