Karma Urban Yoga Studio is celebrating a significant 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 former Peter Luis building at 9-11 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% 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.
Karma has a modern ‘urban’ approach towards teaching yoga, with a focus on fitness and personal relaxation. Urban yoga places a strong emphasis on physical development, core strength, mobility and flexibility, with a little meditation, all presented in a non-competitive environment. Its clients range between 20 and 80 years of age and four levels of experience are catered for from ‘absolute beginner’ to ‘advanced’. Classes are dynamic and designed to allow clients to challenge 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 commented: “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 former Peter Luis building and offer even more choice to our clients, as well as to other yoga fans on 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.”
Manx resident and double World Superbike Champion, James Toseland, practices yoga as part of his training, and is a Karma client. He commented: “I discovered Karma through a close friend, and since I began practising yoga I have felt a dramatic improvement not only in my flexibility but also more importantly for me in my muscular recovery after very hard training sessions in the gym.
“A massive thank you to Sammie and I would recommend her as a teacher to anyone.”
Greeba Powell is a long-standing client of Karma and commented: “Sammie is an inspiration. Karma is so popular because it’s a fun halfway house between traditional yoga and the gym world. You can be pushed to your own personal limit whilst still having a smile on your face.”
Another loyal client, Margaret Watkins, said: “Karma offers a range of non-competitive classes. I can choose the class to suit me; I always feel calm and energised afterwards. Yoga also helps in enhancing my triathlon training.”
Karma offers a wide range of classes, courses, payment options and packages. For further information log onto www.karma-iom.co.uk or call (01624) 663300.
