Shoulders feeling a touch tight?

As far as New Year’s resolutions go, joining a regular yoga class has a ton of benefits for body and mind.

As well as loosening that niggling stiffness in your back, a good stretch can help improve your posture, flexibility and balance, strengthen your muscles and reduce inflammation.

Research also shows it can help you to sleep better and wake up feeling bright and refreshed – and who couldn’t do with a bit more of that?

Here are five new yoga classes to check out in February:

1. MORNING YOGA (IN YOUR PJS)

You don’t need to be a morning person to enjoy morning yoga. In fact, we can think of no nicer way to start the day if you find it difficult to cast off the duvet.

At Alchemy School of Yoga, Morning Yoga is one of the most popular online classes. You can even do it in your PJs.

“Having the class online means you can literally roll from the bed and begin.” they say.

From Monday-Friday there’s a class at 7am – 7.45am and another on Saturday at 10am. The cost is €7 drop-in or €21 for the week, unlimited.

 

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2. HATHA YOGA IN INNISHANNON

The perfect antidote to everyday stress, Hatha Yoga is a gentle way to build strength, working with the breath and releasing tension through meditation.

West Cork yogi Clíodhna of Yoga Neart (‘neart’ is the Irish for strength, might, power and ability) will be leading a new 6.30pm Hatha Yoga class, kicking off on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022 at Innishannon Hall.

You don’t need any experience to join in and you can book a place (€60 for six weeks) by emailing yoganeart@gmail.com.

 

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3. BEGINNERS YOGA IN BLACKROCK

New to yoga? No problem. Instructor ‘Yogi Mar’ (aka Mary Collins) will guide newbies through a series of gentle yoga poses focusing on posture and flexibility from February 2nd, 2022 during a new Beginners Yoga course at Ashton Adult Education, Blackrock Road.

“At the end of the course, students will have heightened body awareness and a series of learned poses to keep the body stress-free,” says Mary.

Recommended for all ages and fitness levels, the 10-week beginners course will take place on Wednesday nights with two time slots available 6.30pm and 8pm. Book your spot (€85 for ten weeks) here.

4. YOGA THERAPY FOR KIDS IN KINSALE

It’s not just grown-ups who benefit from a soothing stretch. Down in Kinsale, teacher and yogi Jen Ormond is now offering one-to-one yoga therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and additional needs.

The classes will take place at Kinsale Health and Wellness Centre, with booking opening soon.

Keep an eye on the @zen_with_jen87 Instagram feed for details…

 

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5. PRENATAL YOGA ON TOBIN STREET

Expecting a new arrival in 2022?

Prenatal yoga is designed for mothers-to-be as a way to prepare for birth both mentally, physically, and emotionally through gentle flows and breathing techniques.

Led by Italian yogi Margherita, a Prenatal Yoga class takes place every Sunday morning at 11.15am at The Collective Cork on Tobin Street.

Drop-in classes are €12. To book your spot visit collectivecork.com.

 

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