From yoga that brings out your inner artist, to yoga that will have you swinging in a silk hammock, this restorative practice is anything but boring.
Step onto the mat with us and check out these amazing alternative yoga practices in Abu Dhabi.
There is even yoga that’s just for your face. Yep, it exists.
Aerial Flow
Want to move like an acrobat? Aerial flow is a yoga practice that will change your relationship with gravity. Slip into a silk hammock draped from the ceiling, swing like Sia, and get an incredible workout to boot. In aerial flow, you work with the fabric to bend your body into complicated poses and postures. The exercise is designed to decompress your spine and align your body from head to toe, so you’ll feel great afterwards, too. Bring a friend and have fun watching each other try unusual poses. Or you can always fly solo. Just don’t forget to snap a quick pic for the ‘gram to show off your unusual workout routine.
From Dhs80. Yoga One Studio, Mangrove One Compound, yogaone.ae (050 950 8863).
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Free yoga in the park
Umm Al Emarat Park is the perfect place to escape the bustling city life in Abu Dhabi, and now it is launching a free wellness programme with four free meditation or yoga classes for park visitors each month. Head there and you’ll find a big beautiful green space full of birds, plants, and all the zen vibes a yogi could ask for. The free programme is open to yoga masters, meditation gurus and beginners alike. It is happening every Wednesday at 6.30pm starting on Wednesday October 13. The sessions will be run by three partners: Inner Space Centre, Seven Wellness and Flo Studio. Do yoga in the fresh air – just in time for a beautiful Abu Dhabi winter. To learn more about yoga in the park click here.
Free. Wed 6.30pm. Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Mushrif, ummalemaratpark.ae.
Face Yoga
Have you found yourself frowning or squinting at your screen lately? (Us too). Did you know we all hold a lot of tension in our faces? Everyday stress can be hard on your skin, but there is a way to release it and rejuvenate your face through yoga. Face yoga originated in Japan, and uses a combination of two types of facial exercises: some to wake up the facial muscles you don’t often use, and others to relax the ones that are overworked. Rumor has it celebrities use this practice for anti-aging, but it also just feels great. Radiant skin and positive vibes? Yes please.
From Dhs80. Bodytree Studio. Al Manhal, www.bodytreestudio.com/classes/yoga (02 443 4448).
Artistic yoga
There are few architectural wonders in Abu Dhabi more stunning than the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s floating dome of light and shade. Designed to capture the celestial and the terrestrial, architect Jean Nouvel’s dome is a place to find peace among nature. It has even been nicknamed the pleasure dome. What better to practice yoga? Find your mountain pose on the mat while sunlight streams through and wind gently brushes against your face. Afterwards, you can have a stroll through the gallery to take a look at the art. Be sure to bring your own mat, water bottle and towel.
Want to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi? Don’t miss our ultimate guide.
From Dhs90. Louvre Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Island, visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/yoga-under-the-dome (600 56 5566).
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Elemental Yoga
Earth, air, fire, water and space. These are the five basic elements of nature according to elemental yogis. Supposedly, this yoga practice allows you to understand these elements and use them to attain better health and happiness. Are you ready to feel crazy good? In this practice you’ll focus on balance and healing along with greater attunement to the natural worl. If you’ve ever wondered what your natural element is, take a deep breath and step onto the mat. This practice is available at Seven Wellness Centre on Reem Island, which also hosts a vegan café. You’ll be able to align your chakras and find your peace during the session, then try a vegan treat afterwards. Sounds sweet to us.
From Dhs80. Seven Wellness Centre, Reem Island, www.sevenwellness.ae (054 407 5405).
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Women-only studios
Yoga fit for a queen
The Royal Stables Abu Dhabi is best known for its beautiful horses and riding lessons. But did you know they also have their very own yoga studio? And it’s straight out of a fairytale: located in a peaceful house nestled among the trees and footpaths that cover the grounds. The area is filled with birds, large trees, and grassy lawns; it’s a breath of tranquility in an otherwise busy city. The Yoga Studio offers specialised courses such as spinal care yoga, which helps you activate, loosen, and align your spine. Their core fusion class offers a more challenging workout to strengthen your entire body, and they also have the more traditional Vinyasa and Hatha classes as well.
From Dhs 80 for a single class. The Yoga Studio. The Royal Stables, www.theroyalstables.ae (02 447 7735).
Beach Yoga
What is it about the beach that brings out our most zen selves? The combination of blue sky and salty air, how your feet feel in the sand, and the sound of the waves can make even the most tense person take a deep breath. What better place to reconnect with your body and improve your spirits than the beach? It seems like a natural fit for any yogi. Plus exercising outdoors is extra good for you. Fresh air can help ease stress and tension, and so does being near water. The Studio is offering yoga on the beach three more times in May, with Full Chakra Healing, Full Moon Healing and Self Love Yoga to choose from.
From Dhs150. The Studio. Saadiyat Rotana, www.thestudiouae.com (02 621 0000).
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Barre Flow
If you’ve ever seen the ballet, you might be able to see why a barre class makes such a great workout. Barre classes are not strictly yoga, but mix pilates, dance, yoga and choreography to sculpt, stretch, and energise your body. This workout focuses on low-impact high-intensity movements to make you feel strong and flexible. Get ready to grab the barre, point your toes, and find your zen through this challenging workout. A barre class will centre on the ballet barre, but will also typically feature a yoga mat, mini-balls and weights as well. It works lots of muscle groups including your arms, legs, core, and glutes. Flo Studio offers all kinds of yoga, pilates and barre classes, so you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.
From Dhs136 (barre class) and Dhs95 (yoga class). Flo Fitness Studio, Al Bateen (050 633 5498).
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