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Recommended Reviews - The Shala
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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. read more
11 years ago
Set in the heart of Norwood, this yoga studio is easy to get to with excellent rail and bus links, with the nearest station being a five minute walk away and bus stops opposite the studio. Once inside, the studios are on the third floor, before entering the yoga/Pilates studios there is a beautiful open and modern reception area with comfy seating and the temptation of a post class or treatment coffee or tea. There are changing rooms for both female and male students with showering facilities and clean modern toilets. The studios are all light and airy and retain some of their original features from the buildings previous incarnation. A special feature for winter and cold evenings is the under floor heating, perfect for a 6:30am Mysore class on a chilly January morning. All the teachers I have met so far are warm friendly and so unpretentious, their knowledge of all the disciplines on offer is not only extensive but trust-worthy. I've been attending the studio for over a year now and so happy that South London is supplied with yoga studios that are not only clean, modern and large, but warm,friendly and welcoming in every sense. read more
16 years ago
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17 years ago
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 read more
17 years ago
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 read more
13 years ago
Excellent place for authentic ashtanga yoga. You will not be disappointed! Gingi is a super teacher...
11 years ago
I signed up for an unlimited introductory offer that turned out to be limited to one class a day. Classes/ teachers of variable quality (I agree Clare is the best!) but the intro offer is good value to get a sense of whether it's worth paying full price for that teacher. read more
More info about The Shala
537 Norwood Road
Third Floor
Entrance Chestnut Road
London SE27 9DL
United Kingdom
Tulse Hill
Directions
020 8670 7711
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.theshalalondon.com
Hours
What time does The Shala open?
The Shala opens at 6:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What time does The Shala close?
The Shala closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mon-Sun 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Outdoor Amenities
Does The Shala have parking?
Yes, The Shala has parking options.
From the Business
Specialties
The Shala is a well established yoga and Pilates centre with a reputation for inspirational teaching. The centre is housed in a beautifully refurbished Victorian warehouse in West Norwood on the Dulwich borders, with three purpose-built studios, a therapy room, reception and coffee bar. The centre is a unique, inviting and tranquil sanctuary with an emphasis on personal service. Daily classes - both energising and calming, will tone and strengthen the body and enhance relaxation and clarity of mind.
History
Established in 1998.
The Shala has been running since 1998 in various South London locations and in 2014 it relocated to premises in West Norwood. The new venue has the luxuries of a purpose-built centre and the character and charm of a Victorian warehouse.
Meet the Business Owner: Gingi Lee L.
Gingi Lee, the founder and Director of the Shala, is a well-respected teacher who has remained at the forefront of the ashtanga yoga community. He began teaching martial arts in the 1980s and has been teaching ashtanga yoga since the mid-90s. He apprenticed with the late Derek Ireland, then continue his studies with Sri Pattabhi Jois in Mysore and Graeme Northfield of Australia. Gingi has hosted - and continues to host - many yoga holidays and workshops in this country and abroad, including combined retreats with John and Lucy Scott, and Kristina Ireland and he continues to run regular workshops and retreats. He has taught, trained and inspired many British ashtanga yoga teachers and has played a key role in popularizing ashtanga yoga in the UK. His teaching is characterised by sensitivity, warmth and a deep commitment to the practice.


























