My relationship with yoga is strictly casual; it's a challenge, something I enjoy, something I know is good for me, but even though I've been seeing it for a while, I'm not quite ready to commit, financially or emotionally. Hell, I don't even own a yoga mat. Given this attitude, the Bristo Yoga School suits me fine. Classes are cheap, drop-in, and may be as small as four or as big as twenty depending on who turns up. Here, you can do fun stretching followed by even more fun relaxing without feeling obliged to immerse yourself in the nuances of Indian philosophy, or the difference between Iyengar, Hatha and Ashtanga (which I have never understood). Nor, in the classes I went to with Lisa, was I ever expected to perform any extreme poses, such as standing on my head, balancing on one little finger and such, which came as a great relief. I suspect (in fact I know) that more serious practitioners would be less impressed by the casual set-up of the Bristo Yoga School, but it's perfect for people me, the Sunday drivers of yoga. read more

I don't currently go to regular classes at Meadowlark but I do attend some drop in classes, workshops and special events. Meadowlark has an excellent range of classes for everyone from beginners to daily Mysore classes. The studios are light, warm and clean. The changing rooms are a little small if the class is full and everyone is using them but most of the time it's fine. I have found all the teachers and reception staff to be friendly and welcoming. For me the studio is just a little too far out the way for both home and work for me to do more classes here but it's certainly one of the places I'd recommend for trying yoga. They are opening another studio in March and I'm looking forward to trying aerial yoga in it. read more

Yoga classes with Edinburgh University society take place in Marchmont - no longer in handy Bristo Place for the students! The instructors are friendly enough, if a little too happy with life! They alternate frequently depending on the time of day, and style of yoga you're after. The schedule is handily constructed around most students' days, so morning, lunch and evening sessions. read more

Meadowlark Yoga - from official website - Yoga Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

A long time ago in a galaxy far away (about 10 years ago in downtown Manhattan, to be precise), I was one of those women who would go to yoga 4-6 times a week. For years. And then I went to grad school and moved overseas and the only asana I did on a regular basis was corpse pose, which is pretty much just laying down. I started coming to Meadowlark over the summer after years away from yoga and have loved coming here. I always feel great after a class. I'm not able to practice as regularly as I'd like because I travel a lot, but their selection of classes and available plans for customers is excellent. If you decide to come here repeatedly, please do yourself a favor and get their excellent mobile app. It makes seeing available upcoming classes and descriptions then booking a class incredibly easy. I've been to various hot yoga classes and other "regular" ones. I had my first aerial yoga class today, which I loved, even though I was a clumsy disaster. Demelza, one of my favourite instructors, was teaching it and her infinite patience, good humour and knowledge of yoga got me through it without cracking my head open. Instructors will come around and adjust you but aren't aggressive about it. They are really good at encouraging you to listen to your body and reminding you it's not a posing contest or about who's the most flexy person. In a class they will very often show you how to take an asana deeper if you feel comfortable or how to do it effectively but comfortably depending on your ability. For hot yoga classes, I was really happy about how they keep the room tidy, clean and not smelly. Changing areas are small but also kept very clean. Towel rental is available for one pound and they sell drinks including coconut water and regular 'ol bottled water. It's a bit on the pricey side, but you do get top-notch instruction and excellent facilities and amenities for the price. Just be sure to book classes in advance, as it's really difficult to just pop into an evening class and most weekend classes! read more

Meadowlark Yoga is my favorite place in all of Edinburgh. I have been going to classes here for nearly a year and I just can't get enough of the amazing people and practice that happens at this place. I have been so blessed to find some of my favorite yoga teachers ever at this place, especially Karen Kirkness. I try all types of yoga here because I am that sort of gal, but it is an Ashtanga-focused studio. There are still lots of Ashtanga vinyasa classes and even aerial yoga which I also adore. There is something for absolutely everyone, and Karen is expanding all sorts of anatomy focused workshop offerings which makes this place extra unique. Basically I am here 4-5 times a week and I can't move from my flat because then I wouldn't be as close to Meadowlark. I've done a lot of yoga around the world and been to many studios and this is absolutely one of the best. read more

I'm a complete Yoga newbie. I've been here once but I think the review is warranted. After receiving a yoga mat for my birthday (I have never been to a yoga class in my life so it was a surprise) I have been looking for a class I might enjoy. Yoga has never appealed to me. I'm the type who goes to the gym to sweat to an embarrassing degree. If I'm not soaked and sweaty I don't feel like I've achieved anything so I went looking for a class with one clear goal in mind : hot yoga. It seems like a fad but I do think I work better when already warm, my best times running are usually a good twenty minutes in after I've sufficiently warmed my cockles. Meadowlark seems (I say 'seems' as I haven't seen any others) to be the only place around with the facilities for hot yoga and offers several classes throughput the week as part of their extensive timetable, so I ponied up my £12 for a drop-in class. The price is a bit steep but when I arrived it made sense. There's a receptionist when you arrive and the place is perfectly kitted out, not a community centre with the lady from number 35 down the street as the instructor. This place is the real deal. I took off my shoes and headed down to the changing rooms. The changing area is the bare minimum and there isn't a huge amount of room so come prepared. We waited for class and everyone present was jolly and chatty despite the fact that I was not the only new comer. When the door opened the heat hit me like a bus. Like.A. Bus. I immediately regretted this and wanted to leave. I set up near the door as when it opened there was a cool breeze. When the instructor arrived I told her I was new and she said she would offer alternative poses for those that were a bit trying. Fast forward an hour and I have had an absolute blast. True to her word the excellent instructor made sure to mention when poses could be adapted to accommodate my level. I have sweat more than I have ever in my life. I felt like I was walking on air as I headed home, completely relaxed and spent the next two days in a fantastic mood. The class was great. I'd definitely recommend it and hopefully I'll be back. read more

I was given a month membership and I was stoked to try aerial yoga and get my yoga back on. And aerial yoga is awesome- when it happens. They cancel class if enough people have not signed up, and it disrupts the whole flow of the day. But the two instructors were lovely, and the class was fun- good for stretching but not a workout. Now this has been cancelled entirely :( But I've found other classes to get my blood warmed and my limbs limber, some of them are more challenging and this is what I go for- it is sometimes hard to tell which classes are going to be more difficult. But just ask. They are all friendly people there waiting to help out. There is a cafe also- amazing health packed food and smoothies. I have only once sat there and chilled out, but it is inviting. I believe they serve coffee as well. read more

I've practised yoga on and off for the past 20 years and this is the first time I'm actually committed to my practice. I don't know if it is because I'm older now (younger in some respects, he he) and I'm coming to terms with myself to embrace exercise and have healthier habits (about time!!!), or perhaps I've tried oh so many other sporting disciplines that were not for me... Perhaps it's a mix of all these but one thing I'm sure: it's been easier the moment I walked in the Yoga Bristo School and now I think I've finally found the place to finally commit. And I say this after practising different types of yoga (apart from sports) in many different places. Even though the school offers different "types" of yoga (vinyasa, hot vinyasa, power yoga and some others I can't recall now), they focus on Ashtanga Yoga (very powerful and energetic practice) and the Mysore style (self-practice). I started with their Beginners Block (8 classes, one session a week), went on to their Beginners 2 Block and have found the practice so engaging that I'm now attending 6 days a week (combining self-practice and sessions led by an instructor). I'd recommend people who do not know anything about yoga to start with one or two sessions a week. Then, if you feel like you can engage a bit more, go for more constant regular self-practice Mysore style. It's worked for me. Self-practice starts early in the morning and the instructor is there to help your with specific postures. In the past 4-5 months, there have been renovations in the studio (the school is located in the basement of an old church that is now a shelter, see map and photos) and now there are two rooms for yoga practice. There's also a reception where you can also buy some yoga items (tops, leggings, mats, books, healthy snacks, etc). The staff is very friendly and generally very patient to answer all kind of questions about yoga practice. Instructors are always very helpful and careful dealing with your individual strengths or weaknesses. The school has also hosted teachers from other countries to give workshops and help with the mysore self-practice (at the moment of writing this review, we have a great instructor from Philadelphia). This is a very enriching experience. You can check their website for more information about the services they offer. It's important to register online so that you can book your classes, though you can also book and pay classes at the reception too. There are also classes for students of the University of Edinburgh (the school hosts the University's Yoga Society) and discounts if you're a student. There are also social yoga-oriented events during the year (chanting sessions, movie nights), making this school a lively yoga community. read more

Can't believe I've yet to review Meadowlark. I first came across them through classes at Sweaty Betty, then went to open days and bought class passes. Really like Meadowlark for yoga. Good teachers here - I'm a big fan of Joanne and Nadine, both of whom do amazing classes. Timetable can be a bit awkward at times in so far as sometimes teachers are travelling at the same time so then not much on that suits me. I'm not a yoga bunny in so far as I'm the trier but absolutely not the yoga bunny who gets it all perfect. I like restorative, vinyasa and yin but avoid hot yoga like the plague. Rooms are ok but I find for £12 a class, you really are squashed in so a few less people would be better. Plus I've been to classes that are more like hot yoga as the rooms have been crazy hot then filled with people so its all been a bit ick! Booking is advised, you can do this online as it will be really busy during the Fringe. read more

For me A.Y.E is the 'real deal' in Edinburgh when it comes to yoga... I wouldn't recommend anywhere else! There are many awesome yoga schools in Edinburgh but A.Y.E seems to attract great teachers, a great crowd and folks from all walks of life. The fact that they offer a 6 day a week Mysore program is a sure sign that this place knows what it's doing. For those who didn't have a regular practice there is a lot on the menu to experiment with and see what suits the individual. I agree with the other comments - don't expect luxury changing rooms, lockers and all that jazz - this place is about *yoga* If you're coming for the frills you might be better to go else where. If it's top notch yoga classes you're after - you found it! read more

I first came to Bristo yoga school to in 2010 as a fresher at the University of Edinburgh and loved the candlelit basement, the kind teachers and the soothing smell of aromatherapy oils. A year or two later, and the staff and school transferred to the meadows, where it was renamed Meadowlark Yoga. My favourite teachers were Susan, Karen, Jenna and Nadine who led both the Ashtanga beginners classes and the morning Myesore. I had been practising the former for a while, not knowing there was another stage, when Susan kneeled down and scrutinised my asana. She said "I think you're ready for Myesore now." There was a period in which I was going 4 mornings a week. I noticed my flexibility improve, and always walked away knowing how I was feeling on a given day. Most days I would feel energised, but there were those days when I came out exhausted, and reminded myself that my body was not up for much that day. Practising ashtanga, with its repetitive sequence, I was able to monitor progress and at the same time go into a sort of meditative zone where I didn't have to think much about getting the sequence right; I just had to go with the flow. I left Edinburgh two years ago and lived in various other cities including London, Seoul and Buenos Aires. I still haven't found a yoga school as cosy and affordable as Meadowlark. I still haven't found a school with such amazing teachers. Hope to come back one day and get back on the mat. read more

So first of all - I'll be upfront and admit - I've been to 1.5 classes. Out of 4 (of a block of 6). I'm probably not going back for my last 2. Bristo Yoga does get a 3rd star because I did enjoy the '1' of my 1.5 class, but the rest of it ends in an 'eh'. On the first day of class, I turn up 20mins early (eager beaver) but due to some seriously poor directions and map, myself and 6 other students end up in the wrong place - turns out there are two St Columba's up by the Castle... and we were at the wrong one. Arriving 20mins late meant a mild rebuke from the teacher, initially offered no changing area (but then suggested that I could creep over to the bathroom), no warm up, a rushed yoga session (I did ask for the teacher to slow down at one point), and I hurt my neck trying to rush a shoulder stand. I walked out feeling stressed and angry... and really not feeling the benefit that normally comes with such a class. After wards, I felt mutinous more than anything and not really in the mood to return. Now, as a gesture, Bristo did offer an apology and a free drop in class. So that was nice. I made myself return for week 2 - that was a very different experience from the first. The session was smoother, the positions more clearly explained, and I didn't walk out in a pissy mood, so I felt in a much more positive position about the class. Hurrah! The only downside was when asked for injuries, I noted I had bad knees only to be brushed off with a comment along the lines of 'oh well, don't we all'. Right, everyone's smashed their legs up in motorcycle accidents? Of course, silly me... I would have preferred possibly a less cursory response. Week 3 was a washout as I was ill. Week 4, I had the day off. That meant in order to come to class, I was going to have to travel for a solid hour in order to get there in time. It was, in fact 90 mins, with another 30mins prep time. 2 hours, in total as Lothian Transports estimates were completely messed up. A bus expected to arrive a good clear 30mins early, meant that I arrived instead 30mins late and have hmmm... 5mins to run from George Street, up to Johnson Terrace. I made it to the venue, 3-4mins past the start of the class. When ringing the doorbell, there was no answer. I rang a couple of times, before another girl joined me. After the third, failed attempt, I decided, time to go hit up the pub. For you see, it was my birthday, and I figured, do I want to spend more time being upset outside of a yoga class, or should I just go and enjoy the remainder of my evening? Given that I had given up the opportunity to spend the beginning of my 33rd year with my family in order to go to my yoga class, traveled for so long and to be felled at the last (well, 4) minute, just brought it to a head for me. So I embraced the unhealthy option of a couple of rum and cokes at Banshee Labyrinth waiting for the Silent Reviewer to show up. The fact that St Columba's is a pain in the ass to access (ring a bell, wait a good 5mins for the teacher to climb a couple of floors to open the door, this may take a few attempts) and the zero tolerance on tardiness leaves me just... disappointed and disheartened. Although I appreciate that late attendees can have a minor impact on a yoga class, in previous experience it hasn't been that big a deal - and until Lothian Transport smarten up their act, I don't feel confident that I can always make it to a location in time. I had heard so many good things about Bristo Yoga, but in reality, I didn't experience the warm and fuzzies when I went to class, week 1 made me feel as unwelcome as rotten fish in a fridge and week 2 whilst an improvement, didn't have me in the land of friendliness. I still enjoy practicing yoga, but perhaps for this particularly yogi-newbie, that practice will be taking place elsewhere. read more

I've been happily attending Meadowlark's weekday classes for the past two months. The space is lovely, with a particularly nice and clean changing room. Just to give you a taste of a few of the teachers' styles: Elle's classes focus on strengthening the core, with some pilates elements. After about a month of practice, I had grown markedly stronger. Her classes are often quieter and more meditative, with a lot of deep twisting postures, which is a lovely way to begin the week. Paul's classes are particularly accessible for beginners, with a focus on really developing and internalizing each asana (pose). He's quite sensitive to the needs of athletes, so if you're a runner, he's your man! Also, you'll learn how to do headstands : ) Demelza's classes are always super-cathartic. The room does get crowded and hot, but that helps me focus on precision -- and focusing on not kicking anyone behind me... I'm writing this hours after her Friday class, still feeling quite limber and blissful! Thank you, Meadowlark, for supporting our yoga practices! I am grateful for such a great local studio and the opportunity to practice with kind teachers every day of the week. read more

The class I signed up for, a beginner's class, stated that there would be no one but beginners in the class. I was pleased with this and felt more comfortable, but when my classes started, they had failed to mention the same room would be used at the same time by those there for Mysore self style practise, who were much more advanced. I found the 'beginners only' message extremely misleading, in that instance. Further to that, those of use in the actual beginners class had to squeeze up into one corner of the room to make room for those doing their own practise. We kept being asked to move further up to the wall. It was uncomfortably busy and I found I didn't have enough room to do the poses without worrying I'd bump into the people next to me, or even the teacher. It was ridiculous and it made me resent paying money for a class when there was barely enough room to comfortably take part. Thirdly, the teacher I signed up for wasn't the teacher I got. The teacher I got was lovely, but it wasn't what I initially signed up for. No mention of a change. I also found that when people were doing their Mysore style practise at the same time as my class, there wasn't always another teacher in the room to observe and guide them, as is supposed to be the case. It puts me off now dropping in and paying £12 to use the room in Mysore style practise because of that. Ultimately the two stars are because the teacher I did get was very nice. read more

I've been to a few different classes at Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh and they have all been fantastic. The vibe in the studio is great - very welcoming and supportive. I'm still trying to find my niche in terms of the best type of yoga and Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh has something for everyone it seems. Gentle Hatha or Vinyasa classes or more intense sessions focusing on yoga for Athletes (yet to try these!). I like how the whole studio and the associated Meadowlark shop are geared towards creating a really holistic approach to your yoga lifestyle - encouraging complimentary therapies and healthy diets. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with this yoga community :) read more

I find this studio thinks more of itself than it deserves. The classes are ok, but certainly not in the top ten of classes I've been to at other studios. But my main problem is how inflexible the studio is - I was asked to produce a doctor's note for cancelling a class due to illness, which obviously produced a lot of stress - exactly the opposite impact that a yoga studio is supposed to have! It's also very expensive considering the quality of the classes. read more

A wonderful shala in which to practice Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, a fantastic place to begin and improve your practice with classes, and second home for me in the city for its welcoming and nurturing heart. In the sun studio upstairs where I usually practice Mysore style yoga the room is beautifully light and immaculate, and is in my mind's eye always humming with warmth, focus and passion garnered by the practitioners of Mysore style ashtanga yoga. Downstairs in the moon studio the atmosphere is cosy and warm, and when I'm in there it's for vinyasa classes which are always fun, challenging and either soothing or stimulating depending on whether you go for a vinyasa flow or a vinyasa power class. I tend to use the different types of classes, from the vinyasa classes to hot yoga (a real treat!), for what my body and mind need at the given time, and have had a chance to experience all of the classes available. All of the various led classes are underpinned by the central root of AYE's philosophy, the traditional Ashtanga practice, which gives the non-Mysore classes a strong foundation topped with a creative and exciting application of the vinyasa method. The teachers are extremely skilled, dedicated yogis with the compassion and knowledge to be well-equipped guides to your practice, whether you be in led classes or self-practice. The community of yogis is strong and always welcoming, and the vibrancy of AYE a lot to do with the large demographic it attracts. It is often busy and bustling (though much quieter in the middle of the day) but this is a testament to its popularity. The pure commitment to the teaching of yoga in all of its forms (not just the physical asana) makes the newly fitted, custom yoga space a stronghold for the practice of yoga in Edinburgh and Scotland, and I always highly recommend it to anyone and everyone I meet who is interested (or not) in yoga. This is a practice which will change and then (hopefully) become your life, and I couldn't have started on my own practice journey without AYE's (and formerly BYS's) support and guidance. read more