LLiV Yoga & Healing — Local services in London

I have been training at HPY for about 2 years now. I do train with other teachers, in other styles too from time to time - which is always a confirmation to me that there is nothing like the energizing and yet soothing effect of a power yoga class - but we're all different and some styles appeal more to some than others.

So, on a more objective level, here's why I value this place so much:

I find the facility to be welcoming. Of course, it's not a leisure center with dozens of showers and plenty of room to hang about, but what is our priority when going to a class? My priority is the class, the connection with the teacher, the community and most importantly, what I gain from the class... And this is what keeps me coming back.

A teacher does not have to be your friend in a mundane way. In this regard, it's true that this is not the kind of friendship that you will find here from Dylan. On the other hand, if you consider that a teacher should be able to help you grow in understanding and self-confience with your practice and as a person, well, this is exactly the kind of relationship that Dylan establishes with his students. To be able to choose a 60, 75 or a 90 minutes class means that, at HPY, there is always a possibility to challenge yourself more.

What I particularly appreciate with Dylan's teaching is the respect of the student. He will always offer you ways to challenge yourself mentally and physically, but will always put you in control of your decisions and respect where you at at any given moment.

Personally, I ended up training at HPY after years of Martial Arts and basketball. Starting my yoga practice at 48 years old with a body that had encountered many accidents has been the best decision I could have made. From day one, I felt in my core that there was something powerful and yet very subtle with the energy of the place.It feels fun, challenging and yet safe to practice here. May be I was just lucky to sense the spirit of the house so early...

I wish I had read some reviews before going into the studio and purchasing the 30 day trial. Firstly I was put off by the limited changing facilities. The men's changing room consists of 4 changing cubicles (as in a fitting room) that are placed in the staff kitchen. There is also only one shower for the whole studio. But this what I was about to experience goes way beyond what yoga is about. The class, a 60 minute Hot Power Yoga, has very little in common with a yoga session. It's a gym training based on yoga postures. I understand why it's appealing to others, but it should not be called a yoga class, but yoga based fitness. Dylan who was running the class, while explaining how to breathe, used an expression "it's not like you're snorting something on a weekend(!)" REALLY???!! I do not understand what was he thinking by choosing that particular comparison, but it didn't resonate well with me. At the end of the class I did ask for a refund and just pay for the drop in class, but Dylan referred me to the terms and conditions. When I brought up his allegory to "snorting something on the weekend" he just stared at me in a very defensive way and said "sorry"... but still no refund.

THE WORST YOGA...

I have been a member with Hot Power Yoga (HPY) for nearly two years. I joined on the 30 days trial as HPY was the closest studio to my home. Since I become a member I have done the 40 days program, the 3 days Foundations Program and last and not least the 200hr teacher training program. I feel I finally found something I can be truly passionate about.

The studio is a home away from home for me. The whole team is just really friendly and professional. Not one class are the same, they all slightly different, so you would never get bored. Yes it might not be the fanciest or prettiest establishment but this place has much more to offer, a sole which other studios seems to lack.

As mentioned earlier I have done the 200hr teacher training and it was the most fulfilling and best investment I could have done for my personal growth. The course should be added to the national curriculum ;-).

Just to summarize what I gained by joining HPY: true happiness, number of new friends, a family, a new lifestyle and a maybe a more fulfilling...