In Rocket yoga classes, experience a dynamic, Vinyasa-flow yoga practice that build heat, strength, and a serious sense of freedom – it’s one of the most popular styles in London for a reason. If you’ve been curious about trying Rocket classes but aren’t sure what to expect, here’s everything you need to know.
The origins of Rocket
The Rocket yoga sequence was developed in the 1980s by American yoga teacher Larry Schultz, a student of the legendary Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The name came from musician Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, who reportedly told Schultz during a teaching session: “Rocket – it gets you there faster.” The name stuck, and the practice has been gaining devoted followers ever since.
How is Rocket Yoga different from Ashtanga?
Rocket yoga sequences draw heavily from Ashtanga, sharing the same building blocks: Surya Namaskar (sun salutations), standing poses, seated poses, twists, and bends. The key difference is attitude. Where Ashtanga follows a strict, set sequence, Rocket yoga gives students the freedom to modify traditional asanas or skip them entirely.
Yogarise teacher Helen Russell-Clark puts it well: “Rocket is the rebellious younger sibling of Ashtanga. I love that it breaks all the rules. It has all the grounding of Ashtanga, but it uplifts you, leaving you feeling stronger, healthier and happier.”
Fellow Yogarise teacher Marcus Veda agrees: “Rocket is about an attitude rather than a specific sequence. It’s strong and positive – not about the poses, but about the way they link together. For me, it’s the true Vinyasa-style flow.”
Throughout the practice, movement is linked with breath, and students are actively encouraged to experiment with inversions – headstands, handstands, and more. For Marcus, the handstands are a highlight: “The closest you can come to flying. It’s that feeling of lightness, floating, and a clear head. Pure focus in the moment. And it always feels fun.”
What are the benefits of Rocket yoga?
Rocket yoga works the body and mind in equal measure. Marcus describes the benefits as “strength, stability, mobility, concentration, self-awareness, and meditation.” For Helen, the mental shift is just as powerful as the physical:
“I found Rocket at a time when I was very low. I remember walking out of my first class being so surprised at how amazingly high I felt – and that feeling can be quite powerful. As well as the mental benefits, Rocket can make you stronger, quicker. I learnt so much about my physical body and have found it fascinating to see the transformations.”
What to expect at Rocket yoga classes at Yogarise
Yogarise offers Rocket yoga classes in London at our Peckham and Streatham studios, led by experienced teachers including Helen and Marcus. Whether you’re brand new to Rocket yoga or already a devotee, our classes are welcoming to all levels.
Marcus’ advice for anyone starting out: “Stay with the breath — don’t be fixated on the poses. They will come and go. But as long as you keep your mind on the breath, you’re always on the Rocket.”
Helen adds: “Come with an open mind. Don’t expect to be able to do everything in your first class, and don’t be intimidated by others who may be flying around you. Keep practising with love and patience and you too will fly.”
Ready to find Rocket Classes?
Browse our Rocket yoga classes in London at Yogarise Peckham, Streatham and Queen’s Park and book your spot today.
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