The Yoga Shala - Gym in Galway, Ireland

I've been to a couple of classes at this centre over the last couple of years and I'm really impressed by the integrity and dedication of the teachers, and at the unexpected peace of the place, right in the heart of the city. I highly recommend the Yoga Shala to anyone, teacher or other, visiting Galway. They have classes for all levels of student and they will lead you in a practice that opens and energises. Go!

2 stars because the class was not taught as advertised nor to the overall skill set in the room. This class was advertised online as a multi level flow class and it was more of a power flow with multiple advance arm balance positions. The instructor started with a welcome, this is a multi flow but actually more of an advance class. As an eRYT myself, this is a big no no. If the class says multi level, then it should not be taught at the advance level. At many points during the class (during the multiple arm balances, 95% of the class could not perform the movements; instructor was teaching and helping the select two/three in the class on their advance poses or we were all watching her perform the poses). The class is held in a gym (not a studio). The gym itself is very nice and clean. However, the rented room where The Yoga Shala teaches needs a little TLC. Props are not neatly organized and are in need of replacement. The room has wall to wall carpeting which is a bit old and suspicious looking; a recipe for a the spread of foot diseases. If I were the owner I would definitely be upset with how little the gym cares for that room as people will associate this with the quality of the yoga class. The room setup their mats in a circular formation which is a nice way to connect and flow energy. Another plus is there are not any mirrors. Nothing dampens a yoga class than mirrors. Class started on time (a plus) on our backs and during this time of centering, people were allowed to enter and set up (another big no no in most studios. Enter after meditation if your late). In addition the instructor was speaking but not in the moment because she was busy folding blankets and straightening up the props (which happened to be right next to me). Although this happened, she had a wonderful cheerful and welcoming personality. She also infused a bit of humor into the class which was very nice as well. She was very knowledgeable, flexible and had a strong practice. As an eRYT rehabbing from a major injury I knew how to modify without instruction but there were many in the room who did not. This yoga class should be advertised as advanced. In addition, no matter what the style class, it should be taught to the level of the participant majority. In this case it was was non-flexible middle age weekend warriors. If the class was advertised as advanced, rating would be 4+