Yoga Bloom O'Connor

This is a hidden gem! A gorgeous, boutique yoga studio set in a beautiful garden with windows revealing all the lovely greenery outside. It is a peaceful, tranquil space to practice in and the teachers are wonderful, each bringing their own experience and love of yoga to share through their classes. The style taught here is Iyengar, which is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to build a solid foundation for practicing yoga. Iyengar gives you a deep understanding of alignment and what areas of the body to activate when practicing different yoga poses (asanas). There is also a philosophical element woven into the practice to help develop a sense of how your mind and body work together (or sometimes not together!) which I really love. Alongside the focused, more ‘serious’ elements of practicing, there is also space for community, joy, and laughter in this space. The balance is just right! It is a very supportive environment and the community is really friendly and open. Other features I enjoy are: there are so many props which are used to help achieve good technique, a yoga wall allowing you to achieve many poses which might otherwise be pretty tricky (I never thought hanging upside down could be so enjoyable), and the studio is small so you get the full benefit of the teachers’ knowledge. Martine, the owner of the studio is an extraordinary teacher who often offers little adjustments during practice to help you improve over time and infuses her own unique flair into instructions. I can’t recommend this place enough!

Dear Martine & Emma re last week’s school holiday yoga workshop Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou A blissful ambience provided … so I could be guided with insight, joy & respect for my specific level of physical & health capabilities. My photo says it all by the end of the week ! 🙆🏻‍♀️💞

Yoga Bloom is an amazing studio and my only regret is not following the recommendations to come here sooner. The classes are wholistic and restorative, yet still a challenge; helping you grow and strengthen in body, mind and spirit. The studio itself is incredibly welcoming, elegant and unpretentious. It is fully stocked with everything you need for a complete practice, all you have to do is be there! Martine's instruction is vibrant and conscientious, creating a safe and nurturing space where you can explore and expand your practice. Coming here has greatly eased my experience of living with chronic pain. I always leave feeling profoundly grateful, uplifted and centred. :)

I encourage you to explore the Yoga Garden, Canberra’s own boutique inner city Yoga studio. You will be greeted by native plants and shrubs before entering a gorgeous, beautifully lit yoga space. It is inviting and calm, warm in winter and cool in summer. Martine is a personable, dynamic and professional Yoga teacher. Each class is different, depending on the students, their skill level and physical health on the day. Martine’s teaching is rooted in the the Iyengar method, though she adds her personal flair in a way I absolutely adore. The classes allow my to challenge myself in a safe and supportive environment where laughter is celebrated and allowed. The studio is stocked with high quality Iyengar props and built in wall ropes for practicing the full scope of Iyengar poses. Each class is a journey and an adventure, since attending Martine’s classes I feel much more aware and confident in my physical body and posture as well a calmer and more focused. With Martine’s guidance I have been building my self practice, so that I can channel the energy of the Yoga Garden wherever I go in the world!

The classes are small, intimate and focused at the Yoga Garden. Martine is a warm and careful instructor. There is a strong philosophical element to the classes, as well as a careful balance between restorative poses and more active asana practice - this combination works great for me! I really feel like my yoga practice at the Yoga Garden has become a powerful centre in my life, and it's thanks to instructors Martine & Natasha and the friendly environment created at the Yoga Garden.