Laragh and David Cunningham’s Yoga Shala has established itself as one of the most highly regarded yoga centres in Ireland. After five years in the city they have opened a second school in Barna, offering instruction for total beginners to advanced practitioners, athletes, and mums to be.
The Yoga Shala specialises in yoga similar to the Ashtanga system which challenges the body and the mind to strengthen both. “While our style of yoga is strong and athletic, our classes are non competitive and synchronise breath and movement, to gain control of the body and the mind at the same time,” said Laragh Cunningham.
“We opened in Barna last November and the classes in both centres are really popular. The Connacht rugby and Galway football team also keep us busy each week, so with three kids under four years of age, we are lucky to have the input of five excellent teachers with us,” added David Cunningham, a former international golfer.
The work with the Connacht rugby team stemmed from interest from Eric Elwood and the physio team at Connacht Rugby and has led to work with soccer teams, the Irish Tag Rugby Association, and the Galway GAA players.
“Without a doubt the team has benefited from taking classes at the Yoga Shala,” said Gavin Malouf, head physiotherapist with Connacht Rugby. “We have noticed a significant change in the range of movement in hips and hamstrings. Basically they move better from taking the yoga classes.”
The Yoga Shala offers 30 classes a week for people who want to strengthen up, improve a bad back, lose weight, or relax and refresh the body. You don’t need flexibility or strength to begin classes. All you need is the willingness to get on the mat and make an effort. The next course will begin on March 8. More information is available on www.theyogashala.net or call (085 ) 1573153.
