Whether you're Ashtanga, Vinyasa or Justabitstiffa, Leeds is positively bubbling with yoga hotspots
The world has woken to the concept of zen, and Leeds is no exception. Yoga is everywhere, with people choosing sun salutations over spinning classes, Ashtanga over insanity, and Savasana over pretty much everything else.
If those magical words sound appealing – or you want to find a place where lying down and breathing deeply is an acceptable part of your work out – then this is the guide for you.
Yoga Hero
One of Leeds’ most popular studios, Yoga Hero offers a packed timetable of classes for every level, with the odd bit of pilates and meditation thrown in. You’ll find giant mandalas and some of the best-value teaching in the city, with a 20-class pass coming in at just £90. Try Rocket Yoga for an energetic, strength-focused workout, or start with Yoga Basics to nail the fundamental elements of practice. If workshops are your thing, head down on 17th June to relax with a Gong Sound Bath, or test your flexibility with a backbend session on 1st July. The Boulevard, Leeds Dock LS10 1PZ
The Yoga Space
No matter what Instagram tells you, getting the most out of yoga is more about finding a space where you feel comfortable and connected and less about whether you can pull off a Eka Hasta Vrksasana in your knickers. Operating from a 19th-century chapel on Meanwood Road, The Yoga Space has established its own yoga culture – making practice accessible and giving everyone the chance to work at their level. Your first class is a fiver, and after that you can get a ten class pass for £75. Try an energising Ashtanga Fusion class, or opt for something different with their Yoga and Yamuna Body Rolling workshop on 5th August. Think intense self-massage, think body rolling, think maximum relaxation. 378 Meanwood Road, Chapel House LS7 2JF
Yoga Kula
Adding to Chapel Allerton’s wholesome balance, Yoga Kula brings classes, workshops and retreats to the suburb’s charming mix of delis, wine shops and particularly good coffee. An hour or two here will bring a slice of calm to the most frantic of weeks – or as they put it, provide a ‘tonic for modern life’. No gin required. Senior yoga guru Jambo Truong is running a five-day yoga immersion at Yoga Kula this September, or – if you’re not ready to jump in at the deep end – a ten class pass is £50. 114 Harrogate Road, Leeds LS7 4NY
Leeds Yoga
Another space that lives and breathes wellbeing – on or off your expanse of PVC – is Leeds Yoga. Alongside traditional Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Hatha classes, the centre runs innovative sessions, such as Calisthenics with Yoga – the chance to combine body weight exercises with traditional poses, and Yoga for Men – a class designed to ‘cultivate a sense of brotherhood’. Leeds Yoga also runs a regular meditation event, allowing people to gather, share space and enjoy food together (the next one is on 1st July). If getting active in the community is more your thing, you can head to their next clean-up campaign on 30th June, when they’ll be building community spirit with a day of cleaning and climbing in Ilkley. 29 Park Place, Leeds LS1 2SP
Bikram Leeds
If sweating from every pore as you wobble from posture to posture sounds like challenge accepted, Bikram might be for you. Bikram Yoga Leeds is the first dedicated hot yoga studio in Leeds – a state-of-the-art space where you’ll practise sequences of 26 positions in 40°C heat, 40% humidity. Whether you’re a beginner or a master of intense heat and deep stretching – there’ll be something here for you, with monthly memberships from £48 per month. The Core, Level 2, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6JD
Base Acroyoga
And now for something completely different. Focusing on connection, trust and fun, acrobatic yoga involves working in groups to support each other and find flow through poses. At Base, experts Jake and Gemma will guide you through everything from the basics of balance to the art of flying (well, almost), with sessions taking place at Leeds Aerial Studio on Wednesday evenings, and a range of private options available too. Studio 2, Cross York Studios, LS2 7BL
