I've done quite a bit of yoga before - from Ashtanga classes to some sauna-tastic Bikram sessions. A friend brought me to this rather improvised studio in a fantastically convenient location just off Fleet Street - and I was hugely impressed.
A calm and tranquil atmosphere is created by the decor (including non-ironic fairy lights), which does a good job of disguising the fact that the class takes place in the basement office of a smallish conference centre.
As always in a yoga class, the skill and engagement of the teacher is paramount. And this is where Pure Yoga Zone excels. The instructor (Jennifer, I think) is an extremely helpful and supportive woman, who delivers her directions and suggestions in a gently authoritative tone (and with the hint of an American accent). I had the often rather embarrassing need for adjustment in one of the postures, but Jennifer unobtrusively guided me into the correct position. Luckily for my yoga-ego, she also complimented me on my shoulder stand!
The class offers a challenging mixture of Hatha and Flow, and the subtle use of music (not the traditional awkward Indian chanting) in the background was nicely effective.
There were about 12 people in the class that evening - seemingly largely made up of workers in the prestigious legal and financial firms nearby - but 16 is apparently the maximum. A real plus here, therefore, is that you never feel like you are crushed into the studio space like a yogic veal calf!
My drop-in fee was comparable to or lower than most studios, and there are some very reasonable longer-term offers which seem well worth it. I genuinely recommend this class to people looking for a highly convenient and rewarding yoga experience. If I didn't live in Spain, I would definitely be back! read more