International Day of Yoga: Five places to try

Posted on 17 June, 2015

I’ve got a new love. We’ve flirted with one another for years, but things are starting to get serious, and I want to shout it from the top of Mount Ainslie, right across the city:

I LOVE YOGA!

Why am I sharing this with you? Well, you see 2015 is a significant year for my love: it’s the year of the first United Nations International Day of Yoga. This is the perfect opportunity to either get involved if you’ve always wanted to try yoga, or get together with like-minded yogis to celebrate.

But if you’re thinking yoga is not for you – you’re wrong (injury and illness aside). Yoga is for everybody and it’s good for your mind, body and spirit. Fitness queen Lorna Jane hit the nail on the head when she said “If strength training is something I do to look good, then yoga is what I do to make myself feel good.” It’s the ultimate expression of self love and, in my humble opinion, the very best way you can nourish your body from the inside out and become a better, kinder, stronger human.

There’s a plethora of events on this weekend in hour of International Day of Yoga, and to celebrate I thought I’d bring you a few of my favourite studios in Canberra.

Yoga Central Canberra

The low down: Yoga Central Canberra was opened in 2013 by Amanda Morley, who has been teaching yoga in Canberra for a number of years. It’s a cooperative space, which means that there’s a whole range of teachers who teach a range of different styles including Vinyasa, Yin, Align/Restore, Basics and more.

The vibe: The studio is beautiful with serene candle light and bronze statues of Hindu gods.

Experience: There’s a wide variety of participants from advanced yogi veterans to beginners so wherever you’re at, there’s a class for you. What was abundantly clear to me when I visited Yoga Central last year is that there’s a real community vibe with a lot of students coming back every week for their dose of calm, flexibility and strength: both internal and physical.

Try it: Yoga Central Canberra are having an open day this Saturday the 21^st of June, with a range of 45 minute classes on offer for free. Be sure to visit their website to register.

Find it: Level 1, Sydney Building, 54 Northbourne Avenue

Flourish Yoga

The low down: I tried Flourish Yoga way back in 2013 and I loved it plus it repeatedly pops up in conversations as one of Canberra’s best yoga studios.

The vibe: For me, walking into the studio felt like sliding into a warm bath. A peaceful haven about the buzzing streets of Braddon; the open space feels peaceful and welcoming – quite fitting really, considering the nature of its owner, Bernie Morris.

Experience: Bernie shares that most people come to Flourish Yoga seeking calmness, peace of mind, flexibility and strength. Let me tell you, this is the place to find it. Flourish offer a range of classes, primarily of the Vinyasa Flow style but they also offer prenatal yoga, family yoga and even yin/yang yoga for runners or cyclists!

If you’re looking for stress relief, flexibility or a greater sense of mindfulness, I would highly recommend Flourish Yoga. I left every class with a smile on my face, feeling relaxed, restored and a couple of inches taller (and perhaps a wee bit shaky and sore – in the best possible way!)

Try it: Flourish Yoga have two-week introductory passes for just $30 for new clients, which gives you unlimited entry to Vinyasa and Gentle Yoga classes. Visit the website for details.

Find it: 28 Mort Street, Braddon

SOULution Yoga

The low down: I seriously love this studio. It’s brand new, on the first floor of Braddon’s Ori building and it’s just gorgeous. I went along to an Align class taught by one of the studio founders, Roz Penfold and I can honestly say I loved every moment and can’t wait to go back.

SOULution offer virtually every type of yoga, from Power to Restorative Flow, to Yin, AcroYoga, Soul Flow and even Pilates.

Experience: In addition to the two founders, Roz Penfold and Bonnie Argo, there are a whopping 11 teachers who are all knowledgeable and passionate yogis. SOULution ever offer yoga teacher training, so you know that they have high standards when it comes to instructors.

In addition to classes and training, the studio offers physiotherapy and massage, and stocks a great range of gear from FitFit Active Wear and Doterra Essential Oils.

Try it: SOULution offer a two-week unlimited intro offer for new students at just $30 for 14 days of unlimited classes. Visit their slick new website for details.

Find it: Units 68 & 69, 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Canberra Yoga Space

The low down: I’ve been going to classes at Canberra Yoga Space for the last week and I feel fantastic. The Canberra Yoga Space motto is “Connect, Revitalise, Create” and it’s spot on. No matter which class you go to — Ashtanga Vinyasa, Restorative Yin, Prenatal or Vinyasa Hatha — you connect to the breath and to yourself, you feel revitalised and refreshed, and the practice supports you in creating the life you truly want to live.

The vibe: I like that the classes are reasonably quiet so you feel safe with enough attention from the teacher, and you have more than enough space to move freely.

Experience: I also love the way they set out the classes, setting an intention before you start, including meditation in the practice, and always connecting to your heart centre and intuition before the class finishes. I’ve left feeling relaxed, revitalised and calm, with greater mental clarity and that amazing feeling you get after a good stretch, like I’ve been wrung of all tension in my body.

Sounds to good to be true? Don’t take my word for it – go and try it yourself!

Try it: Canberra Yoga Space is having a free community day of yoga and kirtan this Sunday 21 June, with a free yoga class and kirtan music plus food and an opportunity to meet and mingle. Visit the website or their Facebook page for details and to book.

Find it: Level 1, Suite 6/13 Botany Street, Phillip

Bikram Yoga Kingston

The low down: From the moment I walked into this studio last year, I felt this wave of calm and love. After meeting with owners Zoe, Ally and Chat, I knew exactly why – they genuinely love their studio, their clients and their practice.

The vibe: The studio itself has a really luxe feel to it with beautiful bathrooms, a stunning foyer and an impressive system that heats the studio to 40 degrees with 40% humidity.

Experience: Classes are hard and are 90 minutes each in extreme heat but the benefits are practically endless: think detoxification, increased oxygen supply to your muscles, better flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, not to mention the mental benefits of regular practice.

It’s a great way to keep warm this winter and I’d highly recommend going along for a few visits – the first one is always the biggest challenge but the reward is well worth it.

Try it: This Sunday 21 June take a friend and they can practice for free! When you pay for one class, your friend can attend the same class on that day for free. Visit the their Facebook page for details.

Find it: Level 2, 27 Eyre Street Kingston

Special event: International Day of Yoga

Lastly, the High Commission of India in Canberra has invited Yoga Mandir to play a special role in the celebrations in the lead up to International Day of Yoga. This week Yoga Mandir is offering free yoga classes in their studio at 40 Mort Street Braddon until Saturday 20 June from 9.30am to 11am, and on Sunday 21 June there will be a Mass Yoga Practice on the lawns of Old Parliament House from 11am to 12.30 pm. For details, visit the Yoga Mandir website or find them on Facebook.

If I’ve missed your corner of the woods, never fear – my search for yogi hot spots continues and I’ll be sharing with you more yoga goodness in the weeks to come.

Do you have a studio that you love? Share it with me in the comments below and I’ll be sure to check it out!

Feature image supplied by Yoga Mandir, Braddon.