In a period where we find ourselves confined to our homes, it’s all the more important to take the time for self care – and to get that blood pumping. With her online wellness sessions, Berlin-based yoga teacher, singer and psychologist Nora is your ideal indoor companion. A regular flow instructor at Kreuzberg studio Yoga on the Move, Nora is offering a weekly web lecture (Mondays 19h) where you can discover the theory on which yoga is based, including the eight limbs and the Yamas and Niyamas. Then, every Wednesday at 08h30 you can join Nora online for an energizing flow class as a physical counterpart to the philosophy. If Pilates is more your thing, Neukölln’s Pilates Engel are also taking to cyberspace with a full schedule of live classes for everyone from newbies to committed practitioners. With the Zoom streaming platform, your instructor can see you, helping them correct poses and giving the sessions a more intimate feel. Whether it’s broadening your spiritual outlook or just for physical release, these classes are just what we need in this brave new world. (Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Savannah van der Niet & Pilates Engel)

Online yoga sessions with Nora
Lecture: Mondays 19h, registration online.
Flow class: Wednesday 08h30, registration online.
Online classes from Pilates Engel, registration online.

@nordwandyoga

Self-defense classes tend to forget the female perspective and Pretty Deadly Self Defense aims to remedy this. Since 2016, American-born Susie Kahlich has been teaching women to trust their own bodies and harness their strength to protect themselves. Khalich believes every woman can learn to defend herself, regardless of age, ability or fitness level, and prioritizes a fun, friendly atmosphere – the motto here is “Self Defense = Self Care”. Based on the martial art of Ninjutsu, training is divided into three courses of five weeks each, which can be taken consecutively or individually. After a basic course on martial arts and self-defense you can learn to navigate real-life situations in clubs or on the U-Bahn. The third level then teaches you how to use everyday objects to defend yourself. Also on offer are special programs preparing you for travel abroad and a recently-launched podcast featuring Susie in conversation with journalist Kate Leismer. You’ll be surprised by your strength and leave feeling empowered. (Text: Hanna Komornitzyk / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Pretty Deadly Self Defense, Stromstr.38, 10551 Berlin–Moabit; map
Sign up for courses via the website.
@prettydeadlyofficial

Caitlin Delphine spent four years getting her hands dirty in her Stockholm apartment, all in aid of her passion: ceramics. After moving to Berlin, her and her partner Jonas Klock started Clayground, a membership studio that provides a co-working space for ceramicists. Jonas (the architect known as Accidental Concrete – you may recognize him from our very first Cee Cee Lessons) designed the studio, which has the look of a worn painter’s apron – textured, muted browns and blues, with light dust from a day’s work. Designed for committed hobbyists and established ceramicists alike, members often consult each other, sharing information and glazing tips. Here you can play and learn, day or night, in an un-crowded space. If you’re hoping to further your ceramic craft you can apply to be a member on their website (subject to availability). Still learning the ropes? Check out the upcoming workshops run in-house by Brsg. (Text: Scarlett Peeters / Photos: Constantin Gerlach)

Clayground, Danneckerstr.7, 10245 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Apply to join online.
@claygroundberlin
@accidentalconcrete