Overview
You can hardly turn a corner in Sydney without bumping into a yoga studio. Between established institutions and innovative up-and-comers, yoga lovers in this city are truly spoiled for choice. Of course, the multitude of places to practice can also make it hard to pick out the mediocre studios from the truly excellent ones. To make sure all your yoga sessions are of the highest quality, we've rounded up ten Sydney studios that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or can barely touch your toes, love hot yoga or prefer your practice al fresco, here are the very best places to get your stretch on.
HOM YOGA
This boutique studio is seriously good-looking, with a minimalist fit-out, huge windows and gorgeous wood floors. Renowned for its hot yoga classes (four of the six classes take place in heated rooms), this contemporary studio caters to all levels of experience — so whatever your age or fitness level, there's a class for you. Pick from yoga basics, vinyasa, yin or prenatal classes, all taught by Hom Yoga's highly-qualified team of teachers. Plus, free amenities mean you can leave your mat, shampoo, and bodywash at home.
20 Hargrave Street, Darlinghurst.
INYOGA
Yogis dedicated to building a holistic practice both on and off the mat will fall head over heels for InYoga. In addition to high-quality classes in their spacious Surry Hills studio, InYoga offers workshops and community events designed to nurture a deeper yogic experience. With classes — including flow, yin and rejuvenate — running throughout the day, you'll always find a session that slots nicely into your frenetic schedule.
115-117 Cooper Street, Surry Hills.
Leeroy Te Hira
POWER LIVING
With four locations around the city, each with an extensive timetable, Power Living makes it a breeze to squeeze some yoga into your day. Pick from Vinyasa (heated or non-heated) or Yin classes, all tailored for three different levels of expertise. After your session, head to the onsite store to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Power Living also offers retreats and yoga teacher training courses.
Neutral Bay, Manly, Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach.
Mark Roper
ONE HOT YOGA
Unsurprisingly, this Potts Point studio specialises in hot yoga and Pilates. With three studios heated to 21, 27 and 37 degrees, it's up to you to choose just how steamy you want to get. Offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, the gorgeous studio is all natural light, white walls, mirrors and open spaces. It's also equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a hydronic heating system that keeps the skin and eyes hydrated and a state-of-the-art air filtration system that keeps the studio impeccably fresh.
34 Kellett Street, Potts Point.
EGG OF THE UNIVERSE
This delightfully-named studio is Sydney's only integrated yoga studio and wholefoods cafe. Head to the charming centre to work up a sweat in one of the hot yoga classes, and then recharge with a sustainable, healthy meal in the garden eatery. With a menu that caters to all diets, from vegan to gluten-free, there's sure to be a treat that tickles your tastebuds. And thanks to such a wholesome and holistic approach to wellness, it's practically impossible to leave Egg of the Universe without feeling all energised and sparkly.
711 Darling Street, Rozelle.
© Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography
BODYMINDLIFE
With 15 years of yoga instruction tucked under their belts, BodyMindLife is a true institution on the Sydney yoga scene. With four locations, hundreds of classes and excellent amenities (like free Wi-Fi, tea and lockers), convenience and quality are paramount. Start with their essentials program, which is designed to help you build particular aspects of your practice, before diving into the endless class options. In need of some post-class TLC? Head to the Wellness Centre at the Surry Hills studio for a massage, kinesiology or reiki session.
Surry Hills, Bondi Beach, Redfern and Potts Point.
HUMMING PUPPY
Book into any class at this beautiful studio and the first thing you'll notice is a distinct humming sound in the background. Don't freak out. Designed to enhance your practice, the vibrations are the combination of two sound frequencies, and are meant to help you achieve peak performance — and feel more grounded during your practice. The studio's four class styles cater for everyone from beginners to the master yogi, and they've thought of literally everything to make your experience as seamless as possible. There's an online system that lets you book your mat position pre-class, free towels, tea and coconut water, and gorgeous bathrooms.
146 Abercrombie Street, Redfern.
Stephanie Simcox Photography Studio
SKY-LAB
If you want to kick your practice up a notch, book into one of Sky-Lab's aerial yoga classes. Get your bod into one of their signature aerial hammocks, then move through a series of poses while you're suspended above the floor. Thankfully much easier than it looks, the technique is renowned for relieving compressed joints and re-aligning your body. And it certainly doesn't hurt that the whole thing is very Instagramable. Start with a low-intensity sesh before working your way up to the more hard-core classes.
Suite 405, 342 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills.
URBAN YOGA
Don't come to Urban Yoga expecting a traditional yoga session: it's the place to go when you want to shake up your routine and shimmy outside of your comfort zone. Here, classes are set to a backdrop of upbeat music and projections of city scenes. There's zero chanting or meditation, and poses are referred to in English. Still, the plush fit-out, low-lighting and plentiful freebies like lockers, mats and herbal tea mean you'll bounce back into the world feeling both pampered and centred. Keen to give it a go? Sign up for their signature Urban Yoga class, which is suited to all levels of yogic ability.
Level 1, 401-409 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills.
Adette Kagan
YOGA BY THE SEA
Is there anything more quintessentially Sydney than a yoga class by the sea? We think not. Held at the iconic Bondi Icebergs, Yoga By the Sea is a Sydney favourite for good reason. Choose between restorative Hatha Yoga or the more active Power Vinyasa and relish the sun on your skin as you move through the poses. The class price also includes entry to the Bondi Icebergs Club, so you can indulge in a post-class swim or sauna sesh. Yoga by the Sea is also held in Tamarama and Bronte.
Bondi Icebergs, 2 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach.
Top image: Egg of the Universe.