Do you enjoy physical pursuits that bring you to the edge of your endurance? Think nothing of…read moresuppressing the need to, for instance, throw up in order simply to not let hard-core exercise win? Feel as if a little masochism isn't beyond your pleasure? Then don't read on and get your ass down to this yoga studio. On the other hand, do you think yoga should be energising but in a relaxing way? Enjoy being warm but draw the line at exercising with blow heaters at your back, maintaining a tropical temperature? Like a calm vibe to your yoga class, and experiencing your teacher as your friend, as opposed to drill sergeant? If so, read on. Because, no surprises, I'm of the latter camp. But that in itself isn't a reason to give a poor-star rating. And, in fairness, judging by the numbers who attend the classes there, clearly many would disagree with me. To me, though, the whole attitude that prevails here is just not very yoga. I don't get it. There's the hard-sell approach that greets you, urging you to take up the special opening offer on three classes before you complete the first, but which is withheld after that first class - presumably because they think you're more likely to run and not come back unless you've made the big commitment. And they may well be right, but so what? Yoga isn't pushy, or at least it shouldn't be. I found the 40 degree heat way too much, not helped by the horrendous smell in the carpeted, blow-heatered room, which fills up with people numerous times daily who understandably excrete inordinate amounts of sweat, but oh the results. It's tummy-turning and, in a heat-retention at all costs environment, there's no chance of a window opening between classes to introduce a little fresh air either. Around half way through the first hour and a half class, the dizziness and nausea came washing over me like a river of tar, and I made for the door. A hand appeared outstretched in front of me. It seemed to be pointing to the floor. It was attached to a person who seemed to be regarding me as a dog, issuing a stern non-verbal instruction to me to, what, get back into a four-legged position? No, to kneel down? I pointed, to my stomach, made the international 'I'm going to puke' facial-pout. Down, girl, down, came the signalled response. I did as bid and knelt. The blow-heater rounded on me again, this time more viciously than before. Followed by another crashing wave of nausea. Dots soared in front of my eyes. Before things went really belly up, I did the unthinkable. I ignored my master's instructions and bolted for the door, practically whining. Out I went, into the non-soup world of ample CO2. I gulped it in, head firmly between knees. The nausea slowly subsided. The dots settled and the haze began to clear. The brain is a funny thing. How quickly it forgets. Re-positions itself. Calls into question the very things it held so certain, a short time ago, in changed circumstance. Calls you a wuss and a pussy for your lack of endurance when minutes before it begged you to break with the deluded collective consciousness that defined what was happening as health-inducing in any small way. Three minutes later and back in I headed, ready to endure the walk of shame to my matted position in the far end of room smelly. But wait. The hand was stretching out before me again. Stop, it said. Move no further. It remained outstretched. I was to stay just inside the door. The class continued for a couple more minutes, before the same hand beckoned me back to my small patch, accompanied by a strongly disapproving look. Oh, the shame. I averted my eyes, dropped my head, and did as bid. I sweated it out hanging in there till the last awful minute, and left with my tail firmly between my legs. I realised afterwards that I'd inadvertently committed the number one bikram sin - I'd walked out during a class. Less a sin because it pointed to my innate and disgraceful wussness, though that too, but ultimately because I did the unthinkable and introduced a waft of cooler air into the white heat, presumably endangering the whole masochistic status quo in one swift moment of reprieve. I did prove myself a masochist, though, if a haypenny place one on the grand scale, as I returned once more. But this time, when I walked away, I was free from any lingering sense of failure or wuss-shame. I just knew it wasn't for me. For chrissake, lying back in a recliner armchair in 40 degree heat isn't for me, why would completing the yoga equivalent of a Continental marathon in high summer be? Lots of people love it - the kinds I suspect that do run marathons, think nothing of completing triathlons before brekkie on a Sunday, and don't feel they've done something useful on holiday until they've conquered a mountain that involves taking breathing drugs for the top bit. But I'm not one of them, and the Elbow Room in Dublin 7 is now my best yoga friend.

I feel exactly like the last reviewer…read more I just went for a class today and was met by a cold male receptionist who then doubled up as our yoga teacher. No questions were asked when I went in such as have you previously done yoga? Bikram yoga? The class level was not explained or any other details other than there is the dressing room and you need to sign up now for 30 days unlimited yoga lessons for €49. I like the previous reviewer thought the blow heaters in your face was the newest form of torture (and I can endure heat), the lesson was thought in military style and not an enjoyable experience. I walked out early too! It would really make you question where these yoga teachers have been trained! I have been to the Elbow room for Bikram yoga and it was a much more enjoyable experience. I have also done yoga in India etc but Fairview Bikram yoga had no spiritual aspect too it. I had never been to a yoga class where there is no meditation/relaxation at the start. So all in all it was more like extreme exercise in a roasting hot room. Like been in a Chinese laundry! The downfall is now I have spent €49 on it. They really need to review the manner they teach yoga and the professionalism of the staff! Look around before paying this amount of money is my advise.

Ok this is more of a 3.5 than a 3, but I have to talk about the reception staff here. Surely…read moreensconced within the 'receptionist' role, is a warm RECEPTION for your guests? Those who pay the bills? Each time I've come in here, I've had one gripe or another. Either they are too busy chatting amongst themselves to say hello or goodbye, or they're just not super arsed in being friendly. I get that they're busy, but this is not a cheap gym by any stretch of the imagination so it would be nice to be received with a bit more courtesy. I arrived today at 1.42pm to register for spinning class at 2pm. They say that registration opens 15 mins before each class, so despite being there and ready to go, the receptionist turned to another spinner and I telling us we'd have to wait to register. Now this isn't some high tech scenario on a computer that literally doesn't open til the set time - it's jotting your name down on a piece of paper. I would like to say in full disclosure that the receptionist was tending to someone else at the time, but if she had enough time to turn to us and tell us we'd have to wait til quarter to for signing our name, surely she'd have had enough time to pass us the registration paper. Thankfully which is what another staff member did, once he heard the comment from his colleague. It took him about 0.2 seconds to pass us the sheet. A bit of common sense wouldn't go astray in situations like this. I'm still a major fan of this gym and most of the staff so far have been great, but it would be great if there was a bit less of a "Computer Says Noooooo" attitude in here (What an episode that was!)

I need to update this review with major news!…read more After a hard training, I usually go as far as the shower and don't even take the time to dry my hair before I go home. This time I felt like pushing my boundaries, wearing my bikini in public, and going to the spa. 1* For the spa: It's called spa but it's basically a huge swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, a jaccuzzi, and tropical showers - meaning different water temperature. The place is warm - not too warm ! - and clean. I have a bit of an OCD when it comes to hygiene and this place has my stamp of approval. 1* For the sauna: Dry heat as you would expect. The interior is made of wood and the heat place is made of stones. There are 3 different levels and - of course - as the heat goes up the highest seats are warmer. It's not too hot so you can have a good sweat. Don't stay too long though and do not wear jewelry - you will get burnt. 1* For the showers: I love to alternate sauna / medium heat shower to cold / steam room. Some people like to take a cold shower right away but I don't appreciate the extreme change in temperature. I go for medium heat shower and possibly cold after that, it has to be step by step. 1* For the steam room: What a great sensation to be in a steam room! The heat and humidity is no overwhelming and that's a plus. You can't stay very long - as per usual - but you can still handle a good moment. Also there is an ambiance music played in the room to help fully relax. This place is a treat ! You eliminate the bad toxines in your body, you work on your breathing system, and you relax all at once. I haven't tried the swimming poor nor the jaccuzzi but that should happen very soon. 1* For the hair dryer: OMG Those hair dryers are so amazing it only take a few minutes to get my hair completely dry. And my hair is long to my waist. And not easily cooperative when it comes to drying! I need to take a picture of how everything is set up, but in short you can find 4/5 hair dryers and 1 hair straightener along a long mirror. You have space to put your brush or other hair/make-up products and get ready. Even when it's busy girls always make space for one another. Very friendly changing room ! 1* For the free trial: I asked for a few trial tickets for my boyfriend. They couldn't give any because this gets sent from the headquarter. At first I thought it was a bummer but then I remembered that a couple of months ago I received free trial tickets by post and a 5 day pass as well ! Should I remove a star ? It's true there should be more flexibility on that aspect but on the other hand they send a lot of incentives by post. I leave this star for now :D 1* For the beauty centre: Today I noticed a new poster in the entrance promoting a new beauty centre. Opening soon facilities for waxing, semi-permanent make-up, manicure, and pedicure. There was something else but I don't remember... Anyway, depending on the price I might want to take a look and report to my fellow yelpers :) That's all for now. Let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them ! #yelpmeplease #eliteyelper #yelp

First time at a reformer class & didn't know what to expect. Viv was very informative &…read moreprofessional, taking the time to engage & make sure my form was correct. As a beginner I would definitely recommend attending Viv's class as she is incredible at what she does & makes the class enjoyable while ensuring a good workout. I was sceptical if it would be for me due to injuries but with the right coaching I didn't have any issues. I will definitely be a regular & I am looking forward to my next class. Thanks Viv

Ok so I've been looking for a yoga studio that I REALLY like in Dublin for quite some time. They're…read morealways either too smelly or too regimented or too fake or have terrible schedules or not enough choice. Enter the Elbow Room. It's not quuiite five star (purely because the classes don't fit exactly to my schedule, so I'd prefer if there were a few more to choose from), but it's very nearly there. Firstly, it's in a very old building that's been renovated nicely, in that bit of Dublin that's kinda Smithfield, kinda Stoneybatter. There's something about the approach to the building that instills a calm in me already - there's nothing more off-putting than trying to get your zen on in a community hall or office block. The calm continues inside with nice homely decor, and an overriding sense of tranquility (candles and insence are great aren't they!) Then there is the range of classes available. Everything from Vinyasa Flow to Hatha, Ashtanga and Hot Yoga. As I said, it would be great if they had a choice of one of these per day - they are spread out over the week - so this won't be the studio for you if you want to do only one type per day. There is also a free vege lunch if you attend one of the day time classes. The classes that I've been to so far have generally had about 15 people in them, so it's never been too crowded. I've also not had a teacher that I haven't rated highly. This is all after just a few weeks in this spot, so come back for the re-review in a few months time, but for now, I'm zenned up like a *&*%^!

If you're into sports, you'll probably know that Yoga and Pilates will help improve your…read moreperformance and make you feel stronger and walk taller. Bodyfirm Yoga offer Yoga and Pilates classes in a very nice, clean studio in the Park Shopping Centre. I sometimes come here for classes and the reformer classes with Joe are a proper workout! The instructors are very friendly and helpful- I can't count the times they've had to help me bend into the poses because I didn't get it on my own. All in all, if you like Yoga or just want to add to your workout routine, I can recommend Bodyfirm.

From the owner: BODYFIRM Studio's offer boutique style group and personal training with an emphasis on health and…read morewellbeing. We offer a wealth of coach supervised group classes in Pilates, and Velocity HIIT [high intensity interval training] for fat and inch loss. Transformation 30, our 30 day Transformation Package runs year round to assist you to change not only how you look but how you feel. Learn how to train, eat and balance your hormones to have a healthier, fitter more energetic you. It does not matter who you are or how you feel we have a program that will suit you.

Highly recommend Lakiko Aromatherapy. Nicoletta's expert hands and tailor-made blend of essential…read moreoils do magic. Nicoletta carefully selects the right oils based on your preferences, needs and what you need to heal, then lets you choose the blend that most feels right. All in all the massage is a incredible experience. I've also tried the night cream for oily skin and am truly impressed at how my skin feels soft and hydrated in the morning, yet not greasy. If you're looking for all natural bodycare products, this is the place to get them.

From the owner: At Lakiko Aromatherapy we specialize in aromatherapy massage, natural skin care products and yoga…read more Aromatherapy is the use of concentrated plant-derived aromatic oils (essential oils) for health and wellbeing purposes. Below are just a few examples of the active ingredients naturally occurring in essential oils and their effects, which have been extensively researched: Ethers: anti-depressant and relaxing; Terpenes: bactericidal, antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant; Esters: fungicidal and relaxing; Aldehydes: sedative and anti-inflammatory; Alcohols: stimulating and uplifting. Generally speaking, essential oils bring emotional and physical balance, stimulating the ability of the body to produce what it needs to reach its optimal status (homeostasis). The best way to enjoy and benefit from essential oils is certainly through massage. During a brief consultation, a professional aromatherapist will recommend the oils most suitable for you based on your needs and objectives at that particular time. The oils chosen are then mixed in a blend and diluted in a carrier oil used in the massage. Massage alone has numerous proven benefits, such as relieving back and neck pain or muscular tension, helping in reducing stress, increasing the production of "happy" hormones (oxytocin and serotonin), decreasing the production of "stress" hormones (adrenalin and cortisol), and the list goes on.

I'm gonna go five stars on this one. I'm not a squatter but I do appreciate this place being…read moresomewhat accessible amongst other things. It's hard to qualify this place as a "squat" per se because it seems cleaner and more public than other squats I've chanced upon. I dropped by for a music workshop that was listed on their site as happening at 7:00, but it actually started at 8:00. When it did commence, it seemed like 5 people or so gathered in to do something that didn't involve a t.v. or laptop computer. Yeah, you read it here first. Take that, Ethan Kath. There is a comfortable Miss Havisham's mansion type atmosphere there ( this used to be Neary's hotel I believe) and the people seemed very easy going. An older gentleman came in with me, and one of the people there seemed to have no problem answering question upon question and tolerated an endless stream of banter.....could be an Irish thing? I don't know. Tea was available. They were polite and I believe that's a big plus for a place that requires no (as far as today) admission prices or monies for services. That being said I wouldn't go here for an indie Starbucks or angry YMCA yoga experience... Do go here to interact with human beings that have probably read more than one non-fiction book within the span of a year and to experience a sense of community based in anarchist priniples. They also have a shaz load of books so you could probably get away with just getting some tea and looking at a book if you're a total hermit and don't like talking to people.

There's nothing else like this in Dublin. It's an autonomous social centre run democratically by…read morevolunteers, right in the middle of town. There's a vegan café, bike workshop, various gigs, infoshop/library, free computer room, and loads of other stuff going on. The atmosphere is good-natured and down-to-earth. Political posters, paintings, banners, and graffiti abound. It's run by anarchists, and it's a friendly place for women, LGBT people, migrants, and other people who are marginalised in this society. It's a bit of a culture shock but that's a large part of what makes it so interesting. The whole ethos of the place is about people treating each other as equals. It's not about spending money. Everything is done by donation. There's a 'free shop' where you can take whatever you want for free and donate what you want. You're bound to meet some cool/interesting people there.

Enjoyed an amazing Aerial Yoga class with Sara!…read more She accommodated myself and a group of people from work for a private introductory class; it was way more than I expected and her instruction makes it very easy to follow along with her help, if you need it to reach the pose. Within 10 mins, all in our group had successfully got into the inversion and it was surreal. Trying to give us a flavour for all that Aerial Yoga has to offer, she had us move from one pose to the next; some more intricate that others but overall nothing was too difficult that we could't all complete it. I felt great during the class, the closing out mediation, we cocooned ourselves in the hammock and with the hammock softly moving side to side, I really enjoyed that time out, I definitely don't do enough of this in my life. I would recommend Sara and this class to anybody, if only as a once off, you will truly enjoy trying something completely different. Sara runs courses of 6 weeks our of 1Escape Fitness in Smithfield; her classes are once a week for 6 weeks and cost for non-members of the gym is €75 (€65 if you are a gym member) this is excellent value and I'm looking forward to joining Sarah on her next 6 week course.

I Would give this class a 10 star rating if I could!…read more To start AntiGravity Yoga is a fitness regime designed to increase one's overall health and physical agility while also being fun and relaxing! As a first timer I was unsure what to expect but the instructor Sara made us all feel very comfortable and had us handing upside in no time. Sara has a very good positive vibe about her, which I loved it means me relax straight away! The Hammock is a structural fabric that is connected from two overhead hooks in the ceiling It acts like a swing or soft trapeze. The class was very relaxing with aroma sticks burning and tranquil music playing. I will be signing up for a full 6 week course as I feel wonderful after this class and had a great nights sleep!