Choosing the Right Yoga Class for You

Yoga Is More Than Just Poses (Asana)

Yoga is often associated with physical postures (asana), but it’s so much more than a workout. In our classes, you’ll learn to link movement with breath, quiet the mind, and even carry the calm of yoga into your daily life. Yogic breathing techniques and mindfulness practices are key parts of every session. This holistic approach helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being, on and off the mat. You’ll find that yoga can be a way of life – encouraging balance, self-care, and kindness in everything you do. We foster a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is respected and included. At Love Yoga Leeds, the focus is on connecting mind, body, and breath, rather than just touching your toes.

Different Yoga Styles to Meet Your Needs

Not sure which class to try? Here’s a friendly overview of the yoga styles we offer and who they might suit best. Each style has its own vibe and benefits, so you can choose what resonates with you:

• Hatha Yoga – A Great Start for Beginners: Hatha is a gentle, foundational style of yoga, perfect if you are new or prefer a slower pace. Classes focus on basic poses, proper alignment, and breathing. You’ll build strength and flexibility gradually, with plenty of guidance. Hatha yoga in our Leeds studio is all about meeting you where you are and helping you feel comfortable in each pose.

• Hatha Flow: This class blends the mindfulness of Hatha with a bit of flow. It’s a step up in pace, linking poses more fluidly with breath. Hatha Flow is great for those who know the basics and want to gently energize their practice. You get the best of both worlds – mindful movement followed by a short wind-down.

• Hatha and Restore: A unique combination class that starts with gentle Hatha yoga and ends with Restorative yoga. You might do 30 minutes of slow, intentional movement, then shift into deeply relaxing poses supported by props. It’s perfect if you want some activity plus deep relaxation in one session. Many people love this class to both recharge and unwind, especially after a long day.

• Vinyasa Flow – Energize and Strengthen: Vinyasa is a dynamic, flowing style where poses transition smoothly with the breath. If you’re looking for a more active and athletic practice (and maybe a bit of a sweat), Vinyasa is for you. Expect creative sequences that build heat, improve balance, and build strength. Don’t worry – beginners can still join (our teachers offer modifications), but be ready for an upbeat pace. It’s a popular choice in the Leeds yoga community for those who enjoy movement and energy in their practice.

• Restorative Yoga – Relax and Unwind: When life gets stressful or you’re feeling frazzled, Restorative yoga is a soothing antidote. In these classes, you’ll practice just a few gentle poses, each fully supported by blankets, bolsters, or cushions, and hold them for several minutes. There’s no effort – just pure relaxation. Dim lighting, calm breathing, and maybe some soft music help you melt away tension. Restorative classes are excellent for stress relief, recovery from injury, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down. You’ll leave feeling nourished and refreshed.

• Yin Yoga – Deep Stretch and Stillness: Yin is a slow, meditative style where poses (mostly seated or lying down) are held for long durations (typically 3-5 minutes). The goal is to gently stretch deep connective tissues and joints. You might feel a gentle intensity as you breathe through the sensations, finding patience and calm. Yin yoga is wonderful for increasing flexibility and learning to sit with stillness. It’s a perfect complement to more active classes – think of it as stretching and mindfulness rolled into one.

• Kids Yoga – Joyful Movement for Little Yogis: We haven’t forgotten the young ones! Our kids yoga classes introduce children to yoga in a fun, engaging way. Through games, storytelling, and imagination, kids learn simple poses and breathing exercises. These classes help children improve balance, focus, and confidence – all while having a great time. The whole family can be part of our yoga community! Parents often tell us their kids sleep better and feel calmer after a class.

By understanding these styles, you can choose a class (or even a mix of classes) that suits how you feel and what you need. Remember, there’s no one “right” way to do yoga – it’s about what feels right for you. You’re also free to try different classes and find your favorite. Our instructors are always happy to advise if you’re unsure where to start.

Beyond Weekly Classes: Workshops and Special Events

Yoga is a journey, and sometimes you might crave a deeper or different experience beyond the weekly classes. That’s where our workshops and events come in. These are special sessions that allow more time to explore, learn, and relax in unique ways:

• Yoga Workshops: Ever wanted to dive deeper into a certain aspect of yoga? Workshops are longer sessions (often 2-3 hours or more) focused on specific themes or skills. We host workshops on things like yoga for posture, arm balances, meditation techniques, and more. It’s a chance to expand your practice, ask questions, and spend extra time breaking down poses or concepts. Workshops are open to all levels – you don’t have to be advanced; just curious and willing to learn.

• Sound Baths and Soothing Events: For pure relaxation, treat yourself to one of our sound baths or relaxation evenings.

• a sound bath, you simply lie back on your mat, snuggle under a blanket, and let waves of soothing sounds wash over you. Crystal singing bowls, gongs, and gentle instruments create calming vibrations that help quiet the mind. These events are incredibly relaxing – many people say they feel like they’ve had a full night’s sleep afterwards! It’s meditation made easy, as you just bathe in sound and drift into a peaceful state. We often pair sound baths with gentle breathing or guided meditation for an all-around blissful experience.

• Mini Retreats and Immersions: Can’t get away for a full retreat? Our mini retreats (sometimes called immersions) are like a retreat experience in a day or weekend. Imagine spending a Saturday indulging in yoga, meditation, maybe a healthy lunch and some journaling or yoga philosophy discussion. It’s a wonderful way to recharge and connect more deeply with yourself. Immersions might focus on a specific style (like a day of Yin and meditation) or a wellness theme. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been on a little holiday for the soul.

• Trainings and Courses: If you want to further your yoga education, keep an eye out for our special training courses. These could be teacher trainings or shorter courses on topics like anatomy, advanced practice, or yoga philosophy. We believe in lifelong learning, and our Leeds yoga community thrives when we grow together. Even if teaching isn’t your goal, deepening your knowledge through trainings can enrich your personal practice.

All these workshops and events are optional extras – whenever you feel ready to explore more, they’re here for you. They’re also a great way to meet fellow yogis, spend time with our teachers in a more intimate setting, and truly immerse yourself in the yoga lifestyle.

Yoga at Work: Corporate Wellbeing Sessions

Health and happiness shouldn’t be confined to personal time – they’re important at work too. That’s why Love Yoga Leeds offers corporate wellbeing sessions for businesses and organizations. We can come to your workplace (or host your team at our studio) for half-day or full-day yoga and mindfulness sessions. These corporate workshops are tailored to reduce stress, improve posture from long hours at the desk, and boost team morale. Whether it’s a one-time wellness day or a regular office yoga class, we love helping bring the benefits of yoga to your workplace. It’s a fantastic way to show employees some love and cultivate a calmer, more focused work environment. Get in touch with us to learn about our corporate packages – we’ll design something that fits your team’s needs, so everyone can experience a bit of zen in their workday.

Our Unique Yoga Home in Leeds

Our beautiful Grade II listed studio building on Meanwood Road, Leeds, provides an inspiring setting for your practice.Love Yoga Leeds is proudly located in a historic red-brick building (a former Baptist schoolhouse from 1886) that has been lovingly converted into a yoga space. The moment you step inside, you’ll notice the high ceilings and the light pouring in through arched windows – it’s a space full of character and calm. We often hear from students that the studio itself has a special positive energy that makes them feel at ease.

Located close to town (just a few minutes from Leeds city centre) on Meanwood Road, our yoga studio Leeds yogis adore is easy to reach by public transport and has ample parking nearby. Being in a central, accessible spot means it’s convenient to pop in for a class whether you’re coming from work, home, or university. Despite being close to the city buzz, the studio feels like a peaceful retreat. The historic architecture combined with our warm décor (plants, fairy lights, and plenty of mats and props) creates a welcoming sanctuary in the heart of Leeds. We’re so grateful to practice in this unique space and can’t wait for you to experience it.

Join the Love Yoga Leeds Community

At Love Yoga Leeds, we believe yoga is for everyone. Our community is made up of people of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and abilities. When you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a smile and welcomed just as you are. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll find support, friendship, and a place to grow here. We encourage you to listen to your body, ask questions, and make yourself at home. Yoga is a personal journey, but it’s also wonderful to share the experience with others – and our community is one of the things that makes our studio so special.

Ready to roll out your mat? We invite you to explore our class schedule and try a class that sparks your interest. You might start with a gentle Hatha class, bring your child to a fun kids session, or drop into a calming Restorative evening class after work. If you’re not sure where to begin, reach out and we’ll happily recommend a class. Your yoga journey is a personal one, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Come visit our yoga studio in Leeds and experience the magic of this practice for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you on the mat! Namaste – see you in class.