YinWave Yoga Reviews & Student Experiences
YinWave grew from AbaYoga Studios, our yoga community in Sanderstead established in 2017. The experiences below were shared by students who have practised with Chris and the studio over the years under the AbaYoga and YinWave names.
“I have dedicated the last year of my limited recreational time to Chris’s yoga. In return his yoga has – I am convinced – added at least a decade to my life.
When I first started with Chris, I had injuries, I had struggled to fully recover from postnatal depression, I’d experienced a lengthy period of sleep deprivation due to babies who were poor sleepers, and together with little exercise and the stresses of work, left me mentally and physically in poor shape.
The previous year had been filled with one health scare after another, so I knew I had to take back control of my health and wellbeing. I can say that I am now there and in fact I can honestly say that I am in a better place than I have been in the decades preceding these challenges.
I can’t recommend Chris’s yoga highly enough. I have been doing yoga for over the past 20 years with different teachers as I moved from one place to another.
He is undoubtably the best yoga teacher I have had to date.
His practice is first and foremost safe as he takes every care to protect the joints in every asana as he has excellent knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and in my opinion connects the yoga with its true roots. He reminds us of the significance of the asanas, connecting the movement with a deeper purpose. His careful focus on the breathing is enough to transport you away from the world outside the yoga studio and fully recharge.
Chris has also recommended other outstanding practitioners to me – osteopaths etc – who have also been instrumental in my journey.
Who needs to head to the ashrams of India when we have Chris in Sanderstead!”
Sue S.
Student Reviews: Yin Yoga, Flexibility & Moving More Freely
“I just wanted to say how much I’m enjoying your yoga classes, and how I really can’t believe the difference the Yin class in particular has made to me. I have very stiff joints – before I started the Yin class it was painful to sit cross legged on the floor, and pain across my shoulders would wake me up when I turned over in bed. After just a few weeks I’ve noticed a massive difference.
I can sit on the floor with no pain and get up with some degree of elegance now (!), and even better, no more waking up in the night with stiff shoulders – hurray!!
I’d recommend this class to anyone, it will make a difference and it’s better for you than a painkiller!”
Sarah O. (Yin classes)
“Very enjoyable sessions that leave you simultaneously highly energised and deeply relaxed. Moves all modifiable to suit diffetent levels of strength and fitness.
My flexibility has increased exponentially.”
Jane S.
“Chris caters for everyone in his yoga classes. His ability to take you back to basics whilst gently pushing you to your own limits is inspiring. A great teacher offering a variety of classes… the Yin yoga is magnificent!”
Daniella
“I really enjoy Wednesday evening yoga classes and sleep so well afterwards! There’s always plenty of encouragement and advice from Chris.
Although I can’t do all the moves because of osteoarthritis, my body is so much more flexible now. Looking forward to classes starting again in the new year.”
Fran E.
“Brilliant class, great teacher!!! Felt so stretched out afterwards my muscles were happy!”
Nicola R.
“I didn’t know what to expect from my first yoga class, so I was a little apprehensive. However, I found Chris’ session most enjoyable. It wasn’t too demanding in terms of strength, but my muscles definitely know they’ve been working – especially my calves and thighs. Some very beneficial stretching and positions, especially for the back.
I am hoping to sleep well tonight and I’m already looking forward to next Thursday. A good job well done, Chris!”
Derek T.
Yoga for Relaxation, Stress & Better Sleep
“I have been going to Abayoga for a few months now and it’s like a little haven for me to take time out of my stressful work life to fully relax and recharge.
Chris is an exceptional teacher, not only is he very skilled at the practice he is the epitome of professionalism. I love learning more about the restorative benefits of yoga from his narration during the class. Most importantly I’ve just had the deepest sleep I’ve had in two weeks after his yin yang class last night. It’s truly transformational and frankly, priceless.”
Jenny P.
“I had the best sleep in a long time. Thank you! Definitely coming back next Monday!”
Beatriz P.
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed class this evening. I’ve had a stressful few days and tonight was just what I needed.
I always enjoy your final quotes and ending thoughts and particularly the thoughts around self appreciation/ self worth.”
Jo F.
“I don’t know why I have never tried Yoga before as it’s definitely something I want to keep up after Chris’ class on Wednesday. I found it so calming and exactly what I needed. I slept better that night and can’t wait to go back after Christmas!”
Emma M.
“Finding yoga and Chris’s classes has been a real benefit in my fast paced life at home.
For one hour I take time out for myself, de stress and calm down as with his expert knowledge and positivity, Chris leads us into a still place, with brilliant toning and exercise for my core too.
I was very sceptical about trying yoga but Chris is brilliant. An expert in his field.
Give it a try and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Thanks Chris!”
Jo L.
Experienced, Anatomy-Informed Yoga Teaching
“I have been practicing with Chris and the amazing team of teachers he has brought together at Abayoga for more than two years now. In fact Chris is a very significant reason for my decision to train as a yoga teacher myself. I find his classes are always a fantastic blend of the physical challenges we all love, and the beautiful yoga philosophy that helps me go deeper into my practice.
The studio is an inconspicuous sanctum of calm and you are always welcomed with a heartfelt and genuine smile from Chris or Jo. Since the Covid-19 pandemic he has moved his classes online and, while I think everyone would admit missing the studio, this is a great substitute. Having practiced in person and online with many teachers I can honestly say Chris and the AbaYoga team are up there with the very best.”
Wyndham J.
“:) thanks Chris. I had a great time and felt really inspired. It was a super blend of tech instruction, joviality and spiritual nourishment – all very much needed by me!”
Nette E.
“I look forward to my yoga practice every Friday. Chris is unbelievably knowledgeable, kind, and well spoken. He shares his passion, he lives, breathes, and talks yoga, and he delivers amazing poses and releases all his positive energy to us.
Thank you, Chris! ?”
Blandine G.
“Excellent class. Chris is a very clear and supportive instructor who understands his art very well and is able to demonstrate it in the session itself and also it long term benefits.”
Valika E.
“I have had three yoga sessions with Chris since July. I feel Chris really spends time planning for each session which makes them an unique experience each time. He adjusts everyone’s posture when needed so we all get the most out of the practice and it also avoids injuries.
I have now recommended my husband to try one of the late evening sessions to help with his marathon training.”
Ivy X.
New to Yoga? You're Welcome Here
“Brilliant beginners yoga classes, excellent for anyone who’s never done yoga before or those who have only been practicing at home and want to try out a class setting.
Chris is a great teacher who makes yoga feel very accessible and is happy to help and answer questions.
Looking forward to more classes in the future!”
Laura D.
“Love this place. Such a warm, friendly, inclusive space, and I’m so pleased to have found it. Chris, Junior, Jo and the team are brilliant teachers who make newbies like me feel welcome and ‘at home’.
I look forward to every session and always walk out feeling wonderful (if sometimes rather sleepy!) We are very lucky to have AbaYoga ☺️”
Caroline H.
“Three classes in and I’ve signed up for three months! I’m really enjoying Chris’ classes – whether it’s a beginners class, an all levels class, yin or flow, I come away feeling better than I went in.
Chris creates an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and yet also stretch themselves (literally and figuratively), which is not easy to do. Looking forward to continuing my yoga journey.”
Claire L.
“I have been wanting to try Yoga for a while now and when I heard about a new class starting up nearby I took the plunge. Best thing I’ve done this year! I was somewhat daunted at first at the prospect of trying something new like this in a room full of strangers. Chris quickly makes everyone feel very welcome and at ease.
While being guided through the moves and positions, Chris offers demonstrations, provides individual feedback and encouragement, and gives each of us the confidence to explore and gently find our limits. His passion for yoga is very apparent and his enthusiasm is infectious. I look forward to every class. :)”
Tony H.
“As a (very) latecomer to yoga on Tuesday mornings, Chris has been really welcoming and encouraging to me.
He appreciated my limitations as a starter and gives me ‘alternatives’ to some of the more difficult positions!
Would def recommend anyone who is thinking of taking up yoga to give it a go!”
Peter U.