Our Patch march 2017
Entering the light and welcoming studio , a sense of calm is immediately apparent . As I take off my shoes and am handed a warming cup of herbal tea , it ’ s easy to see how the Flying Yogi can engender a more relaxed frame of mind . Kasia – who lives a few moments away off Askew Road – spent four hectic months project managing the creation of the new yoga studio to ensure every detail met her exacting standards .
The separate men ’ s and women ’ s changing rooms feel more like a luxury spa hotel , and the spacious yoga practice room is light and airy , with room for 20 mats . “ It was the toughest period of my life ,” admits Kasia . “ But it has been worth it .”
It may seem like a huge jump to go from working in architecture and
Kasia Poremna believes that yoga can help you mentally as well as physically
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interior design to becoming a yoga teacher , but Kasia reveals she ‘ never felt so relaxed ’ as when she attended her first ever yoga class 12 years ago .
“ I decided there and then to become a yoga teacher ,” she explains . Three years ago , Kasia began searching for suitable premises , and eventually found the ideal spot in Goldhawk Road . “ It was fairly run down , but we knocked down walls and completely gutted the place ,” she says .
Having decided to offer ‘ warm ’ yoga classes , the practice room is fitted with 12 infrared panels in the ceiling , which radiate a gentle heat . Classes take place under the warming panels , which heat the room from 25C to 30C – a much lower temperature than the controversial hot Bikram yoga , which can be performed in rooms heated to 40C . “ I didn ’ t want the room to be too hot ,” explains Kasia , who is originally from Poland but moved to the UK 18 years ago . “ I wanted something gentle so the heat is nice and welcoming , not off-putting .”
As Kasia demonstrates poses including the camel back bend , downward facing dog , triangle and forward bend , the warmth is a definite boon to flexibility .
But bendiness is not a prerequisite : the Flying Yogi ’ s six teachers offer classes to suit all abilities , from a basic yoga class , to more dynamic vinyasa
Yoga helps to redress the balance , and once you have that power over your mind , you realise you also have more control over your time
flow sessions , and even a 45-minute lunchtime fix for those who fancy limbering up during their lunch break .
Men , women , old , young , all are welcome at the studio , emphasises Kasia , adding ‘ we want to create a real sense of community here ’.
Mum and baby yoga is on Sundays at 2pm , while pregnancy yoga is now offered on Saturdays .
“ We want to provide options for people ,” she says . “ Lots of people like traditional styles , something gentle and relaxing , while others want something more challenging . Our approach is to get to know people and what poses will be right for them , so the sequence may be slightly different each time .”
The relaxing and rejuvenating aspects of yoga are high on the agenda at the Flying Yogi , with candlelit evening sessions a regular Friday night fixture to end a busy working week .
Meanwhile , more unusual workshops include the intriguingly named gong bath – which is a musical experience said to bathe the body in well-being and inspire inner peace .
Ultimately , Kasia ’ s goal is to reduce stress , in the same way that she feels yoga has helped her . “ It ’ s kind of saved my life ,” she reveals . “ Once you are in a cycle of stress it can be hard to step back . Yoga helps to redress the balance , and once you have that power over your mind , you realise you also have more control over your time .” theflyingyogi . co . uk