After a yoga injury put me away from practice for over a year I finally built up the courage to…read moreshow up for a class again, after all, what could be more inviting for a come back than stretching my poor muscles by the sea? Although the class was advertised as "Yin Yoga", gentler and more advisable for beginners, I think it could better be described as a Hatha class aimed to advanced beginners or intermediate yogis who already have a better understanding of proper alignment. The class was held in a room at the Tamarama Surf Club, meaning that the only view I got during my workout was that of the wall in front of me, but bending like a pretzel to the sound of the Tasman Sea crushing on Tamarama Beach down below brought out in me meditative states I didn't even know existed.

Elouise's studio was recommended to me by a physio after I herniated my L4/L5 disks. I hardly dared…read moredo any exercise for fear of re-doing it. Carefully and with in depth knowledge, I was taught how to strengthen my core, support my back and move with comfort and ease. These are not "one size fits all" group classes but rather, individually tailored sessions with a maximum of three clients. Each person is guided through their own specific exercises which vary each visit, depending on how their body is feeling. Clients are of all ages and range from remedial with injuries through to professional athletes. Elouise and Vanessa are outstanding teachers- both in their knowledge and their expertise. As for me, thanks to Pilates, I have gone from feeling like an invalid to an athlete. My Pilates classes are now "bring it on" sessions where I feel I get a great workout and am in the best shape I can remember. Also, the studio is brilliantly located opposite the Cremorne Orpheum with great cafes around and there is free 2 hour parking in the IGA car park underneath. Amanda Durack

best yoga school I've ever attended. pity I moved out of area. Every teacher helped me develop my…read moreskills, strengthen my body and relax my mind.

By far the best yoga school I have ever attended. This isn't your normal yoga studio where the…read moreteachers push you into positions you are not ready for physically or mentally. They spend a lot of time really getting you to connect your mind and body, taking you back to the core teachings of yoga, incorporating an awareness of the sutras as well. I can say with confidence that continual attendance of classes here can literally get you the yoga high. I highly recommend trying Peter's classes as he is also amazing at incorporating breathing and meditation techniques into classes, explaining the technical and mental aspects of both!

I have had an on/off relationship with yoga over the years. I've tried lots of different types of…read moreyoga in the search for that one style, that one class, that one teacher that I love. In my quest I decided to give Power Yoga a go. My friend swears by it and since starting she has got herself a killer body so I thought I'd give it a go. I turned up to the 9:30AM Saturday 'Power Basics' class and couldn't believe the amount of people teaming into the small room! People were lining up their mats inches from each other and to my horror the only space left was at the front of the class. The room is heated to 30C so you do break a sweat before you start. The idea of Power Yoga is that the moves are not a separate series of moves but they flow together. What this actually means is that there is no breaks in between poses!! It requires a lot of mental and physical strength to get through a class. I won't be rushing back but it is worth a try.

I've tried quite a few yoga studios and teachers over the years and they can vary enormously:…read moreyou've got to search out the ones that adopt the version of yoga that suits you. Without being too puritanical, at Adore you get a very 'correct' version of yoga - classes built of carefully chosen asana routines complemented by lots of breathing and a good vigorous chant. For me, this doesn't come naturally - my instinct is to head for more robust forms of exercise, to power yoga or hot yoga, which really bear little resemblance to the focused sessions at Adore. Slowing down to this extent is a challenge - perhaps I am simply not cerebral enough. Or more accurately, maybe is a learned skill that takes practice, just like hitting a tennis ball or climbing a rock face. I can't say I walk out of an Adore class feeling energised, which is the effect a lot of people attribute to yoga, but I enjoy an incredible sense of calm. I only wish I could retain it for a greater part of my day - to bypass that intrinsic desire to go faster. Practical tip: Adore's classes are small so you need to book in early, especially with the popular teachers. And it's tricky to find the first time - above the chemist, and accessed by a set of back stairs down a lane.

My inner thighs have never been so sore…read more And that's a good thing, I think. I'm probably a better twerker than I was before, too. Went to an intro session here - they're new - and it was my first Pilates experience, I'd never seen the spring-loaded bench contraption that you use for this kind of exercise, and I was pretty rubbish at it to start, like a dog trying to stand up in a moving car. I've played sport all my life so thought this would be a breeze, but it was surprisingly challenging, made even more so by the girls around me who glided through the movements smooth as you like and there I am in the corner going all beef jerky. And I'm sore, so it must work, right?

I'm not writing to tell you about Elixr - although - all my friends know I LOVE IT.... I'm writing…read moreto tell you about Wall Yoga? What? Wall Yoga! Yip, imagine tying yourself up in a harness and spending most of your Yoga class upside down strapped to a wall.... to some this may totally freak you out - but for me - I LOVE IT - I consider it my heaven.... You see Wall Yoga, uses gravity to push your body deeper and deeper into its stretches... which is you're a yoga lover like me - you're gonna adore... Is this for beginners? I don't know - the gym says yes, but I think you will get more value out of it if you're more experienced.... The one warning I would have is you do spend a decent amount of time hanging suspended from the ground - upside down....if this freaks you out, i would give it a miss.... Classes last for an hour and available to members or for drop in's ($25)...

Looking for an authentic yoga experience that will change your life? This is THE place. I've been…read morepracticing here on and off since Vivien - Yogi - started up this humble community. I've been here when there were 5 students to now, at times a full house. It's a small but close knit community here that embraces newcomers as everyone here is passionate about yoga and loves to share this with others. Vivienne is an inspiring teacher and has an innate ability to add the personal touch for everyone that walks through her door, she applies personal attention and can gauge exactly where you're at in your practice to assist you in deepening your practice. All you need is an open mind, a yoga mat (can be hired for $1), towel & drink bottle. She also sells organic health food products as a service to her students (no profits), there a coco bella fridge and even some cool yoga clothing. See you on the mat! Namaste...

I love this place. A friend that I lost touch with but I knew was doing yoga recommended it when we…read morereconnected and that's what this place initially did for me. I felt reconnected and restored. This physical meditation that is yoga taught by people who know their stuff and understand the rooms energy. I signed up for their intro offer of unlimited classes for 2 weeks and they are many. I then signed on to a 6 month membership and I do at least 6 classes a week. The practice of yoga has enhanced my life. I feel I am aware, loving and always leave feeling better than when I entered. I even wrote this after a class when I hadn't written in years. Divine Light Appreciate what is. Instead of focusing on what is not. The brain is a muscle. Do not let it rot. Negative thoughts and feelings, Lead only to despair. Concentrate on what makes you happy, Especially when life seems unfair. Stop and look around you, You will find the love that is there. Stop and look inside you, And feel the love everywhere. You are the hero of your story. No one can take that away. So fear not and claim that glory. Everything will be okay. Shine my brothers, sisters and friends. Together as one, let our divine lights ascend.