Best places for yoga in Manchester: Places to get stretchy

The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 6ER - Visit now

If practicing yoga in a picturesque place is a priority, then look no further than the Whitworth’s Great Escape yoga classes. Taking place in a gallery that overlooks the park, these morning sessions give you the chance to get energised in a peaceful environment. There’s something rather satisfying about watching other people walking to work while you’re getting supple, and Karen Mee the instructor is easy to follow and relaxing to listen to. A lot of the participants have been coming to this class for years, but it is equally good for beginners (like me). Bring your own mat if you have one, as there are only a limited number to borrow. Classes 8.30am-9.45am on Thursdays, £5.

The Life Centre North, 293A Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW - Visit now

With Bikram yoga in the Northern Quarter no more, this is the place to get your hot yoga fix. You’ve probably already heard about hot yoga, but be prepared for how hot it actually is, which is to say very hot. Best to shower beforehand so you feel fresh, you need to bring a couple of towels, a yoga mat and plenty of water with you. The Life Centre also offer a range of yoga and Pilates classes, courses and retreats.

Studio 25 Manchester, 25 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PE

Convenient for those in the city centre, Studio 25 has both early afternoon and evening drop in classes, which make for a good wind-down from work. Instructor Matt Ryan brims with positivity, offering helpful hints for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. The space itself is big (so you’ve got lots of room) and because it is a dance studio the walls are mirrored, which really helps with holding the correct posture. Classes 6pm-6.45pm Mon & Wed, 12.15pm-1pm Tues & Fri, £6.

Manchester Buddhist Centre, 16-20 Turner St, Manchester, M4 1DZ - Visit now

The epicentre of Manchester yoga, Bodywise offers a number of different classes, courses and ways to get involved with yoga. If you want to find out what yoga is all about this is the best place to start before trying out other options. Christine, who teaches several of the classes, was recommended to me by both Danielle from Ziferblat and Karen from the Whitworth. The building can sometimes be a bit noisy, but the room is spacious and the Buddhist Centre generally emanates a tranquil vibe. Times and prices vary, see website for details.

Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 5ZA - Visit now

If you’re looking for children’s yoga – yeah, it’s a thing – then head over to Z-arts, Manchester’s dedicated family arts centre. Their Yoga Stars classes encourage children to be playful and understand how their breathing and body move together. Led by Gill Balfour, it’s a welcome addition to their unrivalled canon of creative classes for kids.

Ziferblat Manchester, 23 Edge Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1HW - Visit now

At Ziferblat, all you pay for is the time you spend (it’s 5p/minute, with drinks and snacks included). The same goes for the yoga classes there. There are plenty of mats, and makes the postures easy to understand – plus, you can have cake afterwards. Sweet! Classes 6.15pm every Thursday, 5p/minute or £3/hour.

Foundation Coffee House, Sevendale House, Lever Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JB - Visit now

Foundation aren’t afraid of trying things new, like playing host to a performance from the excellent Company Chameleon, well, now you can get your yoga fix here too. Foundation offers weekly yoga sessions on Monday evenings from 7-8pm.