Virgin Active
One of this year’s show sponsors is Virgin Active. Here, Penelope Oldfield outlines what to expect from the gym’s new yoga experience and teacher training opportunities
Reading time: 4 minutes
The yoga here at Virgin Active is not what you’d expect. Yes, we are a gym, but also so much more. We take yoga to a different level and have great pride in what we have created. We have specialised instructors for each type of yoga, allowing them to really focus on the different poses and teach you the very best. Why not see for yourself, and try one of our classes at the OM Yoga Show?
The yoga studios you never knew you needed
Virgin Active Yoga Studios are not ones you want to miss out on. From taking your first step through the door, you feel a sense of calmness. You’ll be spoilt for choice on where to position yourself in our spacious studios. We welcome all abilities at Virgin Active and our studios are a place to feel comfortable and relaxed. We have created safe space boutiques; luxury rooms designed to create peace and make you feel at ease. We encourage the use of hard props such as blocks, as well as soft props like mats, bolsters, blankets, and straps. This is yoga, in a yoga studio, in a health club. A gym floor, swimming pool and spa only a corridor away. What more could you want?
Yoga classes at Virgin Active
They say good things happen in threes? Here at Virgin Active we offer three different types of yoga classes:
Yoga Flow: similar to Vinyasa Yoga. Intense, dynamic, and incredibly rewarding, it encourages flexibility, mindfulness, and better fitness capacity.
Yoga Align: similar to Hatha Yoga, it is reflective and builds presence, allowing 5-10 breaths in each pose.
Yoga Calm: similar to Yin Yoga with longer held (averaging five minutes), seated and reclining poses, teamed and themed with guided meditation and breathwork.
Yoga Teacher Training with the Virgin Active Academy
Have you heard about the Virgin Active Yoga Teacher Training Course? Launched earlier this year, our course is led by senior yoga teachers, training you to become the very best. To become qualified, you will need to complete a total of 200 hours training. By the end of our course, you will be ready to teach intelligent, creative and engaging Vinyasa Flow classes. And if that’s not enough, you will also be qualified to teach breath, meditation, and other yogic practices to enhance wellbeing and overall health. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Everything you’ll learn in yoga teacher training;
- History and philosophy of yoga, led by our yoga philosophy expert, Eva Thomson
- Yoga ethics and what they mean for our modern lives
- Pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation
- Anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, led by our anatomy and physiology expert Matt Huy
- Practical teaching experiences, asana labs and workshops, hands-on assisting practices and techniques
- Class planning, theming and sequencing to be able to authentically share yoga with your students
- Getting started as a yoga teacher with tips on launching your career
- Cultural appropriation and inclusion in yoga, and ayurveda
Meet the yoga team:
Virgin Active’s experienced, knowledgeable and respected yoga team includes:
- Penelope Oldfield: UK head of Yoga and Pilates
- Tal Zalel: Yoga Lead
- Vanessa Hatton Riveiro: Yoga Lead
Itching to enter the world of yoga at Virgin Active?
Why not pop down to our stand at the OM Yoga Show and find out more. We’ll be offering an exclusive discount on the day for our Yoga Teacher Training course. Become a qualified yoga teacher for a great price, in fantastic studios, with top-class instructors supporting you every step of the way. It really is as good as it sounds.
Find out more at: virginactive.co.uk or come along at the OM Yoga Show, stand C18
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
