Yoga is more than just an exercise routine – it is a way of life for millions of people around the world. Whether you’re an experienced yogi with years of training under your belt or a beginner seeking solace and rejuvenation, we’ve rounded up the best yoga studios in Cape Town to help you find inner peace.
Yo Yoga, Claremont
Yo Yoga offers bikram, yo bikram, ashtanga and vinyasa flow in a bright and airy studio modelled according to feng shui principles. Their aim is to improve both the physical and mental well-being of their students in daily classes taught by a team of certified yoga instructors. The studio has changing and shower facilities, and a lounge area stocked with books and free Wi-Fi, so you can unwind before or after your class.
Located at the Woodstock Exchange, Air Yoga offers a range of jivamukti, restorative and ashtanga yoga (mysore style) for practitioners of all fitness levels. Jivamukti is a form of hatha yoga that revolves around a theme of yogic wisdom, and involves a changing flow of postures intended to challenge the student. Classes are supported by chanting, breath awareness, meditation and inspiring music to help build strength, flexibility and peace of mind. Private lessons are also offered, as well as yoga retreats and workshops with local and international teachers.
Based in the heart of Cape Town, Yoga Life offers fun, transformative classes that focus on the relationship to posture, or asana, without being rigid, while incorporating meditation and breathing awareness. Shared values of compassion, non-violence and kindness lie at the centre of the studio, and the supportive teachers are dedicated to helping you achieve mindfulness, healing and growth. Practitioners of all levels are welcomed and newbies are offered a free week of unlimited sessions.
The Om Revolution is a mobile yoga and wellness service that aims to provide proper, alignment-based yoga classes for all, whether you’re a beginner or experienced yogi. For a mere 50 Rand (US $3.8) per session, you can experience vinyasa yoga in a calm and natural environment at outdoor classes held at beautiful locations around the city (October to June). Additional services include individualised private sessions, corporate and pregnancy yoga.
Sangha Spot offers a variety of yoga classes and wellness therapies, including traditional hatha and vinyasa yoga, acro yoga, iyengar, as well as kundalini – a practice that releases spiritual energy at the base of the spine. Morning and evening classes are held in-studio from Monday to Thursday, while the workshops normally take place on weekends. Aside from restorative yoga classes, you may also want to try nia, a holistic workout that combines dance, martial arts and healing arts in an invigorating 60-minute session. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The Source is not just a yoga studio but a place for physical and personal growth in a peaceful and friendly environment. In addition to ashtanga, vinyasa hot flow, pilates, and tai chi, the studio offers ‘gentle yoga’ – a special vinyasa-based technique that aims to strengthen the body and achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. A special class called Mindful Mondays is led by a panel of presenters, where topics such as chakras, relationships and meditation are discussed. After a strenuous yoga or pilates session, you can relax in the studio’s serene garden.
Hot Dog Yoga offers a wide variety of yoga styles, ranging from hot yoga to iyengar, with daily classes from as early as 6:30AM. The beautiful, spacious studio offers a tranquil space in which to bring balance and harmony to the body, mind and soul. Additional offerings include pre-natal yoga, kids’ yoga and various yoga-related events.
