The best yoga studios in Canberra

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Eli Haski

Eli Haski, Director of Canberra Yoga Space. One of Canberra’s most recommended yoga studios. Photo: Canberra Yoga Space.

Incorporating regular yoga into your exercise regime has many physical and mental benefits. It improves your fitness and increases your strength. Importantly, yoga also reduces stress, calms your mind and let’s you find peace and contentment. It’s also a great way to meet new yoga friends.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned yogi, the challenge is finding the ideal studio and style of yoga for your needs, so you quickly begin enjoying the benefits. In choosing a studio, you’ll need to consider many factors, including your preferred yoga style, timetable, budget and location requirements, but once you find the right fit you’ll be on your way to getting fit.

In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a yoga studio, and share where to find the best yoga studios in Canberra.

What makes a great yoga studio?

Choosing the right yoga studio can fast-track getting started on your life-long yoga journey and keep you motivated.

It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a yoga studio.

  • Calm environment. When you step foot in your yoga studio, you should instantly feel calm. You shouldn’t be distracted with obstacles or loud noises or chaos. Rather you should be able to your body and breath.
  • Excellent teachers. Different yoga teachers give different styles of classes. Some are more intense, some include Pranayama or meditation, and others offer delightful Savasana head massages. Find a teacher you can connect with, someone who will make sure you return time and again.
  • Yoga style. With so many yoga styles to choose from you’ll want to find the perfect one. Talk to various studios about the different yoga types and what they offer before settling on a style.
  • Flexible pricing options. Ask about pricing options and look for a flexible membership or plan that suits you. If you’re a beginner, you might want to trial a class. If you’re set on making yoga a consistent part of your life, you may prefer unlimited class options.

The best yoga classes in Canberra

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Canberra Yoga Space

Connect, revitalise and create. That is the philosophy behind Canberra Yoga Space. The studio focuses on supporting clients to a healthier lifestyle through four pillars – Namaste (greeting), Intention (behind the breath), Nurturing (an allowing space) and Safe (the highest priority).

Canberra Yoga Space’s experienced, dedicated and friendly teachers have every client’s wellbeing in mind. They are positive, encouraging and open.

The studio offers yoga classes across all levels and styles, including Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar and Yin. Pregnancy yoga is also available and so is meditation and private yoga classes. Canberra Yoga Space also runs events and workshops and provides flexible options.

Conveniently located in Phillip, Canberra Yoga Space runs classes seven days (check online timeline).

Adrian Milverton wrote on Google, “Canberra Yoga Space has been fantastic for me. The teachers are extremely positive, helpful, knowledgeable, and experienced. The space is very relaxing and inviting. I recommend the studio to beginners through to experienced individuals.”

Balanced Yoga

Balanced Yoga is a beautiful, welcoming, nurturing studio with a passionate team of wellness practitioners delivering yoga, Pilates, Barre, physiotherapy, and healing services (massage or Reiki). With two spaces – The Lotus Room and The Buddha Room – Balanced Yoga offers class-based, workshops and short-course options for all ages and skill levels.

Balanced Yoga runs 12 styles of classes, all designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul. Members form a strong, warm and welcoming community. For added convenience, mats can be borrowed from or stored at the studio.

Open seven days (mix of morning and evening), Balanced Yoga’s class passes include introduction, casual, 10 classes, 20 classes, as well as unlimited three, six and 12 months. Weekly memberships are available. Check timetable and price details online. Free, two-hour parking nearby.

Rebekah Fuller shared her wonderful experience with the team on Google, “Best place to do yoga in Canberra. Instructors are brilliant. Yoga classes are run professionally, and all staff are really friendly. Highly recommended.”

Yoga Elements

Yoga Elements is operated by an affiliated and accredited yoga teacher, registered at Level 2 with Yoga Australia. At Yoga Elements, clients learn tools and techniques to create and maintain calmness in their lives. Classes—for beginners through to experienced practitioners—incorporate relaxation, yoga postures, breathing practices and Yoga Nidra for deep rest.

On Google Donella Johnston wrote, “Santosha is an excellent teacher with a sharp acumen and well-honed intuition … classes are carefully planned …”

Yoga Mandir (an Iyengar Yoga Institute)

Yoga Mandir is more than just your average yoga studio. Based in the new precinct on Dairy Road in Fyshwick, this studio caters to everyone from beginners, through to more dedicated students, seasoned yoga practitioners and trainee teachers. Yoga Mandir has a wide syllabus starting with the basics of yoga and continuing to more in-depth teachings of yoga practice, pranayama and theory. It concentrates on integrating breath, body and mind to help find the “still point in a turning world”. Single class pass, 10-class pass and other packages are available.

Siobhan McCarthy wrote on Google, “I have been practicing and learning yoga at Yoga Mandir for years. The teachers are some of, if not,THE best in Canberra. Highly, highly recommend.”

here.

Located in a beautiful studio in Downer, here. has a cosy, community-focused vibe. Classes are based on a Vinyasa framework and run by highly trained instructors who provide progression options for various poses. Yoga is carried out to a carefully curated soundtrack that wanders its way from chill-hop to ambient to classical. The room is 24 degrees Celsius and classes are capped at 18 people. Based on the principles of mindfulness and slow living, here. is a wellbeing studio through and through. Various membership levels and options are available.

As Ashleigh Macpherson wrote on Google, “Really beautiful space to practice Pilates and yoga. The staff are very friendly and caring. You always feel welcome.”

If you’re looking for information on Canberra’s yoga studios, you might also like our articles on the best yoga studios in Belconnen. Or, if you’re looking for more on fitness, our articles on the best gyms in Canberra, the best Pilates studios in Canberra and the best high-intensity interval training classes may be helpful for you.

Your experience with yoga studios in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the yoga studios listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of yoga?

You can choose from several styles of yoga, including Ashtanga, Bikram, Vinyasa and Lyengar. It’s best to search each style online to get to know a bit about each one. If you have questions on the different types, ask studios about them. Some are more for beginners and others for those who have practiced yoga for some time.

What should I look for when choosing a yoga studio?

Not all yoga studios are the same. For the most part they’re places to connect, learn and enjoy the benefits of yoga. Some are smaller and more intimate and others larger. Some have more facilities, like locker rooms and showers. Overall, you a clean and pleasant studio. Explore yoga studio websites and/or social media sites to get a feel for their personality. You can also ask questions by calling the studio.

What should I look for in a yoga teacher?

You want a professionally trained and experienced teacher. Ask where they learned yoga, how long they’ve taught it and what their certifications are. Their credentials should be on the studio’s website. You may also benefit from a teacher who’s committed to being hand’s-on and ensuring you’re practicing yoga properly. Ideally you should look for a teacher with a personality you like.

How many students are in a yoga class?

This varies studio by studio, teacher by teacher and possibly by the style of yoga you’re learning. Ask about class size because you may feel, if in a larger class, that you’re not getting enough individual attention from your yoga teacher.

What equipment do I need for a yoga class?

This can vary but for it’s helpful to wear comfortable clothing and have a yoga mat, towel, yoga lock, straps and water bottle. As what you need when you book your first appointment. By the way, some studios provide equipment, and others don’t.

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Jessica Leitch2:56 pm 26 Nov 17

For those in the Southside, Torrens Community Yoga offers affordable and accessible yoga. The community hall is a humble and welcoming space where you can relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Class prices are $15 or less, mats and equipment are provided if you don’t have your own. The teachers focus on building mindfulness strength, balance and flexibility and all classes are suitable for beginners. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a friendly yoga class 🙂 here is the link if you’re interested: https://www.torrenscommunityyoga.com.au/

I read this with interest and had a sense of de ja vu reading this…then realised my old recommendations had been incorporated! I’m glad they were useful!

Kerry Ann Evans9:54 am 07 Jul 17

I have been attending classes at Callanetics Canberra in Harrison for over a year now. It is a no sweat, very gentle, toning and strengthening exercise. There are many modifications to the stretches and exercises so beginners and those more experienced can attend the same class. I suffer from a severe auto immune disorder so I need to choose my exercise regime carefully and Callanetics has been fantastic for me to strengthen my core and improve my balance. I find the hour and 15 minutes brilliant for my emotional well being as well. Best classes I have ever tried. Classes are held in the comfort of a private home and each student receives personaalised help. There is a fabulous special of try a class for only $5 during July. There are numerous classes and times to suit everyone. Early morning, during the day and after work. Please do yourself a favour and try Callanetics with this fantastic offer. You’ll be hooked …. I know I am. I simply love it !

Olya Voynova5:43 pm 06 Jul 17

Power Yoga Canberra has been my home for over 2 years. The studio owners – Justine and Marcus – are extremely charismatic and talented yoga teachers. Every single class with them is unique – you will enjoy variable creative flow and brilliant verbal presentation. They own 3 studios altogether – in Belconnen, Civic and Woden. Various class formats and times are on offer – classical dynamic flow (room is heated to 30 degrees), Yin yoga and Unwind class which is somewhat a mix of Power and Yin. Justine and Marcus naturally attract alike yoga instructors to join their team – they are all shining stars!! – both senior teachers and younger generation. Every teacher has unique teaching style. I always make sure I practice with all of them to progress in my practice and simply enjoy the variety. Studio management is very flexible with pricing – watch for their regular offers, when you can get 3 months membership for around $300, 6 months – around $600 and 1 year for $1000. Finally last but not least – if you are an experienced yogi and considering to become a teacher yourself – Justine and Marcus in a team with senior teachers provide highly professional Yoga teacher training every year. Please feel free to contact studio via phone or email. Namaste:)

If you are reasonably fit or new to yoga, +1 to Canberra Yoga Space in Phillip or Prana Yoga Space in Tuggeranong. Lou Nulley is an amazing teacher in Tuggeranong but his classes are mostly booked out.

If you have a chronic illness or need to take things slowly and carefully, I highly recommend Lynette Dickinson’s Dru Yoga class at Chifley YMCA (she does a few others at different locations) or +1 for Kendra Boone’s restorative class. There is also a gentle yoga class for people who have trouble getting down onto the floor at the Weston Community Centre on Wednesday afternoons.

For great fun, try aerial yoga in Weston Creek at Metta Space, it is amazing! It is expensive but you are in good, safe hands with Kerryn.

crackerpants8:33 am 24 Oct 15

dukethunder said :

Genie said :

I would love to take up Yoga but find it extremely expensive. $200ish per month to attend classes is unaffordable in most budgets.

I’d be interested to hear about affordable options too.

Hi Genie,

The majority of yoga people practice is self practice, which is free every day. Just you,some quiet and your mat 🙂 depending on how you want to engage with yoga, try a few instructors, find a level/style you’re comfortable with and take one class a week.Build yoga into your day from this practice or from books. Santosh runs classes in O’Connor and cook (I think, it could b Macquarie) its in a church . Google it and ull find it. $140 for 10 wks. She caters for all capabilities but there is a focus on the body and self that as always with yoga, you can take or leave.
Hope this helps.

dukethunder said :

astrojax said :

you’ll get more benefit from the posture and flexibility courses at anu [and elsewhere, i believe] than a yoga class.

Subjective. I’ve taken pos/flex courses at ANU and loved them/would recommend. Even have the book 😉 i would argue yoga is similar and fundamentally its basis.

I completely agree with you on both counts.

Most yoga classes I’ve come across are around $20 on a single class basis, between $15 and $20 per class if you’re signing up longer term of purchasing a multi-class pass. You could spend $200 per month if you go 2 or 3 times a week, but it depends on your schedule and how much you need the class environment to support your practice. Once you’ve been doing it for a while it’s simple enough to do it at home (in the garden – amazing). If you get into a style like Ashtanga, it’s a prescribed sequence that is traditionally practiced “Mysore” style, which means even in a group, you’re doing your own thing at your own pace. You can do self-practice or Mysore yoga class for $5 or $10 respectively. It’s a bit like the gym – you can do most things at home (or in the great outdoors) – or you can part with large volumes of cash to access classes and instruction, to help with motivation/commitment, or to be able to go for a run in shitty weather.

I did P&F at the ANU for a few years (and S&F), and it is wonderful, but it is as different to yoga as Ashtanga yoga is different to Bikram, or Hatha, or Yoga Synergy, or restorative yoga. There are so many reasons to do yoga, and not all of them are purely physical.

astrojax said :

you’ll get more benefit from the posture and flexibility courses at anu [and elsewhere, i believe] than a yoga class.

Subjective. I’ve taken pos/flex courses at ANU and loved them/would recommend. Even have the book 😉 i would argue yoga is similar and fundamentally its basis.

Genie said :

I would love to take up Yoga but find it extremely expensive. $200ish per month to attend classes is unaffordable in most budgets.

I’d be interested to hear about affordable options too.

Hi Genie,

The majority of yoga people practice is self practice, which is free every day. Just you,some quiet and your mat 🙂 depending on how you want to engage with yoga, try a few instructors, find a level/style you’re comfortable with and take one class a week.Build yoga into your day from this practice or from books. Santosh runs classes in O’Connor and cook (I think, it could b Macquarie) its in a church . Google it and ull find it. $140 for 10 wks. She caters for all capabilities but there is a focus on the body and self that as always with yoga, you can take or leave.
Hope this helps.

I would love to take up Yoga but find it extremely expensive. $200ish per month to attend classes is unaffordable in most budgets.

I’d be interested to hear about affordable options too.

I second Bikram Yoga at Kingston, good facilities and instructors.

I would recommend Yoga Mandir (an Iyengar Institute) in Braddon. Alan Goode has led the way in a consistently high quality of teaching and practice. The syllabus ranges from introductory level to advanced practitioner and includes pranayama, theory and teacher training.

you’ll get more benefit from the posture and flexibility courses at anu [and elsewhere, i believe] than a yoga class.

Kendra Boone at the Canberra Health Building in Woden, opposite the police station is great for mindfulness yoga and restorative yoga. If you’re feeling run down or have been out of yoga for a while, she is great.

A word of warning about Bikram yoga in general – a friend who tried it out ended up with a serious injury from over-stretching as the teacher was not very attentive to individual limitations within the class, did not offer beginner alternatives, and the general class attitude of pushing yourself to the limit. If you are doing this style of yoga, start slow and work within your own physical limitations regardless of what is going on around you.

I can only comment on the single studio I attend – Bikram Yoga in Kingston. All instructors are extremely helpful and cheerful and happy to give you advice quickly during a class if they see you struggling, the more in depth instruction is better suited until after the class. Shower amenities are great. If I had to pick at anything, and it is very minor. You often find that when you are in the middle of savasana, trying to relax and concentrate on your breathing – the loud dance music from the next door pole dancing classes would dominate. I have a laugh about it anyway. Gotta love a bit of lively Tom Jones mid yoga pose.

crackerpants1:02 pm 21 Oct 15

I’m been going to Canberra Yoga Space in Phillip, starting shortly after they opened in 2013. Obviously with yoga it’s about the teacher (and the style) rather than the studio itself, but it is a lovely space to practice in. I go to Pippa Matthews for vinyasa, and Kat Sadler for ashtanga. Kat also practices at Flourish Yoga in Braddon. Both amazing, very experienced teachers, and lovely people.

As far as a “best of” goes – I’d have to say that as a working mum with 3 young kids, I have to seize my opportunities as they appear, and a long drive to the wilds of Gunghalin would soon put a stop to that. Finding wonderful teachers is more luck than anything else, because location (close to home and work) is my overriding consideration!

If you’re still thinking of yoga as “slow stretching”, I’d suggest Kat’s ashtanga class 🙂

Hangetsu Yoga, a boutique studio in Deakin gets some good wraps!

I’ve been going to Power Yoga in Belconnen (and sometimes Civic) for over two years. It’s not as hot as Bikram (it’s around 30c) but they also have the more gentle Yin classes that aren’t hot. The Vinyasa flow classes are great. Bit of a work out as well as having all the other yoga benefits. Good mix of teachers so you can take your pick and go with the ones you like best, also good mix of times, too.

Best way to stay fit – physically and mentally as well.
One can attain inner peace . 🙂

I’ve just recently started to go to Yoga Centricity in Gungahlin and am loving it. They’ve a number of different class styles (I do the Centricity flow mainly [it’s a vinyasa flow class]) and they also run special event classes like the Pirate themed Talk like a Pirate Day one and the upcoming Heavy Metal Halloween one. It’s a great fun atmosphere, but with a base of solid, serious practice. It definitely gets my recommendation. http://www.yogacentricity.com.au/

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