ROMANCED BYMelbourne’s sophisticated
vibrancy, a heartfelt pull drew me to
explore yoga in Australia’s cultural capital.
Travelling from my hometown of Byron
Bay, my only understanding of Melbourne
was its reputation for trendy cafés and the
latest fashion, so I expected the yoga scene
to be much the same: hot yogis practicing
in unique, architect-designed spaces in the
coolest of yoga threads. What I found was
refreshing: a vibrant and diverse yoga
community with studios offering
traditional practices as well as the most
current styles emerging on the yoga scene.
During my short venture I went on a
serious yoga binge, but only really scraped
the surface of yogic activities; there are
easily more than 100 spaces offering yoga in
this progressive city.South Side Yoga (Inner south east)
I based myself in Prahran and explored theChapel St Precinct, the place to be for yoga
aficionados. There’s a studio on almost
every corner; I squeezed in seven yoga
classes in four days, all within walking
distance or short tram ride from my base.
Happy Melonis a chic space
co-owned by our cover model, Masha G.
With a warm, flowery courtyard and
intentionally designed interior, the studio
is inviting, encouraging yogis to explore
their practice with a focus on mindfulness.
Meditation classes are taught in a bright
space perfect for stillness and gratitude.
EnteringOne Hot Yogafeels like
stepping into a stylish office, clearly
appealing to corporate yogis. One of the
first of its kind of super luxe spaces,
One Hot set the bar for a new style of
architect-designed yoga studio. There are
mints on entry and mirrors for you to
watch yourself getting sweaty in one of
their Signature Flow practices.
Body Flow Yogais simple and
non-pretentious; classes are with
experienced teachers and include thepopular aerial yoga practiced in hammock-
like ‘silks’ strung from the ceiling (in
Savasana you’ll feel like a caterpillar in a
cocoon). Windows adorn three walls of the
yoga space in the old, revamped building.
Australian Yoga Academy hosts some
of the most popular teacher trainings in
Victoria and teachers at their three studios
(in Prahran, Northcote and Sedan) are
highly respected. KX Yoga is a refuge
within the hustle and bustle. It’s friendly
and inclusive and classes range from sweaty
vinyasa to chilled out yin.
Ihana Yoga in St Kilda and Hampton
came highly recommended by my yogi
friends, and teachers here are known for
their anatomical knowledge.
Humming Puppy is the most unique
yoga studio I’ve ever visited. Walking into
this dimly lit space feels like entering a
prestigious club. At reception you’re greeted
with herbal tea or coconut water to enjoy
while flicking through a GQ-style magazine
or just looking kind of important. HP has
found its niche among Melbourne city
slickers. The shala is futuristic with its
black walls and three levels of yoga mats.
Make your way to your numbered mat and
practice while enjoying the ‘hum’ through
surround sound speakers—a combination
of frequencies to deepen your experience,
leaving you undeniably more relaxed than
when you arrived.In the middle...
Yoga 213is Australia’s first Hip Hop yoga
studio with loud, funky beats providing the
backdrop to classes. The stylish, fresh space
invites the trendiest yogis to indulge in some
of the most unique classes around.On the north side...
A worldaway from the trendy city spaces
popping up,Gertrude St Yogaisahome
away from home. Dark wooden floorboards
create an old terraced home vibe, and the
space is dotted with Hindu deities and simple
decor. Classes are authentic and friendly;
you could rock up inyour tracksuit pants
and no one would bat an eyelid.
Good Vibes Yogain Northcote has been
lovingly designed. It’s light with a sense of
simplicity and sustainability, earthy colours
and plants creating an organic feel and
instant calm. Classes are taught by popular
and experienced teachers offering mellow,
yin and vinyasa flow.
Prana Houseis a beautiful, white space
with two big yoga shalas and treatment
rooms. A morning practice in the front
room is delicious as the sun streams in.Stillness
in the CITY
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april 2016yogajournal.com.auPrana HousePHOTO: HUMMING PUPPY/ALICE FLOUCHER FROM MAVIS JEAN PHOTOGRAPHYEXPLORING MELBOURNE’S YOGA SCENE
By Jessica Humphries