We are really grateful to the fabulous Metal Yoga folks who have started running metal yoga classes in association* with us around the country and online. We have so much interest in this now that we knew it needed a section of it’s own for the site! Anna, host of Slow Metal Flow Yoga in Bristol, shared this blog with us about the experience of attending a metal yoga class:
Imagine you’ve put on your favourite band shirt and some comfy joggers and just arrived at class. You’re welcomed into a warm studio with dimmed lights and a mix of metal playing softly in the background.
You pick a yoga mat in a location that suits you and settle down, either sitting or lying down. Theres a gentle buzz in the room with other participants arriving and finding their spaces.
As class starts, you’re invited to throw off your day and whatever trials and tribulations have filled your mind, and to take some time for you. You have a few moments to settle and “ground”.
Your class may begin with Pranayama, which are breathing exercises, I like Doom Metal to accompany this. Pranayama is used to settle and balance the body and mind and can help you gain control. They’re really useful techniques for everyday life. You focus on the breath and the beat of the music as you begin to relax.
The music increases in tempo as you begin some warmup movements to gently flex the spine and stretch your muscles. You’re reminded that this yoga class is a safe space – no one is watching or judging you. If you want to spend the whole class laying on your mat listening to the music and watching the swirly lights on the ceiling, that’s absolutely fine. Part of yoga is listening to your body and mind and giving yourself permission for things you need to do.
As the music begins to swell, we take some sun salutations (Surya Namaskar) which as you get to know them become like a moving meditation. They’re repetitive and some heat will build in the body and your muscles will become ready for the next section of the class.
We then move into flows of poses (Asanas) perhaps targeting different areas of the body such as hips or shoulders. These asana flows are carefully weaved together to follow the cadence of the music we have carefully chosen for class (possibly some Old School Metal or even Classic Rock at this point). None of these are crazy “Instagram” poses, just simple moves and positions designed to suit everyone whilst providing a little challenge. Sometimes you might find it easy and at other times its more difficult. That’s ok, we’re all different and we have unique strengths and fragilities, and yoga can help you to appreciate and accept these. Your teacher may offer you alternatives if something really doesn’t suit your body.
Then, before you know it, the music begins to change and slow and it’s time to cool down and stretch. And finally, we take Savasana – our final resting pose, laid out long along the mat, relaxing. You’re invited to scan through your body, see how you feel and acknowledge all the amazing work your body has done. Consider how your body supports you, not just in class but every day. Class may end with a reading, a poem or some lyrics – something to ponder as you continue your day.
Yoga is a union of the body and mind, incorporating behaviours and ways of living – such as to be kind to and respect yourself and others. The physical practice is an ancient technique to prepare for sitting and meditating for long periods. Its not just for “bendy people”, its for all bodies and everybody. Yoga doesn’t discriminate. Everyone is welcome.
Metal enhances yoga, we use it to help you focus or to distract, it adds another dimension to our classes and brings us together.
Anna Fenton has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and listening to metal for over 30 years. She teaches weekly Metal Yoga classes in Bristol and can be found at:
Facebook – Slow Metal Flow Bristol
Instagram – chickpea.yoga
Please reach out if you have any questions
Our current classes are below, with more locations to be added soon. If you are interested in offering metal yoga where you are, get in touch.
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* Metal yoga classes in association with HMT are offered at a reduced, low or no cost for the wellbeing benefit of metal fans. The running of classes including insurance/liability remains with the instructor. Some of the money collected from classes or part of related fundraising may be donated to HMT
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