If you are looking to hop onto the yoga bandwagon, you'll definitely find yourself spoilt for choice – and that's exactly where your headache comes in. With so many yoga studios popping up in Singapore, it's not easy to narrow down to a few suitable ones. It'll probably take you a while to do your studio-hopping research as well.
Moreover, some studios don't offer trials, so you end up blowing a lot of money on drop-in classes which tend to cost a little more than usual.
Here's what we did – we signed up for a fitness membership called KFIT, which allows us to take up to ten yoga sessions per month for just S$129. These sessions can be redeemed at various participating studios around the island!
Another similar membership mobile app is Guavapass, which also offers buffet-style fitness subscription. Priced slightly higher at S$149, it offers unlimited classes, though you are restricted to three to five lessons per studio within the month.
After a couple of months of research, we have narrowed down some of the awesome studios in town for you.
Besides the physical training and facilities (lying down on a stinky mat is just eww), another importance factor we took into consideration was the aura of that the studio and its instructors exude. Yoga is an activity to help set your mind at peace, and we think that the ambience plays a big part in that.
So without further ago, here are our recommendations!
1. Yoga+ and Yoga+ Arab Street
Both Yoga+ outlets are located in ethnic enclaves – Chinatown and Arab Street – and are easily accessible by MRT.
The smaller branch at Pagoda Street boasts of a two-minute walk from the train station. On the other hand, while the newly-opened studio at Arab Street is a slightly longer walk (about seven minutes) from Bugis station, it's roomier and the way light falls through the windows is just amazing. This is also where they hold their 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course.
The studio style is minimalist, and the hint of essential oil at the background doesn't overpower your nose.
Mindfulness is emphasised at this studio, hence every session starts off with a short meditation session. The instructors go the extra mile to remember students by name, and focus on alignment of poses to ensure that the risk of injury is minimised.
Towers are S$1, and there are single-toilet facilities in both studios.
Where: 28 Pagoda St | 36B Arab Street, Level 3
With five studios located around town area, and one at East Coast Rd, you have plenty of options within the vicinity. This is definitely useful on certain days when your usual class gets overbooked, and you have to seek out another branch.
There are also a variety of styles for you to choose from. For the ones who are game for some challenge and sweat, there are the Power Yoga and Monster Hot classes. But if you are looking to unwind and clear your mind after a hectic day of work, enjoy some breathing space in a Zen Yoga class.
Towels are available at S$1 each. There are shower facilities and lockers in the studio.
Where: 22 Orchard Road, #02-01 | 11 Yong Siak Street | 21 Tanjong Pagar Road | 22 Martin Road #02-01 | 237 A & B East Coast Road | 31A & 33A New Bridge Road
The unique thing about Yoga Mandala is that they offer a wide selection of intensive classes, for those who are looking into more in-depth yoga training.
They also offer special selections like Acrovinyasa, so for the adventurous souls, do give this studio a try!
There are shower facilities available. Freelance yoga instructors are welcome contact the management about studio rental.
Where: 134B Telok Ayer Street
Hom Yoga's studios are light-filled spaces that will make your yoga practice a revitalising experience.
This boutique studio specialises in hot yoga, so expect a variety of heart-rate-increasing classes. From Hot Hom, Hot Ashtanga, Hot Hatha to Hot Flow, they are armed with all that is needed to get your blood pumping.
You can sign up for a week's trial at the studio itself for just S$40.
Where: 181 Orchard Road #06-12/13 | 3 Canton Street, #02-01
Minimalism seems to be the trending yoga studio style now. Beyond the traditional Chinese-looking decorations at the door, the Yoga Inc outlet at Tiong Bahru carries a grey and white color scheme inside.
At a glance, you wouldn't even register that it was a yoga studio, with the eye-catching contrast that old wooden chairs bring to the pure white countertop and shelves. Look out for the PR manager Ah Bui, a friendly Shih Tzu mix who never fails to make students feel welcome.
Beyond the central area, you can also find Yoga Inc outlets at Punggol and Tampines.
Where: 21 Yong Siak Street | 9 Sentul Crescent #01-03 | 51 Tampines Ave 4 #B1-06
