I used to think yoga was placid, laid-back stretching which didn't require much physical strain…read more How wrong I was. When I first gave it a go, it was very frustrating because many of the poses require far more strength, balance and flexibility than you would assume. But as with anything else, practice makes perfect. And after a few years, I was quite proud of my flexible prowess from regular yoga practice. Alas, as time became limited in my busy life and the lust for a strong body was less at the forefront of my priorities, I fell out of practice. And I fell hard. If I wasn't out partying with friends, I sat idle at a desk with a computer or lethargic in front of the television. Oh, and I gained about 25 pounds. Then I heard about a 10 day challenge at The Yoga Lounge, a hot yoga studio comprising of three studios that offer yoga, Pilates and a workshop for everything from martial arts, performing arts and exhibitions. It's a state of the art facility on Deansgate that uses radiant heat to warm your body, a gentle heat similar to that used in incubators for babies. Don't get me wrong, it get hot. Real hot. A few minutes into the first class, I thought 'this is waaaay out of my league' but I kept going...bending, twisting and balancing (or wobbling, if I'm honest) as the sweat poured off my body. I was perspiring in places I didn't even know were on my body. But this sweat was detoxing my insides, which is exactly what I needed. As class came to an end, I felt like I had accomplished something important for my health. And so I came back. As each class passed, my strength and flexibility improved ever so slightly much to my delight. By the fifth class, people started asking what I was doing different to my skin. Others were saying I was looking slimmed down. I have to admit, I suspected there was difference in my skin and body shape, only to poo-poo the idea as wishful thinking. But clearly, others were seeing what I was seeing. 7 days into the challenge, I found I was able to participate in virtually the entire class, doing some of the poses that I couldn't even attempt in the first few sessions. I was sleeping like a baby at night, and actually started to give a toss about what I was eating and making sure I drank enough water. And so that brings us to today, the 10th day of my challenge. I've lost 5 lbs and 3% body fat. My clothes feel much looser, and I'm starting to fit back in to my 'skinny clothes'. There seems to be a naughty glint in hubby's eyes when he looks at me lately, which is always a bonus. All this after only 10 days is remarkable. But the most important thing is it's gotten back on track to taking care of myself....mostly because I want to look really good in my 'skinny clothes'.

The beauty of The Yoga Lounge is that they are offering something slightly different from bikram…read moreyoga - as the classes don't follow the traditional 26 poses. I feel as though classes are lot more organic, allowing the teachers to really work with the class - I swear I'm making progress already in my first two weeks! The teachers are really great, I love the variety, as each practitioner has their own flows and style of teaching. Everyone is super friendly and happy to give tips and advice after classes too. Specialising in hot yoga, the classes last between 60-75 minutes and at the moment they have three classes per day with two a day at the weekends. They also offer hot pilates, which is a great workout for your core. And plan to open a full pilates studio in the next month or so with Stott pilates, reformer and GYROTONIC® classes. It's a great set up, really well designed space and the hot room itself is a nifty piece of kit - using heat panels on the roof that allows for continual fresh air and a germ free environment to practice in (or I've been told it's something along these lines). There's an online booking system to ensure you get onto the class you want. The evening practices book up pretty quickly, but the lunchtime hour always has a few free spaces. Each class has a waiting list and for every wait list I have been on so far, I've been offered a space in the class. This is a more modern yoga alternative that fits really easily into a busy lifestyle, uniquely balanced to help improve both your fitness and inner calm.

Tonight was my first visit to this oasis of tranquility and I am looking forward to visiting again…read moresoon. Lovely surroundings and great people. The meditation class I went to has left me feeling more positive and energised than I have in a long time.

From the owner: The Karma Collective of Liverpool is a central place to explore all forms of spirituality, holistic…read moreworkshops, yoga/pilates/chi kung classes, group meditations, various therapies and nutrition for healing the body. For times and days please refer to the timetable on the website.

This is my favourite yoga place! It's just has this vibe of calmness, unity, and kindness. People…read moreof all levels are welcome - from complete beginners to super-advanced. The instructors usually give a few options of certain postures, so you can choose which one suits best to your current level. The studio has plenty of classes, offers retreats, meditation, gong bath events, all sorts of workshops. I strongly recommend you to try out a 90 min Jivamukti yoga class - it is hard work(especially if it's Andrea's class), but you feel really good afterwards. A 90 min lesson is 9 pounds, 1 hour would cost 8 pounds, and the first class is 5 pounds. They also have concession prices. Memberships are also available, they are quite pricey, at 75 pounds per month, but still a good value if you are a yoga junkie and go to the studio often. The studio has also a Facebook page, where they post about the schedule for the day, any changes or new events. If I have any questions, I usually send a PM there and normally receive a reply very quickly.

I have attended Zumba class; Kettle class, Pilates and Yoga classes with Vanessa, I am 60+ and have…read moreone or two medical problems, she has helped me exercise within a class setting by customising routines so I can join classes. This instructor goes far beyond her job role, she is an extremely caring person. Classes.are structured to everyone's needs. The people who attend the sessions are all ages, sizes and levels of fitness and they make everyone welcome. So I would recommend Vanessas Fitness classes go along and try.

Superb yoga class. Highly Recommended.read more

I'm so happy that I live round the corner from Yoga Kula! It's definitely my new best. I'm a yoga…read morenovice, but I've found Lindsay and her colleagues to be so friendly and professional and encouraging that I don't feel like a fish out of water at all. So far I've had a go at Restorative Yoga, which was fantastic and really good at helping me feel better about some stressy stuff that I've got going on, and I'm giving Yoga Flow a bash tonight, as my friend recommended it to me and said I'd love it. The studio itself is great a really airy, light attic space, with all the mats and equipment provided. Check out their site for prices and times and also watch out for deals on Living Social!

From the owner: Welcome to Yoga Kula, a dedicated yoga studio in the heart of the vibrant community of Chapel…read moreAllerton in Leeds. We offer yoga classes, workshops, courses and retreats as well as holistic therapies. Our hope is that Kula generates a positive ripple effect in people's lives and provides a tonic for your busy, modern life.

I've been a member of David Lloyd gym now for a number of years, and even though it's expensive I…read morewould say it's one of the best gyms in the area for your money. As well as a fully equipped gym and tennis courts it has a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, a slightly smaller outdoor swimming pool (with sun loungers for when it's sunny in the summer months), an array of classes for all members held 7 days a week, a Saks hair dressers, beauty salon, sportswear shop, lovely cafe with delicious food, plenty of comfy seating, an adult only quiet area, a children's soft play area, and a partridge in a pear treeeeee! The staff there are really polite and always greet you with a smile on their face. The personal trainers and really approachable - I know they've helped me out with an occasional fitness question from time to time. And I would highly recommend Suzie's Fitness Pilates class on a Saturday and the Hatha Yoga class with Caroline on a Sunday. The only thing stopping David Lloyd being a 5 star for me, is that recently they had a refit of new equipment and only put in small numbers of certain machines. Which means on a busy evening or weekend there is usually always a wait for the powerplate for example. On a whole, I think this is one of the best gyms in the Cheadle/Gatley area.

Great staff, nice atmosphere, loads of classes and excellent gym equipment, this really is worth…read morethe money. The indoor pool and spa area are gorgeous. Join up, but take on board the one and only thing that lets David Lloyd down as a club.. and sadly its not something that they can do anything about... Kids. I don't like boys watching females change their clothes. Its creepy. I don't like kids rushing around screaming, when adults want to relax by the pool. I could list all the unhygienic and irritating things that kids do, but you get the idea. If you feel like being around other people's noisy bratty kids, is like being in a nightmare, then David Lloyd is not the club for you. If they ever wanted to build an adults-only pool? Or have adults-only changing rooms? Or cater for kids food in an area that is completely away from adults?. Then it would be THE perfect club. But at the moment, it is what it is... child friendly.. and if you're not, find another club.

A fantastic & reasonably priced yoga school in south Manchester…read more This small school offers not just yoga but Pilates, yogacise, meditation and various massage treatments. I attend the Hatha yoga on a Monday and Wednesday which, for me, is the best yoga class in Manchester. The school is on the top floor of the shops next to the Amblehurst Hotel. The studio entrance is located around the back of the row of shops and up some stairs at the far end. There is parking just around the corner in a car park or a few spaces on the road to the left of the studio as you look at it. There are classes are on most days now as well as workshops and treatment sessions. The interior of the studio consists of a treatment room and entrance with tea making facilities and a coat & shoe rack then the the main studio towards the front. The interior is lovely, beautifully decorated and calming. The classes are very reasonably priced compared to other yoga in Manchester. They are slightly shorter but I find this fits in perfectly with my work/life balance! Head to the website to see the full class timetable and for more details.

Having been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/ME/Fibromyalgia I was eager to find some form…read moreof exercise that could help by keeping me mobile without putting pressure on my joints. Sophie was great and easy to talk to about my needs and didn't put pressure on me to attend but feeling so comfortable with her led to me attending just one session and it's the best thing I've done for my condition. I feel relaxed and invigorated when we've finished, the rest of the attendees are great, non-judgemental and of different levels. I would thoroughly recommend Sophie and Red Sky Yoga.