Why are the classes men only?

Many men who would benefit from yoga are put off by the typical male-to-female ratio in a standard yoga class. Saturday morning sessions at Kundalini Yoga Leeds provide a safe, non-judgemental space where men can explore Kundalini Yoga without self-consciousness — where it's fine to be a beginner, fine to find it difficult, and fine to talk about what comes up. The classes are open to all men and to those who identify as male.

Do I need any experience to attend?

No — sessions at Kundalini Yoga Leeds are designed specifically for beginners. You do not need any prior yoga experience, flexibility, or fitness level to attend. All kryas and poses are adapted to individual ability and every man is welcomed at exactly the level he is at.

What happens in a typical session?

Each session runs for one hour and typically includes: tuning in with an opening mantra to centre and focus the group; a warm up to prepare the body; a krya — a set of specific Kundalini Yoga exercises; breathwork (pranayama) to regulate the nervous system; guided or mantra-based meditation; sound therapy using instruments and voice to stimulate the vagus nerve; and a closing mantra to seal the practice. No two sessions are identical — each one is thoughtfully designed around the needs of the group.

Where are the classes held?

Sessions take place at The Old Stables, Ashling House, Back Church Ln, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW — a peaceful, private space in Adel, North Leeds, easy to reach from across Leeds and West Yorkshire with parking available nearby.

How much do the classes cost?

Sessions are delivered as a 7-week course on Saturday mornings, 8am-9am, priced at £139 for the full course. A Cork Yoga Mat is also available to purchase for £29.99. Places are limited to 12 per group. Book at kundaliniyogaleeds.com/book-online.

What should I bring to a session?

Bring comfortable, loose clothing you can move freely in, a yoga mat (or purchase one via the shop at kundaliniyogaleeds.com/category/all-products), a bottle of water, and an open mind.

Who is the instructor?

Mark Franklin is a Level 1 Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor, trained at the Kundalini University with Guru Singh and Brett Larkin, qualifying in July 2022. He has been practising Kundalini Yoga since 2014 and has trained extensively in Vancouver, Canada at the 3HO Kundalini Yoga Men's Camp in 2018 and 2019, and in Nosara, Costa Rica with Tommy Rosen and Kia Miller in 2022. He is also the founder of Start Recovery — a specialist addiction counselling practice based in North Leeds.

Which of your classes is best suited for me?

The Saturday morning 7-week group course is ideal for most men — particularly beginners. It provides a structured, progressive introduction to Kundalini Yoga in a small group setting of no more than 12 men. If you have specific requirements or would like to discuss which option is right for you, please get in touch at mark@kundaliniyogaleeds.com or call 07305 109824.

Beginner’s Guide: Men’s Kundalini Yoga in Leeds (What to Expect)

Mark Franklin
Aug 2
1 min read

If you’re a man in Leeds and you’re brand new to Kundalini Yoga, this guide will help you feel confident before you walk into your first class. You don’t need flexibility, experience, or any particular belief system—just a willingness to breathe and try.

What is Kundalini Yoga (in plain English)?

Kundalini Yoga is a practice that combines breathwork, movement, sound (sometimes chanting), and meditation. The goal is simple: strengthen your nervous system, steady your mind, and build real-life resilience.

What to expect in a beginner-friendly men’s class

A short ‘tune-in’ to arrive and focus
Breathwork to calm or energize
A kriya (a set sequence of movements + breath)
Relaxation (yes—proper rest)
Meditation to finish

Common worries (and the honest answers)

‘I’m not flexible.’ — You don’t need to be. We work with breath and repetition more than extreme stretching.

‘I’m not spiritual.’ — That’s fine. Treat it like training your mind and nervous system.

‘Will I be the only guy?’ — Many men are looking for stress relief and mental clarity. You’ll be welcomed.

What to wear and bring

Comfortable clothes you can move in
Water bottle
A light layer for relaxation
Optional: a small towel

A simple 2-minute practice you can try today

Long Deep Breathing: Sit tall. Inhale slowly through the nose, expanding belly → ribs → chest. Exhale slowly through the nose, chest → ribs → belly. Keep it smooth for 2 minutes.

Ready to start?

If you’re in Leeds and want a supportive, beginner-friendly way to build calm strength and clarity, join a class. Come as you are—your first session is about learning the basics and feeling the difference.