I used to think yoga was placid, laid-back stretching which didn't require much physical strain…read more How wrong I was. When I first gave it a go, it was very frustrating because many of the poses require far more strength, balance and flexibility than you would assume. But as with anything else, practice makes perfect. And after a few years, I was quite proud of my flexible prowess from regular yoga practice. Alas, as time became limited in my busy life and the lust for a strong body was less at the forefront of my priorities, I fell out of practice. And I fell hard. If I wasn't out partying with friends, I sat idle at a desk with a computer or lethargic in front of the television. Oh, and I gained about 25 pounds. Then I heard about a 10 day challenge at The Yoga Lounge, a hot yoga studio comprising of three studios that offer yoga, Pilates and a workshop for everything from martial arts, performing arts and exhibitions. It's a state of the art facility on Deansgate that uses radiant heat to warm your body, a gentle heat similar to that used in incubators for babies. Don't get me wrong, it get hot. Real hot. A few minutes into the first class, I thought 'this is waaaay out of my league' but I kept going...bending, twisting and balancing (or wobbling, if I'm honest) as the sweat poured off my body. I was perspiring in places I didn't even know were on my body. But this sweat was detoxing my insides, which is exactly what I needed. As class came to an end, I felt like I had accomplished something important for my health. And so I came back. As each class passed, my strength and flexibility improved ever so slightly much to my delight. By the fifth class, people started asking what I was doing different to my skin. Others were saying I was looking slimmed down. I have to admit, I suspected there was difference in my skin and body shape, only to poo-poo the idea as wishful thinking. But clearly, others were seeing what I was seeing. 7 days into the challenge, I found I was able to participate in virtually the entire class, doing some of the poses that I couldn't even attempt in the first few sessions. I was sleeping like a baby at night, and actually started to give a toss about what I was eating and making sure I drank enough water. And so that brings us to today, the 10th day of my challenge. I've lost 5 lbs and 3% body fat. My clothes feel much looser, and I'm starting to fit back in to my 'skinny clothes'. There seems to be a naughty glint in hubby's eyes when he looks at me lately, which is always a bonus. All this after only 10 days is remarkable. But the most important thing is it's gotten back on track to taking care of myself....mostly because I want to look really good in my 'skinny clothes'.

The beauty of The Yoga Lounge is that they are offering something slightly different from bikram…read moreyoga - as the classes don't follow the traditional 26 poses. I feel as though classes are lot more organic, allowing the teachers to really work with the class - I swear I'm making progress already in my first two weeks! The teachers are really great, I love the variety, as each practitioner has their own flows and style of teaching. Everyone is super friendly and happy to give tips and advice after classes too. Specialising in hot yoga, the classes last between 60-75 minutes and at the moment they have three classes per day with two a day at the weekends. They also offer hot pilates, which is a great workout for your core. And plan to open a full pilates studio in the next month or so with Stott pilates, reformer and GYROTONIC® classes. It's a great set up, really well designed space and the hot room itself is a nifty piece of kit - using heat panels on the roof that allows for continual fresh air and a germ free environment to practice in (or I've been told it's something along these lines). There's an online booking system to ensure you get onto the class you want. The evening practices book up pretty quickly, but the lunchtime hour always has a few free spaces. Each class has a waiting list and for every wait list I have been on so far, I've been offered a space in the class. This is a more modern yoga alternative that fits really easily into a busy lifestyle, uniquely balanced to help improve both your fitness and inner calm.

A fantastic & reasonably priced yoga school in south Manchester…read more This small school offers not just yoga but Pilates, yogacise, meditation and various massage treatments. I attend the Hatha yoga on a Monday and Wednesday which, for me, is the best yoga class in Manchester. The school is on the top floor of the shops next to the Amblehurst Hotel. The studio entrance is located around the back of the row of shops and up some stairs at the far end. There is parking just around the corner in a car park or a few spaces on the road to the left of the studio as you look at it. There are classes are on most days now as well as workshops and treatment sessions. The interior of the studio consists of a treatment room and entrance with tea making facilities and a coat & shoe rack then the the main studio towards the front. The interior is lovely, beautifully decorated and calming. The classes are very reasonably priced compared to other yoga in Manchester. They are slightly shorter but I find this fits in perfectly with my work/life balance! Head to the website to see the full class timetable and for more details.

Having been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/ME/Fibromyalgia I was eager to find some form…read moreof exercise that could help by keeping me mobile without putting pressure on my joints. Sophie was great and easy to talk to about my needs and didn't put pressure on me to attend but feeling so comfortable with her led to me attending just one session and it's the best thing I've done for my condition. I feel relaxed and invigorated when we've finished, the rest of the attendees are great, non-judgemental and of different levels. I would thoroughly recommend Sophie and Red Sky Yoga.

I've started my course now and I am very pleased with it. The teaching is good, the equipment…read moreexcellent - I feel no urge to bring my own mat next time - and the room was warmer this time and with a good positive vibe. I learnt a new pose and new variation, which I'm pleased about after 12 years of yoga practice. There was a nice yoga nidra session (exploratory yoga for the mind) and an interesting concept of writing down your emotions in adjectives, before, during and after practice. Only downer is that the class could have used some music, it was again a little hard to be in the zone with the heavy street traffic outside the window.

Since discovering V1ntage back in January 2012 I have dropped 2 stone. Originally I only intended…read moreto do one or two classes but I now attend classes at least 5 times a week! V1ntage is for people who don't do gyms and I love the ethos of the place. It really is a great community and very welcoming too. The timetable is varied with everything from vinyasa yoga to spinning and zumba. My favourite class at the moment is bums, legs and tums which has elements of a core strengthening and circuit class. While challenging I enjoy every class I do at V1ntage and they have a great team of instructors who will make you feel welcome. The weekend workshops such as endurance spin and spin yoga are fantastic. They also have kettle bell and Kombat classes. It's a bargain considering I pay less than £30 a month and can do as many classes as I want to. In addition there is no joining fee or contract which means you can basically cancel whenever you like. I throughly recommend V1ntage to anyone in Bolton.

I popped in as someone who has little knowledge around Buddhism but looking to find out more…read more The woman behind the desk was a massive help and was so welcoming after explaining my situation. I bought a couple of books to read through which the lady recommended and asked me to have a glance through in the cosey set up they have around the corner before I purchased anything. I also got offered a brew, which was nice! They had a brilliant selection of books and Buddhist items in the store which I'd recommend you all check out, with some second hands books aswell. Overall I'd recommend the centre to anyone who is looking at learning more about Buddhism or if your already past that point. Went around 1pm and was a lot of welcoming people in the back who were happy to have a chat. Sadly I didn't go to any meditation classes, but it won't be long until I do!

Manchester Buddhist Centre has been teaching Buddhism and meditation in Manchester since 1977,…read moretheir current location in Manchester's Northern Quarter is a short walk from Shude Hill Metro station. It is a vibrant and very modern urban oasis providing a much needed haven of calm for our City. The centre is laid out over four floors, the basement floor is a Vegetarian cafe and juice bar, the other floors provide space for the shop, meditation and Buddhist practises and teachings. The great thing about the centre is that anyone can come in and try out one of the classes, natural treatments and therapies or Buddhism courses. I went here with my best friend to try out some meditation, the environment in itself is calming and peaceful as soon as you walk in, after talking to the kind receptionist we decided to go in for some breathing meditation, the idea was that we would pick up some tips on remaining calm and focused. The class was easily picked up on, and I did not feel out of place or unsure of what I should be doing for the whole session. It was worth a million times over the amount I paid for the session.... and taught me (over time) a lot about myself... really, just from those few precious hours! I went with an open mind, without any prior experience or expectations and I left willing to look into the basic tenets of Buddhist teachings, which are..... nothing is fixed or permanent, actions have consequences and .... change is possible.

Inner Space Meditation & personal development centre, a free community…read moreinitiative courses to help you relax easily, live harmoniously, work calmly, think deeply.

This is a good gym with a good atmosphere. Plenty of equipment, great classes and a nice pool…read more The downside is trying to book onto classes. They are invariably booked up. Very frustrating. Parking can also be tricky and time consuming.

Everyone is aware of the excellent quality of gym service by Virgin Active and it needs to further…read moreintroduction! This Parrs Wood branch woes you away like any other and makes you believe that the membership fees were worth every penny. They're obviously stocked with the latest equipment and there might not be a single machine that you might want and they don't have. They also have a wonderful swimming pool and steam suana room to help you relax after that intensive workout! I love the sunbeds here too! It comes well packed with a cafe with internet access and makes your day a well spent one.

Been a member of this gym for a few months now. I was previously member of LA Fitness. I only left…read moreLA Fitness as membership expired and instead of renewing, decided it was time for a change. Nothing wrong with LA Fitness. Pure Gym has benefits that it's pretty cheap and open 24 hours. Also it's bigger than LA Fitness so almost always able to get on treadmill. It lacks the personal touch though since u join online. None of the members of staff have ever said Hi. That's what I miss from LA Fitness. Staff would say hello now and then and being a smaller gym, got to recognise other members who went at similar times and say hi etc Not done any classes or even induction yet. As a member u do have various offers like money off hair cuts from certain places.

Great gym that has everything you need... except a swimming pool/steam room/sauna…read more It also contains the usual suspects on, pretty much, all the free weights and smith machines. There is also no PT's available to get advice for free