THE OM YOGA SHOW REVIEW 2014 Whether you’re a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner, a visit to the Om Yoga show is always full of lessons and surprises.

As one of the biggest shows of its kind in Europe – with three days packed with workshops, talks and lectures from some of the leading teachers in the field, it was definitely a rewarding show.

One of the biggest discoveries of the event? This was not about any fixed concept of yoga you might have had in your head. This was about finding the practice that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for soul-soothing relaxation and meditative chants, seriously hard-core strength building, or want to fly and float through the air, there’s a path for you.

So what were our favourite picks of the weekend?

Friday: Tequila Yoga Rave with David Sye

Saying that David Sye’s take on yoga is ‘unconventional’ is possibly the biggest understatement you could ever make. And if you thought yoga meant you had to sit still and chant for hours or contort your body into agonising positions, this session would make you throw all of those assumptions out of the window.

Yes, it was a 2 hour yoga session.

But – with tequila, amazing music and even more amazing people. One of the most energetic, joyful and enjoyable experiences you could ever have, David Sye’s charismatic Yogabeats classes and workshops are always worth tracking down. A great way to start the show!

Saturday: Power Vinyasa Yoga with Michael Gannon

If you’re already devoted to the sweaty art of Ashtanga Yoga, then this name will certainly be familiar to you. Michael Gannon is one of the foremost teachers of Ashtanga-style yoga, and to have a coveted place in one of his classes will make you feel very smug indeed.

If you were a newbie – then it was time to buckle in and enjoy the ride.

The clue was really in the title. This session was all about power – the power of your body, and what it could really do – and the power of your mind – when you came up against its walls, feeling like you were facing an impossible challenge!

The end result? Achy, sweaty and seriously happy smiling bodies all around!

Sunday: FeetUp – challenge your balance with Maren Weege

Headstands and inversions are an integral part of any yoga practice.

They’re also absolutely terrifying – if you’ve never gone ‘feet up’ before!

This was a session all about conquering those fears, with the aid of one of the most innovative props in yoga – the FeetUp device. Essentially, a small, cushioned stool, designed to protect your neck and shoulders and help you lift upwards, this was a really great introduction to inversion practices.

And it wasn’t just for beginners – even seasoned practitioners need to work on developing the strength and balance for these tough but rewarding poses – and this was a really fantastic way of doing it.

This great workshop was all about discovering something really fun and inspiring. After all, the world looks a lot different when it’s turned upside down!

After having such a brilliant time at the Om Yoga show in London, I can’t wait to experience its Manchester cousin next summer!