I'm a bit of a yoga snob, training and teaching myself in LA the last few years has spoiled me with…read moreso many great options. When I'm in London, the yoga always feels a little weird, not satisfying. I've shopped a lot of studio in LDN, and Heartcore in Notting Hill has been my favorite so far! It's absolutely adorable, well kept and well staffed. Front desk was incredibly welcoming and warm, and I loved Sarah's class! One of the best flows I've taken in awhile, even in LA. Very unique flow and I felt wonderful afterwards. Save yourself the run around and take class here!

From the owner: London's leading boutique fitness studio offering a variety of highly effective group classes in…read moreDynamic Pilates, Barre, Yoga, Ride and TRX. Team Heartcore is looking forward to welcoming you at one of our 9 beautiful locations across Central London. Ride 45 Together we cycle through independently sequenced climbs, sprints and intervals. A 45 minute musically-synced ride with a fun and contagious group energy. Classes extend to include a dedicated endurance track, giving you time to powerfully turn the wheels, immerse in the sound, and embrace your inside-out strength. Ride2Tone A fun and challenging, overall conditioning workout. Ride2Tone is our unique blend of 30 minutes powerful ride, followed by a series of Yoga and mat-based Pilates. A highly effective workout to improve your cardio health, balance in strength, flexibility and all-round wellbeing. Yoga Classes - Power Open - Power Level 2-3 - Restore - XYB (Open) - YIN (Open) - Pregnancy Uplifting, empowering and immersive, our Yoga classes combine mobility, strength and rejuvenation with integral and centering breathwork - providing you with the time and space to truly, be. Our approach builds on the physicality of the traditional practice with an inherent respect towards habit in everyday awareness. Warm, light-filled and energising, Heartcore Yoga charms the Yogi and non-Yogi alike in an open minded and welcoming environment.

Om Station 3 in Ladbroke Grove run by Laura Bauman is a good place to work out especially if you…read morelike your yoga with a lot more dynamism. I am not such a follower of the discipline as I like to keep fit more with stretch exercises, running machines and resistance machines to enhance the aerobic performance of my body. But I went with a friend of mine who swears by it and I was pleasantly surprised at the way it is taught which is more related to breathing as opposed to anything else. Judging from how many people attend her class obviously her technique is very successful because she began by working from home and is now planning to open a posh studio some-where. Other than holding classes in London Bauman also teaches at several yoga retreats outside the UK.

Form is an adorable little studio right off of portobello road. I have only tried the Pure Motr…read moreclass here but have seen some of the other classes in session and they look even more intense/physical! Pure uses a Pilates type machine that I have never seen anywhere else, a cylindrical shaped base with straps for your arms and hands similar to a reformer. Elissa, the instructor explained that these machines are very good for your feet and posture, some areas we forget about in other workouts. The class is a mix of barre and pilates and incorporates a bunch of fun yet hard moves. Elissa is extremely sweet, motivating and helpful ensuring that everyone is working their hardest and getting the most of the class. The class is good for people of all levels and I would encourage anyone to try it out! A great studio with a different, fun, intense selection of classes.

This is a beautiful little boutique gallery that is very open minded when it comes to the world of…read moreart. The Yoga session there on Tuesday evenings is truly inspiring. While placing your efforts into your down dogs and warriors one and two. Being surrounded by the Yoga inspired art, amongst other calming pieces adds another dimension to the class. In addition, the green tea mingler for yogis before and after the session is also a great way of meeting like minded people as well as getting a good chance to try the art before you buy so to speak. Well, how do you know if a painting calms or de-stresses you if you do not try it out first.

From the owner: Yoga and Fitness. All levels.read more

The quality of the teaching is of a high level and there are many different types of Yoga to choose…read morefrom. Thursday mornings is a dynamic Yoga inspired by Vinyasa and Pilates. I do like this particular style, I find it a good all rounder when it comes to fitness, weight loss, detox and a destress. It is made for all levels, you come out feeling relaxed and also feel that you have had a great work out. It is based around the Notting Hill area and I do strongly recommend a visit.

From the owner: Yoga, Qigong and Feldenkrais classes…read more Classes are not just about getting fitter and more healthy, they are trainings in mindfulness, ways of shifting your mental state to one of balanced, eager awareness, and they tap and channel your energy. This is about celebrating being alive, treasuring the body, 'this precious human vehicle' as the Tibetans call it. During a Studio Class at WLBC you will synchronise your breath with movements that will stretch your muscles, stabilise your joints and generally make you feel more comfortable in your own body. Classes are open to all. Intro Offer for new clients: 5 classes for £25. Community Classes on our timetable just £7 drop- in. Morning Meditation With Kamalashila For all who meditate. Mondays to Fridays 7.30 am to 8.15 am. Lunchtime Meditation A class every weekday lunchtime, 1-2pm, open to all, whether you are new to meditation or already have a meditation practice. Thursday Evening Meditation 7 - 9:30 pm, Thursday evenings. The evenings include led body awareness meditations and there is also be some teaching input and discussion about meditation for those who have learned these practices. This drop in class is aimed at those who wish to learn meditation or who want support maintaining and developing their meditation practice.

I was prepared to love Portobello Juice Cafe because they had a make your own salad which was very…read moreclose to what I normally order through Uber Eats. When I opened the salad I was surprised as the chicken breast add on I'd received was a full unsliced chicken breast. It was tough to even pull apart and most of it ended up in the trash. The romaine itself was fresh and the hummus was quite good as was the awesome fruit plate, but I would have loved an add on of sliced onion or bacon. Overall I'd order from them again, but they need a few more add ons and to make sure they're slicing or dicing the add ons they offer.

I was very lucky to live near Portobello Juice. Their smoothies and juices are super refreshing,…read moreand a lovely way to start your day - especially if shopping along Portobello. I've only seen one person working at a time, so it might take a second to get your drink, but they're always busting their a$$ off and super kind. My only regret was never sitting outside to people-watch while they enjoy the market. The Green Machine and Coffee Banana drinks were my fave. ^_^

Eastern Garden has moved venue and now it has a new Yoga Studio. It is lovely and the studio itself…read morehas natural light. There are all types of holistic classes from Yoga to Pilates to Tai Chi. I know a few of the instructors and the following classes I recommend you have a go! Mon Dynamic F & F Yoga 18:30 to 19:30 (Starts 26th March 2012) £15 Drop in £60 Course of 5 (£12 each) £80 Course of 8 (£10 each) Wed Pregnancy Yoga 12:00 to 13:00 (Starts 28th March 2012) £15 Drop in £60 Course of 5 (£12 each) £80 Course of 8 (£10 each) Thurs Yogalates 10:00 to 11:00 (Starts 29th March 2012) £15 Drop in £60 Course of 5 (£12 each) £80 Course of 8 (£10 each) The also have a private launch happening on the 14th March 2012 from 4pm to 8pm. You need to email easterngarden@susanyu.co.uk for the invite.

Had a terrible experience there. They wasted my time on a number of occasions with either the…read morepractitioner not there or changing them to someone that I did not want. Honestly do not waste your time or money. J

There is a certain vibe, feeling about a real yoga studio. There should be an automatic calm, a…read moreserenity about the staff and the atmosphere. I knew of two studios in London that totally encompassed the above, now I know of three. Special Yoga Centre is indeed special. They are a full time studio running a huge variety of yoga styles seven days a week. On top of classes there are an impressive selection of workshops covering spiritual and holistic sessions to entice the most ardent hippie. So whether you want yoga, meditation, therapy or an afternoon of chanting, you'll find it here. The studios themselves are full of equipment for yogi's, heated to a comfortable temperature and very picturesque. Classes cost a little over £10 depending on what you do, whilst monthly contracts are around £75 for an open ticket to practice when you please. At the moment they are running a 10 day open pass for £10 which is mind-bogglingly good value for money. Special Yoga Centre has to be in the top five centres in London. Great place.

I cannot believe I didn't know this place was here. It's tucked away in a quiet corner in the…read moreQueens Park / Kensal Rise area, this has to be the most stunning and welcoming Yoga centre in London. There are 3 enormous, bright and airy studios and a range of classes are on offer. Really something for everyone - including Hatha, Astanga, Dynamic Flow, Pilates, Beginners Yoga, Kid's Yoga etc. Most classes are only a tenner and there are donation classes.

Went to Core Collective for the first time last night off. First off, what a gorgeous gym just off…read moreHigh Street Kensington. When I checked in, the lovely girl at the desk knew it was my first time, took me for a quick tour explained how the classes work, told me a little about my trainer, facilities ect. It was really nice to go into a really top of the line gym filled with beautiful people and made to feel right at home where as it can otherwise be super intimidating. I did Accelerate which is a spin class. The bikes were top of the line, with digital monitors telling you exactly what intensity level you were on, rather than just guessing by turning the crank half a turn. I also liked that it kept calories and time. The room was dark, and the music was on point, was like working out in a club. Our instructor James, one of the head trainers was fantastic, the class flew by with tons of variation and was a killer, but in a good way. I also appreciated that he was thorough of little details (shoulders relaxed, heads up) because you can get a really sore neck from buckling down and scrunching all up in spin. My posture and core thanks you! It was completely full and its obvious why. Make sure to book early to ensure your place. The locker rooms are really nice, showers, hair dryers, full body towels if you do decide to shower there, and lockers with digital locks, so there is no worry about losing a key. Also you can order a protein shake ahead of time that will be ready for you at the desk post workout. The last thing I noticed and it seems silly, but it smelled so good in there, like a spa. I don't think I have ever described a gym as smelling good, and that is an almost impossible feat with everyone drenched in sweat. But, there you have it Core Collective, has ticked all the boxes.

I was visiting London from the US and using my Class Pass. (I have to say the London Class Pass…read moreoptions are amazing.) So I decided to check out some of the Core classes after reading the reviews. Core is located in the back of a building and around the corner from Byron. Its a very upscale, modern facility. I took Velocity, Accelerate and Resistance. I spin a lot in Los Angeles and the spinning in London whether you go here or Psycle is just not like spinning in the US or aka Soul Cycle/Flywheel. Out of all the classes Accelerate was my least favorite as they didn't have clip in shoes. (only if you brought your own). You need your sneakers to strap in which I haven't done strapped in spinning in years. However the spinning style isn't as core focused as US spinning with a lot of hunching over the bike instead of holding your core up. However I thought both the Velocity and Resistance were both excellent classes. Loved the instructors as I had never taken classes like this and they explained all the moves patiently. They pushed you just enough but it wasn't like bootcamp where they are yelling at you. Very experienced, nice and professional. I esp liked Resistance as my class was only 5 people and intimate. I felt almost like I was getting a personal training session. Music was fantastic in both classes which makes the time fly by. The lockers are gorgeous as well as the showers. The cafe upstairs is very cute and sadly I wanted one day to sit there and eat or have a cup of coffee but didn't have time to do it. Also there is a Whole Foods near the tube station from Core that post workout I grabbed a smoothie and protein bar for the way home. Overall def recommend this place.

This gym/club wants to be sort of like Shoreditch House - at least that's what one of the managers…read moretold me when I recently took a tour of this little gym in Notting Hill. They've just come under different owners, and the new proprietors are aiming to capture a bigger share of the luxury consumer pie by trying harder to position themselves in that cachet of exclusivity and cool - limiting the total members to somewhere around 1700. I'd say they have a bit of work to do. Much like Shoreditch House (and maybe this is where they got the idea that they had a chance of being its pseudo-version in the first place) Body Works West has a beautiful pool... clear sparkling water of a gentle chlorine colour, surrounded by calming neutral tones and blues; the pool is so serene, just looking at it makes the thought of a relaxing swim a very compelling idea (I had to hold myself back from jumping in fully clothed - and I'm not even that big into swimming). Another nice thing about BWW is that they have a good number of power plates - those vibrating platforms that are supposed to boost your metabolism by 50% just by doing some light exercise and stretches atop them - it's a nice extra detail that hasn't hit mainstream gyms just yet, and especially nice if you've wanted to try one. The gym, however, is very small... which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I guess I do tend to like more roominess and anonymity in my gyms. The classrooms looked especially tiny - definitely not the sort where you can hide in the back. And I absolutely hated their elliptical machine setup- a single row of machines perched high up on sort of a makeshift balcony overlooking the weight/stretching area - the people working out up there looked awkward, and I can imagine why... who wants to be so prominently on display while panting away? In case it catches your fancy, however, you should know that there are DVD players attached to the machines - so that you can sweat away to whatever comedy or action film will make your workout less painless. The manager who gave us our tour (sorry sister to the other manager, Thea, I forget your name...) was a bit strange... ice-cold and uncomfortable to be with - maybe it's because we didn't fit into her image of the new cool customers they are looking for... but still, it certainly tainted my image of the place - if I were rating the gym just based on my encounter with her, it would get 1 star. Seriously, I couldn't wait for our 'tour' to be over so that hard stare and furrowed brow would stop. Thankfully, the rest of the staff that we interacted with were very courteous and nice. While there are some true destination gyms out there with too-rad classes and fantastic fringe benefits, I think gym membership decisions unusually come down to the convenience factor - so if Body Works West is close to you - it certainly has the requisite weights, classes, machines, etc. most gym rats are looking for - so nothing should stop you from joining. But if you don't live nearby...no matter how prestigious this place wants to be, it certainly doesn't offer anything that would make a person want to put in any extra effort to be a member.

This is my gym and I don't know what I would do if I lived further away than I do. It's owned and…read morerun by a New Yorker who wants it to be a full-service gym with all the bells and whistles. The gym itself has about 10 treadmills, 8 ellipticals, 5 cycles, 2 rowing machines, 3 power plates and all the weights and equipment one could want. If you're there off-peak then you basically have the place to yourself! Every member has free monthly training sessions, but the trainers don't do much in the way of helping you out when you're on their own -- they are either too busy chatting with each other or giving privates. Being from New York, I expect attention from trainers even if I am not in a session, but I guess they just do things differently here. I recommend Fabio for men, Simon for everyone and the new girl (Kia?) for women. The classes are great and I think Daniel is one of the best reformer pilates around. The steam room, sauna, pool and hot tub get me motivated to actually get to the gym, and Beauty Works West, next door, offers a whole range of spa treatments. The lobby downstairs is always very nice with internet connection, daily newspapers, tea, coffee, a TV and magazines. My criticisms are mainly due to the workers, in particular Thea or something similar who works on accounts and signed me up. Never in my life has someone working in the service industry -- let alone a luxury health spa/gym -- been so incredibly rude and demeaning. I have thought about writing directly to the owner to voice my complaints, but maybe via avenues like this people will get the message. She has a serious attitude problem and every time there has been an error with our account (yes, more than once!) we have been blamed and scolded (!) I think she needs to get out of client services pronto, but anyhow, avoid her and your experience there can be care free and lovely!