Cork company pledging week-long free yoga classes

A CORK-based business is making a comeback after being forced to shut its doors during the pandemic. Himalaya Yoga Valley will celebrate its return with a free week of yoga at its new South Mall studio.

The yoga school is set to open this Monday with free membership available for potential clients until September 19.

Yoga initially started as a spiritual practice but is growing in popularity as a means to improve physical and mental well-being. It has a sharp focus on physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dyana).

The pastime has become particularly popular with celebrities over the years with everyone from dancers to GAA players signing up for classes.

Well known fans of the pastime include professional golfer Padraig Harrington, and rugby star Paul O’Connell.

This will be the company’s third location in Cork in addition to Ballincollig and Midleton.

Himalaya Yoga Valley Director Maeve O’Brien spoke about her excitement for the future of the business.

“When the pandemic hit we had no choice but to close our doors in the city,” she said. 

“This was a huge blow for all of our team and our clients who relied on yoga during challenging times. We pivoted and went online, held on to our Ballincollig studio and with the support and encouragement of our clients, we kept our eye on the future and reopening in the city again. 

"We found a wonderful space to call home again and it’s hugely emotional after 3 years of having our doors closed to reopen again back where we began.”

Senior teacher at Himalaya Yoga Valley, Lisa Fahy curated the diverse range of classes for the free week of yoga catering to a blend of needs and tastes. The studio’s offerings include restorative Yoga, yin, vinyasa flow, dynamic Flow, beginners Yoga, and gentle glow.

Himalaya Yoga Valley have raised over €80,000 for Cork Simon community and Pieta House in the last decade through their Yoga in the Park project. Cork Simon Community supports the homeless community in Cork through its housing initiative and refuge.

Pieta House provides free, therapeutic approach to those in suicidal distress who are engaging in self-harm, or have been bereaved by suicide.

The Himalaya Yoga Valley are planning to roll out a series of charity events as part of the “Stretch Your Heart” initiative taking place across the city.