With today's fast paced lifestyles that we all seem to lead, the ancient practice of yoga can be a great help to get us through the day. Be warned though, it is not as easy as you may first think. There are heaps of different styles to try from Bikram yoga, which is practiced in a sauna-like room; to Power yoga, which is more of a cardio workout. You can read about some of the different types
here.
If you try one class and think it's not for you, don't give up straight away – see if you're better suited to another style. Melbourne is somewhat of a hub for yoga devotees, with hundreds of classes running around the city every day. Some of the more well-known places include:
Hotbox Yoga, which is located along prestigous Chapel Street in Windsor. Hotbox specialises in The Barken Method, which is a style of Hatha yoga, practiced in a hot room; as well as Power Flow yoga, which is a fast-paced more vigorous style of yoga. Classes run a few times everyday, with a casual pass costing $16 for concession or $18 full price. There are also options for multi-class passes, monthly or annual memberships. Prices and timetables can be viewed
here.
Zen Yoga Central, offers Hatha yoga and Buddhist meditation classes. Located along Chapel Street, Windsor, this studio has a strong focus on wellbeing, harmony and community. This is the place for you if you would like to get to know the other people in the classes. Six-week courses cost between $75 - $100. You can check out their timetable
here.
Breathe Pilates & Yoga is located along Little Collins Street in the CBD. They offer several different
types of yoga, with prices starting from $20 for a casual class. There are also options for multi-visit passes, or weekly and monthy passes. The timetables can be viewed
here.
The
Yoga Arts Academy, is also located along Little Collins Street in the CBD. They specialise in Sakshin Ghatastha, which has a focus on strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall skill in the practice of yoga. Casual passes can be purchased from $15, with options for multi-visit passes. Their timetable can be viewed
here. This place is great if you are really serious about your yoga, as the teachers have had very intensive training both in Australia and abroad.
If none of these places catch your fancy, try the
Yoga Melbourne Directory, which houses a listing of yoga practices all around Melbourne. Still not sure about this yoga craze? Get down to your local gym and try a class – many places will offer a free class or two to see if you like it. You may just discover your new favourite pastime.
