Funk and Soul Yoga Launch

Thursday night saw the launch of new Manchester studio Funk and Soul Yoga.

The owner, Eryn, explained the concept. “A lot of yoga studios are exclusive, especially in the Northern Quarter (the next neighbourhood on to where we are in trendy Ancoats). You can feel like you're an outsider, and it's not good for beginners. At Funk and Soul, we're trying to make it inclusive.

“I chose 'Funk and Soul' as it's inclusive and fun. It's not spiritual; it's more about enjoyment. I've come from a personal trainer background, so I'd be focussing more on things like posture.”

Funk and Soul Yoga is based in Pollard Yard, a new small business park comprised of renovated moving containers. Among F+S's neighbours are HQs for fashion outlets Prettylittlething and Boohoo. There's a certain hipster vibe to the area, into which F+S slots perfectly. While 60's Motown flows from the unit's speakers, guests chatted and enjoyed sweet treats like brownies and flapjacks. Videographers from new fitness app Gymstreak dropped in to film the proceedings (producing more professional content than mine):

The studio is fully equipped with mats, sound system and remote-controlled colour-changing lights. Erin already has bookings into double figures. Her rates are £7 for 45 mins, or £9 per hour.

I've been invited to a blogger event here, so will be reporting on the class soon. Looking forward to it!