UNDERCOVER: SPORT WITH STYLE TAKE 2

I was lucky enough to have gotten a place on the Boutique Sport Sport with Style event at Blue Cow Yoga. I have loved all the Boutique Sport Sport with Style events so far and we all know how I feel about cocktails, goodie bags and yoga so I was pretty much set. I'm not sure why but the day after the paralympics closing ceremony everyone seemed exhausted...that is everyone that wasn't lucky enough to get out of work and to the parade (boo). I was really hoping that we would be relaxing and slowly stretching in yoga because, if I'm really honest, the thought of the complimentary cocktail from Late Night London at Gable & Cellar Bar is what got me through the day!

The class was really invigorating! It was not a relaxing or calming class but, as it turns out, was perfect for me! I needed a class that made me sweat and work hard so by the end of it I really felt like I deserved my cocktail. By the fourth side plank I was feeling the burn and sweaty! The instructor that took class was Harry who was great. There were a mixture of beginners and yogis in the class but he was clear and calming (even when we were in horse rider's pose for what seemed like forever). I felt a lot of clicks through out the class which meant that by the end my body felt great and all the aches and pains I had from sitting in the office all day had gone. Apparently Harry only teaches in the mornings but his class was perfect for a Monday night as I was able to shake off whatever was making me tired and felt really invigorated and sweaty after the class!



After class the Boutique Sport ladies gave us all vita coco and goodie bags full of UNE All In One mascara, Alpro chocolate mouse, Yu! Jus Fruit Pieces and Kiwi Shoe Passion gel cushions. If you haven't tried any of the above do it! The Yu! Jus Fruit Pieces were delicious and are 1 of your 5 a day and are now a new (not-so-guilty pleasure of mine, than you Boutique Sport ladies. Aand if all of that wasn't enough there was a running guru at the studio giving advice. When I was showered and dress I walked to Gable & Cellar Bar, which is literally 10 seconds from Blue Cow, where I enjoyed my complimentary cosmo in the lounge room that had been booked out for us very grateful ladies! The convenient location of the bar to the studio was an added bonus that really topped off the event! The Boutique Sport team really know how to throw an event with the right balance of exercise, fun and free things! Thank you for another great event.Best Bit: The free event, location of the bar and the feeling after the class!Worst Bit: Wanted a longer class

Good for: Networking, Mondays and cosmos!

UNDERCOVER: Yogabeats, Blue Cow Yoga

I was very happy to be back at the calm oasis in the City, however I was running late. I love that Blue Cow is literally 2 minutes from the station and so easy to get to that I found it from memory. I walked down the stairs slightly stressed and into the studio where I was greeted by the Director, Frances Gillibrand. Luckily I wasn't late so I was able to calmly change and get a good spot in the class. Mats are provided and towels are given complimentary, two things which are definitely a bonus if you’re taking class before/after work like I was.

Blue Cow Yoga already has a reputation for having slightly less than conventional workshops so I just had to try yogabeats. Within minutes I knew I wouldn’t be doing many ordinary sun salutations. The first thing David Sye, the instructor, asked us was whether or not we enjoyed yoga. He admitted that he does not, but that he does enjoy having a good time and that was what we would all have! We started with lots of breathing exercises that involved sucking in our stomachs. It sounds strange but it was really energising and surprisingly fun! I attempted some very hard poses that required a lot of balance and control. The best thing about them was that I fell out of them very unsubtly but didn't feel embarrassed (even when I fell into someone), because David encouraged us to laugh at ourselves and then try again. We laughed, sweated and generally had fun to a sound track that included old school hip hop and Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’.

We finished the workshop in a very unusual way that I think in any other situation would have scared me. We lined up in two parallel diagonal lines and took it in turns to walk through the tunnel of people with our eyes closed. A we passed someone they gave us praise and love. It was a weird feeling and wasn't helped by the fact that everyone whispered so it felt eerie. By the end of the uncomfortable walk of praise I was left feeling really happy.

The changing rooms are really clean and equipped with deodorant, body lotion, hair dryers, straighteners and hair brushes. Blue Cow Yoga is a great place to practice yoga before or after work as all you need to bring is yourself, clothes and a pound coin for a locker. You don’t even hear the noise of the busy city outside like in other studios I have visited so would definitely recommend it if you want to practice in a quiet haven. Complimentary wine and fruit teas were available after the workshop which was definitely a perfect ending to the day! I stretched, worked hard and genuinely had a good time. I would definitely do yogabeats again!

Best bit… The friendly atmosphere and instructor David Sye
Worst bit…It’s not a regular class
Good for – relaxing, de-stressing and having fun

UNDERCOVER: Alchemy, The Centre

Wednesday afternoon open yoga class at 2.30pm

Its a nightmare to find this place - the stables is a huge market and there are no signposts for anything. The centre is based in one of the historic Camden stables built in the late 1800′s. Obviously you're meant to just meander around and look at the stalls, but it was quite frustrating when I was trying to find somewhere specific.  After a few helpful hints from a stall holder I asked, I finally found this little oasis of calm in crazy Camden. I ended up walking in a couple of minutes late, and rather flustered, but they still let me attend the class, and were really helpful at getting me signed in and settled quickly. It's a great space, with a cafe in the front and a big & airy yoga studio with high ceilings.

The class was all about flow and I find that can sometime feel a little relentless & too repetitive, but this class didn't fall in to that trap. It was nicely challenging; we were encouraged to push ourselves as far as we could and take on the challenge. But that meant something different to most of us as there was a varied level of ability in the room. There was no-one really inexperienced or rubbish though! I felt really energised after the class as well as relaxed.

It was unusual for me to have time to attend a mid afternoon, midweek class, but I'm sure all their classes would be similarly relaxing. There was some noise of chatter & music drifting in from outside through the open window but there was also a lovey cool breeze, so it was worth a little murmur of disruption. I do think it might be a bit distracting if the volume went up a bit, for example if you went to a class when people are out for drinks nearby in the evening. I loved the class, so I'll go back again to check it out one night and report back on the noise. 

The changing rooms are nice and clean and spacious, with big lockers, good hairdryers and straighteners to use too. The changing room is on two levels and you have to go down a spiral staircase to get to the showers. It looks very cool, but it's a pretty treacherous climb! 

I'll head back if I'm in the area again. It would be a great place to go for a class with a mate, then a spot of lunch in their cafe, followed by people watching and shopping in Camden. They even have a little treatment spa in the centre, so you could treat yourself to a massage too. What a perfectly indulgent day off!

Best bit - the friendly team

Worst bit - the scary stairs

Good for - spending a bit of time relaxing and rejuvenating

Score - 8/10

UNDERCOVER: Sport with Style!

Boutique Sport event in collaboration with Lulu Lemon and Barrecore in Chelsea!

When: Thursday July 5th 2012

Where: Chelsea, London

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Three great brands together, one event. I’m in heaven. If you haven’t already, sign up to the Boutique Sport e-mail alerts….they run free (and fun) events across London every couple of months for women. 

Once you’re on the list, they send you emails about their events. You RSVP to an invite, and hey presto, you’ve got a free class and a goodie bag to boot! So, I replaced my usual Thursday evening cocktail hour with a yoga class in Lulu Lemon’s Chelsea showroom.  There was a choice between that, run club & a Barrecore class.  I like to run solo, and the Barreworks class filled up vey quickly, but I was more than happy with a yoga class instead. Especially because it was with one of Lulu Lemon's brand ambassador, Mercedes Ngoh.

The class was lovely and could be very challenging if you wanted it to be (you know my competitive streak comes out, even when I’m chanting ‘om’).  The class was exactly what I needed after a tough day at work. If I’m honest, it was a little more crowded than I had hoped, but I guess you have to put up with that when you attend a free event.

After the 45min class, the run club and Barrecore groups joined us in the showroom for nibbles, Vita Coco, mingling & shopping. Unfortunately, I was too busy chatting away with everyone (and it was a pretty packed) so I didn’t actually get around to doing any shopping,  but I’m sure I’ll be lured back again soon. It was lovely to meet other fitness enthusiasts, experts and ladies that love exercise.  I tend to feel much more enthusiastic about getting in to an exercise session when I have good company.

The best part was, we all left with a fab goodie bag (you know I love those) which included: mascara, sports sister magazine, some very tasty chocolate covered seeds, and the best part above all… a yoga passport. What the hell is that, I hear you asking? Well, Lulu Lemon have partnered with the best yoga studios across London and are encouraging people to ‘get into yoga’. So for two weeks, during the Olympics, I have 10 FREE class passes! Excited much?!

Best Bit: The free event and free goodie bag!

Worst Bit: A bit over-crowded

Good for: Networking - Meeting a fab group of like-minded women.

UNDERCOVER: Yoga in a loft = Yogaloft!

As soon as the team at Fitness Freak told me about this new studio opening, I knew I had to try it out...even if it meant hopping on the tube to North-West London (!)

Yogaloft is run and owned by Susannah. She is a trained instructor herself and always dreamed of one day owning a yoga studio, and thought it would take ages to make it all happen - but then she walked in to the space which is now Yogaloft, fell in love, and here we are. She says she immediately loved the open space and feel of the place, and I think she was right to take the plunge - it is very bright and airy with a lovely community feel and open, welcoming reception.

The class I did was Iyengar yoga - which is known for using props to make sure you can stretch deep into a pose. I guess the theory is that everyone can do the poses correctly, but some of us need lots of support from blocks and ropes to get it right! The class I did was taught by the lovely Claudia and before you can say ‘om’ I was bending over chairs backwards, stretching into muscles I didn’t know I had, and doing head stands! It was a very personal class and Claudia was an excellent teacher. I learnt so much about the strengths and weaknesses of my body which I have never been told before. I like it when instructors walk around and offer personal tips and help to everyone. I almost felt like it was a 1-on-1 session, but in a group environment. Perfect.

I know I say that I ache after most of the classes I do, but this took things to another level! I actually didn’t even attempt exercise the day after. But, we all need a day off every now and again! And I think sometimes with yoga, the pain just means you need to be doing more classes! It's a good job I write about fitness classes for a living then!


The studios here are stunning, and it’s friendly, welcoming, relaxing and everything you would look for in choosing a yoga class.

Best Bit... A personal yoga experience in a stunning location
Worst Bit... Not sure there is a point for here. I enjoyed every minute! Maybe the ‘ouch’ the next morning!
Good for... a chance for a bit more of a challenge for people who do a lot of yoga. 

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: I wanna make you sweat! Bikram Yoga.

As the weekend kicks off, you might be more likely to work up a sweat on a nightclub dancefloor, but I chose my ‘zen goddess’ over my ‘dancing queen’ and spent last Friday night doing Bikram yoga. That’s yoga in 40 degree heat!

It being a Friday, I assumed the class would be pretty quiet as everyone else would be getting the weekend underway. After getting a bit lost I managed to find the studio and buzzed to be let in. I made my way down to a small reception area and joined the long queue of people who had also decided to give Friday night’s drinking session a miss.

Once I reached the till, I filled out a registration form (as I was a first- timer) and was asked whether I had enough water and towels. A friend of mine had (with a knowing look) advised me to take two towels and a big two litre bottle of water.  I thought that seemed a tad excessive, but ended up being VERY glad I had stocked up.

The reception area started to get very crowded by around half past six, but soon enough, they opened the studio doors and let us in. I took a deep breath as I was dreading entering the studio. I expected to be hit with an overwhelming stench of sweat but I smelt nothing! It was incredibly hot in there, but you would never have known forty people had just spent the last hour and a half sweating like lunatics!

I’m not much of a prude (as I’m sure you will all know about me by now) but as I entered the changing rooms I was not prepared for the level of nakedness that faced me! Communal showers and small changing spaces led to a lot of up close and personal moments. But it didn’t seem to bother anyone, so I decided that if you can’t beat them, you just have to join them!

Lisa, our teacher for the session, was really friendly and made sure she knew who the first timers were before we began. She explained to us that staying in the room for the full 90minutes should be our aim for the session and that if we felt faint or a little light headed at any time it was normal, so we should lie down. The lights were turned off except for a few fairy lights that ran along the top of the mirror (it was a twilight class) and the class began.

For those of you who have never done a class, Bikram is made up of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, one at the start of the class and one at the end. Two sets of each posture are performed with a 20 second ‘Savasana’ (laying flat on your back to return body to its normal state…that’s the best bit) between each set.

After 90 minutes of stretching in 40+ degree heat, my heart was pumping and the sweat was pouring off me. The class ended with a short prayer and we were allowed to lay in ‘Savasana’ until we were ready to leave.  It was a pretty exhausting class, so I had a lovely rest to round the class off!

Best bit – the positive feeling you have after the class all that stretching is good for the mind! And the fact that you burn waaaaaay more calories than a normal yoga class.

Worst bit – the communal showers and THE SWEAT!!!!!

Time – all ‘proper’ Bikram classes are 90minutes long.

Location – Vestry Street (near Old Street tube) but also locations in West London, North London and Primrose Hill 

UNDERCOVER: Trying to stay away from the pub. Tri Yoga

You just walk in through the door and immediately feel a bit calmer. Triyoga has got that real yoga studio vibe; it smells fragrant, there’s a whiff of joss sticks, people talk quietly etc. The classes are all walk in so you have to get there a few minutes early to make sure you’re all paid up and ready. Although I have done yoga for years, it had been a very long and very bad week at the office, so I thought I’d do a level one class so that I could choose how hard I worked. These classes are open to everyone, but mainly targeted at beginners, or anyone seeking a more gentle practice.

After paying up, I soon realised that he changing rooms are tiny! They have two huge yoga studios, the number of people getting changed was a serious issue post-class when both sessions finished at the same time, and others were about to start. It was like Piccadilly Circus in there!

Having said that, the actual yoga studios are spacious and well-lit, and they have high quality mats and all the bells a whistles you might want to help with the workout (blocks, bands, even little lavender scented eye masks). They packed a lot of people in to the class, but there was still enough room to do all the moves without banging in to your neighbour.

The class was very relaxing and the instructor was so kind and friendly. She noticed that I could do a lot of the moves, yet I wasn’t pushing myself very hard, and she came over to encourage me! In the middle of the class, we did a lot of the same moves over and over, which did feel a little repetitive (I remember thinking ‘one more crescent moon and I’ll scream’) but I know there is repetition for a reason! A lot of the other moves were excellent, and there were always alternatives for people who felt uncomfortable doing shoulder stands or headstands.

The one issue with going in the early evening, in such a great location, was the noise that drifted in from the nearby pubs as the evening progressed. I think that’s my fault, not theirs though…who goes to the gym on a Friday night!?

Best bit – calming class & great instructor

Worst bit – packed changing rooms

Good for – relaxing and reviving
Score – 7/10

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.