QUANTUM YOGA

Team ELLE Fit tests the latest workouts and gives you an honest verdict

WHAT IS IT?

I’m told quantum yoga gets its name from the link between quantum physics (the study of matter and energy at the tiniest scale) and the ancient wisdom of regular yoga. It aims to combine the two, dependent on the ‘energies’ through which you ‘vibrate’ on a daily basis.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

I’m shown three lists of physical and emotional traits, and I’m asked to pick one that best describes me – do I go for ‘brittle nails and anxious’ or ‘yellowing teeth and ambitious’? I go with the first, and I’m led through tough yoga positions that push me to try new moves, with a strong emphasis on ‘grounding’ (ab-defining, lying-down poses).

WHAT DOES IT DO?

By the end of the class, I feel zen and fully stretched out. The next day, my abs have that pleasant, post-exercise ache.

DO YOU NEED TO BE SUPER-FIT TO DO IT?

No. The whole point of quantum yoga is that it’s in tune with your natural ‘energy field’, so the class is tweaked to your needs and capabilities. However, quantum yogis do say that often what you need to do isn’t what you want to do, so it will push you, too. Sound advice, both in and out of the yoga studio.

IS IT ACTUALLY ENJOYABLE?

Yes. It’s the class I never knew I needed.

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO 10, HOW HARD IS IT?

Six; the headstands were pretty difficult.

BEST THING ABOUT IT?

Being taken out of my comfort zone. I didn’t think I was ready for it – but I was.

AND THE WORST?

The casual application of the phrase ‘quantum physics’.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

Yes, but only if I don’t have to explain the concept to others.

A one-hour drop-in class at Studio One in Islington, north London, costs £15

‘THE POINT OF THE CLASS IS THAT IT’S IN TUNE WITH YOUR “ENERGY FIELD”, SO IT’S TWEAKED TO YOUR NEEDS’