So what exactly Is Reformer Pilates? Reformer Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates for a mind-body fitness approach. This exercise method uses a unique frame to provide resistance training. It focuses on posture improvement, core strength, flexibility, and muscle endurance. Engage various muscle groups and enhance body awareness. With a holistic approach, Reformer Pilates targets flexibility and strength for overall fitness. Compare it to aerobic training for a different fitness focus. Suitable for all fitness levels, it offers adaptive exercises and welcomes everyone. Learn more about the b ..read more

Are you feeling trapped in the chaos of everyday life? It's time to unburden your mind, rejuvenate your body, and find inner peace. A yoga retreat offers the perfect escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in a serene environment while reaping the countless health and wellness benefits of this ancient practice.  Discover the transformative power of yoga, deepen your self-care routine, and embark on a journey of personal growth.   You should definitely consider going on a yoga retreat to experience the numerous health and wellness benefits it offers. One of the key benefits of ..read more

Are you tired of feeling bloated and uncomfortable after a meal? Look no further, because we've got the solution for you. In this article, we will explore the best yoga poses to relieve gas and bloating. These poses are designed to help promote digestion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate discomfort in your stomach. So get ready to say goodbye to that pesky bloat and hello to a happier, healthier you. Let's dive in!   Key Takeaways   Regular yoga practice, including poses that strengthen the core, can help prevent and reduce bloating. Slow twists and gentle poses can alleviate bl ..read more

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed out at work? You're not alone: research suggests that four out of five people feel this way. But there's hope! Mindfulness practices can help us reduce stress, improve our focus, and enhance our overall well-being. Here are some tips for adding mindfulness to your workday. Key Takeaways - Mindful eating and taking breaks can enhance nourishment and energy levels, improve awareness of how food affects the body, and provide an opportunity to assess overall well-being. - Incorporating exercise and nature exposure positively impacts well-being ..read more

Are you ready to try something new and innovative in your fitness routine? Look no further than Mat Pilates, our exciting new class that is guaranteed to strengthen and lengthen your body. Did you know that Mat Pilates  can train your core muscles while also working on your arms and legs? It's true! In fact, a recent study found that participants who regularly practiced Mat Pilates saw a significant improvement in their overall muscle tone and flexibility.   But the benefits don't stop there. Mat Pilates is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it accessible to everyone ..read more

Here I am on Thursday about to teach a Hot 26 90 minute class when it has been in excess of 30 degrees outside and I ask myself, "why is it that I took Hot 26 up 8 years ago as a 52 year old medic, struggling with back pain, somewhat overweight and it was suggested I try a Hot 26 class".  And let me tell you 7 years down the line what my colleague said was absolutely true.  It has transformed the middle phase of my life where somebody with no energy, with an important job to do was struggling, needing to sit down every 15 minutes.   Now I have a life where Hot 26 has become a ..read more

By Caroline Gozzi   When I was 14, every Wednesday I use to go to Hammersmith Hospital in London to be prodded by specialists, consultants and physios who were trying to figure out why my back hurt like hell and ease the pain I suffered.  I stopped doing PE, dance classes, I didn’t ride my bike, I didn’t do any after school clubs, I even remember being told to lie in bed for 14 days to ease the pain. I think the only think I enjoyed about this period of my life was getting out of school early every week. It was a pretty miserable time.   I’d  completely forgotten about al ..read more

By Caroline Gozzi   Yoga is just for hippies right ?   Someone said to me the other day they had been talking to their friends about how amazing they had been finding the classes at YV and they were stopping their gym memberships because our classes were all they needed; they felt less stressed, stronger physically and has lost weight. Their friends didn’t believe that a yoga class could do that. Their response was “I’m not going to a yoga class, it’s for hippies who sit around and chant and burn incense”.   Now if chanting and burning incense rocks your boat, we totally have t ..read more

By Bex Stirling I came to yoga in my twenties when I realised that years of ballet training as a child had made me flexible and, initially, I liked it quite simply because I thought I was good at it. However, over three quite difficult years, involving a global pandemic and struggles with my mental health, I learnt that yoga was about so much more than being bendy – it provided many ways to help me manage the highs and lows of agency life. The obvious one – boosting physical health Musculoskeletal disorders affecting bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons account for 40 percent of all UK ..read more

By Caroline Gozzi Check out some of YV's favorite local spots and things to do in the Summertown and East Cowley Rd area. Pick a neighborhood and make a day of it... catch an early yoga class at YV, grab a coffee, shop at the farmers' market, meet for brunch, and stay for pizza!  With each area having it's own charm and must-do attractions, it's definitely worth the visit! Summertown Favorites: 1. Alfonso Gelateria This has to be number one on the list, no doubt the best Oxford in the whole of ice cream and their stall is perfectly situated for post yoga visit. Regular and vegan optio ..read more