The tubes were busy for 7am. Passengers jostling me into a cramped corner, a man muttering something in my ear I could not understand. But when I arrived at London Bridge all was forgotten. Two Star Trek style lifts later and I was on the 69th floor of the Shard, the chaos of London forgotten far below. Soothing music echoed around the cathedral-like spire and Yoga mats dotted the polished floors. I sat cross-legged on a mat and took a deep breath in.
This morning was the launch of Yogasphere’s yoga in the clouds classes at The View From The Shard. At 800 feet above London it is the city’s highest yoga class and is certainly the most elevated place I’ve ever adopted a tree pose.
Yogasphere is run by the calming duo of Leo Lourdes and Mandy Jhamat who hold classes and one-on-one yoga sessions across London as well as hosting retreats in idyllic locations like Thailand and Costa Rica. From the 7th June they will be holding 8 weekly classes from the top of the Shard – weather permitting classes will take place on the open-air 72nd floor, just below the shards of glass that top the building.
On a clear day The View From The Shard boasts 360 degree views of London for up to 40 miles –it’s a dizzying, exhilarating experience (although obviously not one for those who don’t like heights!)
From Downward Dog to Warrior poses I didn’t let the phenomenal view distract from the meditative practise, if anything being so far removed from the frenetic city helped me focus even better. If you’ll excuse the puns, I left the Yogasphere in the clouds class with my spirits lifted and would highly recommend it.
(Me ‘posing’ in the Warrior pose)
More Info
A programme of 8 weekly sessions will start on Saturday 7th June, 8.30am – 9.30am (viewing from 8.15am – 9.45am) and costs £40 per session in advance. For more information and to book visit www.yogasphere.eu.
Tickets for The View from The Shard are available here: http://bit.ly/1jyk7ez.
What a beautiful place to get to do yoga!
WHAT?! Have I read this right – 8 weekly sessions is £40? That’s shockingly good.
Looks like a great experience – would love to see what it’s like in the open air that high!
Alas no it’s £40 per session which includes entrance to viewing platform. £40 for 8 classes would be good!!
Would love to do the outdoor class, must be pretty surreal
PS have amended wording so it is a bit clearer!
Wow this looks amazing! I love yoga but the idea of having that view of London is especially exciting. Typically expensive for London though.