Yoga Kula offers cutting-age studios inspired by the concept of yin and yang – the two opposing principles originating in Chinese philosophy.
As Founder and Director Angela Sykes explained, yoga is about the balance between the two, which can be achieved by doing a bit of both depending on one’s needs. For those in need of calm and reflection, the Yin studio offers a yoga sanctuary to relieve stress and quiet the mind. The Yang studio is home to a range of dynamic classes for those seeking to boost their energy, vitality, strength and stamina.
Behind the impressive studio spaces is the fascinating story of Angela, who started Yoga Kula 14 years ago with no phone, laptop or business experience, but with a passion to create an inclusive yoga community in Leeds and a wealth of experience after studying yoga in ashrams in the East.
The inspiration for the studio’s name was born out of the curiosity of a fellow yogi, who asked Angela if there was a good ‘kula’ (a Sanskrit word for “community” or “tribe”) in Leeds. Her immediate reaction was “No, but I’m gonna create one.” The intent was to create “a community where everybody’s welcome,” without “prerequisites or cliquiness.” My recent experience at Yoga Kula’s Chapel Allerton site on Harrogate Road certainly lives up to that claim.
After a week of travelling and an overnight flight, a relaxing Yin yoga session at Yoga Kula’s brand new studio space in Chapel Allerton was exactly what I needed to decompress.
On arrival, I was welcomed by Angela and introduced to the Yin studio – a stunning, bamboo-clad, shiny new space. On opening night, about 20 unrolled yoga mats were equipped with all essentials for a relaxing yoga experience, including bolsters, blankets, yoga blocks and a weighted eye mask.
Angela kindly offered a cup of tea and a much-needed soothing balm to ease the travel-induced stiffness in my shoulders and neck.
I cannot say that I went into the session feeling confident, given that I hadn’t practiced yoga for at least a year, despite being the proud owner of three (very different!) yoga mats gathering dust in the corner. As it turned out, the session was perfectly accessible for yogis of all abilities and even for those who had never tried yoga before.
The first half of the session was a gentle yin yoga flow featuring classic hip and shoulder openers. Angela expertly guided us through the basics of using the blocks, adapting poses, breathwork, chants and tips to quiet the mind. Having warmed up, we transitioned to Savasana (the yogic term for ‘lie on your back and chill’) and put our weighted eye masks on to enjoy a deeply relaxing guided sensory experience with a sound practitioner, who blended atmospheric ambient music with the sound of her voice, gongs, percussion, chimes and rattles. It made for ‘sound bath’ meditative experience that could calm some of the busiest overactive minds. I hotly recommend it to the overthinkers out there or anyone who just wants to unwind after a long day. And if you think you can recreate the experience from the comfort of your own bedroom with a Spotify playlist, a weighted mask and a scented candle, think again…At Yoga Kula, stunning purpose-built studios and world-class instructors meet to deliver an authentic, yoga experience in the heart of Yorkshire.
Yoga Kula is a far cry from your regular yoga gym class or studio, which in my experience consists of ploughing through a range of yoga poses without much intention behind the practice. The dedicated spaces and knowledgeable teaching team really make a difference. It is a real treat for experienced yogis, as well as a great place for novices to fall in love with yoga.
For more information or to book a class, visit here.
Main image by BlagovestaTacheva.
