Yoga for Gay Men
When: See timetable for details
Duration: see below
Where: Brewer Street Yoga, Soho
Price: £17.50 single class, bundles & passes make it significantly cheaper
Payment Method: Book on-line, payment on the door is not possible
Difficulty: Various, see class description
Who these classes are for:
Friendly small group yoga classes for gay men and their male friends. Yoga in the west is a predominantly female bodied experience, so these classes are for those who are AMAB and classes are a gay safe space to explore how yoga can work for our physically different bodies, but also our different minds.
No prior experience is necessary, and the classes are friendly and fun. It's great if you've never done yoga before but have a reasonable degree of physical fitness, or if you have an existing practice but want an opportunity to develop and grow.
With many different styles to choose from there's something for everybody and every body!
19:30
26+2 (60 min) Hot Yoga
This class is perfect for those wishing to try yoga as the 26x2 sequence was originally designed as a beginners class. There are 26 postures with some repeated during class, interspersed with rest poses and two breathing exercises allowing time between each pose to rest and process.
Conleth will lead the class purely with dialogue, and the beauty of this class is that it never changes and so there is a real opportunity to notice improvements week by week. Same words, same postures, leading to deeper understanding. This is an 'express' version of the 26x2 sequence and runs for 60 minutes.
This style of Hatha Yoga is traditionally taught in a heated environment: the warmer atmosphere contributes to the improvement of flexibility. For this class the room will be 'warm', not the traditional 42 Celsius, but even so you should be prepared to get a little more sweaty than usual! This is a workout that requires true discipline and focus and if they are areas of your life that you wish to build on, or you simply enjoy familiarity in your yoga practice - then this is the class for you!
The 26x2 series really strengthens the legs and the spine, as well as providing a true mental workout as well as a physical workout. Like most yogas, it reduces stress, contributes to weight loss and overall body strength and with that little bit of extra heat thrown into the mix - a more intense feeling/workout is offered to the lungs, heart and muscles.
Things you'll need specifically for this class
• Comfortable clothing you can easily move in: small shorts and T-shirt/vest are perfect, though many chose to take the class shirtless. Speedos/trunks are also appropriate.
• A water bottle and a towel or two are *essential* - you will be sweating a LOT in this class, so a second towel on your mat is strongly recommended.
• If this is your first time attending a 26+2/bikram class we recommend taking a spot towards the back of the studio so you're able to see what other students are doing.
Lateness
Due to the nature of this class it is not possible to join us if you arrive late. Doors will be locked at 7.25, so please be on your mat by this point to allow a punctual start.
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
60 min
All Levels
Conleth Kane
Monday
Tuesday
19:00
Yoga for Gay Men
This class is perfect if you've never done yoga before, or if you have an existing practice but want an opportunity to develop and grow. Tony teaches a mixed hatha and flow style with clear easy instructions in layman's language (no sanskrit or chanting in these classes).
Tony offers helpful adjustments for those who want them (consent is always requested before any adjustment), whilst keeping a close eye on everyone in the room and offering individual feedback to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.
We focus on key postures, breathing, developing strength, and balance. You'll learn to connect mind and body and develop a deeper understanding of your own physicality. No prior experience is necessary, and the class is friendly and fun.
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
75 min
Mixed Ability
Matthew Gough
Wednesday
18:30
Iyengar Inspired Yoga for Gay Men
Having trained in the Iyengar school of yoga Antonio's classes are focused on active alignment and posture. Each posture is cued and demonstrated in clear detail, so you know exactly what you're supposed to be feeling, and where. There is extensive use of props (yoga blocks and straps etc all of which are provided for the class). This class is accessible and fun and suitable for all levels of practice, from beginner to experienced Iyengar practitioner.
Antonio offers helpful and sensitive adjustments for those who want them (consent is always requested before any adjustment), whilst keeping a close eye on everyone in the room and offering individual feedback to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.
No prior experience is necessary, and the class is friendly and fun. It's great if you've never done yoga before but have a reasonable degree of physical fitness, or if you have an existing practice but want an opportunity to develop and grow. You'll learn to connect mind and body and develop a deeper understanding of your own physicality, and if you're lucky you'll even get some show tunes thrown in!
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
75 min
Mixed Ability
Antonio Blanco
Thursday
Friday
15:00
Yoga for Gay Men (Level One)
Ideal for beginners, this is an accessible Hatha Yoga class taught at a steady pace. It’s a playful and welcoming class, perfect for your first time, but also ideal for experienced yogis who are looking for an opportunity to reconnect with the fundamentals of yoga and test themselves too.
This style of yoga focuses on individual postures, with a moment between each to reset. Each posture is cued and demonstrated in clear detail, so you know exactly what you're supposed to be feeling, and where, and Peter offers lots of variations to accommodate all body types.
This class will build technique, balance and strength. It will allow you to experience what simple Asanas (postures) have to offer and how those poses benefit your body and mind. Peter offers helpful and sensitive adjustments for those who want them (consent is always requested before any adjustment), whilst keeping a close eye on everyone in the room and offering individual feedback to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.
No prior experience is necessary, and the class is friendly and fun.
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
75 min
Level One
Peter Ibruegger
Saturday
10:00
All Levels Flow
This Vinyasa flowing practice focuses on synchronising breath to movement in a flowing sequence designed to build heat, endurance, flexibility, and strength. Paul sets a fast pace, and whilst you don't need to be an experienced yogi to attend this class a good level of fitness is required and you should expect to work hard and break a sweat!
Paul offers helpful adjustments for those who want them (consent is always requested before any adjustment), whilst keeping a close eye on everyone in the room and offering individual feedback to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.
You are encouraged to listen to your body and take breaks when you need to, and options and variations will be given for those at different stages in their practice.
This class is light hearted and playful offering a safe environment to explore and challenge your perceived limits: many students in this class report being surprised at what the can do with the right support and encouragement!
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
60 min
All Levels
Craig Norris
11:30
Deep Yoga Stretch
Formerly "Yoga for Runners", this friendly small group yoga class is for men who don't stretch enough (I know, I'm guilty of it too!) and their friends. It's not specifically for athletes or sports people, but it IS for any man who wants to stretch more effectively. Whilst most of the class is floor-based low-impact stretching, Paul sets a high energy fun dynamic so expect laughter and a social vibe.
Paul offers helpful adjustments for those who want them (consent is always requested before any adjustment), whilst keeping a close eye on everyone in the room and offering individual feedback to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.
This class will take you through a focused series of mindful stretches to fully stretch out, and will give you the tools and knowledge to incorporate a quick and efficient stretching routine into your regular gym or running practice.
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
60 min
Mixed Ability
Craig Norris
15.00
Big Boy Yoga - modern yoga for all body shapes
Somewhat doing what it says on the tin: Yoga led by someone thicker of frame, combining anatomy and science to figure out how all bodies can achieve the same thing from a yoga class.
There's no chanting or sanskrit in these classes, and Matt will offer helpful adjustments for those who want them (consent is always requested before any adjustment), whilst keeping a close eye on everyone in the room and offering individual feedback to ensure everyone is working to the best of their abilities.
A blend of strength, flexibility and mindfulness, this class is suitable for all levels with styles blended from hatha, vinyasa and ashtanga.
Duration
Ability Level
Instructor
60 min
All Levels
Matt Smith
Sunday
Ability Levels
Mixed Ability
Most of our classes are mixed ability, i.e. containing elements of Level One and Level Two classes. It's intentional that there will be some parts that challenge you and at first you may not be able to do, but this shows you where the next steps are on your yoga journey and demonstrate the importance of foundational shapes and techniques.
These classes are ideal for beginners or first timers and a great place to start your yoga journey. They are also ideal for those with a committed regular practice.
All Levels
Similar to Mixed Ability, these classes are a mix of Level One and Level Two, but contain a more energetic cardiovascular element.
Whilst more focused to those with an existing practice, these classes are also suitable for beginners or first time yogis.
Level One/Beginners
An accessible class for all. Includes floorwork, standing postures, some balance. Breathwork may be included. There may be some limited slow flow.
These classes are ideal for your first experience of yoga, and can provide a springboard into other classes.
Level Two/Intermediate
A stronger class, containing dynamic flowing sequences and/or more advanced postures. Expect to work up a sweat. Whilst you will receive less specific cuing than a Level One class you do not need to be an experienced yogi to benefit, and variations and options will be provided.
Level Three/Advanced
A strong and intense class, you can expect power-flow and/or advanced postures which may include handstands and advance arm balances.
Not for the faint-hearted, Level Three classes require prior yoga experience and are not suitable for beginners.
What to wear/bring:
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Comfortable clothes that you can easily move around in: shorts and a T-shirt are perfect though singlets or whatever makes you feel fabulous are equally welcome!
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A yoga mat if you have one, otherwise studio mats are available.
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Bricks and straps are provided should you want them.
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There is a changing room but no shower facilities at this venue.
Lateness:
Please arrive 15 mins before your class is due to start.
Life sometimes puts unavoidable delays in our path, and if something means you'll be late for certain classes please don't worry: you're welcome to join when you arrive (within reason!), though for some classes this isn't possible. Please check the class description. All we ask is that you let us know so we can prepare a space for you and let the other students know that we'll have a late joiner.
How many students will there be?
In-Studio classes are limited to 15 students with 1.5m physical distancing.
Health:
Please have a look at the Yoga and Health section before attending a class for the first time. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us in advance of attending a class.
I still have questions!
That's totally fine! Have a look at our FAQ section and if that still doesn't answer your question drop us an email here.