The Shala

I joined The Shala a couple of weeks ago with their 45 pound intro month deal. I’ve been quite a few times since then, to both yoga and Pilates classes. This weekend they’re having a free shiatsu massage workshop that I am dragging my husband to.
The studio itself it beautiful. It has three different spaces, nice hardwood floors, and showers. It’s well-​lit and has a nice «energy.» You can say that sort of thing in a yoga review.
I really like Claire, who teaches pilates. She’s super friendly and helps students individually. She works with students at their own level, which I appreciate.
The general vibe of the studio seems a little serious, but people are also pretty friendly. I’ve met a couple of nice women, and people are welcoming for sure.
My main feedback is they don’t do a lot of adjustments in class, which is something I really liked from Satori Yoga in SF. I think adjustments are really helpful both for safety and learning.
They let you use their mats if you have a towel to put on top. I really do need to buy my own mat, since communal yoga mats tend to a smell a little funky.
I really like that this place is walking distance from my house and an actual studio/​community, not just a single teacher renting a space.
It’s near West Norwood/​Tulse Hill train stations, and really not a far walk from Streatham.

I’m interested in this

The Shala has always had a warm, friendly and supportive vibe, which has kept me coming back over the years. Gingi is a brilliant teacher who’s taught the likes of Madonna and Sting in the past so his teaching and adjustments are top notch but don’t worry, his classes aren’t intimidating for us mere mortals. His teaching style is relaxed and humorous, although don’t expect to leave without sweating buckets and stretching in ways you didn’t think possible! There’s a real community feel too people often go for coffee or brunch after practice and hang out together. Definitely worth rolling out that mat

I’m chuffed that Gingi has opened his own space in again. Those who used to practice at the Sangam will know how special it was which is why I’m looking forward to regular practice with Gingi at this new space in Clapham North. Gingi teaches with love, with compassion and with humour and this is what makes The Shala what it is. No pretension, no kerrching of tills, just a great vibe that it’s good to feel part of. It doesn’t get very much better than this. Thanks Gingi