Yoga on the Avenue

After seeing her every week in my class at the gym, I got chatting to Justine. I don't know if it was the perfect posture or the glowing energy that gave her away as a seasoned yogi, but I wasn't so surprised to find out that Justine has her own home studio (Pilates on the Avenue) in Winston Park. To my delight, she invited me for a class at her studio, and I can happily say I would recommend it to absolutely anyone who is looking for a place to practise yoga.

Justine (Owner, Pilates & Yoga Instructor) and Tanya (TriYoga Instructor)

What to expect:

Class size:

Small classes - you will receive individual attention & adjustments if necessary. Duration:

90 minutes Equipment:

Mats, blocks, pillows & blankets available to use. Style:

TriYoga. This style of yoga was developed by Kali Ray and places a special emphasis on breathing & mudras as well as the postures. Atmosphere:

Friendly & informal, peaceful. Soft ambient music. Cute dogs & cats will say come and say hello after class.

My experience:

The studio overlooks a big front lawn, the sun shines softly through glass doors. We sit on our mats, talking yoga until everyone has arrived. Practice begins. Tanya, with a very calming and melodic voice is leading the class. The instructions are not very "wordy" - clear and simple, easy to follow. The names of some of the postures are different to the ones I know but that's fairly normal, and of course the instructor is demonstrating in front of the class. There are verbal and physical assists to help you through the poses, and like all my favourite styles of yoga - it's about being comfortable. We often hear the word "flow" during a yoga practice, but this style really is about fluidity. Throughout the class we did several mini-sequences, flowing through 2-3 postures in a repeating cycle, before holding the poses for a little longer. It's a really great balance of movement and stillness.

The highlight for me was the absolute care and attention to detail during final relaxation. I am normally wary of any physical adjustments and being prodded by strangers can make me quite uncomfortable, but I was already so relaxed from the class, that to be tucked in and gently stretched out in Savasana felt perfectly natural. Also, no strangers here - Tanya & Justine are both radiant with warmth and welcome, an energy which has permeated the studio space itself.

I will definitely be going back, and am relieved to tell my clients that there is somewhere AMAZING to do yoga while I am away.

Pilates on the Avenue Facebook Page