As you may have heard, we are taking on a new studio and cafe space in central Cambridge! This is a site additional to the existing Cambridge site.

We are very excited about this new site, and in particular the cafe which will be Cambridge’s first permanent vegan cafe. The studio is brand new, and purpose built as a yoga studio.

We have put together the answers to some questions you might have. Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions.

1. Where is the new studio?
   The new studio is at 121 Chesterton Road, Mitcham's corner. Above Evans Cycles.
2. Which classes will be held in the Mitcham's Corner studio?
   We will be creating a new schedule of classes in the new studio. A couple of classes will move from the other sites, but in general the schedules in Shelford and Central will not change. See point 15
3. What's happening with Shelford?
   We will be moving to a new location in Shelford
4. Why are you moving from Shelford?
   The landlord has not renewed our lease there as they want to rent to an office occupier and make more money.
5. Will there be a changing area in Mitcham's Corner and the new Shelford studio?
   There will be provision for changing and storage of personal belongings, but not changing rooms as such.
6. Is there parking?
   Mitcham's Corner is a busy urban area with on street meter parking. There are also various small car parks, and free parking a 5 min walk away on Gilbert Road. Shelford has ample free parking.
7. Will there be a cafe in Mitcham's Corner?
   We are delighted to say that there will be a brand new publicly open vegan cafe.
8. Will there be a cafe at Shelford?
   There will not be a cafe like there is now at Shelford, but there will be cafe provision such as drinks and snacks. 
9. Will you offer take away food from Shelford and Central? We have been asked about offering take away freezer food from the other locations, and this is something that we will try to provide.
10. Will the conveniences be shared in Shelford?
    The new Shelford studio is in a shared occupation building with shared toilets, but it is not busy with other people like the current site.
11. Where will workshops and trainings be held?
    Workshops and some trainings will be held at the Mitcham's Corner site. Some trainings may be held in Shelford.
12. How will this impact membership options?
    We are going to move to a single tier membership and pass structure where all memberships and passes will be valid at all sites, including hopefully Buckden. We hope that this will be a great benefit to clients.
13. Will there be any single-studio memberships?
    We are phasing out Shelford only memberships. If you are currently on a Shelford only membership you will be able to keep renewing, but we are not offering these to new members any more.
14. When is the move taking place in Shelford?
    We hope to move early October
15. When is the Mitcham's Corner studio opening?
    We hope to be open end Sept, with the official launch October 7th.
16. How might the schedules change?
    Andrea K's Weds Jivamukti and Yin classes will move to the new Mitcham's Corner site. Friday Night Live will also move. Other than that we have a brand new schedule there.

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Smoothies are great to drink after a yoga session. Not only do they taste absolutely delicious, they also help to provide your body with a potent dose of essential vitamins and minerals.

To make a smoothie all you need is some fruits, vegetables, a liquid and a blender. You can also add in some nuts & seeds for good measure.

This smoothie has the following ingredients in it: 

1 cup of frozen mixed berries – namely blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Berries are excellent sources of powerful antioxidants which means eating them helps to reduce damage caused by free radicals in your body. This in turn helps fight off diseases such as cancer. Using frozen berries will give the smoothie a thick milkshake like consistency.

1 cup of spinach – spinach has long been known to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet and for good reason. Even though it is made up of more than 90% water, it is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and manganese. In place of spinach you can also use kale or Swiss chard. 

1 cup of coconut water – coconut water is naturally sweet, which when combined with the sugars found in the berries helps to make this smoothie more palatable. Coconut water also contains potassium and magnesium, both of which are important for heart health.

1 tablespoon of almond butter – nuts and nut butters are some of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. They contain minerals such as phosphorus, zinc and copper, all of which are needed by your body in small amounts.

1 Medjool date (pitted) – dates are one of the most delicious fruits on the planet and are a great alternative to chocolate & candy. Adding a date to the smoothie will really help to enhance its flavour.

1 tablespoon of chia seeds – these seeds though tiny are a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. When they are added to water, they swell up, thereby helping to thicken up the smoothie. You can also use flax or sunflower seeds instead.

To make the smoothie, add the coconut water to a blender followed by all of the other ingredients and process for 30 seconds until everything is well mixed. For added thickness, throw in a few ice cubes and process further.

If you enjoyed this recipe, try out some of these smoothie recipes as well.

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Guest Blogger Veronica writes for Healthsomeness.com, a website dedicated to providing information on fitness, healthy eating and general wellbeing.

Andy's Class Schedule:

Shelford:

Tuesdays @ 18.30 Jivamukti

Buckden:

Saturdays @ 10.00 Jivamukti

You can also catch Andy teaching some Friday Nights at Shelford & at our monthly Kirtan at Central

Andy Nathan

I'm a 300 Hour Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher based in the beautiful medieval market town of Saffron Walden - close to Cambridge and less than an hour from London.

My classes have a strong, playful dynamic with attention paid to meaningful connection with students, disciplined practice and positive intention. I teach a number of regular weekly public classes, co-host kirtans in and around Cambridge, offer private tuition to individuals, groups and businesses and assist my teachers both locally and in London.

I'm also proud to be part of the Yoga for Syria team with some hugely inspiring beings, which puts on a yoga festival regularly and donates all the proceeds to an amazing grassroots organisation which takes aid direct to the mothers and children in need.

Find out more about Andy here.

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Gemma's Class Schedule:

Shelford:

Tuesdays @ 13.00 Yoga Flow Open

Buckden:

Mondays @ 10.00 Yoga Open

Wednesdays @ 18.30 Yoga Open                                  @  20.00 Yoga Beginners

Gemma Skells

I was a keen fitness enthusiast. Weight lifting was a large part of my regimen. I tried my first yoga class in 2008 after reading an article in a fitness magazine called stretch for strength. I wanted to improve my Olympic lifts, flexibility and reduce muscle hardening so I began attending one hatha class per week at my local leisure centre.

Little did I know that four years later I would have almost completely swapped the gym for the yoga mat. Like many other people, I started to notice the "feel good" feeling. Not just the physical benefits of a regular yoga practice but also the more subtle (and not at first obvious) improvements to my health, well being and sense of self worth. These are just a few of the many beneficial aspects which have fed my interest and love for yoga ever since. So much so that I began my journey of becoming a teacher in November 2013 with the British Wheel of Yoga. My goal is not only to deepen my own understanding, but more importantly to help others facilitate their own "feel good" feeling.

Find out more about Gemma here.

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Julie Davies

Julie's Class Schedule:

Central:

Fridays @ 13.00 Yoga Flow Open

From a very young age I have found solace and enjoyment in physical activity.  For most of my younger life this need was met by high impact aerobic type exercise and many gym memberships. I came to yoga in my late thirties when I found an amazing teacher and over time have developed an abiding love of the practice.

I discovered through the regular practice of yoga a strength and agility of body and mind that had been elusive.  As the years have passed I have been inspired to share the practice of yoga by the many excellent teachers I have had the pleasure to work with.

My personal style is eclectic.  Some days I need a highly energetic and dynamic yoga and will look to a strong flow practice.  On other days I find joy in a gentler approach. My desire to teach arose spontaneously from the pleasure I found in my personal practice and my wish to share this with others.  My teaching style therefore aims, as far as possible,  to be specific to the students on any given day.

Find out more about Julie here.

Hello. I am the person sitting on a purple block who checks her watch pointedly when you come in late. 

I’m American. Cambridge is strange and I don’t always love it.  I’m grateful to CAMYOGA. Thank God for that hour and fifteen minutes two or three times a week when I can be a tree, a dog, a pigeon. I started at CAMYOGA because my gym sucked. Of course the door I opened was to my soul, not really to toned triceps and a sufficiently elevated heart rate. 

I sort of have the triceps, but more importantly, I make friends with my mortality in savasana. Sometimes I remember the principle of non-harm and stop internally yelling at myself for five minutes. I wonder what I must do to serve myself. My body and mind have a sanctuary on Union Road. 

As I write, I have a strange melancholy ache just in my jaw, at the back of my neck, descending to my heart. My aunt died last week, the same day as Prince and as I buzz through life linearly, rationally, efficiently - my heart is stationary. It honours the dead. The truth that everything is fleeting is somehow situated in my own body. Thank you yoga, I guess. 

I joined CAMYOGA in 2011 primarily to take Hot Yoga during the day. Those were the days of Shyan Bliss. There would be about four people in the class and he would talk about using fire breath to reach an altered state on public transport and having to be helped off the bus. I loved grave Tom at reception and the bouncy joy of Anna Jackson and the fluidity of the odd class with Louise PM herself. Then came Janine Tandy, who I used to examine quite closely during classes because she was so perfect I suspected she was a cyborg. I started Ashtanga on Sunday mornings with Howard and laughed. It was like a Cirque du Soleil rehearsal.  

I settled into the magnificent and powerful groove of Andrea Price’s Tues and Thurs 10 am class 2012 and 2013. I cried my way through restorative yoga at 11:30 on Friday, Beverley Nolan’s infinitely patient hand on my chest, teaching me to follow my breath. I know that my practice at Camyoga has made me a better writer because it has made me kinder to myself and braver about leaving my comfort zone. That was all Andrea ever talked about! There we all were, exiled from our comfort zone and growing so much as people. And sometimes crying in the changing room, which was awkward but kind of ok. Andrea’s class in 2013 was something very special.  When do women feel themselves in a room full of empathy? When indeed? 

And now I am grooving on all the gifts of Rachael Moore’s class, her own connection to her own feminine energy is an electric inspiration on Wednesday. And somehow I have been in Ashtanga for five years with the gentle and lovely Emma Lindsay and I totally think of myself as a beginner.  

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Bill Clinton Hercules: Thursday 12 May 7.30pm at The Junction, Cambridge

You’re invited to come see my play. It may be on its surface about the doings of the 42nd President of the United States but it’s really about love, peace and heroes.  And it is more about what is to be found on the mat than what is to be found at the White House.

On Thursday 12 May 2016, Bill Clinton Hercules is in Cambridge for one night only. Everyone from CAMYOGA is warmly invited.

In fact, Camyogis can get 10% off their ticket using the code CLINTON10 at the checkout.

Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Junction

http://www.junction.co.uk/bill-clinton-hercules

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Rachel Mariner

Our guest blogger Rachel Mariner is an American attorney and playwright living in Cambridge. She has been a member of CAMYOGA since 2011. 

https://twitter.com/rachelmariner

http://libertyandowain.blogspot.co.uk/

The oat bars we sell at CAMYOGA are really popular as a nutrient-dense energy-boosting snack, packed with nuts, dates, oats and bananas. These coffee and walnut brownies were born out of the pressure from a certain staff member to develop a banana-free version (a vegetarian who doesn’t like bananas?!), and they were very popular! Coffee and walnut is a classic combination but very often found in high-sugar cakes and afternoon treats. With these brownies, you can enjoy these traditional flavours, but with a more natural form of sweetener, and more nutritious oats in the place of refined flour. Make sure to use really good coffee as it’s a prominent flavour!

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Recipe

For the base:
700g oats
250g dates
180ml strong coffee
2 tsp vanilla extract
200g maple syrup
200g walnuts, roughly chopped
Pinch of salt

For the topping:
250g dates
50g coconut oil
60ml strong coffee
60g maple syrup
100g walnuts, whole

Directions

Soak the dates for the base and for the topping in separate bowls/jugs of boiling hot water for 10 minutes, and then drain

Grind 500g of the oats (and keep the 200g of the remaining oats whole)

Process the dates for the base in the food processor with the coffee, vanilla extract, maple syrup and salt until a smooth paste is formed

In a large bowl, combine the date puree, the oats (ground and whole) and the chopped walnuts and mix thoroughly

Push the mixture in to a lined baking tray measuring 12 inch X 9 inch

For the topping, process the second lot of dates with the coconut oil, strong coffee, and maple syrup until smooth.

Spread this mixture on to the base and sprinkle over the remaining walnuts. Set in the fridge and cut into 16 pieces. They will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 weeks.

Recipe by CAMYOGA chef Alice Kabala

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This is the perfect accompaniment to a creamy curry or tagine, or as a barbecue side salad. Packed with dried fruit, toasted nuts, green herbs, citrus and pomegranate seeds, this has all of the flavours of Western Asia and the beautiful colours make an elegant and stunning dish on the table. Although quite a hefty list of ingredients, there aren't many steps as it is pretty much just a case of combining everything together.

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Recipe

250g couscous
1 red onion (100g), thinly sliced
2 large garlic cloves (12g), crushed
1.5 tsp citrus zest (lemon or lime or a combination of both)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2.5 tbsp orange juice
1.25 tsp toasted cumin seeds
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp cinnamon
100g dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots, chopped figs or a mix of 3)
30g roughly chopped fresh herbs (coriander, parsley, mint or a mix of 3)
80g pomegranate seeds
150g toasted nuts (flaked almonds and pistachios or a mix of both)

Directions

Mix all of the ingredients from the red onion through to the pomegranate seeds together and let sit in a bowl for as long as possible, preferably overnight. This will allow the red onion to soften and the dried fruit to plump up in the citrus juices.
Cook the couscous according to packet instructions, usually by soaking in hot water for about 10 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed.
Mix the couscous and the nuts into the rest of the ingredients. I find that mixing by hand is easiest. Serve at room temperature.

Recipe by CAMYOGA Chef Alice Kabala

We are often told during class how important the breath is in yoga, and will usually practice pranayama exercises during class especially at the beginning and end. But what is pranayama and why do we do it?

During this series of blog posts we will be exploring the most commonly practiced pranayama (breathing) exercises - the ones that are most likely to pop-up in your classes. We will discover how, what and why, contraindications and benefits of these practices.

Prana = Life force/Energy

Yama = Regulate/Lengthen

Prana translates into “life force energy” and Yama translates into “control or mastery of.” Thus, Pranayama is used to control, cultivate, and modify the Prana in the body.

Prana is taken in through the air we breathe, and since the pranayama exercises increase the amount of air we take in, they also increase our intake of Prana.

Look out for the series of blog posts coming soon. Let us know if there is a particular pranayama practice that you’d like us to cover.

Note: When learning new breathing techniques, it is common for people to feel light headed or dizzy. If this happens, stop for a few moments and then resume. After your body becomes accustomed to the change in flow of oxygen, the dizziness will no longer occur.

iir prihatinawati http://asianjasmine.yoga/

When I signed myself up for a free taster of Broga® at CAMYOGA, I didn’t even read which type of yoga I was about to take. I am new in Cambridge - I moved here from Indonesia in August. I have practiced yoga since I was a child - I am a registered vinyasa teacher, and mostly practice yoga at home - so I was excited to get to the studio and have a guided practice.

When I arrived, and a lady told me in the changing room what class I was about to take, I wasn’t sure what to expect...

You know, surprises always come to greet you in the most unexpected corners... I loved it!

Yes, it was mostly men in the class, yes we did heck of a load of high/low planks, either into or from chaturanga or downward facing dog, and yes I was sweating. A lot!

I know what you think, this yoga might be only suitable for the very athletic or experienced practitioners, but to be honest it is not! Let me explain why.

Firstly, the poses were dead simple. Having practiced yoga for over half of my life, I’ve had my time of working to get into the 'fancy poses' - undervaluing these simple poses. But more recently, I’ve started to take notice of the simple things, to find the grace in anything and everything. This was the beauty of the practice.

So, if the poses were dead simple, how did I get my kick from the practice?

These simple poses were repeated over and over again with controlled ujjayi breath throughout - once you’ve done 7 or 8 repetitions of a low and slow chaturanga you start feeling muscles you never knew you had.

The practice really prompted me to be mindful of my own body and muscles. For example: try to come to downward dog, then plank, slide slowly into your low chaturanga and press up to plank and downward dog again, repeat 8 times slowly. Now try it again with one legged dog, one legged plank and so on... Now you know what I mean!

I think I may have read your mind - it sounds scary right?! Don’t worry the teacher, Liz, is very nice and knowledgable and will offer options and modifications for you to work with at at your stage, wherever you are in your yoga journey.

I know you will feel that there are eyes watching what you are doing, pressuring you to do the full pose although deep down you feel that you are not ready yet. Hang on a minute. No one is watching you as each of us is sweating like crazy and trying to keep doing what we are doing with our own perfection, we don’t have time to watch other people! Moreover yoga is not about comparing yourself with other people! Yoga is your journey within. No judgement. Every body is different! Do what is best for you, enjoy the learning, focus within.

Happy practicing and Namaste!

- Iir Prihatinawati

About the Author

Iir Prihatinawati is a registered yoga teacher (RYT200) at Yoga Alliance UK and has just moved to Cambridge from Indonesia. She has been learning yoga since childhood but it became a regular practice for her after her first pregnancy, and has been hooked on vinyasa and ashtanga ever since. You can find out more about Iir on her website.

Broga® classes are held on Tuesday evenings, 17.00 at the CAMYOGA Cambridge Central Studio.

Check out our schedule to book.

I always think that dips are a perfect choice for parties: they're relaxed and informal to eat; they're easy to scale up and make in large quantities; and they're served cold so you can just put them on the snack table and forget about them. Probably most importantly, they are very quick to make, which is a huge bonus for those of use who don't take huge pleasure in rolling tens and tens of individual filo pastry parcels!

Homous is a steadfast favourite of vegans and non-vegans alike so you will rarely get anyone complaining about the basic recipe, but this variation on the classic makes it a touch more special (not to mention beautiful to look at!) I always think that you can make quite a striking looking platter with dips as well, combined with a variety of colourful vegetable sticks, crackers, breads or crisps, depending on what you like to dunk in to them! I would thoroughly recommend using a blender for this too; even a high-end food processor won't be able to get the smooth, creamy consistency that you want for this dip. The one downside for this recipe is that it doesn't keep brilliantly, so you will want to make it the day before, or the day of, the event that you're serving it.

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Recipe
1 can (240g) cooked chickpeas
250g raw beetroot
75g tahini
50g extra virgin olive oil
50g water (from the chickpea can or fresh water)
Zest (1.25 tbsp) and juice (50ml) of 1 large lemon
2 large (13g) garlic cloves
1.5 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions
Scrub the beetroot (no need to peel) and chop in to slightly more manageable chunks for the blender.
Place in to the blender, along with all the other ingredients, and process until completely smooth. That's it!
Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds or anything else you feel like!

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Name:  Liz Smith

Hometown: Cambridge

Training Background:

I have over 21 years experience in the fitness industry. I first qualified as a YMCA group exercise instructor in 1994. This led to a diploma in personal in training as well as many other group exercise and fitness qualifications. I began teaching yoga in 2001. I am a Viniyoga practitioner and therapist, a Vinyasa Krama Yoga teacher and most recently a Broga® teacher.

Occupation:

I’ve been involved in teacher training since 2002. As well as teaching yoga classes in Cambridge, I am a cYs Introductory Yoga Studies tutor and a YMCA Awards Diploma in Teaching Yoga tutor and assessor. I’m also a freelance internal course verifier.

What is your favourite yoga pose and why?

For the cooling and releasing effects of the posture, it has to be flank forward bend – I’d be happy to stay for a long time in this posture! To be energised and empowered, my favourite’s a handstand.

What is your least favourite yoga pose and why?

I love them all.

What is Broga®?

Broga® is designed for a male sensibility (women are ALWAYS welcome!). It's a strong, intense and physically challenging workout with accessible postures that challenge the body to increase performance and capability. 

This is not a relaxing chill out class. You will work and sweat hard as well as make significant strides in opening up traditionally tight areas such as the shoulders, chest, hamstrings and hips. It’s a seriously tough but VERY fun class that will push you to your limits.

What can someone expect from a Broga® class?

There are 6 main classes. Each class focuses on a specific body part, starting with the chest, and then working towards the back, legs, arms, shoulders and inversions. The “sizzle” workout is a full body extravaganza!

What are the benefits from attending Broga®?

It’s the perfect complement to other sport or exercise training. It increases performance and capability in sport and reduces the possibility of injury. It develops strength, power, flexibility, mobility and cardio fitness from the very first class.

Does you have to be super fit to come to Broga®?

Being an athlete is not a requirement, just the mindset to be one!

Are women welcome?

Yes! While Broga® is a yoga practice engineered for the male athlete, it's also a killer workout for women!

You can catch Liz teaching Broga®  on Tuesday evenings, 17.00 at our Cambridge Central Studio.

Check out our schedule to book.

We got everything for the newbie or the seasoned yogi! Just call in to either our Shelford or Central studios, and pick something up. You can also buy gift cards online, or over the phone. Just get in touch 01223 847930

CAMYOGA clothing

We have a range of CAMYOGA branded clothing, from vests (you’ve probably seen your favourite teacher wearing one), to sweatshirts and some limited varsity jackets. Prices from £20

ONZIE

In both studios we have the NEW season ONZIE gear in stock! We have the beautiful leggings you all know and love, but this year we have a limited number of gypsy pants and kids tees which we are loving. Prices from £20

China Gel

A great alternative to ibuprofen gel, this colour-free topical pain reliever would make a great stocking filler for any injury-prone athlete or yogi. Available in two sizes from £20.

Yoga mats

Every yogi needs a great mat, and we have some great mats available to buy at our studios ranging from 4mm sticky mats to 6mm cushioned mats at fantastic prices. Treat that friend who always borrows yours! Prices from £18

Mat Towels

Know a hot yogi - give them a gift they’ll use again and again. Our mat towels are perfect for hot yoga (and any other type of yoga too!) - grab this essential piece of kit, prices from £25

Straps, blocks and bricks

Prop perfection. Props are the unsung heros of yoga - you can’t go wrong with buying a strap, or block for a yogi - you can never have too many props! Prices from £6

The Bhagavad Gita - Talks Between the Soul and God, by Ranchor Prime

We have a very limited number of these books left. This classic book has a 5-star rating on amazon - and when buying from us, all proceeds go to charity - any yogi or literature lover will appreciate this.

Gift Cards

We are offering beautiful gift cards to buy - load them up with whatever you like; class passes, memberships, monetary value, workshop vouchers! Anything (just about) is possible. Available as a customisable e-gift card or one you can take home. Give wellness to your loved ones this season. Click here to buy an e-gift card.

Gift Spotlight Anjali Energy Jewellery

CAMYOGA Forrest & Yin teacher, Rosalind Southward creates her own Mala and energy jewellery! These beautiful pieces are handmade by Ros, and custom orders are available too. “These are malas to maybe help you with your meditation practice, to tune you into a particular energy you want to embody, to empower you or simply to add an extra special touch to your outfit on or off the mat. You choose!” https://www.facebook.com/anjalienergy

Maca, spirulina, cacao, Lucama – someone should really invent a “how many superfoods can you name?” game. With all these different coloured powders popping up in health food stores, supermarkets and recipes online, it’s safe to say your curiosity is totally normal. Superfoods can sometimes be rather controversial; some say go for it, whack in all the superfoods for a nutritious kick and some say just go for the wholefoods to get your vits ‘n’ mins in, so let’s discuss this matter – what’s the hype on superfoods?

Superfoods, in my opinion, can be a great way sneak in extra nutrients without noticing, and sometimes they taste pretty amazing too. Take maca, for example, it is a root from the radish family (doesn’t sound too appetizing yet, does it?). It’s rich in vitamins B, C and E and contains zinc, amino acids, magnesium and, one for the vegans, iron and calcium. Accompanied by a slightly malty burnt caramel flavor, maca is my favourite thing to add into a smoothie for just a little bit more of a nutrient dense drink. And spirulina, oh spirulina! Spirulina is literally packed full of goodies and choc-a-pock full of vitamin B12, and essential vitamin that’s tricky to find. Despite the off-putting colour, flavor, and price tag it’s a fab little powder (1/4-1/2 a teaspoon will do the trick if you’re not used to it).

The only thing is, I try not to use these powders to supplement fresh fruit and veg. Yes, acai powder is an incredible antioxidant packed ingredient, but why not combine that with some fresh berries, a banana and a handful (or two) of fresh, organic greens for a healthy and delicious smoothie? Although mixed greens powders are amazing for adding sneaky nutrients you wouldn’t find elsewhere, also try to include the real, whole, deal.

Both CAMYOGA studios offer fresh, homemade smoothies full of healthy fruits, vegetables and superfoods so why not grab one after a class? Or get inventive at home with some devilishly green spirulina protein balls? Try them out and have fun.

Here at Camyoga, we welcome anyone and everyone (unless you’re a dinosaur… that’d be a bit awkward to fit you in). This includes teenagers, like myself, however angst-y we may be.  

I, as a 16 year old girl, can tell you how much yoga has helped. When I’m about to screech, “You’re ruining my life!” at my family, I take a nice long round of Ujayi breaths and re-connect to the universe, and everything seems fine and dandy again! I’m not telling you that yoga will be your answer to all teenage related issues, but it’s a good start to getting rid of that frustration. Let’s get started!

YOGA BUILDS MUSCLES:
As we go through puberty, bodies tend to often feel a little imbalanced. Imbalanced bodies, meet your best dream – YOGA! Yoga helps to strengthen and lengthen your muscles, meaning you’ll not only feel more confident but also feel a heck lot healthier and stronger.

YOGA LENGTHENS MUSCLES:
Raise your mudra if you have lost some of that childlike flexibility! I know, I know, it sucks – one minute you’re doing the splits and cartwheeling around and the next it feels like you’re a plank of wood. Now obviously these are just the physical benefits for teenagers, but there are a lot of underlying psychological benefits. Yoga also helps you get that perfect posture your grandparents are always nagging you about.

YOGA GETS YOU SPIRITUALLY CONNECTED:
Not all yogis are into the spiritual side, but honestly if you open up to it I think it is so beneficial. You can feel more present, more grounded, more intuitive and more compassionate. It’s like opening up a box of awesome-ness that’s inside of you that has been locked by every negative moment in your life. Open up that box everyone, and find your happiness.

YOGA HELPS THAT ANGSTY MIND:
In yoga, we practice gratitude a lot. Feeling gratitude is hands down the one feeling that has helped me start to get over my silly first world problems. Everyday wake up with a grateful heart, and watch your woes go by.

If you’re treating your body with love and care, making it fit, healthy, bendy and happy, it’s so much easier to walk into a room and feel confident about yourself. That’s another perk of being a teen (sense the sarcasm), it can be easy to lose your self esteem. With the media pushed in everybody’s faces, teenagers especially can create a warped vision of what is ‘good’, or what they ‘should’ look like. You’re not a biscuit cutter, so be proud and be happy that you’re you.

I have been seeking a good vegan victoria sponge recipe for a while, as it seems a little tricker to pull off than a vegan chocolate cake (which was perfected long ago!)

Not sure It rightfully sits in healthy eating as it does contain sugar, but it is a great celebration or party cake and will fool non vegans everywhere!

This recipe has been adapted from one we found on Jamieoliver.com and made with me by my daughter Ilia who loves to bake!

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 190c
Grease and line with baking paper two springform tins, approx 20cm

Ingredients:

Cake mix:
300g Vegan margarine (I use Pure sunflower)
300g Golden granulated or caster sugar
2 tsp vanilla essence (I use Neilsen-Massey, it's the best)
200g soya yoghurt
1 lemon zest
300 g Self raising flour
2 tsp baking powder

Filling:
Jam (strawberry or raspberry)
Buttercream (beat 1/2 cup vegan margarine with 1- 1 1/2 cups icing sugar and 1 tsp vanilla essence until it is very thick)

Directions:

Cream margarine and sugar together for about 5 mins until very creamy and light.
Add lemon zest, yoghurt and soya yoghurt. Sift together flour and baking powder and add gradually to the mix, beating the mix with a wooden spoon. Don't panic if your mix has curdled!  If it does curdle, just grab a whisk and gradually add the flour 1/2 a cup at a time, whisking until the mix returns to normal. The mix should not to too firm, add a little soya milk until it is a thick pouring consistency. Once the mix looks the right consistency, do not over mix and pour right away into your two tins.

Bake for 25-30 mins (the original recipe said 15-20 mins but i never found this enough). The top of the cake should be firm to the touch, if it is not then bake a little more.

Cool in the tines for 10 mins then carefully turn our onto a wire rack. Leave the baking paper on the base until it is completely cool. If your cake had risen quite a bit in the oven, don't be surprised if it sinks a bit once it is out! Should end up flat or slightly risen.

This cake is quite firm and easy to handle. Once it is cool carefully peel off the base baking paper. Put one side top side down on your serving plate. Add a layer of jam, then a layer of buttercream. Remove the baking paper from the second side, and carefully place on top.

Dust the top of the cake with icing sugar (place a teaspoon of icing sugar in a small sieve or tea strainer and  gently shake all over the top)

That's it! This cake slices really well and is delicious! My children insist on the buttercream, but it is also great with just the jam filling (and not so sweet)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon English mustard
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoons agave/maple
• 1 cup sunflower/rapeseed/olive oil

Directions:

Blend soy milk, salt, mustard, vinegar and sweetener (i use a hand blender)

Once mixed gradually pour in the oil, preferably slowly whilst still blending.

May should be thick and creamy, if it feels too runny, add a little more oil.

I generally use sunflower oil, but it works fine with any other oil. Olive oil gives a stronger taste.

Water by my side, new yoga top on, purple block sat next to me. I was ready to flow.

Andrea Price joyfully guided the room through a dynamic flow routine that was exciting and energetic - she combined more advanced postures with a comforting smile and let everyone have a go, with the option of relaxing in a child’s pose.

Calming music playing, smiles all around, everyone getting a bit of sweat on – that’s what it’s all about.

I certainly felt the ‘chaturanga’ burn and the warrior III wobbles the next day, so if you’re looking for some detoxing and invigorating movement, go with the flow and sweat that asana off.

My dear Camyogis, dear Louise!


For months I have known this day would come. I don’t know how many letters, sentences and lines I have formed in my head, moving towards this moment. What to say, how to express my innermost feelings in a clear, honest way? Probably the best way is just to dive in from where I am right here, right now. No place other than that, remember? As we have been practicing over the last few years – discovering power in the simplicity and honesty that arises out of the present moment!

I became a firm believer and practitioner of moving through our practice (life!) in a slow, mindful pace, especially in the face of challenge and change. One step at a time, one day at a time, one breath at a time, .... On another level – the power of the ‘practice’ (whenever I say ‘practice’, I refer to the extended practice of how we live our life on and off the mat!) is not always the final ‘posture’, the destination we’re heading towards, but what we need to learn is found on the way – within the transition itself!

If we lose the transition, if we lose the connection, we lose everything we could otherwise learn and experience on a deeper level on our journey towards that ‘posture’ (that destination). Whether it’s the first time ‘Down Dog’, or the thousand’s time – each time you move through it, it’s a different transition, it’s a different experience, so it’s likely to feel different; you learn something different – but if you rush through it, you miss out on something! So, finally the moment has come. I’m going through some transformations. I will leave Camyoga as a regular teacher, moving on, going home. It has been an incredible ride. More transformative and expansive than anything I could have ever imagined, as I sat in front of some of you for the very first time, almost four years ago. Teaching my first Thursday ‘flow’ class in English, gradually becoming more confident, more authentic, as I began to realize a simple truth – that the inspiration and all the answers we are looking for lie within us; All we need to do is spend some time with ourselves to discover it! Stop, listen, observe, and breathe.

Our true teacher is within ourselves!

That is the incredible power of surrendering into the present moment. We never truly know how amazing things will turn out, and often, it is beyond our wildest dreams. We just need a little faith. We need a little faith in the scariest and most breath taking moments of our lives, and then we witness how it often turns out to be the most life affirming and transformative element of our future. And even more, the magic of transformation is that not only do we evolve and grow, but everyone around us miraculously does as well, “because we have been blessed with new eyes, (or 'no eyes') new vision, and a whisper of space that is grace between the proverbial 'rock and a hard place', so to speak” (Veronique Fleming).

As for now, I do not know exactly what my next steps in Germany will be, but whatever they are, I am certain I will move forward with a wide open heart, filled with gratitude and joy over the last few years at Camyoga!

There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the gift this sacred space has provided. I bow to every single one of you who have blessed Camyoga and my life with your presence and trust. I bow to Louise, who keeps preparing the soil for all these yoga blossoms to beautifully emerge; all the students, teachers and amazing staff, who have been there along the way, deeply committed to do something beyond the ordinary. Realizing that indeed, there is nothing more valuable and precious than that anywhere.

As one of my daughter’s Kung-Fu teachers, Craig Gallacher, says, 'the source of transformation is awareness, focus, resilience, and integration'. In my own words – start to create a relationship with yourself. Be present. Spend some time every day in silence; keep coming back to your own body, mind and breath. See what inspiration lies within you, what discovery can you dig up from your own beautiful mind! And then bring exactly that into the world!

You have left a deep imprint in my heart! Thank you for simply being who you are.
Bowing to the great unknown future;
 Deep peace, love and namasté,

Andrea

PS. Please come and visit me on my new website: andreapriceyoga.com; Get in touch with me, tell me how you’re practice as evolving, and write to me with any questions you might have – I promise I’ll answer each and every e-mail (andrea.price@t-online.de)

These brownies are somewhat controversial; I've had mixed responses to them and they certainly divide the crowd, mainly due to the addition of hot chilli flakes. I think that the 3 main flavours compliment one another well, yet you can also taste (and see!) the beetroot, cacao and chilli individually. Raw cacao powder is made from cold-pressed cacoa beans, as opposed to cocoa powder which is made from roasting and grinding the beans. This ensures that the chocolate-y taste we know and love is there, but that the beneficial nutrients are not lost in the cooking process. With the combination of beetroot, nuts, dates and cacao powder, these brownies are very good for you but will satisfy your sweet craving or mid-afternoon slump. If you are not a spice lover, reduce the chilli content to your taste.

Makes 12 brownies

Ingredients:

For the brownies:

Pinch of salt

For the topping:

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tsp chilli flakes

350g beetroot

200g cashew nuts

250g dates

150 ground almonds

50g raw cacao powder

1 tsp chilli flakes

Instructions:

Prepare the beetroot by cutting off the leaves and stalks, and the knobbly bits at the top and bottom of the bulb. (Don't throw the stalks away; reserve and use them for a soup or stir-fry). Chop the bulbs in half and place in the food processor (no need to remove the skin; just scrub off the mud!).

Add the cashews, dates, almonds, cacao powder, chilli flakes and salt to the beetroot and whizz everything together. The mixture will need quite a bit of processing; continue until everything is combined.

Push the mixture in to a 20cm by 20cm baking tray lined with non-stick paper.

For the topping, melt the coconut oil and maple syrup in a bowl (I put the bowl in the microwave on full power for 10 seconds). Stir in the cacao powder and mix together. Spread this mixture over the brownies.

Sprinkle the chilli flakes on top and leave to set for a few hours in a fridge or freezer. When hard, cut in to 12 pieces. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for much longer.

P.s. Don't forget to checkout more of Alice's yummy recipes on her blog (thoughtfulforkfuls.com)

As I walked into the Barre Concept class, the energy in the room suddenly became contagious. A warm, bouncy and excited sensation completely filled my body (if the sensation was visible, it would be that really fun pink kind of colour). The lovely Amy Holly kindly asked if I’d had any experience, and I explained that I’d done ballet before but never something like this, but as soon as it started I knew it was for me.

Barre Concept is a low impact workout, meaning if you have any issues with loads of jumping, or have low blood pressure and feel woozy when moving really fast, but still want a sweaty total body workout, it’s for you. The small movements that Amy Holly sneakily adds in throughout the hour boosted the workout completely, targeting each different little muscle group, making it interesting, exciting and innovative. It’s the day after, and my legs feel like jelly!

Another thing I loved about Barre Concept was how strong and lean it made my muscles feel. As soon as you’d worked your ballet behind off, you would combat the tightness with dynamic moving stretches meaning you won’t be left with short little rock-like muscles, you’ll have long, lean beautiful bodies ready to arabesque and plié through life!

You may dislike the pace, or the music might not be your kind of thing but honestly when you throw yourself into it, it’s incredibly fun! One thing I am noticing more and more through this journey is that if I leave my silly self-restrictions, everything is one hundred million times better. Next time you’re trying something new, wrap your inhibitions up in a recyclable bag and chuck them away – you don’t need them! Throw yourself into it, and the best feelings and results will come.

If you want to have a lively workout, similar to a blend of a ballet class and a Jane Fonda workout, that gives you elongated and elegant muscles, try out Barre Concept!