I was thoroughly impressed with my first experience here. I came with a friend for the introductory…read morecourse, a level 2 Vinyasa class. I do practice yoga and while I do it at home I find classes are much better, you just get more out of practicing. I had been going to Bikram yoga classes for several months, I wanted to mix things up a bit and get more into the poses and building up strength in other parts of my body. This seemed like a good way to do it. The class was fun. The instructor Steve was fantastic. Very charismatic, he provided equal does of instruction with humour and personal stories throughout the session which made it way more fun. Steve both does the poses and walks around ensuring that everyone is in the poses correctly, readjusts where necessary and provides encouragement throughout the class too. Steve understands why you come, to relieve stress and to find balance and the breathing exercises focus on detoxing yourself from the negativity in your life, what ever that may be. A great class and needless to say I will be adding this to my Bikram classes and cycling.

I have been to around three different yoga studios in Auckland. I'm not an expert but then I'm not…read morea full on beginner either. The Yoga Sanctuary is my favourite of the lot. I think it's a combination of the tutors and the comfortable surroundings. I don't feel like anyone is looking at me in a weird way like I do at East West (bikram yoga) and everyone seems to be really friendly and relaxed and accommodating to your needs. I did the align and flow class one time, which I thought was a little bit boring, or easy or something. The next day I was in more muscle pain (the good kind) than I've had in years, so obviously I was wrong. Usually I go to the Level 1 Vinyasa class and I feel pretty happy about it. They mix it up a lot, which is cool for me because as soon as I start getting bored during exercising I want to go home. One other thing I think is cool, is that the tutors seem to be pretty 'normal' - they do go through a lot of the spiritual stuff when they talk, but not in a way that makes me feel like, 'oh my god these bloody hippies let's get on with it', if that makes sense.

I love this place, yes I enjoy yoga and that is probably a prerequisite but even if you haven't…read morebeen, you might too. You never know until you try. Being a person that really feels the cold, the idea of doing yoga in a room heated to 35 degrees seemed pretty good. Classes are easily booked online, you just rock up with your yoga mat and a lot of water (they have this stuff available at the studio though if you are new or can't be bothered bringing your own). There are a variety of classes, different levels and types of yoga here and the timetables are on the website so you can take your pick. The studio itself is very nice, good showering and changing facilities. So great in fact you leave and no one would know you had just sweat out a large percentage of your body's water volume. It's a great workout, this yoga burns on average 3000kj per session! All the classes I have taken have been with Fiona, she is one of the most nicest people on the planet. During class she makes sure everyone is in the positions correctly so you really get the most out of your session and the benefits through correct positioning. If you have not tried hot yoga before, but have done yoga at room temperature give it a go, it's yoga amplified.

I have been to several yoga studios in Auckland in the past couple years. They all have had things…read moreI like about them, but I just love everything about Hot Yoga Auckland. The studio is really nice with wooden flooring and lots of natural sunlight during the day. I have had the same instructor every time I have been (I believe her name is Sheila), and she is lovely. There is a variety of yoga classes offered, which is nice. But, most importantly, I just really enjoy myself during the class. I'm always able to totally zone out and forget about everything but whatever posture we're working on at that moment. I highly recommend Hot Yoga Auckland.

Not until my last morning in Auckland did I discover the 06:30 Ashtanga class (your first is $10;…read moreone month membership for $99 if purchased on the same day). Had I known how much I'd like it, I would've definitely headed there as soon as I arrived in NZ. The Yoga Academy is the sort of place I'd love to live in walking distance of - it's super chill, there are classes throughout the day, you're made to feel at home as soon as you walk in. Mats, blankets, bolsters and such are all available to borrow and they're in good condition. I'd recommend the Yoga Academy for those brand new to yoga and seasoned practitioners alike.

Repeat after me: I will try Helen's Hatha class. I will try Helen's Hatha class. I will try Helen's…read moreHatha class... Yoga Academy is that rare blend of yoga studio where the instructors take the practice of yoga seriously, without taking themselves too seriously. There's a meditation room and a statue of Ganesh in the reception area, but you never feel like you're about to be brainwashed into a cult (hey, you know those places, right?). Aside from the wonderful Helen and her Hatha class, there's Ashtanga (the sweaty, weight-loss kind of yoga), and various workshops and retreats on offer. And as you might have guessed by it's name, the Academy also does yoga teacher training, and the professionalism of the instruction on offer is undoubtable.

This pool is amazing!! Really!!! I certainly took the pool for granted when I lived in Auckland!…read more I am from New York, but lived in Auckland for two years while getting my Masters degree. In those two years I adopted swimming as my preferred fitness activity. I went to the pool whenever I was stressed or sad or bored, and within minutes of entering the pool, I was as happy as I could ever be. This pool has soooo many things you can't find in New York: - As a student, it only cost me $5 or so to pop by for a swim. Almost every pool (aside from the dingy pools) in New York require membership just to be able to walk into the facility. And even the dingy pools require membership outside of Summer. - It's a 50 meter pool. You would be surprised how rare that is. - It has a kiddie pool, hot tub, jacuzzi, steam room, TWO saunas, a cafe, a gym, fitness classes, SCUBA CLASSES (!!!) an incredible locker room with curtains AND hot water.... really just incredible facilities. Nothing in New York comes close to that. Not even remotely. - The price is absolutely insane. Again, I only paid $5 to swim, and they don't force you to get a membership or anything. The only establishment that I've been to that comes close to this pool is Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. But a day pass is $50 USD (So maybe $60 NZD.... just for the day). Yearly membership for the pool alone is over $600. I would do anything to be able to go back to this pool. Count your lucky stars, Aucklanders!!!! ;)

Sometimes if we have kid-free time at the weekend and are feeling righteous we use the gym here…read morebefore having a swim. I like it when gyms aren't painful about casual visitors and the ones run by Auckland City Council are really a bargain. We had a good time here as we usually work out without machines so each time we're in a new gym it's all new and exciting. Which is a really helpful feeling to have about exercise. Don't come here though if you're a complete novice; the staff are more interested in posing than assisting the clients. Which is fine with us. There's probably more cardio machines here than I've seen anywhere else along with everything else you might need; weights, kettle bells, Swiss balls, stretching mats... This place is the ideal set-up because it really has everything; there's a cafe, creche, sauna, group fitness and personal trainers, nutritionist and physio all on site. And what's left of the original building's character is beautiful. Aucklanders of my vintage will remember when the Newmarket Pool was the place to go in summer and hang out on the concrete terraces in the sunshine. It's now of course covered in but they did the best job they could retaining the building's Deco character. It's a pretty busy pool and there's no dedicated "frolicking" area so you need to avoid the serious swimmers if you're just in for a dip. The curved spa at the end gets crazy crowded which is less than relaxing but that's what you get in the populated areas. The changing rooms here have some interesting features, particularly the strips of clear glass at strategic height in the showers. So you can have a moderate level of privacy but not for the body parts where you really it. My husband has a hilarious story about one of our visits involving a clearly very body-confident man hoisting his leg up on a bench to blowdry his nether regions - yes with the hairdryer. Personal space being at a premium when it's busy it was apparently quite an eyeful. Not sure this is a selling point but it's certainly bloody funny.

I enjoyed going to a Kettlebells class here. The facilities are nice. I can only speak for women's…read morebathroom. There are three showers and also hairdryers and curling wand. The lockers already have keys so you just need to bring it into the studio with you. I suggest bringing your own towel (for shower) otherwise it costs $2 to hire. I'm a fan and will probably try to come to more classes. I think the only thing I would have liked is if our form was checked/corrected. I honestly based my movements on what others in the class were doing vs what was actually best for the workout. Some people were bending knees, some people weren't. So I'm not sure what was actually the best form.

From the owner: SALA is located in the heart of Ponsonby in a refurbished factory, the perfect home for the gym…read morethat combines fitness and design. SALA is more than just sweating, it was born from our desire to create impactful experiences, community and healthy habits. We believe working out should never feel like a chore, thats why we designed a gym with a diverse timetable and contract free-drop in classes taught by expert trainers. We have over 30 classes a week to choose from, so we can be as flexible as you are.

The Loft is a little serene paradise, nestled into the crazy downtown area. It's primarily a yoga…read morestudio, but it's also a healthy living centre - the group that runs The Loft often has workshops and lectures, as well as a wealth of reading material on spiritual enlightenment. This place also makes impeccable meals! For $17, you get entry to a 90-minute yoga class and an amazing vegetarian dinner and dessert afterwards. The food has to be tasted to believed, and is the perfect accompaniment to an evening of hard, wholesome exercise. The Loft yoga classes are aimed at a variety of levels, and best of all, you don't have to bring your own gear - The Loft provides mats, straps and even blankets for rest and relaxation at the end.

Overall, The Loft has some nice things to offer. The food is always tasty and the atmosphere is…read morecertainly calming. The people who come here tend to be on the smiley side and the prices for food and yoga are very reasonable. The Loft is based on Krishna-conscious principles (i.e. 'Hare Krishna'), and is therefore doing what it does with the purpose of propagating the word of ISKCON in Auckland. The upshot is that the yoga teachers aren't necessarily qualified, and the people in the kitchen don't need the basic food hygiene certificates they'd need to work in other restaurants. I'm just sayin'.

I used to do Barre classes in San Fran so I was stoked when I heard that Marysa was opening a…read morestudio here. Located above Richmond Road, the studio is open and light with a gorgeous view out west. As for the class itself, don't let the description fool you - it's hard! I'm always amazed at how such small movements can make your legs (or arms) shake so uncontrollably. As for co-ordination, you don't need it....well, not really. You do use a ballet barre but it is surprisingly unballetic bar the pointing and flexing of toes. Marysa is doing a 2 for 1 offer at the moment and also an introductory $150 unlimited month so if you looking for a new regime heading into Summer I'd definitely recommend giving this a go

I was so lucky to have the chance to join in on a studio class recently, meet Marysa who is so…read morefriendly and made me feel excited and happy. The class combines, yoga, Pilates and barre work, and from the warmup to the workout and finally the relaxing stretch out at the end, your heart is pumping away and your body reaping its toning rewards. I along with my good friend, glanced over at each other, not knowing what we were in for, but never daring to slow down. I really love the tempo and movement of the class it was as though we were in our very own dance routine workout. I always like a good music soundtrack, and I definitely approve of the song choices, all very current dance tracks. The studio is very easy to find up some stairs from a well signed Barrefigure at 166 Richmond rd. Parking was not hard to find at all across the road. Inside the studio, carpet lines the studio floor which faces floor to ceiling mirrors, and to the other side is Marysa sign in desk/reception and a block of cubby holes perfect for storing away your bag etc. Views out the window, to glimpse as I noticed during workout a beautiful church up on Ponsonby rd. This is the definite winner of a class for women, it targets all those areas we want toned up and perky- abs,thighs,and bum of course! I want to be back in soon for this amazing class as the feeling of revival and stamina I got from just one class I am actually begging for more!