Just a stone’s throw from Central Station is BodyMindLife’s Surry Hills studio, a zen oasis in the otherwise hectic city surroundings. The studio offers regular yoga, pilates and meditation classes, as well as a wellness centre providing massage, reiki and kinesiology.
We show up on a Saturday morning, eager to escape the miserable mid-June weather. Stepping into the bright and airy ‘Yogi’s lounge’, we take advantage of the free WiFi and herbal tea before the class begins.
We’ve opted to try the 75-minute Yoga Essentials class, which is heated to 28 degrees. This is a foundational class recommended for those new to yoga or for experienced yogis looking to refine their technique. It rolls on a nine-week cycle, with each week honing in on a specific part of the yoga practice, but anyone can join at any time. The focus of our class is balance, and our instructor talks us through the importance of balancing the masculine and feminine energies, or ‘Shiva’ and ‘Shakti’, before we begin with the repetition of a mantra, followed by a resounding ‘Om’ that aims to unite class members in a spiritual experience.
The practice is steady, and we’re encouraged to move at our own pace, but working up a sweat is inevitable as we flow through full body twists, hip openers, downward dogs and forward folds. Soft, soothing music soundtracks our movements, giving the class an air of tranquility. We barely even notice the 30 others sweating around us.
After a relaxing Savasana, freshening up is an experience in itself. The large changing room is decked out with organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash as well as hairdryers, straighteners and full length mirrors. Make the most of the facilities and take your time getting ready. If you simply can’t face returning to the real world, book in your next class and make a saving by buying an intro pass, which gives you 28 days of unlimited yoga for $58.