Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world, with its low intensity making it perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels. There are many benefits to yoga, both physically and mentally, making it ideal for anyone looking to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Thankfully, Canberra has a number of great studios to help you either start, or continue your yoga journey. In this article, we discuss the benefits of yoga and list the best studios in Canberra.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best yoga studios
- Yoga For Posture
- Balanced Yoga
- Bikram Yoga Canberra
- Canberra Yoga Space
- Flow Yoga Canberra
- Kingston Yoga
What makes a great yoga studio?
Here are a few things that characterise a quality yoga studio:
- Knowledgeable instructors: A great yoga studio has instructors who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in yoga. They should be able to guide students safely through the practice and offer modifications for different levels.
- Welcoming environment: A great yoga studio creates a warm and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and accepted. It promotes a sense of community, encourages connection among participants, and fosters a non-judgmental atmosphere.
- Variety: A great yoga studio offers a diverse range of classes and styles to cater to different preferences and skill levels.
- Clean space: Hygiene and a well-organised studio are crucial for providing a pleasant and safe environment for practice.
- Attention to safety: The studio needs to be free from hazards, while instructors should be trained in proper alignment and adjustments, provide clear instructions, and offer modifications to accommodate different abilities and limitations.
What are the main benefits of yoga?
Some of the main benefits of yoga include:
1. Increases flexibility
The different poses and stretches specifically target muscles that tend to be tight. Over time, with regular practice, the muscles will loosen and the range of motion will increase. This can lead to improved posture and less pain in the joints. Additionally, greater flexibility can reduce the risk of injury during other physical activities. As the body becomes more limber, it is better able to protect tendons and ligaments from strains and sprains.
2. Improves balance and coordination
One of the key benefits of yoga is that it can help to improve balance and coordination. This is because yoga requires you to use your whole body to maintain various positions. As a result, you learn how to control your muscles and move with greater precision. In addition, deep breathing which is an integral part of yoga helps to focus the mind and increase awareness of the body.
3. Reduces stress and anxiety
There are many different types of yoga, but all of them involve breathing exercises, meditation, and physical postures. The combination of these three elements helps to calm the mind and body, making it easier to cope with stress. Yoga also helps to improve sleep quality and increase energy levels, both of which are important for managing stress.
Are there different types of yoga?
There are indeed different types of yoga, each with its own unique benefits.
For example, Hatha yoga is a slower-paced form of yoga that emphasises holding poses for an extended period of time. This can help to improve flexibility and increase muscle strength.
Ashtanga yoga, on the other hand, is a more fast-paced form of yoga that includes a series of flowing movements. This can help to boost stamina and improve balance.
Bikram yoga is another type of yoga that is practiced in a heated room. This can help to loosen muscles and promote detoxification. There are many other types of yoga as well, each with its own distinct benefits.
There is also Vinyasa yoga, which is also known as power yoga, a fast-paced style that's focused on building strength and endurance.
So, whether you're looking to improve your flexibility, build muscle strength, or simply relax and de-stress, there's a type of yoga that's perfect for you.
The best yoga studios in Canberra 2024
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When looking for quality yoga studios in the Canberra region, check out our list of the best local businesses below.
Yoga For Posture
Yoga For Posture offer a combination of Scenar Therapy, Face Yoga and Yoga for posture in their two studios in Molonglo Valley and Red Hill. Their methods provide a unique approach to postural pain management that combines ancient techniques of yoga with modern technology.
As well as private and group yoga classes, Yoga For Posture also run workshops and yoga retreats to help rejuvenate both body and mind in a relaxing environment.
If you’re ready to live a pain-free life, contact the team at Yoga For Posture to schedule a consultation.
Chris Murdock left this five-star review on Google: “I’m loving these classes. There’s lots of variety and Elena is really great at tailoring to individual needs. One of my hips makes a terrible clunking sound when I move it in particular ways, but after today’s class it’s moving freely thanks to targeted stretches and poses from Elena.”
Balanced Yoga
Balanced Yoga’s welcoming and nurturing studio is nestled in the heart of ‘Old Kingston’ and provides a space where you are encouraged to leave the world at the door and just be.
They have two spaces within the studio that both provide opportunities for you to improve your health and well-being. The Lotus Room is a light filled home studio where they practice predominantly Vinyasa Flow as well as Hatha, Yin and Restorative Practice. The Buddha Room is their new upstairs space that holds Pilates, Barre and other more varied traditions.
Rebekah Fuller wrote this five star review on Google; “Best place to do yoga in Canberra. Instructors are brilliant. Yoga classes are run professionally and all staff are really friendly. Highly recommended.”
Canberra Yoga Space
Canberra Yoga Space is the ideal place for you to connect with yourself, revitalise your body, mind and spirit and to create your ideal lifestyle.
Their philosophy is built on four pillars; Namaste – the greeting and its principle informs the relationship between any two individuals within the space. Intention – the intention behind breath awareness and movement is to unlock energy pathways. Nurturing – They are proudly a nurturing space for their teachers and students. Safe – Your safety is the highest priority for Canberra Yoga Space.
Shan wrote this review on Google; “A class for everyone and everyone is welcome at CYS! I would go every day if I could, there’s so many wonderful teachers offering such a vast array of knowledge and styles. Start your self care journey and try a class!”
Kingston Yoga
Kingston Yoga is a boutique studio with an inclusive philosophy that warmly welcomes people of all types of age, fitness level and yoga experience.
They are ideally located in the new Kingsborough Village in Kingston that provides a gentle environment for your yoga journey, with their classes designed to help improve your well-being, fitness and flexibility.
On Google, Amber wrote this five star review; “The best, most welcoming yoga studio! Jem is so vibrant and inclusive. I always feel comfortable practicing here.”
Bikram Yoga Canberra
Bikram Yoga Canberra’s purpose is to create a relaxed, welcoming studio that encourages and motivates you to make health, happiness and inner peace your reality through Bikram Yoga.
Bikram Yoga, also known as hot yoga, is practiced in a heated room of 38 degrees with 40% humidity, with the heat allowing for a deep, safe stretch, while also preventing injury and flushing out unwanted toxins. The Bikram Yoga Canberra studio is for people of all ages, yoga experience and level of fitness.
Marcus Stokes wrote this review on Google; “The practice of Bikram Yoga is life changing and Bikram Yoga Canberra delivers in spades this challenging and rewarding yoga style. They are great with beginners, kind and nurturing. No pressure. You work within your limits.”
Flow Yoga Canberra
Flow Yoga Canberra was founded by certified yoga teacher Odona Farska who has over ten years of teaching experience and five global yoga teacher training courses under her belt.
The flow yoga style that she teaches combines movement with breath, in fluid sequences and is healing, non-judgmental and inclusive of all ages and fitness levels. Her gentle and compassionate personality helps create a relaxing, friendly atmosphere in her classes.
Clare O’Dwyer wrote this five star review on Google; “I have just experienced a wonderful first week at Flow Yoga Canberra. I am so happy to have found such a caring nurturing environment. The studio is a sanctuary and the teachers are angels. Thank you Flow Yoga Canberra for giving me a slice a freedom and a contented body in these challenging times.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of yoga?
There are many different types of yoga, with the seven most popular Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kundalini, Restorative and Yin. You can do some research of which style may best suit you and which yoga studio offers what types of yoga. There are also some techniques that are more for beginners, while some are more advanced so make sure you check before heading in for the class.
Are there yoga classes for beginners?
Absolutely. The best yoga studios will offer classes for people with all types of experience, including newbies. If you are only starting your yoga journey, make sure you head to the right class because you don’t want to find yourself in an advanced lesson with no prior knowledge or training.
What equipment should I bring to a yoga class?
You should definitely bring your own yoga mat, and depending on how often you intend of going to classes, it may be worthwhile spending extra to get a comfortable mat. You should also wear comfortable clothes that will stretch and also a water bottle. Some studios may provide you with equipment, but others may not.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga can offer both physical and mental benefits for people of all ages. It will help improve strength, balance and flexibility, it can ease back pain, arthritis symptoms and even benefit heart health. From a mental standpoint, yoga is known for helping people feel more relaxed, more energised and even help reduce stress. It can also be a good way of meeting new people.
Can I attend a yoga studio if I am not flexible?
Absolutely! Flexibility is not a prerequisite for practicing yoga. Yoga studios embrace individuals of all body types, fitness levels, and flexibility levels. Regular practice can improve flexibility over time, but the primary focus is on mindful movement, breath awareness, and self-acceptance.
