The Life Centre Islington

The classes I have attended have been good although at times very over crowded especially some of the work shops. As others have said some classes have to be adapted because of lack of space. However because of the congenial atmosphere and generally good teachers I used the center for sometime. My disappointment came when I purchased a new block of classes, I used half of them but then had back issues and was unable to do any classes at all while I had treatment. When I was ready to return, although I had gone in and let them know what was happening I was unable to book on line because my classes had been frozen. When I went in I had to pay the full price for the class because I could not access the classes I had already paid for. I was told I had to have a letter from my GP (which would cost me £25) pay £12 to unlock the classes for a month or buy a new block then the locked classes would be added. When I explained I would have to pay £25 for a GP letter I was told it would therefore be a bargain to pay them only £12. I have asked my osteopath for a letter but after being spoken to in such an aggressive disrespectful way (no manager available) showing no empathy what-so ever, such a switch from the smiley we love you all presentation, I will not be going back. This from a center that prides its self for its love and respect for all is as I said disappointing to say the least

Good teachers and classes, pleasant environment and vibe, good facilities.It does sometimes get too hot though and not that easy to breathe in the summer, so at least some fans would be a good change. My disappointment was losing the money paid for the 3 weeks trial, after getting a neck injury and not being able to attend for 2 of the 3 weeks paid. Not sure why I was asked for a letter from my doctor in order to extend the trial, only to be told after going through the hassle, that the policy does not allow for any extensions even on medical grounds. And it took more than a week to receive that decision from the management. I really like the centre, but not comfortable with such policies.

I wouldn’t go back just because it was so noisy. The studio is nice, the changing rooms small, the instructor seemed lovely but at times I couldn’t hear her over the din from outside. Buses, cars, motorbikes, kids smashing bottles and cursing outside. It’s warm at the moment so the windows are all open but it means that you have a less than tranquil experience. Not worth the money I think.

Fantastic teachers at The Life Centre - broad experience and knowledge. As someone that loves a dynamic practice, I couldn’t recommend it enough. I have also taken some restorative and mindfulness based classes which have been superb and a good way for me to balance out from time to time. The Mysore program is fantastic and is my go to these days for practice. The sense of community in the group is beautiful and it is led by Agi Gazda who is an outstanding teacher. It is the perfect setting to come and focus on your self practice. The classes set up during the Covid-19 Lockdown have been super enjoyable and very popular. Definitely would not be having this much of a good time throughout this crisis without the classes. Credit to the staff and teachers for making this such a smooth transition. Agi Gazda, Amanda Wright, Isabell Britsch, Harriet Bone, Huma Jalil, Joyce McMiken are some of the excellent teachers I have practiced with. All of the teachers and staff at The Life Centre are super friendly & knowledgable too.

THE TOP VALUE OF THE LIFE CENTRE ISLIGTON: YOGA AS A BUSINESS I have attended yoga classes at the Life Centre in Islington over 4 years. I started with a trial where you could attend unlimited classes for a month, for just £25. I got immediately hooked: ample spaces with plenty of light, calm atmosphere, generally knowledgeable teachers. I kept a very regular practice (once or twice lessons per week), and to be able to do so, I used to buy 20-session class passes that could be spent over 6 months. At some point and due to increased work commitments (I often travel abroad), I realized that I was not being able to spend the 20-class pass within 6 months, and was losing 2-3 session on each pass. For this reason, I started buying 10 class passes I was sure of being able to use, even though classes turned out more expensive. This morning, I intended to buy a new 10-class pass, when the employees at reception informed me that I now had to spend it within 3 months. I was slightly shocked and was not sure of what to do, but since the class started in 5 minutes, I went ahead and bought the pass. I had a very restless practice, trying to figure out how I could possibly use 10 classes within the next 12 weeks, with the upcoming Easter holiday and work trips. The main question going around my head was: what could be the reason for the Life Centre getting rid of the one option that allowed me to attend yoga classes on a (relatively) affordable basis? Though £13 for a group session is not what many people would consider to be affordable. After the class, I went to Reception and I asked the two employees there about the reasons for the 10 day class pass now expiring in 3 rather than in 6 months. What happened next left me without words. The male employee rolled his eyes, snorted and blurted out: “because this is a business”. Then, he turned his back on me and started busying himself with something else. The female employee looked concerned, and she offered a second explanation: “because this was a decision of the management” – she also mentioned the “business model”. I replied that I imagined that was the case; however I wanted to know the actual reason for such decision. Then she seemed to vaguely remember something; and ventured out that the Life Centre wanted to “help me keep a regular practice”. I opened my eyes in disbelief: how would she know, I wondered, whether I keep a regular yoga practice or not? I made a last effort and explained that this was a tough predicament, since I am currently not able to spend 10 sessions in three months, and the other alternative is to pay £15 for a (I must say as of late absolutely crowded) single yoga session. I also tried to transmit my concern that a Centre dedicated to teaching a discipline with a focus on spirituality, tolerance and kindness should really not pursue such an aggressive capitalistic policy, by charging high prices for classes where there is literally 20 cm of space between yoga mats, and forcing people to spend passes within shorter and shorter time periods. At that point, the female employee advised me to “provide feedback” to the Centre in writing. And this is what I am doing. The best feedback I can think of is to reproduce this experience. I believe it speaks by itself, and is aptly summarized in the title of this letter: “the top value of the Life Centre: yoga as a business”. And to conclude: ample, beautiful, full of light spaces are nice. Bronze bodhisattva statues are inspiring. A kitchenette full of cute tea cups feels welcoming. But at the end of the day, one wants to practise yoga in a place that is not completely at odds with what yoga as a humanistic practise and philosophy entails. A place where people are not treated merely as customers that need squeezed to the maximum for revenue. And a place where the FIRST explanation they provide for a decision that affects your ability to practise is not the “business model”. Namaste, Delio O.

After attending the Enchanted Wonders family yoga workshop at The Life Centre this afternoon my family now feel joyful and inspired. In a studio full of 15-20 children no older than 9, at the beginning I did wonder how the workshop would flow and function yet somehow Ayalla pulled it off with no cries, whinges, spills or complaints!! From playing with a ball whilst singing, playing with a ball whilst completely (kind of) silent, dancing, craft making, eating of her delicious spelt banana bread and of course yoga - we really did it all! What made the day most magical was the way all the children got so involved and were so happy to express their yoga postures in their own unique and individual ways. "We had so much fun didn't we! My favourite was the dancing doggy! And I laid on your back!" was the response when I asked my 3 year old daughter at the end of the workshop if she had a good time. From an adults perspective my favourite, aside from watching the children in their elements, was learning some new and neat tips for getting my children involved in yoga in a fun way. I also learnt some tricks on getting my children to learn to relax and reflect. We already have Ayalla's great Enchanted Wonders cards at home which the children have loved playing with, but during the workshop we learnt some great new ways to use them - like musical statues with a yoga posture to freeze on and creating stories out of a few cards. I will definitely continue to use them and create new fun ways to put them to use. Towards the end of the workshop we also did a mindfulness exercise which will definitely help me at home. And of course ended in savasana - yes all the kids lying down calmly together! All in all a great fun day for the kids and an educational day for myself that inspired me to continue guiding my children through yoga and meditation. I would definitely love to do this workshop again some time at The Life Centre. Thank you

Wonderful place. Oasis ! Many great teachers, great staff and fantastic place to practice, unwind, relax and work hard! I do not like the fact that you need to use your 10 class pass in 3 month.

I was lucky enough to attend Ulric's workshop for Bullet Proof hips in April and it was revolutionary for me. For a long time I have been more focused on the lack of flexibility that my hips offered instead of appreciating the range of movement that they did allow. My poor hips have always been to blame for things I couldn’t do, as opposed to what they allow. I was a little hesitant about a workshop that focussed purely on this area of my body that I tend to neglect but Ulric’s workshop on Saturday felt like it was made for people like me and helped me to dramatically shift this negative perception. Ulric encouraged us to work with our natural ranges of movement and think about building strength, as opposed to focussing purely on flexibility (or lack of in my case!). The workshop was taught in an inclusive and accessible manner with just the right amount of fun and humour thrown in. We started with some mindful movement which helped to create the necessary awareness and an openness to new ways of moving. This was followed by some strengthening exercises with a refreshing focus on controlled movement rather than flexibility. The final part of the workshop allowed us to put everything into practice in a playful and exploratory manner. This helped to pave the way to new movement patterns and a different, more ‘friendly’ approach to my hips. Something that can definitely be taken off the mat! Since taking part in the workshop I have been consciously playing with these new ways of moving, from the way I move out of Savasana to the route I take to work and thinking about ‘moving for the pure joy of movement’. I have also been showing much more gratitude to my hips for everything they allow me to do. Thank-you Ulric. Looking forward to the next workshop!