Welcoming and non-intimidating Yoga for Beginners in Wandsworth
You don't need to know anything about yoga to begin. If your body is stiff, tight, or "unflexible" - this is exactly the place to land. There's no competing, no performing, no dress code to worry about. Just you, showing up as you are.
Here, we practice being human. Our teachers take the time to really see you - to learn your name, your story, and to welcome you exactly where you're at. We've welcomed hundreds of students through our doors, most arriving with the same quiet worries, and leaving a little calmer, moved, and held by this community.
We believe yoga is for every body. Begin here - you’ll find all you need.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
We don’t just talk about community - we talk to each other.
Here's what's gonna happen:
The teacher will welcome you at the door, introduce themselves, and get to know you - your name, experience, and any injuries, so they can adapt the practice to your needs.
Take the shoes off before you enter. During office hours, carry them to the cubbies inside. We like to keep the studio floor clean! Our mats are grippy, and bare feet work best.
Grab a cup of tea before or after class, and say hi to the person next to you. You'll probably see them here every week!
Everything you need for Yoga will be set up ahead of time. You don't need to bring anything.
You're welcome to rest at any moment - no permission needed. If something feels uncomfortable, just give your teacher a sign, and they'll help you adapt.
Enjoy! Catch some big breaths, soften your shoulders, and get strong and soft in all the best ways.
This space feels like home when we all tend to it together. Please leave the space as you found it :)
“SOMA is an extraordinary place. As a beginner entering my 7th decade of life, I quickly found a strong sense of belonging at this lovely studio. I feel seen and supported by all of the amazing teachers, and yoga has become an important addition to my life. It is with a heavy heart that I'm leaving to live on the coast. I shall miss everyone at SOMA ... a place where everything is 'just right'. Thank you X”
— Mark
TUESDAYS 7:45PM FOUNDATIONS OF YOGA
Weekly Beginner Yoga Class in Wandsworth
Foundations class is the perfect place to land if you’re curious about learning the basics of Yoga practice in a supportive, friendly setting. The class is running at a slower pace to make sure you can keep up with the instructions. The teacher will systematically break down essential Yoga sequences, alignment of foundational poses, beginner-friendly breathing exercises, and light bites of relaxation and meditation techniques.
You can expect:
Beginner’s introduction to Vinyasa Yoga style
Essential Yoga poses (asanas) & their alignment
Beginner-friendly adaptations of Sun Salutations A & B (Surya Namaskars)
Foundational breathing exercises (Pranayama)
The use of props to make poses accessible to your unique body
Relaxation techniques and finding a comfortable meditation seat
Light introduction to Yoga philosophy woven through the class
We will make sure you get stronger, find more space within your body, breathe a little better, and walk out restored and relaxed. We’re so excited to meet you on the mat.
Meet Jon, your teacher!
As a hiker, cyclist and nature-loving outdoorsy type, I first came to yoga "for the stretching" over 12 years ago, but I soon discovered it offered so much more, and I've been practicing ever since. This journey has led me to explore vinyasa, hatha, iyengar, acro, and yin practices, as well as the philosophy, chanting, and musical aspects.
I also came to meditation reluctantly and sceptically at first: "What's the point of sitting still when you could be busy getting things done?" But by exploring different traditions, I found regular meditation practice brought joy in "just being" as well as "doing", and greater presence and creativity in times of busy activity and dynamic movement.
My aim is for my students to find balance, joy, and insight through movement and stillness. I offer well-rounded yoga and meditation classes that help build strength and mobility - for the body, mind, and spirit. My classes are often inspired by nature, and I hope they will help you to tap into that deep source of energy, kindness, curiosity, and playfulness that already resides within us all.
Really looking forward to beginning this journey with you!
Book your next Foundation of Yoga class
Can’t make it to the Beginner’s class?
Choose one of these instead:
Don’t shy away from any classes on the schedule; it’s beautiful to practice in mixed-level classes where all experience is celebrated, and your yoga peers are there to support you as you are! We always find that 3x per week is a great rhythm for anyone starting with Yoga. These classes are a good way to begin too:
Monday : 12pm Slow Flow into Sound Healing
Tuesday : 12pm Flow to Restore
Wednesday : 8pm Yin + Restorative
Thursday : 10:30am Mandala, 5:15pm Vinyasa, 7:45pm Flow into Sound
Friday : 12pm: Vinyasa, 6:30pm Slow Flow
Sunday : 9:30am Vinyasa into Sound, 12pm Vinyasa + Meditation, 6pm Flow to Restore
Please note, these suggested classes are an ideal match, but we can modify ALL classes on the schedule for you.
You may have many questions before you begin. Here are some helpful FAQs:
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Absolutely - this is exactly why we have a dedicated Foundations of Yoga class - we expect zero previous knowledge about any of Yoga.
Even if you can’t attend Foundations of Yoga, we assure you - all our teachers are well trained to support absolute beginners in all weekly classes and make you feel super welcomed.
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We operate as a no-reception studio. The building receptionist will let you in and show you where the studio is. Bookings need to be made online before your arrival.
You can book directly here via the website, but for full membership control, seamless booking, and class cancellations, please download the Momence app for iOS or Android.
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The best way to begin is by taking our Intro offer: 3 classes for £30.
After this, the best way to practice regularly for a good price is to sign up for one of our monthly rolling subscriptions (we have 5 or 8 monthly classes, and the Unlimited option).If you prefer no monthly commitments, you can explore class packs instead. See more on our Pricing page.
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Ideally, you’d be in the studio 10 minutes before the start of your class to make sure you meet and speak to the teacher, inform them of any possibly injuries, and pour yourself a cup of tea before we begin.
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No - we provide everything you need. The studio is always set up ahead of your arrival. The yoga mat and all the props will wait for you there. You can bring a water bottle - that is always useful!
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We practice barefoot (or use grippy socks if you want). Wear whatever makes you comfortable - baggy sweatpants or tight leggings, as long as you can move freely and feel at ease. Natural materials and relaxing fits might be a great choice for comfort and breathable fabrics.
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Yes, we have men’s and women’s changing rooms with showers and lockers available on the ground floor of the bbodance (please ask the receptionist to tell you where).
In the Yoga Shala (studio room) there are cupboards and coat racks too where you can leave your things.
Please be aware that we have a strict no-shoe policy inside the Yoga room - take your shoes off before entering the studio.
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At the premises, there is a pay per hour Battersea Reach car park. It is often possible to find free parking in the smaller streets around the studio area!
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Yes, you can, But please be mindful of our late cancellation policy.
Late cancellations (12 hours or less before the start of the class) and no-shows will be fully charged. Unlimited members will be charged 5£ for late cancellations.
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Yes! Summer at SOMA feels like a breeze.
Voted Best Health and Wellbeing Business in Wandsworth!
People often come to SOMA because they live nearby, but they stay because they find belonging, grounding, meaningful practice, community, and a different rhythm of living. Here’s what our students say about SOMA!
Getting started and having more questions?
Please refer to our complete FAQ page, or contact us through the form for more information!
Stop by the river and meet us at SOMA.
We’d love to see you. Find us in Battersea Reach, inside the BBO dance studio. Please look at this video if you can’t find the entrance.
Ensign House, Juniper Drive
SW181TA, London
*When you ring the bbodance door and the light goes green, the doors are open.
**If coming by car, try Eltringham St or the Battersea Reach car park.