Yoga in the UK

Yoga has now developed considerable popularity as a form of relaxation as well as a serious sport that is beginning to feature the element of competition. Nowadays there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of yoga instructors in every region of the country qualified to instruct practitioners from beginner to more advanced levels.

Within the UK there are also numerous retreats where yogis can explore and develop their understanding of the discipline in more depth. Furthermore, there is an official, umbrella organisation with a centre in every region of the country that can respond to your needs and questions as a yoga practitioner.

UK Yoga Organisations

The following are some of the major Yoga organisations that exist in the UK, a summary of their activities and, primarily, what they can provide for those who practice yoga:

The British Wheel of Yoga

The British Wheel of Yoga is one of the largest yoga organisations in the UK. A registered charity and non-profit organisation, the British Wheel has been running for 40 years. Members must pay to be a member of the British Wheel is a members organisation and promotes yoga classes, workshops and events for its members and the public. They also offer courses if you want to train as a yoga instructor.

The website has a search facility to find a yoga teacher in your area. It also has useful information on how to perform many of the activities in the yoga discipline.

Mandala Yoga Ashram

The Mandala Yoga is an ashram (yoga centre) situated in Carmel, South Wales and is also an accredited charitable institution. The Ashram is generally used by people who have some experience in the practice of Yoga and are striving to deepen their understanding and improve their skills. There are also day tours and introductory courses aimed at beginners in yoga. The Mandalayoga is a reputable Ashram organisation and a great starting point if you want a full introduction to yoga. Other accredited yoga centres and ashrams include:

• The Iyengar Yoga Association (UK)

• The Satayananda Centre, Birmingham

• The Centre for Yoga Studies

• The Sunpower Yoga Centre, London and Leicester

• The Yoga Academy

The Yoga Academy provides courses and workshops that are mostly for teachers or individuals training to be yoga teachers, but there are also some courses available for those more advanced in yoga who want to deepen their understanding and practice of the discipline.

Yoga Scotland

Yoga Scotland, like BWY is the recognised body for yoga in Scotland and equally, gives assistance in searching for a yoga teacher/class or ongoing/teacher training if you are looking to progress further in the sport.

Yoga Europe

The official union website of Yoga in the continent and a great starting place if you're either travelling abroad and wish to practice, or happen to reside outside the UK.

Yoga teachers and studios

Some yoga teachers in the UK have their own website (for example, Sophia Oh and Union Yoga). Teachers that have their own website tend to be the most highly qualified and experienced so you should approach them as your first port of call. Try searching on Google for something like "yoga birmingham" to see what is available in your local area.