Find yoga near me in Nottingham

Yoga Classes in Nottingham

So, you’ve come here looking to start the practice of yoga? Great idea. With its development of your strength and flexibility, its promotion of deep relaxation and body awareness, and its ancient past, the yoga community is a wonderful thing of which to be a part.

But where to start? Whilst the benefits of yoga for your mind and body are unquestionable, the yoga philosophy – and the innumerable different yoga studios and yoga styles – can sometimes make it quite an intimidating field with which to join in.

Looking at lists of different yoga classes, you can find all sorts of different things. From vinyasa to ashtanga to hatha yoga; from power yoga to hot yoga, chair yoga to gentle yoga; aerial yoga, partner yoga, kids’ yoga; flow yoga, Iyengar yoga, and yin yoga. One can get a little lost among all these different types of yoga class – and it is quite difficult for the new student to see which might be the best yoga to pursue.

But don’t fret. Because whatever it is you want to get out of your yoga practice, you’ll find the perfect yoga teacher for you.

Choosing Your Yoga

The practice of yoga is ancient – over twice as old as Christianity. And throughout this time, understandably, there have been lots of developments, adjustments, and variations to the traditional yoga ideas suggested and formalised by different yoga practitioners.

Right back in the beginning, the ideas of yoga – a word which refers to the ‘union’ between mind and body – can be seen in ancient Sanskrit texts from the north of India, known as the Vedic texts of Vedas. These outlined both the foundational notions of yoga and that form of medicine known as Ayurveda. Yoga is specifically the physical practice – encompassing breath awareness and that mind body union – that complements the rest of the philosophical ideas found in these texts.

Whilst the Vedic texts enshrined the principles, different people over the next five thousand years (quite a long time!) have put these principles into practice in different ways. So, you have vinyasa yoga, which involves a dynamic ‘vinyasa flow’ of different yoga poses and salutations, combining the breathwork with movement. Ashtanga yoga, on the other hand, is a more fixed and repetitive series of different asanas – the yoga poses.

Meanwhile, however, there are slower styles, which focus more on breathing or on stillness. These, such as yin yoga, require that you hold your position on the mat for much longer. This style is intended to work specifically on the connective tissues in your joints, to improve strength and flexibility.

Finally, then, there are the very recent forms of yoga – chair yoga, aerial yoga, and kids’ yoga – which are modern variations for people who want to practice yoga but who desire or require specific forms. Chair yoga, for example, does not use yoga mats, but it is practiced on a chair, to facilitate easier movements.

For the beginner yoga student, all this can be a little overwhelming. However, the important point is that you feel comfortable with the style. And new students don’t have to pick a particular style straight up. Rather, it’s important that you try each one and see which works for you.

The Benefits of Yoga

The sheer number of styles of yoga should really be seen as a blessing – as there is certainly a style that you can learn to enjoy. All that someone like you beginning yoga training needs to remember is that it is all about that union of body and mind. Awareness of the whole body is the aim here. 

And whilst this awareness might seem a bit banal to the uninitiated, the benefits of that simple awareness are huge. Like mindfulness, yoga is a practice that is profoundly restorative and meditative – helping one’s mental health, one’s ability to wind down and be truly restful, and to reach an awareness of yourself. Because, after all, you are as much a body as a mind!

Yoga is also a vigorous body workout. It is a way to develop your stamina, to build strength, and to increase flexibility. You’ll be getting sweaty and, as you progress into advanced yoga, you will build strength across the entirety of your body. We hope you do appreciate yoga as really a very serious exercise.

We hope you’re convinced that starting yoga lessons really is the best decision you’ve made.

So, What’s Next? Starting Your Yoga Class

Nottingham, like every town in the UK and probably the whole of the western world, is full of opportunities to learn yoga. Fitness centres, community centres, schools, and universities will all have their yoga classes – and we don’t doubt that you’ll have no trouble finding them at all.

However, you’re here! And we’re guessing that you, like many other people, don’t so much like the idea of group sessions. Sessions in which the instructor has to monitor the progress of tens of people at the same time. Sessions where there’s hardly space to stand, let alone do a sun salutation. Sessions which are often at a difficult time of the day, or in a space that’s a little inconvenient for you to get to.

And so, like an increasing number of people across the world, you want to try a private yoga session – maybe just you, or with a friend or a partner. You want a yoga instructor that gets you and understands how your body works and what it needs. You want someone a little flexible, who can come to your home maybe, or work at a time that works for you.

Here, you’ll find them very easily. Just click through to the tutors’ page above and start connecting with some yoga experts. All you have to do is request a session and they’ll be in touch with their availability. From there, you’re set.

(And, if you’re still unsure, the first session will be free – so there’s no risk at all!)