I found this yoga studio about a year and half ago. I was…read moreliving on Oxford Street at the time and I just so happened to see the large sign that read YOGA on the window. I popped in to have a look and there was one person present who happened to be the studio manager. Her name was Claudia and she was so incredibly sweet and kind. She gave me a tour of the space which is stunning! The ashy wood floors and HUGE windows are welcoming and cozy. They had a small waiting room, a large yoga studio space, and rooms in the back for acupuncture, massage, and counseling, etc. It really was a holistic center more than just a place for yoga. I got the one week unlimited pass and tried all different types of classes. I also tried classes at their other studio locations. That's right, there are three in total. Another studio is located in Camp Hill and the third is in Wynnum. The Wynnum location has views of the water and you can watch the sunrise during the 6am class in winter. The classes were all fab. I've never had a bad class and I particularly loved the variety each teacher brought to the table. I have always felt nurtured and cared for when I'm in this space, and I'm thankful to have found such an incredible studio in Brisbane. They really are hard to find these days in my opinion. Inna Bliss seems to really care about the community and their students- what more can you ask for really? I highly recommend this space for an yogi, beginner or advanced, that is looking to deepen their yoga practice.

I've been practising at Yoga Den for almost 2 years now. I…read moream now very certain of these things - Dan's prices are amongst the cheapest in Brisbane, he is a dedicated business owner who teaches for many more reasons than to earn a crust, the opening hours and range of class times is unbelievably generous and the quality of Dan's teaching is 5star. Yoga Den has enhanced the quality of my life - how may businesses have you reviewed on Yelp that you can say that about?

As a Bikram devotee, I'd never tried any other forms of yoga until recently going along to a class…read moreat The Yoga Den. If you've never tried Bikram, let's just say it's at the more physically demanding end of the yoga spectrum. My experience at The Yoga Den took me to the other end of that spectrum, to a more relaxing, meditative style of class. The Yoga Den offers a number of different classes and the one I happened to go to was for beginners. If you've never tried yoga before this would be a good place to start, to gain an idea of the basic poses. For someone looking to work up more of a sweat, like myself, the "general" class at The Yoga Den may be a better option. Regardless of your level, it's a pleasant studio with plenty of windows to let the breezes in. Unfortunately, there are no mirrors so it can be hard to know if you're achieving the poses correctly. It's also quite a small studio--classes would fill up with about 15 people. A plus, however, is that mats and other yoga accessories are provided, so just bring yourself, some water and a positive state of mind. Note: classes run 7 days a week. Check website for timetable.

If you walk into a Bikram yoga studio for the first time, as I did not long into '12 as part of my…read morehealthy living-themed New Year's resolutions, the first thing you notice is the smell. At first your brain can't identify it as good or bad, just odd. Then the ephemeral veil of sandalwood incense wears off and you wise up to the fact that you are smelling is toxic human secretions. Ew. But you've heard the hype: it's SO good for you, you'll never sleep so well, it'll give you superpowers, Adonis DNA... etcetera. Skeptical? Just look at the portraits of the what looks like Bollywood strongmen (presumably Bikram's founder/s) straddling tigers on the wall -- they look pretty on top of things... I fill in the form and begin my induction with a zealous Russian lady Svetlana who will be my instructor today. Have I done Bikram before? Well not strictly speaking, but I have done a different "hot yoga" based in Kangaroo Point. Svetlana doesn't seem to give this too much credence. Bikram isn't just a generic 'type' of yoga -- it's a brand, a way of life even for some who swear by it. Cult might be going too far, but their are some of the characteristics i.e. the idolising tiger portraits. * A few housekeeping matters you should be aware of if you're thinking of giving it a try: 1. Wear comfortable, flexible clothing, but avoid excess fabric (which will become completely drenched with sweat). Also bring a towel and mat (if you have one), or otherwise you will have to pay to rent these items. 2. Bring a decently sized bottle of water. It will be your magic elixir that will get you through the ordeal you are undertaking (I forgot to do this and instead paid $3 for a large bottle). 3. Avoid bringing your valuables into the studio because there are no lockers and you can only bring your towel and water into the hot room. 4. When you go into the class for the first time you should line up your mat at the back of the room, so you can look to more experienced Bikram-ers for guidance (plus they'll call you out by name and make sure you are appropriately positioned). Also, sometimes they open the windows at the back of the room which offers some respite from the oppressive yet enervating heat. And then the torture begins. I won't go into all the specifics of the postures, suffice to say they get through most of the strenuous ones at the beginning of the 90-minute session (that's right, 90 minutes) and that the latter half has more of the sitting down, flexibility enhancing ones. But what would be quite relaxing "on dry land" becomes decidedly difficult under the 40+ degree rays of the overhead heat lamps. The first drops of sweat start to drop before the end of the opening breathing exercise and don't let up for the rest of the ordeal. Because it would be easy to lose your drive if not properly motivated, the instructors are equipped with microphone headsets to ensure you get the most out of your practice. Svetlana was indeed a harsh task-mistress, with her amplified banter at times sounding like the commentary for a Russian horse-race. She also came out with some real motivational gems, e.g. this in relation to the benefits of the practice: "You'll be bullet-proof, water-proof, money-proof, sex-proof!" I don't know if that's a good thing or not but the euphoric buzz I experienced after the session was definitely worth it. I even went the next day, but didn't make the hat-trick, ruling out my chances of winning the Month Challenge (if you go everyday for a whole month you get a free month's membership: at over $100/month it might be worth it). Namaste.

Bikram Yoga is torture. Hot, sweaty, nauseating, smelly torture. But there's something about it…read morethat keeps you coming back for more. It's the jelly-like, just-stretched-every-muscle-in-my-body, super relaxed feeling you get after doing it. And the feeling you get the next day when you're standing that little bit taller and feeling that little bit more nimble. Torture doesn't get much better than this and the "Gabba Torture Chamber", as they call it, is a great place to begin your addiction. Owners Maddy and Ben have practiced Bikram all over the world and have settled in Brisbane to run their own studio. Whilst the practice of Bikram is the same world-wide, studios differ from place to place. There are two studios in Brisbane that I've practiced in--this one at East Brisbane and one in Bardon. Between the two, the Gabba studio would have to be my preference. For those who've experienced the hour and a half Bikram session before, you'll know how hot and sweaty that room gets. There's something about the structure of the room at the Gabba that's slightly more forgiving; I think it may be that it has an arched ceiling, whereas the room in Bardon has a low, level ceiling that seems to trap the heat and humidity. Whilst the idea is to be hot, I've found the Bardon room to be a little unbearable. Structural comparisons aside, Maddy and Ben create a lovely sense of community in their studio by making the effort to get to know their regular patrons. Not convinced about the benefits to be had from Bikram? Take out the introductory offer for $20 and go to as many sessions as you like within 7 consecutive days. You may just find yourself signing up for more "torture" at the end of it!

After one two-hour workshop with Amanda at Soho Yoga in Newmarket, I'm keen as a bean to come back…read morefor their timetabled Yin classes. The studio is a convenient walk from Windsor train station and there's ample street parking surrounding the studio if you drive. The space is clean, calm and a truly supportive place to dedicate to your practice - whether you're just beginning or are a seasoned yogi. I felt the most supported in my new practice than I have at other studios. Amanda was generous with her knowledge and patient in helping all of us get the best from the workshop. As is common now days you can book your classes in advance online but I do believe they also have walk-in availability.

Great local yoga place in the suburbs. I love that it offers pregnancy yoga, as well as a new mums…read more& bubs class, and kids yoga classes. The instructors are knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly. Definitely pop by to give them a try.

Cultivate offer 5 classes for $30 for first-timers, which is such a great deal. A friend and I have…read moresigned up and are attending the beginners class on the weekend regularly. The teacher has been great and it is definitely a beginners class - she lets us know how to make it harder or easier, which I definitely appreciate and makes me feel comfortable. There is lots of street parking around (Or at least there is on a Sunday morning, don't quote me on other days) and its a 5 minute walk down to some cafes after if you're looking to undo all your hard work. Also, mat hire is free. Awesome!

I have actually been going to Cultivate Calm for 12 months now. I'm amazed at this because I rarely…read morestick to any form of exercise for that long!! I will continue to come because: I did the beginners course and learnt a lot, I am so happy that I am now more flexible and strong, I always feel welcomed but never feel invaded when I go to class, I'm definitely calmer!, I want to continue practicing yoga without wankiness, I like the variation, the timetable suits. Give this space a go, you'll feel at home before you know it

Wonderful yoga studio…read more The instructors here really make this place special, along with the very wide variety of classes offered. My most favourite class is the Practice Lab- I realised this was for me when 5 minutes into 10 minutes of handstand/headstand practice I it occurred to me that a room full of grow ups were kicking it together, listening to good tunes, helping each other, playing and smiling. Can you find better vibes and a better group of fellow yogis? I think not! The class schedule allows for a variety of levels, and the instructors are excellent about helping to make modifications to get you into the right pose for your body, flexible and inflexible bits all taken into consideration! Large practice space with nice clean floors and lots of extra mats, blocks, blankets and straps. Lovely and quiet, such an escape from the nearby bustle. Sure to bring you so much calm. (And, it's a quick dash to Brew- bonus if you want to caffeinate your zen state!) Namaste.

I was put onto Shri by my wife, who has been practising here for a few years, and finally made it…read morein for my first class. LOVED IT! The staff are super nice and accommodating, the studio is lit to perfection and has plenty of space. I have been a few times now and every instructor has brought something unique to the practise. I will be back for more as the Lunchtime Express class suits my work schedule perfectly :)

Bikram Yoga isn't for everyone. I did an introductory course at the Capalaba studio and the first…read moretime I did the 90 minute session in the heated room I felt stretched to the limit; sweat dripped from me and I needed to drink lots and lots of water. You can't leave this place without cooling down and showering. It took all my willpower to get into the hot room again. I did, and by the third session I was very proud of myself for handling the very precise postures more proficiently; there was no doubt I felt cleansed and strong. All but one of the instructors were very welcoming and encouraging and there was a great camaraderie among the class members. I didn't keep it up, but may return one day when I have the time and commitment. The Capalaba studio is lovely, it's clean and woody and smells great except when everyone's sweating it out in the heat room. If you're into yoga, and want to stretch further, the heat will facilitate this. If you want to cleanse and lost weight, likewise the heat will help. It's no picnic, but the sense of self achievement is astounding; I felt like I'd made it to the top of a mountain after each class, but not for the faint hearted.

I am a relative newcomer to hot yoga, starting in my 60s, but everyone at Harlow has been really…read morewelcoming and supportive. No pressure, no posturing. I've been encouraged to develop at my own pace and I'm really enjoying it. Nice space, easy to get to and good value for money

Harlow Hot Pilates and Yoga is in the backstreets of Newstead and I was excited to hear that they…read morewere now offering their Harlow D (aka Deep Stretch Yoga) class on a Sunday afternoon. They offer a range of classes - both yoga and pilates - and all in the infra red heated room. Registering online was easy and they use the MindBody Online system meaning you can also schedule classes from your desktop or the app. Like any experience there is pros and cons. So, the pros: - The infrared heating really is gentle and for me, my preferred hot yoga temp. It's more like a warm and cosy heat than an overwhelming "I'm on fire" temperature. - The Harlow D class is the perfect deep stretch for overworked muscles and just a gentle way to sign off the weekend - As newbies (we went in a group of 4) we were made super welcome to the Harlow gang. And the cons? - They're not in a huge space and if you happen to be heading into a class when one class ends the locker room can get a little crowded. This isn't something that really alters your experience but just more of an FYI. - Compared to other classes I've been to there wasn't as much instruction to help with poses and such from the instructor.