Namaste: Yoga on the Coast
Coasties that were once hard-pressed to find somewhere to practice yoga are now spoiled for choice with studios and classes on offer from Avoca to Erina and Woy Woy to Killcare.
Whether you have back pain or RSI, want greater flexibility or less stress, or maybe need more energy or headspace, yoga could be the answer. Nothing bad comes from taking a little time for yourself.
Here are a few of our fave places to get zen and do downward dog on the Central Coast.
Happy Hot Yoga
Carla Simpson, yoga teacher
If you like it hot, Happy Hot Yoga at Woy Woy offers steamy Bikram, dynamic vinyasa and relaxing aromatherapy flow.
Owner Carla Simpson prides herself on bringing some extra happiness into her clients’ lives as well as pushing them to the max so they get the most out of every session.
She says the heat helps in several ways, from detoxification and fat-burning to greater flexibility and enhanced functioning of the nervous system.
Many of her clients have stories about improved health since joining the studio.
In fact, Carla began yoga as a way to stretch and prevent injury while running marathons and also, as a motivated go-getter, to switch off and give her mind a break.
Give it a whirl with a $40 unlimited class pass over 10 days.
Modern Organic yoga
Modern Organic yoga
With its bright green walls, you know there are good things happening at Modern Organic at Long Jetty.
Run by yoga power couple Kirt and Kiran Mallie, Modern Organic was born out of a passion to spread health and wellbeing in the community, focusing on maintaining a healthy body, mind and soul.
Under the powerful gaze of a giant mandala, yogis can practise hot classes in both Ashtanga flow (higher intensity) and Yin (lower, deeper stretches).
The bright and cheery yoga cafe also has early morning meditation sessions to kickstart your day with a clear head while expecting mums are catered for with a weekly prenatal yoga class.
For post-yoga refuelling, the cafe is home to a zen garden complete with buddha and a cafe offering delicious, organic fare with loads of healthy options.
You can choose different packages from $ 24 for each casual visit to $33 weekly unlimited
The OM Movement
The OM Movement, Erina. Photo Lisa Haymes
For yogis in search of a dynamic practice on the Coast, The OM Movement at Erina is all about power yoga.
Classes revolve around hot Hatha Yoga in the Vinyasa style for a strong, smooth, flowing practice. With the studio heated to 32C, sweating encourages the elimination of toxins, increases circulation, improves immune function, increases mobility and eases pain.
Whatever your flexibility, fitness or level, instructors encourage students to listen to their body and progress at their own pace.
There are also some non-heated classes, and the timetable occasionally caters to kids and pregnant women.
Trial The OM Movement with a 30-day pass for $59.
The Yoga Collective
Class at The Yoga Collective, Terrigal
There is a kind of magic that takes place when you chant “ooommmmmmm” from your mat at Terrigal’s boutique yoga studio – The Yoga Collective.
Crisp, clean and open, the long white walls set the scene for clarity and stillness. “Nowhere to be, nothing to do, nothing to worry about,” chants Leah Davies, who owns the studio.
Blending mind, body and meditated movements, the practice is about compassion, commitment and love – qualities that we should all be showing to ourselves.
Whether you are chanting “ommmmm” or “ummmm”, you will undoubtedly leave feeling a little less tense than when you arrived.
Classes run seven days a week and run from the AM to PM to cater to all kinds of yogis from workers to stay-at-home mums and grandmas to kids.
On weekends, the studio offers a range of workshops, events and conversations to take students’ yoga practice off the mat and into the world.
Drop in to a class for $23.
Mysan Yoga Sanctuary
Yoga at Mysan Yoga Sanctuary, Kincumber
Tucked away on Cochrane Street, Kincumber, there is a yoga sanctuary.
It’s Mysan’s Yoga Sanctuary and yours – a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the world, pause and find balance.
Focusing on more than just the poses, the Sanctuary is about lifestyle change and seeding yoga into every aspect of life creating a healthier and happier you.
Founders Mysan and Tim have had the first-hand experience into how yoga provides peace, calm and positive energy. Tim discovered yoga at a time when he was physically and emotionally broken and continues to practise Yin yoga, Hatha yoga and yoga philosophy, as well as karate. Mysan specialises in Hatha yoga, Yin yoga, Yang yoga as well as Meditation and Pranayama.
With a roster of local teachers who all have at least 300 hours of recognised Teacher Training education, you’ll feel in safe hands no matter what level you’re at.
Find your slice of the Sanctuary with a $25 introductory five-class pass.
Tip: There are so many different types of yoga – whether you like a regular routine or need it mixed up, try out a few different people and places and hopefully you’ll find your perfect place to practice.
