Ever seen those insta-worthy photos of freestanding handstands with Marina Bay Sands as the backdrop? We bet you have. With artsy, advanced yoga poses gaining popularity, we often catch ourselves wishing we could do these cool, advanced postures.
However, what we don’t see is all the hard work, discipline, commitment, and practice it takes to achieve such a feat. The advanced yogis sure make it look much easier than it actually is. In yoga, the aim is to focus inward on the body and how the posture makes us feel, instead of how the pose looks on the outside. An advanced practice requires more attention and awareness to the body, and what shapes we are putting it into. A lack of understanding leads to injury, which is why it is so important to practice under supervision to learn the correct techniques.
As one starts to practice yoga and develop a consistent practice, they’ll see the physical (asana) practice can get pretty strenuous and fiery at times. Going into deeper and more challenging poses such as arm balances, inversions, and backbends are not only physically demanding, but they challenge the mind in many ways, cultivating a strong growth mindset while embracing elements of a softer, more peaceful and open mind.
Before we dive into all the go-to places for an advanced yoga practice, we want to share the precautions of an advanced asana practice.
Being “advanced” is a subjective term, and levels can be perceived differently depending on each person. After all, yoga is about welcoming everyone into the practice and tapping into the potential, instead of focusing on the limitation and lack. To get the most out of your advanced asana class, yoga instructors recommend the practitioner have at least 1-3 years of a consistent foundational level 1 practice so that the student is equipped with familiar yogic terms and poses. However, nothing should shy you away from trying an advanced class if you feel ready for a challenge, as the teacher will be there to guide you through every step of the way!
Here is our round-up of some of the best yoga studios in Singapore to level-up your advanced yoga practice.
Pure Yoga
With four studios across popular neighbourhoods in Singapore, Pure Yoga is known for its variety of classes conducted by experienced, certified teachers in a luxurious, modern environment. Its Level 2 and 3 classes are offered in a variety of styles such as hatha or alignment. This studio also offers specialized Upside Down classes for those who want to focus specifically on their inversion practice. We love the studio at Asia Square Tower 2, as the establishments there feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bayfront. Absolutely perfect for a sunset practice after work!
Address:
Level 18, Ngee Ann City Tower A, 391A Orchard Road, 238873
#06-02 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, 018961
#09-01 Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, Tower 1, 048619
#01-501, Suntec City Mall North Atrium, 3 Temasek Blvd, 038983
Opening Hours: Depending on location
Contact: 6733 8863
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COMO Shambhala
Situated in the middle of bustling Orchard Road, COMO Shambhala is a quiet sanctuary located at the top level of Orchard Delfi. The moment you walk through its doors, it will feel as if you’ve entered a dreamy hotel resort in Thailand. The studio is a minimalist, spacious, and modern wellness space with multiple practice studios equipped with all the props you need. Taught by experienced teachers who have years of experience behind their backs, COMO Shambhala’s Hatha level 2 and 3, as well as Iyengar 2 classes are sure to add some fire to your advanced practice. You’ll receive plenty of attention from your instructor, as COMO’s classes are capped to a small group size, with an aim to foster a like-minded yoga community.
Address: 402 Orchard Road, #06-01/02, Delfi 238876
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30am–9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30am–6pm
Contact: 6304 3552
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Priyan Yoga
Priyan’s advanced classes are 90-minutes long, which gives the practitioner ample time to open up and really deepen their practice. With experienced teachers to guide you through every step of the way, Priyan works through weekly themed classes to explore complex pose transitions and variants. For those who are unsure, Priyan has set some prerequisites for students wishing to try the advanced classes, including being able to safely enter and exit wheel pose, full splits, forearm stand, and a 30-second chaturanga. This studio’s intelligently structured curriculum acts as a roadmap to a comprehensive journey to deliver a well-rounded yoga practice for students.
Address: 235A South Bridge Road, Singapore 058784
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 7am–9:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8am-6pm
Contact: 9487 1783
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Mushin Movement
Tucked away in the quaint area of Singapore’s Chinatown, Mushin Movement is the place for advanced practitioners who want to refine and improve their inversion or backbend practice. Offering Handstand classes ranging from basics to Level 1 and Level 2, its experienced teachers will guide you through the process of reaching your goals, whether it is finding that straight line in your handstand, or trying to balance off the wall. For those who wish to get bendy, its intelligently sequenced backbend classes will leave your heart opened and body feeling free.
Address: 9A Trengganu Street, Singapore 058463
Opening Hours: (See class schedule)
Contact: [email protected]
