‘Totally recommend Park Yoga Burnley. Totally free and led by such a sweet man, pitched at all ages and abilities.’
‘What an amazing way to start my Sunday, I feel so rejuvenated! Fantastic session, thank you.’
‘A great session this morning – felt amazing afterwards.’
Those comments and countless more like them sum up why Park Yoga in Queen’s Park is proving such a resounding success.
Park Yoga is in its second year in Burnley after we became the first and only park in the north of England to host the free weekly gathering in 2023.
Last year’s sessions attracted a total of 1,650 participants, an average of 82 per week. This year’s numbers are so far up on last year, with the exception of a couple of inclement mornings, but even then 52 people took part in one wet Sunday session, prompting one participant to comment: ‘It was a great morning! Liquid sunshine made us smile.’
Before its arrival in Burnley, Park Yoga was largely staged in parks across the south, but thanks to funding from Burnley Leisure and Culture (BLC), it launched in Burnley in May 2023, with the last session in September. Such encouraging attendances meant classes re-started this Spring.
Cheryl Goodman, BLC’s Health Partnership Manager, says: “As a local charity, BLC is keen to continue to invest in our community. Park Yoga is a fantastic example of something that’s for everyone and encourages residents to visit and make use of one of the town’s amazing parks.”
Like its Parkrun namesake, Park Yoga takes place on the same day and at the same time every week: in this case 9.30-10.30am every Sunday. Everyone is welcome regardless of their age, ability and experience level.
The pace of the sessions and movements are gentle, making them perfect for people wanting to try yoga for the first time.
Yoga is known for its beneficial impact on physical and mental wellbeing and is recognised by the NHS as good exercise for helping to build strength and flexibility.
Dr Shine Babu, an experienced registered Hatha yoga instructor who leads Burnley Park Yoga, says practicing yoga outdoors is noted for supercharging all the benefits of doing it indoors – reduced stress, depression, anxiety and blood pressure, whilst it can help improve mobility, psychological wellbeing and quality of life.
Melanie de Meester, Health and Wellbeing Coach at Burnley West Primary Care Network, says: “The goals and values of the Park Yoga are very much aligned with our local priorities of increasing access to enjoyable and inclusive ways to be active.
“Additionally, the fact that the sessions are held outside, supports our focus on creating more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors via Burnley’s ‘Outdoor Town’ campaign, which simply means we focus on promoting the wonderful outdoor spaces we have throughout the borough.”
We posed a mini questionnaire to some of our regulars, asking them to tell us more about our Park Yoga.
This is what one of them, Tracy, had to say:
How did you hear about Park Yoga?
Facebook last year. I came every week last year.
Any feedback on the logistics of attending the classes?
At first, I was unsure where to go. So, I followed the people with the mats. I would love to stay for a coffee afterwards.
Have you done yoga before?
No.
Is there anything you particularly like?
I enjoy the sun and the birds. It is so serene. It is bliss. Shine is so calming. It is a really good experience, and I’ve made a friend.
Have you noticed any changes to your wellbeing?
It helps me feel calmer and deal with stress better. I wish I could do more.
Here is what another regular, Christine, had told us…
How did you hear about Park Yoga?
I saw it on Facebook last year, it was so good, and I went every week. I am planning on doing the same this year.
Any feedback on the logistics of attending the classes?
Specific location information would be useful.
Have you done yoga before?
Yes, I am a member at Crow Wood and do Ashtanga there.
Is there anything you particularly like?
I love that it’s outdoors, it is so special to lie there with the sun on your face. I think Shine is a very good teacher. It is a real joy to be a part of. It is lovely to see people of all shapes and sizes and I like that it has made yoga so accessible.
Have you noticed any changes to your wellbeing?
Definitely mentally. I feel so much better after.
A final word to Kieron Roberts, Parks Development Manager at Burnley Borough Council, who says: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Burnley Leisure and Culture and the NHS to facilitate free yoga in Queens Park. It’s been great to see so many people using the park for health and wellbeing purposes.”
To find out more, follow Park Yoga Burnley on Facebook, or visit the website www.parkyoga.co
(Meanwhile, the 5k Burnley Parkrun continues at Towneley Park, Burnley, every Saturday morning at 9am.)
