Top 8: Manchester yoga classes & studios inc. The Life Centre North

There’s an abundance of Manchester yoga classes for anyone striving for physical and mental serenity. Our guide includes a range of classes including Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Rocket, hot and various other styles. Classes vary in intensity and quality; in our experience the most reliable are those on offer at The Life Centre North, One Yoga and Bodywise.

The Life Centre North
The Life Centre offers a range of hot and regular yoga classes, with the largest range on offer, to our knowledge in the city centre and wider area. All classes are drop-in and are (largely) suitable to beginners. Most classes run for about an hour, and you can leave after 45 minutes so it’s possible to do this one on your lunchbreak. Monday evening’s Yin / Flow classes is special, allowing the rare opportunity to try both ‘slow’ yin-style yoga, as well as more dynamic poses in one class. There are good changing rooms, showers and hairdryers free to use, and you can rent or buy mats or towels from £1 a go.
Mon-Sun, Office A, 1 The Great Northern Development, 253 Deansgate Mews, M3 4EN, Tel: 0161 834 6283, various times, £10 per class, www.thelifecentrenorth.com

One Yoga Studio Chorlton
Situated in the heart of Chorlton, One Yoga Studio offers a place of self-exploration through the practice of yoga. Classes available may include beginners Ashtanga, Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, Hatha yoga, Jivamukti yoga, power yoga as well as other classes which may include kundalini yoga and ballet barre. Drop-in classes available, or memberships from £80 per month. Studio owner, Andrea Everingham (pictured), is a fierce and inspiring teacher – a good bet for those looking for a challenge.
Mon – Sun, Unit 14, Albany Road Training Estate, Albany Road, Chorlton, M21 0AZ, times and prices vary, www.oneyogastudio.co.uk

BodyBarre
This is your studio for aerial yoga and, erm, poledancing. The studio opened in December 2017 and classes include ‘lyrical poledance’, hula hooping, ballet barre, adult gymnastics and more. Its located in the Northern Quarter, and sessions start at 5.30pm weekdays.
Mon – Sun, Bodybarre Studio, 2nd Floor, 35-37 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter Manchester M4 1NA. Tel: 07949 266027 www.bodybarre.co.uk

Bodywise Health Centre
Located in the Buddhist Centre, Bodywise offers yoga and natural therapies for the body and mind. Many teachers have been working here for years, and it has a welcoming, gentle approach that makes it ideal for absolute beginners, as well as those who are more interested in relaxation and stretching than strength building. Drop-in classes and courses are available, with equipment provided.
Mon – Fri, Manchester Buddhist Centre (second floor), 16 – 20 Turner Street, M4 1DZ, Tel: 0161 833 2528, various times, prices vary from £7.50, www.bodywisenaturalhealth.co.uk

Ashtanga Yoga Manchester
Dedicated Ashtanga classes on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evening, focusing on the dynamic, flowing style of yoga popularised by the likes of Madonna and Kate Moss. If you want to build strength and flexibility and see results each time you practice, this is the yoga for you. There are a range of sessions, including beginners’ sessions and Mysore style classes (self-led) for the more seasoned practitioner.
Tue, Thu & Fri, Lincoln Room, Methodist Central Buildings, Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ. Tel: 07733396851, £10 drop in/ £8 concession, www.ashtangamanchester.com

Yoga Express
45-minute dynamic yoga classes for people on the move – beginners and advanced – founded by Matt Ryan. Located in the city centre, Yoga Express sequences a workout to build strength and flexibility, providing the benefits of a 90-minute class in half the time. All classes are drop-in, with yoga mats provided.
Mon – Sat, Studio 25, 25 Church Street, M4 1PE, Tel: 07983 605 295, various times, £7 per class, www.yogaexpressmanchester.co.uk

The Yoga Rooms Chorlton 
Dedicated yoga space in Chorlton, offering a range of classes seven days a week. Classes include yoga and pilates for beginners, yoga for pregnancy, Hatha yoga, Vinyasa flow yoga for healthy backs and fatigue and more – all a mix of drop-in and pre-books (see full course list). Equipment for each class is provided. They also offer a couple of classes in Urmston and Didsbury.
Mon – Sun, 483a Barlow Moor Road (first floor), Chorlton, M21 8AG, various times, drop-ins, prices vary, www.theyogarooms.co.uk

Great Escape Yoga and Tai Chi at the Whitworth Gallery
Practice yoga or Tai Chi before work in the surrounds of Manchester’s most beautiful art gallery, or, if the weather is good, in the gallery grounds. These relaxed morning classes are the perfect way to start your day. Yogis are advised to bring their own mats. Beginners welcome.
Wed (Tai Chi) and Thu (Yoga),  The Whitworth Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford road, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER, 8.30am,  £5, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

For more classes and skills to pick up in Manchester, see our round-up of adult courses here.