THE doors are set to open on the city’s first Yoga Centre with a fun Open Day planned for this Saturday between 10am and 5.30pm.

Visitors will be able to take a closer look at the bespoke premises which have been created thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of a local woman and a £75,000 grant from the Sport England Inspired Facilities grant scheme.

Jenny-May While has been practicing Iyengar yoga for over 15 years and established Hereford Yoga CIC (Community Interest Company) in 2014, with the vision of making the benefits of yoga recognised by and available to the whole community.

She has seen an increased demand for industry-peak yoga tuition as more people look for an activity which integrates body and mind, and identified a need for a bespoke centre.

The Centre, based at Number 10, Foley Trading Estate, Hereford, will offer Iyengar yoga classes to young and old of all abilities and has space for up to 30 students in a specialised studio, changing facilities, a lounge, reception area and a therapy room.

Interest in the event has already attracted 180 people to sign up for the free taster sessions which run through the day, and will give visitors the chance to meet the team of 6 highly-qualified local yoga teachers.

Sign-ups for the 12.15pm YoGuy (men only) class include Mayor of Hereford, Jim Kenyon, who believes the Centre is an important asset to the City. Massage treatments, food and drink and music will be provided throughout the day.

Hereford Yoga CIC has been building partnerships across Herefordshire which will enable hard-to-reach and community groups to try yoga for the first time.

The not-for-profit company already provides a number of subsidised classes for specific groups, including Women’s Aid, Probation Services, 2Gether Mental Health Trust and the colleges, and will invest in making the benefits of yoga available to all.