I am your yoga.

Return of the Je-deal.

Use 'TheForce' to claim �10 OFF Online!

�10 off online Class Card purchases in May!

Yoga is The Force, Bikram Yoga is your Force. Use it!

As you may be aware, the power of Bikram yoga is not solely experienced in the physical realm. Yes, the physical benefits are magnificent and many, but the benefits for your mind are equally as important and wondrous!

Let your yoga practise give you 90 minutes of mental freedom and clarity, to enable you to return to your own galaxies, with the mental agility to tackle your everyday challenges ('Chick, I am your father!') with fresh perspective and boundless energy.

This May we are offering all you wonderful BYCers �10 OFF online purchases!

Simply enter the code TheForce at the checkout to receive your �10 discount.

Online ONLY.

CLICK HERE to go to BYC ONLINE SHOP.

The (not so) small print:

Not valid on Introductory Offers. Ts & Cs apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Offer available online until 31th May 2014.

Only redeemable once per student.

May the force force you out of bed and into a 6.30am class...!

Then you'll get a FREE class!

We have extended BYC's Early Bird Offer for another month!

The early chick catches the worm....

Pay for a Drop In �15

(�12 Concession Rate*)

and receive a second class FREE

to be used at another 6.30am class, within 10 days.

The steps to spring into Spring:

1 - Come to a 6.30am and buy a Drop In class.
2 - Get a free Drop In class - valid at 6.30am classes Monday to Friday.

3 - Use this FREE Drop In class within 10 days of your first class.
4 - NOTE: there are no 6.30am classes on Saturday or Sunday.

'Good morning is not just a word, it's an action and a belief to live the entire day well. Morning is the time when you set the tone for the rest of the day. Set it right!'

Fain Blake

ONLY AVAILABLE IN STUDIO

The (not so) small print:

Ts & Cs apply.

Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.

*Concession rates only available at the studio with valid ID.

Offer available until 31st May 2014.

Only available at 6.30am classes Monday to Friday.

FREE class only available with Drop In class purchases.
FREE class must be used within 10 days of your 1st class.

May Bank Holiday Schedules!

Bikram your Bank Holiday!

Monday 5th May: 10am, 12pm, 3pm 6.15pm

Monday 26th May: 10am, 12pm, 3pm 6.15pm

Enjoy!

FedExpressed

From Fed's mind to your eyes.

As you might be aware, if you were born in Modena, Italy, you're automatically entitled to get a Ferrari, when you turn 18. I, of course, was no exception.

I remember that day like it was yesterday or never.

The excitement, the anticipation... the adrenaline rush, as I was stroking the beautiful metallic red, at the thought of finally being able to compensate for my small nose.

Sergio Zanella, the owner of the garage my dad took me to, to receive what was mine by birthright, looked me in the eye sternly for a while and then broke out in a benevolent smile, as he handed me the keys, saying: 'Treat her right, my son. Take care of her and make sure you take her out for a spin regularly. That's what she's meant to do and that way the engine will remain in tip top condition.'

I eagerly nodded my head, grabbed the keys and then ran to enjoy my very first Ferrari drive.

Little did I know that what that gentle fellow had told me, was all lies.

You've heard right. Yesterday, after 15 years of idyllic companionship, I had to send my beloved Bufala (yes, that was the name I gave her) to the scrap heap.

And why? Well, it must have been all those regular spins I took her on. There's no other explanation. Because that's when it happened: the day before, I put the key in, turned the engine on and my poor Bufala, after a loud cough and splurt, made a hiss, like a deflating sound and then died completely. Therefore, the ignition itself must have been the cause of her demise. Because she'd always been fine, when my friend Luca and I had played "Hammer of God" with her, by hitting Bufala's engine with a sledgehammer as hard as we could, and determining the score according to how big a dent we would leave on the metal. And all the time I made her run on water, instead of petrol (we all know how expensive petrol can be), she was as happy as Larry... Of course, there were a few weird sounds coming from her and the drive wasn't always smooth, but nothing more than that!

Then, the other day, I just turned the key and she was gone. With a tank full of petrol too!

I would go back to that cheery old man in Modena and give him a piece of my mind, but he's dead now. Or never existed.

Meet BYC!

Get to know your BYC teachers and team a little better!

This month meet our lovely teachers Carolina, Leanne and Amy. You may also recognise Carolina and Leanne from behind the BYC desk, as they also work as part of our wonderful reception team!

Carolina:

What's your favourite/ least favourite Bikram Yoga posture?

Favourite: Spine twisting, I think! Why? It is hard to control that feeling when you know you are almost there.

Least favourite: It has to be "Janushirasana with Paschimotthanasana"or "Head to knee with stretching pose", even the name of this one is challenging!

How did you discover Bikram Yoga?

My two really good friends from Uni never stopped talking about Bikram yoga, to the point that making plans was always determined by when they could squeeze their practice in. I knew for them Bikram yoga would always come first. At that time I had no interest in the yoga at all and, in fact, didn't like it for that reason. But when they left I decided to give it a try, to see for myself what all that yoga madness was about. The rest is history.....

I was converted!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Colombian, patient, and last - to put it nicely - I take my time.

If you could have a Super Power - What would you choose?

I would love to be able to change time in my favour and be some sort of time traveller to play around with time... that way I could make yoga classes last 180 minutes instead of 90 lol only joking. I definitely wouldn't do that!

Best Bikram moment to date - personal or professional?

Best Bikram moment, was when we were in class at TT. Bikram was teaching, we were doing standing head to knee, me and 400+ people. It was a rather hot class, as Bikram likes it to be, suddenly in the middle of the posture he started complementing someone's pose. I wanted to see who he was talking about but was a bit conscious that, if I looked around, he would probably catch me and tell me off, so I just stayed in the posture minding my own business. After a while he started describing the person, so people could identify her and then, after a while, I realised...... it was me! He stopped the class to show everyone my posture! It's probably pure luck that I didn't collapse there and then! After that he called me Miss Bogota and I was quite chuffed. It made me think about how amazing my teachers in Chiswick are from whom I learned everything I know.

Leanne:

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was at primary school I was told, if I continued to play netball, I would be good enough to play for England one day! Although I never followed through with this I spent my younger years dreaming of it! During secondary school I loved the idea of running an events company, so I could plan weird and wonderful events and parties for people. Then for the last few years it has, of course, been to own a yoga studio :-)

What's your favourite/ least favourite Bikram Yoga posture?

My favourite changes all the time! I'm best at backward bending. Least favourite, easy, Locust Post (both legs) arrggghhhh!!! But as we all know the postures you dislike the most are usually the ones your body needs the most :-)

How did you discover Bikram Yoga?

My friend Emma visited me whilst I was in Thailand and we were on the beach as the sun was setting and she taught me some postures. It was such an idyllic setting! I really enjoyed it and after suffering with scoliosis and back pain for 15+ years, I thought it might help. When I returned to London I came to my first class at BYC and the rest is history!!! My body has changed dramatically and my back pain has gone!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Happy, fun, caring.

If you could have a Super Power - What would you choose?

I love this question and would love it even more if it was possible! I would be able to rewind time because I've had so much fun in my life I would love to re live all my crazy and amazing experiences once again. I wouldn't change any of them; I'd just love to do them all over again!

Whats your guiltiest pleasure?

Harry Styles from One Direction!!!!!!

Amy:

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

A spice girl!

Whats your favourite/ least favourite Bikram Yoga posture?

My favourite postures are the back bends.

My least favourite posture is locust.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Passionate. Loyal. Happy.

Super Power - What would you choose?

To fly and see the world from up high.

Most embarrassing moment while teaching?

Having to ask a couple to stop stroking each other during savasana.

Best Bikram moment to date - personal or professional?

The first ever class... when I knew this would be in my life forever.

The Hydration Station

So many products, but Obi-Wan is right for you?

Coconut water:

London, 2014 - An article in the prestigious journal 'Physical Anthropology and Applied Science', headed by Prof. Saat and others from the Department of Physiology and the Sports Science Unit, has revealed what many health enthusiasts already know: Coconut water is good for rehydration, after exercise.

The study compared coconut water (natural coconut water obtained from young coconuts), plain water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage. Their study concluded that coconut water is more effective for whole body rehydration, after exercise.

Coconut water makes an excellent rehydration drink because it is palatable (so you can drink more of it), contains the right mix of sodium (better than sports drinks or soft drinks), potassium, chloride and glucose. It caused less nausea, fullness and no stomach upset and is easier to consume in large amounts, necessary for rehydration.

CocoZumi 330ml �2 Organic/ Fair-trade:

Coco Zumi Organic Coconut Water is totally pure, with simply nothing else added. Certified Fair Trade and, being the water out of a young green coconut, it is naturally hydrating and full of electrolytes including potassium and magnesium. With no added sugar and low calorie, Coco Zumi is a great drink to replenish lost minerals quickly after a Bikram workout!

VitaCoco 330ml �2:

Put down those sugar laden energy drinks and join the natural revolution. Vita Coco Coconut Water is loaded with naturally occurring electrolytes and bursting with potassium so now you can hydrate naturally without all the artificial colourings, flavourings and sweeteners of traditional sports drinks. Whether you're running, swimming or Bikram Yoga-ing, staying well hydrated is key to maintaining fitness and achieving success. It's a great tasting, fat free and low calorie route to natural hydration that will see you feeling fresh, and fuelled, throughout your exercise session.

Unoco 250ml �2.40 Raw:

UNOCO is the only raw coconut water on the market, and as such the only one that delivers the full health properties of coconut water (compare pasteurised milk v fresh milk, or pasteurised orange juice v fresh orange juice, etc.) In brief, coconut water contains the 5 key electrolytes in the exact same balance as human blood plasma: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

When you exercise, you lose electrolytes in your sweat. These need to be replenished and coconut water does this like nothing else! It is the perfect rehydrant and nourishes your body too.

Dr Martins 500ml �3 Organic (also available with banana):

100% organic quality, hypoallergenic, free from genetic engineering, no preservatives or colourings, carbon-neutral production, rich in minerals, light and refreshing, and all made entirely from young coconuts. This juice is truly an experience. And it's as nature intended it: hypoallergenic and GMO-free. It contains no fat and brings you the same mineral balance found in your body.

Cocofina �4 1Lt:

Cocofina, a British Coconut Water brand has been operating in the UK for over 9 years. The benefits of coconut water are undisputed but identifying and packing the best tasting coconut water is not easy. Cocofina is blended with small premium coconuts, so that taste does not have to be compromised to provide consumers with a health drink that is refreshing, healthy and natural. It can be consumed chilled, straight from the pack or used as a mixer or blended in a smoothie. Unlike coconut milk, Cocofina coconut juice is low in calories (21 Calories per 100 ml serving), contains zero fat and double the amount of potassium as a banana. If you are looking to rehydrate after exercise, recover from an illness or a night of indulgence, Cocofina will do the trick.

Hydration beyond the coconut:

Mello 250ml �2.80 Raw:

Raw Fresh Watermelon Juice -A naturally alkaline drink to enhance your Bikram Yoga class. This crisp and refreshing watermelon juice is bursting with powerful antioxidants that increase blood circulation and reduce muscle soreness, after exercising. With a naturally high water content, this raw watermelon juice is not only incredibly rehydrating after a yoga session, but also contains amino acids, which are proven to enhance fat oxidation.

Mello is also a source of essential vitamins A&C for radiant, glowing skin, a healthy immune system and reduction of fatigue.

Emergen-C �0.60/9g sachet:

Emergen-C sachet: featuring essential nutrients, including 1,000 mg of vitamin C and other immune supporting antioxidants zinc and manganese, 7 B vitamins to enhance energy naturally, and electrolytes to replenish post-workout!

Nuun �6/ 12 tab tube:

Nuun is a tube of small tabs (that come in 10 different flavours). Each tab quickly dissolves in water to give you a balanced mix of electrolytes, which are easily absorbed by the body. It is light and refreshing in taste. Nuun is used by runners, cyclist, adventurers, yoga bods and climbers who understand the need to stay properly hydrated whatever they are doing.

The Empire (of) Snacks (at) BYC

Some are Chewy some are... (sorry we might stop the puns there).

Snacks:

Raw Bonbon �1.80 Raw:

Handmade in Chiswick by a BYCer! Bikram yoga has an amazing detox effect and replenishing the body with highly nutritional value food is so important. Nutritionally speaking, raw cacao is one of the best 'super foods' available, while matcha is very high in natural antioxidants.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemicals that help your body fight diseases and inhibit the ageing process.

Matcha helps you stay focused yet relaxed.

Nakd Bars �1 Raw:

Nākd bars are completely different to other cereal bars, because they're made with a whole food approach, which means minimal processing and no added sugar, syrups or mysterious additives. The result is that you get to eat food the way nature intended, keeping you happy and healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Bounce Ball �2:

Bounce Energy Balls are an amazingly convenient and tasty way to nourish your body, satisfy your hunger and boost your energy. The Spirulina & Ginseng Bounce Ball is high in fibre, vitamins E & B12 and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. It's the perfect pre or post-exercise boost your body will thank you for.

SpiraBall �2.50:

As SpiraBalls are raw, there is a whole world of benefits including all the nutrients remaining bio-available in your body, because nothing has been roasted or cooked, and raw chocolate is great for your brain! It literally feeds your brain with energy. Also because of the slow releasing of the combined ingredients, your body is able to do more for longer - perfect for pre and post work-outs. SpiraBalls are a raw superfood energy release snack, which means they give you sustained endurance, not a sugar high and then a low. As they contain no wheat, dairy, gluten and no added sugar, they help your body work for you, so there are no

naughty fats and sugars left stored in your body. And, as an added benefit, they of course taste delicious! Spirulina gives the SpiraBall protein, iodine & energies drawn from the sea, therefore gently balances the system producing extra vitality, whilst assisting the digestion.

Pulsin �1.50:

Low in fat, low GI and high in protein, our protein bars make the ideal pre- or post-exercise boost. Choc full of immune-boosting, stress-busting ingredients like maca and goji berries, our all-raw brownies aren't just incredible tasting and happiness-inducing, they're also low in fat and high in protein, meaning no sugar crashes.

Chia Pods �2.50:

Chia Pods� contain one full serving of Australian Grown, sun ripened Chia seeds, mixed with coconut milk and real fruit. Just three ingredients and no added sugar. We cold process Chia Pods� to ensure they retain the raw nutrition, taste and color of the fruit. The banana Chia Pod� has the sweetness of real banana. The coconut milk and all of the fruits are fairly traded and sustainably farmed. Dairy free and vegan, Chia Pods� are just enough for an energy breakfast, a power lunch or a pre-game fix. Each Chia Pod� provides 100% of your recommended daily intake of Omega 3 and 25% of your fibre. The lid, cup and spoon are all recyclable and are made from 30% recycled content.

Other Products:

Pukka Clean Greens �1.20 Organic:

Clean greens is full of nutrient dense plant foods with high antioxidant capacities. This unique blend of green foods is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, trace minerals and enzymes. In essence, Clean Greens contains some of nature's greatest cleansing plants. This powerful blend is able to alkalise, oxygenate, mineralise, detoxify and reduce inflammation throughout the whole body.

Pukka Vitalise �1.20 Organic:

Vitalise is a vibrant nutritional blend containing 30 organic ingredients, including concentrated extracts from 10 herbs and spices, 7 fruits, 3 seaweeds, 2 vegetables, 2 mushrooms, 2 freshwater plants, 1 grass juice and flower pollen. It contains some of nature's finest energising plants that help your body thrive, by encouraging regeneration and rebuilding. It has been created to improve the quality of your tissues, the strength of your organs and the vibrancy of your energy.

Pukka Wheat Grass �1.20 Organic:

Grass Juices are the best way to absorb the nutritional benefits of healing grasses, as humans are unable to digest the cellulose and fibre within the grass itself. One of the components that makes juicy Wheat Grass so special, is its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll hosts a wealth of benefits including nourishing red blood cells, effective cleansing, alkalising as well as being a potent antioxidant. Juicy Wheat Grass is also brimming with Vitamins A, B12, E and K and minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium) to help support fundamental metabolic processes.

As well as drinks, snacks & sachets to help you fuel your body before and after a class, we stock BYC embroidered Grip Mat towels �24:

Microfibre (80% polyester, 20% polyamide)
Contains no artificial chemicals.
Ultra absorbent, holds 7 times its weight.
Super soft, and superior durability.
Can be washed up to 500 times.
100% silicone dot to grip mat or floor.
Puts a hygienic layer between you and your mat.
Great to travel with. Weighing 650g.
Enables a non-slip, steadier yoga practice.
Size: 60cm x 180cm (standard yoga mat size)

and to carry all of this amazing stuff to and from BYC... Well, of course, a beautiful BYC Bag �12....

Buy a BYC Bag & BYC Grip Mat Towel together for just �32

thats a �4 saving!

A fond farewell

To Gailene Stock-Norman, director of Royal Ballet School and BYCer.

Last month, we lost a much loved BYCer, Gailene Stock-Norman. She was a warm and wonderful woman, a true power-house, whose loss will be felt in our BYC community. We shall miss her greatly. Our thoughts and love go out to her friends and family.

How Love Works

Talks 15th, 22nd & 29th May in Barnes.

Our human hearts are wired to thrive in loving and nourishing relationships.

Neuroscience is now shedding light on what sustains a loving connection and what gets in the way of our best intentions to love well.

These talks will look at how Meditative practices and an understanding of Neuroscience can support us to enrich and repair our relationships.

How we love, why we fight and how we can learn to find deeper satisfaction in our relationships with our intimate partners, our families, friends and people in our wider communities.

Talks are on Thursdays 15, 22 and 29th May

7.30~9pm

St Michael's & All Angels Community Centre, Elm Bank Gardens

Barnes London SW13 0NX

Price: �10/�6 (Concession price for students, seniors, unemployed)

Philip Jones has spent 17 years studying Meditation within the dance of relationship and brings a passion to this theme with minimum jargon and maximum connection using slides and experiential opportunities.

For more information please call Philip Jone: 07753604739 or visit www.howloveworks.info