Karma Urban Yoga Studio is celebrating a major expansion following its move to new premises in the heart of Douglas.
The business has re-located to a newly converted studio on the second floor of the Peter Luis building on Duke Street, giving clients a stunning, contemporary base from which to practice.
The studio has two light and airy training rooms, one of which is smaller to allow for the teaching of courses or more intimate groups and private lessons, a changing room and spacious reception area.
More than 20 group classes a week are taught there, including popular lunchtime sessions.
Karma was launched seven years ago by one of the island’s most renowned teachers, Sammie Walker; the move marks a 50 per cent expansion in the business’s footprint and means the delivery of more classes, specialist courses, teacher training and events can now be facilitated.
Its increasing popularity with Manx residents meant it outgrew its previous base in Douglas.
Organisers say Karma is unique in its approach to teaching and its ‘urban’ feel, with a focus on fitness and personal relaxation, dispels the myth that yoga is simply a religious practice. It places a strong emphasis on development of the anatomy, core strength, mobility and flexibility rather than meditation, in a non-religious and non-competitive environment.
Its clients range between 20 and 80 years of age, and four levels are catered for from ‘absolute beginner’ to ‘advanced’.
Classes are very dynamic, designed to allow clients to push themselves and work to their own level, with class numbers being small enough to allow for more personal attention from teachers.
Sammie, who began teaching nearly 20 years ago following the birth of her first child and who trained in Canada, is excited by the continuing rise in popularity of yoga.
She said: ‘Yoga truly gives a health and lifestyle benefit, and I think people are more aware of the importance of having personal time and fitness in such a 24/7 society.
‘The popularity of our lunchtime sessions with corporate clients proves this.
‘Yoga makes people sharper and more positive both mentally and physically, and is fantastic for reducing stress levels and building confidence.
‘It can also be developed into a high intensity cardio and weight-loss workout if desired, or simply a calming and more mobility-based practice.
‘It’s very easy to fit into peoples’ lifestyles, and for them to adapt to suit their own needs which is another reason why I think it’s becoming more and more popular.
‘It is also an incredible amount of fun and very inclusive, which is important if people are to integrate this into their lifestyles.
‘I am delighted we have been able to open our new studio in the Peter Luis building and offer even more choice to our clients, as well as to other yoga fans in the island.
‘I am looking forward to welcoming our existing clients to Karma, as well as those who want to come for a tour and find out more about practising yoga.’
Greeba Powell is a long-standing client of Karma and said: ‘I met Sammie when she opened Karma seven years ago – I’m one of the originals! I started practising yoga in 2000 and studied it in London.
‘When I returned to the island I was looking for someone practising Ashtanga yoga or a similar discipline and thus met Sammie, and studied under her for two years.
‘I’ve never looked back, and after my baby is born in March I will begin teaching at Karma.
‘Sammie is truly an inspiration and that is why Karma is so popular.
‘It’s fun, and you can be pushed to your own personal limit while still having a smile on your face, and that’s really important.
‘Karma is almost a halfway house between traditional yoga and the gym world, and I know it’s non-intimidating and friendly environment will continue to prove popular with Manx residents.’
Karma offers a wide range of classes, courses, payment options and packages.
Anyone who wants more information can log on to:
www.karma-iom.co.uk or call 663300.