There is a big Yoga scene in Gold Coast and with roughly over 20 Yoga studios and 270 Yoga classes, nobody is going to argue about that. The pressure modern day society gives us and the amount of depressions there are and burned-out people we know can be a good reason for that. Since Yoga can help us releasing our stress and alleviating structural pain (for example back, knees and neck), but also help us develop more strength and flexibility and basically regain interest in life and your vitality. But since there is such a big variety of yoga classes and schools in Gold Coast it can be hard to find the right Yoga centre for you.
What styles of Yoga are there on offer? And where to find them?
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga Gold Coast
As the name might suggest, Bikram Yoga Gold Coast offers you classes on Bikram Yoga. They own two state of the art Yoga studio’s which are perfect for hot yoga and are heated to approximately 40 degrees Celsius using solar heating (for fresh air), radiant heaters and antibacterial carpet. They offer courses for beginners and advanced students and if practiced regularly it will strengthen, tone and detoxify your body and mind. The beginner series starts with 26 postures and two breathing exercises and it is their fundamental class for therapy and health. It’s their first choice for all students, which also include beginners and those carrying injuries. If you want classes which are encourage you to focus and will give your greater awareness of breath they also offer 1 hour classes on that. As an extension of these classes they also have the Sun series which are based around the 84 original postures. These are poured into a 90 minute class which include salutes to the sun, a dynamic flow of the beginners postures and additional postures from the original 84 asana’s. You’ll practice on your own tempo and to your own abilities and you’ll get the opportunity to learn inversions as well. Their teachers are handpicked and they ensure you receive the highest standard of instruction and care. They are located Unit 3 / 53 Township Drive, West Burleigh and 2532 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach. http://bikramyogagoldcoast.com.au/
Pregnancy / prenatal Yoga
Gold Coast Pregnancy Yoga
Yoga can give profound benefits in the prenatal stage. Women all over the globe have experienced increases in energy, relaxation, improved sleep, strengthened muscles, spinal support, reduced back aches and leg cramps. It also reduces constipation, bloating and swelling and improves circulation and blood flow to the pelvis which tones and strenghtens the muscles that support the reproductive organs. And lastly but certainly not least, it develops a strong connection with your growing baby. While being very useful in the prenatal fase, the yoga can certainly add value after the baby is born. It’s a very challenging period and yoga can give you a smoother transition into motherhood. Some of the advantages are helping the mother and baby relaxing and stimulating the bonding process, connecting with and receiving support from other like-minded mothers, strengthen and tone your body and relieving pains and aches. It can increase the wellbeing
and can bring balance in the hormonal system, reduce anxiety and stress, encourage a correct posture and help the baby with digestion and sleep. Gold Coast Pregnancy Yoga offers a nurturing yoga space which is purpose built and creates comfort and a serene environment. They have soft woolen carpet, climate control and several props such as bolsters, blocks and crescent moon cushions to support the pregnant body. All this is focused on allowing the participant to go deeper in restorative poses. THe studio can also be hired for a small fee for regular classes and workshops.
http://www.goldcoastpregnancyyoga.com.au/studio/
Ashtanga Yoga
Gold Coast Yoga Centre
This style of Yoga is transmitted to the modern wordl by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures which produce internal heat and produces sweat which is cleanses and detoxifies muscles and organs. As a result you get an improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. The Gold Coast Yoga Center offers weekly classes on Ashtanga Yoga and also specialized courses given by guest teachers. This Gold Coast Yoga center has been giving Yoga Classes since 1996 and their team has over 60 years of collective yoga teaching experience, with up to 5 classes a day, 7 days a week. From beginner to advanced, classical Ashtanga to Hatha or Vinyasa, they have it all.
http://www.goldcoastyogacentre.com/
Iyengar Yoga
Gold Coast school of Iyengar Yoga
This school is the first Yoga centre on the Gold Coast and was established in 1981 and have since then been promoting excellence in yoga, health and harmony. It is centrally located and according to them is within 20 minutes from anywhere in Gold Coast. They offer Yoga Classes with Jan O’Dononghue, who is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. It is personally recommended by numerous health care professionals and he had an extensive international training. His can tailor his recognised teaching expertise to suit every ones needs. He is the only teacher you’ll deal with during your classes and has over 30 years of professional experience ensuring a reliable tuition to give you the desired results. Some 
of the benefits of his classes include a balance of stretching and strengthening, correction of posture and alignement, enhanced body shape, long term weight loss, improved breathing, improved fitness and stamina. It can also give you greater awareness, mental alertness, sharper intellect, self-reliance and self-confidence, ability to de-stress and an overall improvement to health and well-being. He offers day-, evening- and private classes. The school offers a 17 by 11 meter Yoga hall which is very spacious and inviting with it’s four meter high ceiling and adequate air flow. Plenty of wall space and a big wall of yoga ropes and other yoga equipment provided. The climate control, mood lighting and parquet flooring enhances the ambiance.
Free Yoga Gold Coast
The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga
Not many things in life you can get for free. But Yoga classes? Yeah! The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga offers a variety of free Hatha Yoga and meditation classes across Gold Coast through their free Gold Coast Community Classes. It’s a project in conjunction with Gold Coast City Council. Off course they also have paid classes available which are given in their own vibrant, comfortable and air conditioned yoga and meditation spaces. The types of yoga they offer range from regular yoga asana, meditation and relaxation classes to Kirtan programs at The Mantra Room.
http://www.asm.org.au/locations/qld/gold-coast/community/
http://www.asm.org.au/locations/qld/gold-coast/mermaid-beach/
