“It’s a great way to connect your body and mind. We live such hectic lifestyles that we sometimes just need some time to relax and forget about all our worries.”
As part of the Recorder’s campaign to try and get people in the borough more active our reporters are trying a number of different sports and activities that might not come straight to mind when you think about doing exercise.
Reporter Liam Coleman spoke to yoga teacher Hannah Noble awho said that she hopes her new studio - A Fine Balance - in Upminster will help encourage people to take time out of their busy days and take part in a class that can improve both their physical and mental states of mind.
Hannah started to train as a yoga teacher two years ago when she was running a marathon and needed a way to stretch her muscles in a more relaxing way, and told the Recorder that it is a great way for people of all abilities and ages to get active.
For anyone who like me has never tried yoga before and doesn’t really know much about it - it is a combination of strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing.
The main parts are postures - a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility - and breathing.
As a first time Yoga-goer I was a little apprehensive of what it would be like, was it going to be full of “yummy mummies?” Was it going to be too hard? Was I going to overstretch and hurt myself?
So as I rolled out the yoga mat in front of me and took off my shoes and socks I was still a little nervous about whether I would embarass myself, or would I look like an idiot but after some gentle stretching and breathing exercises I really started getting into it.
We were walked through the importance of breathing, and using our breathing to help us relax and focus on positive thoughts.
And after an hour of downward dogging, perfecting my warrior and happy baby I was pleasantly suprised at how it had been.
It was hard and worked alot of my core muscles as I definitely got a sweat on, but at the same time I felt really relaxed at the end (despite being at work) and will definitely be going back.
Despite being the only male in the class I felt relaxed after chatting to others, and I think that more men (of all ages) should definitely think about going along and taking part.
I mean Ryan Giggs said that one of the reasons he managed to play football well into his 40s was down to yoga so I would definitely reccommend it.
I know that lots of local parks offer free yoga classes - because it can be expensive if you are going to a few classes a week - so maybe one weekend I might just try and go down to Raphael Park and see if there is anybody there and give it another go!
Hannah - who is heavily pregnant and still teaching classes - told the Recorder that they had a really great reaction from local people since her and her partner opened the studio a few weeks ago, and is hoping that even more people give it a go.
She said: “It is all about connecting the body and mind.
“It is a good workout, and we offer classes for all different levels, whether you have done lots of classes or if it is your first time. “I’m hoping that the people of Upminster take to us and come and try it out.”
If Upminster is a little too far for you to go then there are lots of different Yoga studios across Havering.
As part of the Recorder’s campaign to try and reduce obesity in Havering, A Fine Balance has offered customers a special offer to try and get more people active.
Yoga-meisters can sign up for as many classes as you like for two weeks for just £15 - usually a single class would cost £12.
If you contact the studio and let them know that you have read about A Fine Balance in this week’s Recorder then they will be able to offer you the introductory price.
The offer starts from the date of your first class, and you must be a new customer to claim the offer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here