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.

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.

I used to do Barre classes in San Fran so I was stoked when I heard that Marysa was opening a…read morestudio here. Located above Richmond Road, the studio is open and light with a gorgeous view out west. As for the class itself, don't let the description fool you - it's hard! I'm always amazed at how such small movements can make your legs (or arms) shake so uncontrollably. As for co-ordination, you don't need it....well, not really. You do use a ballet barre but it is surprisingly unballetic bar the pointing and flexing of toes. Marysa is doing a 2 for 1 offer at the moment and also an introductory $150 unlimited month so if you looking for a new regime heading into Summer I'd definitely recommend giving this a go

I was so lucky to have the chance to join in on a studio class recently, meet Marysa who is so…read morefriendly and made me feel excited and happy. The class combines, yoga, Pilates and barre work, and from the warmup to the workout and finally the relaxing stretch out at the end, your heart is pumping away and your body reaping its toning rewards. I along with my good friend, glanced over at each other, not knowing what we were in for, but never daring to slow down. I really love the tempo and movement of the class it was as though we were in our very own dance routine workout. I always like a good music soundtrack, and I definitely approve of the song choices, all very current dance tracks. The studio is very easy to find up some stairs from a well signed Barrefigure at 166 Richmond rd. Parking was not hard to find at all across the road. Inside the studio, carpet lines the studio floor which faces floor to ceiling mirrors, and to the other side is Marysa sign in desk/reception and a block of cubby holes perfect for storing away your bag etc. Views out the window, to glimpse as I noticed during workout a beautiful church up on Ponsonby rd. This is the definite winner of a class for women, it targets all those areas we want toned up and perky- abs,thighs,and bum of course! I want to be back in soon for this amazing class as the feeling of revival and stamina I got from just one class I am actually begging for more!

I enjoyed going to a Kettlebells class here. The facilities are nice. I can only speak for women's…read morebathroom. There are three showers and also hairdryers and curling wand. The lockers already have keys so you just need to bring it into the studio with you. I suggest bringing your own towel (for shower) otherwise it costs $2 to hire. I'm a fan and will probably try to come to more classes. I think the only thing I would have liked is if our form was checked/corrected. I honestly based my movements on what others in the class were doing vs what was actually best for the workout. Some people were bending knees, some people weren't. So I'm not sure what was actually the best form.

From the owner: SALA is located in the heart of Ponsonby in a refurbished factory, the perfect home for the gym…read morethat combines fitness and design. SALA is more than just sweating, it was born from our desire to create impactful experiences, community and healthy habits. We believe working out should never feel like a chore, thats why we designed a gym with a diverse timetable and contract free-drop in classes taught by expert trainers. We have over 30 classes a week to choose from, so we can be as flexible as you are.

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.

Get Toned - get to Bikram Yoga East and West! This really is…read moreYoga with a twist! 26 Yoga Postures in a heated room to allow for that deeper stretch. It lasts an hour and a half and really will get you into shape. Not for the faint hearted though. Purchase 3 sessions for only $20 to see if it suits you. Then if you like it you can purchase a pass to suit your lifestyle with 20% off your first pass. I love this. It may sound like a hefty period out of your schedule, but it really is worth the time. You will notice your body shape improves, your skin tone feels softer, your sleep is deeper and a tranquil peace of mind. You need to be attending at least once a week, if not more. It is not uncommon for some to attend several sessions a week. Although initially a killer, you will reap the benefits!

This is, by far, THE worst smelling yoga studio I've ever experienced in my life…read more You walk in and instantly you're punched in the nose with what smells like a dirty, wet, microwaved sock. There aren't any lockers to keep your belongings safe, either. The practice itself was decent. But, it was hard to find any kind of serenity with how awful it smelled in there. I got home and I could still smell the dirty sock smell lingering on my clothes. Disgusting. Don't waste your money here.

This is the coolest Auckland gym in my opinion. It is a stylish hangout for gym junkies and they…read morehave the best showers rooms at 8 Nugent. BodyTech is all about personalized one-on-one training. When you sign up here you can rest assured that you'll get lots of attention and motivation from the team of personal trainers who you come to know as friends. Monique is the co-owner and she listens to what you've got to say, the good and the constructive. They have lots of classes as well and things you can take advantage of like a Fat2Muscle programme if you are interested in losing weight while you work out. Loads of people take advantage of this, for one Wendyl Nissen who talks about it in her newsletters and blogs.

Very clean and professional gym. Really appreciate that the locker rooms have shampoo and soap…read moreprovided in the showers as well as hair dryers and electronic lockers. Really nice to not have to deal with providing your own lock. The real unique point of Bodytech is the well-staffed floor and the supervised circuit workout. This is part of membership and is like getting free mini-personal training sessions. When you factor in those features it is reasonably priced and good value for money. I have been a member for 6 years, I think that says it all, right?