Firstly: Whoa…read more Secondly: Seriously. Whoa. Bodhi and Ride is a stunning new fitness centre in the heart of Port Melbourne specialising in Hot Yoga, Ride45 (spin class) and meditation. I popped in for a Ride45 this morning after being told "it's nothing like any spin class you've done before." Truer words were never spoken. I walked in to the 'Spin Chamber' and felt like I was in an epic Los Angeles nightclub. Impressive LED lighting, candles, thumping Beyonce and a bunch of gorgeous gals excited for what was ahead. You might think a Ride45 class is just going to be a great cardio workout plus a bit of action for your legs. WRONG. During the class we lifted weights, did tricep push-ups, an ab workout and even semi-squats all while pedalling our little hearts out. Yes, you will need to have some skill in multi-tasking. Throughout all this the music is so loud and practically coursing through your veins that you can't think about anything else - especially the fact that you've got sweat pouring down your face and you are pedalling so hard that you feel like you might take off. The instructor was so damn adorable that I want to be friends with her. She was charming, encouraging but not overbearing and pushy like so many instructors can be. I cannot recommend Bodhi and Ride enough. Simply gorgeous studios and motivating classes. They've definitely got a repeat customer out of me and I live on the other side of the city!

This is the best place in Melbourne for to start and maintain your fitness through both Pilates and…read moreYoga. Don't miss the reformer classes, I can't even say how much working out on a reformer has increased my core strength and helped me reconnect my self to my body after too long not being fit. Jodie, one of the instructors will make you feel right at home. My other favourite teacher, Mel, always knows exactly how to correct my form when I am off balance. I highly recommend this Studio to anyone wishing to find a place where they feel right at home. NO PRETENTIOUSNESS, Just FITNESS!

Really enjoyed my classes at this bright and clean studio. The intensity varied and I especially…read moreenjoyed the Yin class which was great for my joints. Instructors are knowledgeable, even when classes are full it doesn't feel crowded. Take advantage of their intro passes to try it out for two weeks unlimited. Was a bit sad to leave Melbourne after a few weeks since I'd love a barre studio like this at home in Edinburgh.

From the owner: Barre Body is a complete body workout fusing ballet barre conditioning, yoga and pilates.read more

Ohana' means family or connections in Hawaii - nobody gets left behind or forgotten…read more So Ohana Yoga offers a safe non competitive environment staffed by highly experienced, empathic and knowledgeable teachers. Unlike some places it's not a circus here. It's not about what you wear, how gymnastic or acrobatic you are. You won't find any goats, bouncy castles, dangling yogi's or sweaty naked men being vibrated by a giant fridge compressor. Nobody instagrams savasana because by the end of class they've found that special calm place. But there might be really decadent cookies or brownies and tea after class and time to connect. And this welcoming community does offer more than just exercise - education for health, wellness, strength and healing, with an emphasis on self care via inner focus and relaxation. This is the heart of yoga, where the practice came from. And it's so good. Before discovering Ohana Yoga, I tried studios on the advice of my doctors to assist with chronic illness and injury. Some places made me feel like a loser, others were just all talk and didn't help. But speaking with Gena Kenny at Ohana I knew that I'd found a safe haven at her studio, with teachers who would respect the boundaries of my physical limitations and settle any related anxiety. Gena's a former fire fighter who's been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She's published a book, videos and runs retreats here, in Fiji and Hawaii. Her knowledge of physiology and advanced development of Restorative Yoga has been miraculous to my recovery. Her Yoga Nidra and Yoga Nada meditation classes with Tibetan singing bowls have returned me to better sleeping habits too. Ohana was the first studio in Melbourne to offer Yin Yoga classes with Jennifer Crescenzo, and I enjoy the variation that each teacher brings to it. Those long asanas seem to go deep into meditation. Classes fill up with a range of styles offered to suit beginner, active and advanced yogi; with age no barrier. There's Flow and Barre in the mix too and Feldenkrais is coming. If you can't get into a pose there are always options offered. I love that. The studio's modern and well maintained. Use the Mind Body app to book online or walk in early. Mats, blankets and props are provided - come before start time to set yourself up with what you need. In Winter it's hard to leave the tropical Hawaiian comfort created by the infrared heating. Regular workshops, teacher training and community events have created bonds of friendship and support networks amongst students and teachers, so there's an easy going and collaborative vibe in classes. I always leave feeling peaceful and grounded. Perhaps you'll try Ohana Yoga too - especially if like me you have felt awkward at other studios. And if you're a yoga teacher, Gena offers a special low rate for you to drop in for a class. And did I mention the membership is really reasonable? Check out the Aloha Pass, and we'll chat over a brownie.

Locked doors if you're late. Don't bother. Thanks for wasting my Saturday morning, Ohana Yogaread more

Yoga real is an excellent yoga studio that ensures you are learning about the meaning of yoga not…read morejust stretching. There is a mixture of classes for all levels of yogis. If you're a beginner fear not one of the lovely helpers will make sure you know the routine and how to get into positions. The volunteers are all very friendly and welcoming and rob is an excellent teacher. I found that his style of teaching was very beneficial and it has had a big impact on finding inner peace. Having said that some of my friends have attended the class and not found this aspect useful preferring to stretch more and do less meditation and self reflection. I definitely think it's worth trying out especially if you find yourself stressed or anxious. Rob is very approachable and always happy to help you out with tips and techniques for what to do at home if you need extra work.

From the owner: "Real Yoga - Yogareal" The Dynamic Yoga With Understanding And Heartread more

Pilates on Bourke is currently my favourite place for reformer classes. They are fairly small with…read moreonly 8 machines. This means lots of individual attention. And the instructors are super-helpful, not afraid to get hands on and complement you when you are getting better. The jumpboard classes are especially good, but I have not had a bad class here. I have also tried their barre class which was one of the better ones in the city. Natalya is really fun and her play list veers more into the pop territory, which is great for keeping the energy up during class.

From the owner: Opened in 2014, Pilates on Bourke provides state of the art Studio Pilates and Group Reformer…read morePilates classes as well as a range of Yoga and Barre Fusion classes. Our Pilates instructors are fully qualified and registered with the Pilates Alliance Australasia. Whether you are looking for rehabilitation, achieving peak physical fitness or anywhere in between, our teachers are able to tailor a program for your individual needs. After all, we want you to be the best you can be. We also provide osteopathy and remedial massage services through our allied health partners, Principle Four Osteopathy and Trademark Therapy in our spacious and relaxing consulting room. We have specially chosen our partners as we believe they provide a wonderful compliment to your Pilates and Yoga practice for all round well being.