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.

**Warning** to anyone who is thinking about or, wanting to join this gym…read more I have been a member here for the past 3 years. I have recently left this gym due to the poor management from what I believe is the new owner and definitely the manager of the gym. They've bullied the old trainers out of their positions. And, replaced these trainers whom have worked at this gym for more then 3years with unqualified trainers and staff. Half the time the gym is completely understaffed. And, when you ask management or reception staff about the changes or even gym announcements, they don't know what is going on. The manager doesn't speak good English, or doesn't understand her position there. I have asked her about the announcements and changes in the gym, which she looks at me, laughs talks really fast and tells me she doesn't know or, to ask again later??? I have even overheard her saying inappropriate things about staff to other staff members, in front of me. This is the MANAGER of MissGym. Also, there have been a few times I have come to the gym when the manager is talking in another language to her friend behind reception and ignores the people coming into the gym. It's very unprofessional and rude. For the past three weeks, MissGym have been advertising free personalised nutrition. When I ask about this, all the staff including the manager don't know anything about it. Rather advise me to email management??? Which, every time I have, even regarding the changes in the gym. I have been ignored. So, now I don't bother. Over the past two months, the gym has become very quiet. Especially when the two main trainers left. The same service and professionalism is not at the gym anymore, and barely worth the membership price they're asking for weekly. Equipment is broken or needs to be replaced. Classes get canceled without any notice. The classes are not the same. Definitely below average as they have managed now, to get rid of one of the top group fitness trainers. I would recommend anyone looking at joining this gym to seriously look elsewhere.

From the owner: MissGym Sylvia Park is your local women's gym, group fitness centre, and personal trainer provider…read more As a top women-only gym, we are created for and by women, and our fitness programs and massage services are designed to make you fitter, stronger, more healthy and happy!

Hands down the BEST yoga class I've been too. Ever…read more The Centre is located above Little Bird in Kingsland. It's a small space but they don't overbook the classes so there's plenty of room to move. The big windows and high, lofty ceilings also let in plenty of natural light which helps. What really made my class this morning though was the teacher, Jac, who was warm and welcoming but also didn't seem to take herself tooooo seriously. As someone who likes yoga but isn't (yet) a full time convert I found this refreshing and also quite comforting. Sometimes the super serious yogis are a bit intimidating for a part-timer like me. She also was just a really good teacher - the class was challenging but moved at a good pace, giving her enough time to walk around the room offering tips on technique and making small adjustments. She also called everyone by their name when she was talking to them, which seems simple but it can't be easy to remember everyone in the classes name. Basically, the outcome of the class was that I wish that The Centre was closer. I'm just not sure that I can justify driving that far for yoga but if I was to turn into a full-time yogi this is easily where i'd go. Perhaps they'll consider opening on the Shore....

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!

Got to experience this wonderful yoga studio with their great newbie special which meant unlimited…read moreaccess for a week. Definitely worth checking out if you want to try the different styles (Kundalini, Yin Yoga, Restorative, Vinyasa Levels 1-2-3) they have on offer- and they have 2 studios as well, both based around Takapuna. This is their most recently opened studio. They are upstairs from the Starbucks, down the alleyway and through the glass doors to your left. With beautiful calming white walls, cushioned wooden benches and a lovely black-white poster at reception. A sliding door hides the tea and fridge with cold drinks. Behind the desk are clean protein powders, yoga mats and other things on sale. You can hang up your jackets and layers on their chrome hooks above the bench and they also have sliding out drawers with keys if you need to lock up valuables. The glazed glass sliding door leads you into the most zen studio I've ever experienced. Venetian blinds around the top of the two walls and clean wooden floors. There is the front instructor mat with two candles burning and a soundtrack in the background. The have a lovely light wood, floor to ceiling shelving system that holds their gorgeous grey bolsters, thick woollen grey blankets and cosy black flannel blankets, blocks and ties. Gets warm in the evenings with their heater- so no excuse not to show up. After class they have two bathrooms with showers if you need to freshen up. Love the range of classes, with great instructors and in love with this studio. Highly recommend that newbie week pass and this yoga studio.

I love this Club Physical Women's only gym! It rocks my socks off! Well when I need to do my yoga…read moreclass it sure does. Much more intimate and hands on service rather than the bigger much more non personal gyms out there. If you're looking for a gym where the trainers and gym bunnies working there, treat you as an equal here is your number one choice ladies. Great brand machinery, and an adjoining room out the back for aerobics, yoga, Zumba, Pilates, kick boxing, you name it, there's a class. Get in and give it a try. You will either love it or not. But it was a thrill to work out here and the ladies who train here are a fun and chatty bunch too.

I first came to Ashram Yoga to do some yoga nidra classes - which are just awesome if you need to…read moreachieve a personal goal or just to be more relaxed, the classes were small and casual and I got a lot out of them and continued yoga nidra at home all throughout my pregnancy. The yoga classes are also very good, I have only ever been on a Saturday or Sunday for the open classes and I thoroughly enjoyed them, my favourite teacher was Dana as her classes allow you to push yourself further on different levels. They also have a shop that sells Yoga Nidra CD's and books, they also organise Yoga Retreats if you want to get away and enjoy vegetarian food, walks and Yoga. See website timetable for class hours and descriptions

Very clean and professional gym. Really appreciate that the locker rooms have shampoo and soap…read moreprovided in the showers as well as hair dryers and electronic lockers. Really nice to not have to deal with providing your own lock. The real unique point of Bodytech is the well-staffed floor and the supervised circuit workout. This is part of membership and is like getting free mini-personal training sessions. When you factor in those features it is reasonably priced and good value for money. I have been a member for 6 years, I think that says it all, right?

I can't say I have experience in gyms seeing this is my first, but I'm definitely glad I picked…read morethis one after a recommendation from a friend. Firstly, the thing that sold me was they have a 2 lane private pool, and surprisingly it's hardly ever busy, usually I'm the only one in there, because I can't stand sharing a lane with 5 other people at a public pool. The gym also has a spa pool, steam room, sauna, and showers with shampoo and shower gel provided. The main feature of the gym is the supervised circuit, a set of 8 different weight machines to work out your whole body. It isn't full blown personal training but the trainers are there every step of the way to setup the next machine and push you till failure to get the most out of your workout. I've definitely seen a good improvement in strength and muscle gain from this. The trainers are also super friendly, and always offer advice and help with learning to use other machines in the gym. The only downfall is obviously all this comes at a price, which is a fair bit higher than a gym like Jett's, it's around 90-150 per month, depending on the term you select. But in my opinion, well worth it, especially for new gym-goers like myself, for the supervised circuit and the amenities. Only other thing is being a highly staffed gym, it's not open 24/7. I think currently it's about 5:30am to 9pm during the week. PS, keep an eye on their website if you're looking at joining, they usually have a decent joining offer.