People are singing the praises of a free yoga session which is held at a Wolverhampton park every weekend.
Organised by Park Yoga, a national charity, with the support of the City of Wolverhampton Council and Active Black Country, it takes place at East Park from 9.30am to 10.30am every Sunday from early May to mid-September.
It is open to people of all ages and abilities and there’s no need to book. All people need to do is bring a yoga mat if they have one, or a blanket or towel. For more details, please visit Park Yoga Wolverhampton.
Group regular Rajwinder Kaur says she loves bringing her two young children to Park Yoga. She said: “My kids love doing Park Yoga and learning a new activity in the nice weather. The instructor is so welcoming for the children and, if the kids weren’t allowed, I wouldn’t be able to come to the class. It’s great because after Park Yoga we go and spend the rest of the morning in the play park.
“It’s encouraging that there’s a lot of other people there, not necessarily mums, but other people who’ve never done yoga before. They’re trying it for the first time as well, so you don’t need to feel intimidated by the poses at all; you’re always put at ease as a beginner.”
Meanwhile Amy Bagria enjoys being at one with nature. She said: “I started going to Park Yoga because it’s outside and I was thinking the experience of being out in the fresh air has got to be good for your body – and I absolutely loved it!
“It’s a completely different atmosphere and experience compared to indoor exercise classes – the fresh air, the sun and the connection with nature make it really special.”
Harkie Chahal attends Park Yoga to create balance in her life – and invest in herself as a role model to her daughter. She said: “We live in a world where we live very busy, hectic, chaotic lifestyles, so for me, my aim of going to Park Yoga was to learn to relax.
“With work, the kids and household chores, you’re constantly on the run. But Park Yoga is helping me create a balance in my life that enables me to calm myself down, take stock and say this hour is all about me and investing in myself.”
And new mum Beverley Momenabadi says that Park Yoga has encouraged to get out of the house more. She said: “You don’t realise how good Park Yoga is for your wellbeing until you’ve done it.
“When you’re a new mum, you can find your routine a bit off, but prioritising your own wellbeing as well as that of your baby, the rest of your family or the household, is so important. Park Yoga has encouraged me to do that every single week.
“It’s also one of the very few physical activities that, dependent on their age, you can take your child along to, so you don’t have to worry about childcare.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Yoga is great for improving mood, reducing stress and improving muscle strength and flexibility.
“Getting people active forms a key part of Health and Wellbeing Together’s Physical Activity Strategy for our city, and we hope these sessions will encourage people to take the time to look after their own wellbeing by being active and enjoying the benefits of being outdoors.”
Park Yoga also takes place in Sandwell and Dudley.