The pandemic really highlighted what an invaluable local asset our Gardens are for providing a green space for the benefit of our health and wellbeing. We love seeing the myriad ways people use our Gardens to exercise and relax, from quietly reading a book to playing hide and seek with grandchildren.

Since June this year local yoga teacher, Kim Sellis, has been offering weekly yoga classes by the Ionic Temple. Kim tells us more about what to expect from her classes and how she got into yoga.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into yoga

Fitness has always been a part of my life. I trained as a competitive gymnast, martial artist, and triathlete. Back then, I thought yoga was just stretching, but after years of over training, I started to suffer from injury and fatigue. The last straw was adding a move across the Atlantic which led to anxiety and depression. Yoga became the only form of movement I could manage.

I found a welcoming yoga instructor who taught me yoga was more than just stretching and making shapes. For me it’s about centering myself through breath and movement; tuning into physical sensations and finding a bit of headspace. Yoga has helped me heal my body, mind and spirit and I am delighted to help others on their yoga journey.

What kind of classes are you running at Chiswick and who are they for?

I run classes that welcome all levels and body types. You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga! I’m interested in finding ways to get the best out of your unique anatomy. Students are encouraged to modify poses to make the practice fit their needs. We all have different body shapes, injuries, and bone structures… no two yogis will look the same.

I teach Vinyasa Flow which is a style of yoga that flows from one pose to the next. We also focus on breath to tap into the nervous system and to find a bit of mental space.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga has been proven to help with sleep, depression and anxiety, rehabbing injuries and lowering blood pressure just to name a few.

Practicing yoga outdoors adds the extra benefits of connecting with nature. The wide spaces will help you expand your breath and open your mind to the possibilities of something bigger. And a bit of sunshine is always great for the soul.

What do you love about Chiswick House and Gardens?

The scenic gardens of Chiswick House allow you to feel like you are on a yoga retreat! The Ionic Temple reflecting pool allows yogis to focus and still the mind. One can get lost in the sound of the breeze in the trees and the wildlife is always around to create comic relief when things get a bit too serious.

What I love the most about teaching at Chiswick House is the community. Chiswick House was such a haven for residents during the pandemic. It seems only natural to build a community yoga practice in the heart of Chiswick.

How do people join a class?

Kim’s timetable is below:

Tuesday 6:30pm – Vinyasa Flow Yoga (All levels welcome)

Wednesday 9:30am – Vinyasa Flow Yoga (All levels welcome)

Saturday 9am – Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Intermediates only)

Saturday 10:15am – Vinyasa Flow Yoga (All levels welcome)

Classes cost £10 and Kim is offering half price places for Chiswick House and Gardens Members throughout August. (A discount code will be sent to all Members.)

If you’re ready to join a class, bring a mat and wear comfortable clothes that will not restrict movement.  Students are encouraged to bring props such as blocks, straps, and blankets but these items are not required.

Book onto a class here or contact Kim at yoga@kimsellis.com with any questions.