I love this place, yes I enjoy yoga and that is probably a prerequisite but even if you haven't…read morebeen, you might too. You never know until you try. Being a person that really feels the cold, the idea of doing yoga in a room heated to 35 degrees seemed pretty good. Classes are easily booked online, you just rock up with your yoga mat and a lot of water (they have this stuff available at the studio though if you are new or can't be bothered bringing your own). There are a variety of classes, different levels and types of yoga here and the timetables are on the website so you can take your pick. The studio itself is very nice, good showering and changing facilities. So great in fact you leave and no one would know you had just sweat out a large percentage of your body's water volume. It's a great workout, this yoga burns on average 3000kj per session! All the classes I have taken have been with Fiona, she is one of the most nicest people on the planet. During class she makes sure everyone is in the positions correctly so you really get the most out of your session and the benefits through correct positioning. If you have not tried hot yoga before, but have done yoga at room temperature give it a go, it's yoga amplified.

**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!

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.

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....

Started out great with a fantastic location - that's where it stopped being great, or even good…read more The food is average at best. The menu is pretentious, indulgent and extremely overpriced. I was furious at the size of my bill considering what we had just eaten but held my tongue so as to not explode at the staff who are actually very nice (and most likely have nothing to do with the quality of the food or it's pricing). That said, when you offer specific menu items as "can be made vegetarian" then it would help for ALL servers to be trained to explain what exactly that means. This restaurant is an example of everything that is wrong with the food industry in Auckland. I will never return.

Overpriced and pretentious! Food was alright but tiny servings. Was offered a choice of waters,…read moresaid yes to sparkling expecting it would be free as is the norm these days, it arrived and they cracked the cap on it before I could stop them. $9 for that water alone. My partner ordered a turmeric latte, trendy at the moment, however it was lukewarm and arrived too fast, they just used milk from the last coffee they made. I got the big breakfast. Each thing was tasty but when you read streaky bacon, you don't expect just one piece of bacon. Not even close to being worth $24. Great view and a lovely fit out, spoiled by a sense that they are just there to cater to the super rich. Felt unauthentic. Very disappointed.

I was thoroughly impressed with my first experience here. I came with a friend for the introductory…read morecourse, a level 2 Vinyasa class. I do practice yoga and while I do it at home I find classes are much better, you just get more out of practicing. I had been going to Bikram yoga classes for several months, I wanted to mix things up a bit and get more into the poses and building up strength in other parts of my body. This seemed like a good way to do it. The class was fun. The instructor Steve was fantastic. Very charismatic, he provided equal does of instruction with humour and personal stories throughout the session which made it way more fun. Steve both does the poses and walks around ensuring that everyone is in the poses correctly, readjusts where necessary and provides encouragement throughout the class too. Steve understands why you come, to relieve stress and to find balance and the breathing exercises focus on detoxing yourself from the negativity in your life, what ever that may be. A great class and needless to say I will be adding this to my Bikram classes and cycling.

I have been to around three different yoga studios in Auckland. I'm not an expert but then I'm not…read morea full on beginner either. The Yoga Sanctuary is my favourite of the lot. I think it's a combination of the tutors and the comfortable surroundings. I don't feel like anyone is looking at me in a weird way like I do at East West (bikram yoga) and everyone seems to be really friendly and relaxed and accommodating to your needs. I did the align and flow class one time, which I thought was a little bit boring, or easy or something. The next day I was in more muscle pain (the good kind) than I've had in years, so obviously I was wrong. Usually I go to the Level 1 Vinyasa class and I feel pretty happy about it. They mix it up a lot, which is cool for me because as soon as I start getting bored during exercising I want to go home. One other thing I think is cool, is that the tutors seem to be pretty 'normal' - they do go through a lot of the spiritual stuff when they talk, but not in a way that makes me feel like, 'oh my god these bloody hippies let's get on with it', if that makes sense.

Absolutely perfect setup! From the weights area, tennis courts to the pool…read more The staff are always very helpful and friendly. The cleanliness and support are second to none. Thanks heaps for everything you do.

This place is my personal sanctuary. I don't think I've ever looked forward to working out so much,…read morethan I do now that I have started my membership at 151. It's a calm oasis in there, with the most amazing air con and facilities you have seen in a gym. In fact I think gym is too much of a dirty word to associate with this pristine place. Because they keep a cap on membership, there is never a line for the equipment, the instructors are always on hand to dole out helpful advice and they even email to check up on you when you haven't been in for a few days. The facilities available to all members and casual members include a swimming pool, sauna room,a tennis court and a great range of weights/ exercise bikes and heaps of other exercise equipment. There are classes available too, a favourite of mine being tennis fit! And don't even get my started on the bathrooms, and the straighteners available, the shampoo/ conditioner\ bathrobes. They really have thought of everything. Why just the other day I got offered a free hour long facial and massage just for being a member. Have I tempted you yet?