UNDERCOVER: A visit to Marylebone did not disappoint!

Indaba yoga, 18 Hayes Place, Marylebone, London, UK, NW1 6U

Your first class is free & walk in classes range from £12 to £15 depending on how long they are. I did a free class, and I booked over the phone, just to be sure. 

The name if this place, 'Indaba', means ‘gathering’ apparently. What it actually should translate to is 'yoga centre with a million and one different types of classes, and lovely studios'. They boast on their website about having 'devoted and attentive teachers', and if my instructor Nikos was anything to go by, that's true. He had a gentle sense of humour and I felt like he was constantly adapting the class to the needs of the group. 

I've been to loads of yoga classes and this was one of the best. It wasn't horrendously, exhaustingly challenging...but I felt like I'd done a good workout afterwards. I also felt like the instructor allowed people to try new moves and push themselves, but with his support.  For example, he was very helpful to a girl who wanted to do a headstand, but had never tried properly before. With his assistance, she did a lovely pose! This was an Ashtanga class, so lots of focusing on your breath and working up a good sweat. The room was also heated but only to a warmth that was cosy, rather than Bikram sweaty! 

You can do all sorts of different classes here though, and they do hot yoga if that's your thing. And thankfully, unlike many London yoga studios, they have lovely changing rooms so you can be as sweaty as you like and still emerge from the building looking lovely. Proper lockers, free herbal tea, a comfy waiting area and nice showers go a long way, especially if you've made the 'trek' to Marylebone! 

The studios were warm, light and welcoming. It was a 90 minute class, but after I'd shaken off the initial stress I'd walked in with, the time went past pretty fast. The instructions given in the class were clear, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, despite a clear difference in ability among the group. 

I'd happily make the journey there again if I needed to unwind.

Best bit - the teacher

Worst bit - they charge for towels. You know how I hate that. 

Good for - Relaxation and testing your capabilities 

The score - 9/10

UNDERCOVER: Spread your legs in the City(!) - Blue Cow Yoga

Wednesday night approaches, mid week drinks are tempting to relieve the stress of the week so far....but this time I opt for a Blue Cow. Not a new cocktail though, Iʼm afraid...its better. Blue Cow Yoga is a yoga studio set in the heart of the city, yet when you walk in, you couldnʼt feel further away.

The reception is open-plan with a minimalist feel. Remove your shoes on arrival and place them in their shoe- rack wall before registering. The registration was quick and the staff were extremely friendly. Each class is £14 which sounds a bit steep but you do get provided with towels (you know how I love a free towel), good changing room facilities, and an endless supply of fruit/herbal teas. The studios themselves are spacious and all equipment from yoga mats to blocks are provided.

Sitting in my best guru position, we wait for the teacher to arrive - and she was brilliant fun from the start. She was so calm and yogi like that her vibe just rubbed off on you. The group was a mix of men and women but I didnʼt feel at all intimated or self-conscious, especially as the teacher was brilliant at putting everyone at ease. I think the class would suit all levels; she was very good at showing the basics and also adapting them for the more advanced in the group.

I would have to say my highlight was lying on my back, legs spread as wide as they would go, staring up at Gresham Street while busy professionals rushed around oblivious to my legs akimbo pose just below them. This teacher called that particular move...the dead fly! Ha ha.

I really did enjoy the class, the atmosphere and studio was great and the people who work there are very warm and friendly. Would definitely recommend this to the city folk among you if you want to find some much needed calm and relaxation, but want to do it in style!

Best bit - the calm oasis in the city 
Worst bit - getting on the tube after enjoying the calm!!
Good for - relaxation
Score - 8/10 

UNDERCOVER: Flow Yoga, Pineapple Studios

Hello fitness freaks.

The classes here are excellent, and although they can be quite demanding and high-impact, they are always fun. 

You can walk in at any time in the day and there will be something going on, and they have a HUGE range of classes.  I rocked up on a Monday night, on a whim, and I decided to go for a more relaxed class.  Dynamic flow yoga is actually more tiring than your usual class; theres not much time to stop and rest like there sometimes is! You move from pose to pose in a flowing manner and the focus is on holding the poses with strength, breathing well and being strong (basically, it does what it says on the tin).

The teacher was really supportive, and made everyone feel like it was a one-to-one class. She offered options for the less yoga-tastic in the group and pushed the regulars to take each pose further.  It was one of the best yoga classes I have done. Having said all of that, its slightly off-putting to be able to hear the pumping music leaking in from next door while you’re in ‘relaxation’ at the end of the class!

All in all, a great class.  Challenging without being horrendous, nice friendly group (good job really, as we were all jammed in pretty close) and fab teacher.

Best bit – felt challenged but also relaxed

Worst bit – the studio is more set-up for pumping dance classes than relaxing yoga

Good for – improving your yoga

Score – 8/10

What: Dynamic Flow Yoga

When: Monday 6pm

Where: PINEAPPLE DANCE STUDIOS, 7 Langley Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JA

How much: £7.00 (plus small fee for walk-in customers)

UNDERCOVER: Time to stretch and calm. GLL

Hello booty shakers!

I’ve been a busy little bee this week, but I always have time to dish the dirt on the best classes in town.

I have just (mistakenly?!) signed up for a half marathon, and don’t want to be all scrunchy and tight from the running. So it was time to hit a yoga class to keep me bendy and bouncy.

I thought I’d pop in to a class at the GLL gym, Britannia, in Hackney.  I had to book, as it gets quite packed otherwise, but you don’t have to pay a membership fee, as long as you register for free online.

The class was led by Jaz, who was really a thorough and encouraging teacher. Occasionally the moves were a little confusing as the class used bands and blocks to enhance some of the moves, but she was very hands on and helpful. Plus, one whole wall is mirrored, so it was easy to have a quick look at everyone else and tell where you were going wrong!  The moves weren’t too strenuous, and the class would be good for all levels, as options were offered to make it easier or harder for most of the poses.

The class was 75mins long, and included a really lovely relaxation session at the beginning and end. This made it feel really authentic and definitely helped me feel really chilled afterwards.

Best bit – the buzzy yet calm feeling afterwards

Worst bit – no music.  And let’s face it, this is not one for the adrenaline junkies among you.

Good for – de-stressing. London is full-on, you need to press the pause button sometimes!

Score – 7/10

TIME: Tuesday night 7pm

COST: £7.25 non-members, £5.05 pay & play members, free for inclusive members

WHERE: GLL, Britannia, Hackney

FACILITIES: 6/10

Pretty average changing rooms, 20p lockers available, clean & bright fitness studio, yoga mats to borrow for free.