Zama Yoga Toowong

Zama is my go-​to for a casual yoga class when I need some relaxation.
Located in the main hub of Toowong, it is tucked away up on the second level of a group of shops. Look for Mountain Designs and you should see a sneaky set of stairs — that’s where you’re going! You can park in the Woolworths or Toowong Village carpark for free.
The studio itself is quite small, consisting of the main entrance and one practice room. It’s an older building and it does feel like it could do with freshening up with a lick of paint.
The staff are lovely and always willing to help. I always feel comfortable and welcome, even though I’m only a casual visitor. Casual classes are $ 22 a pop (if you’re a student you can grab a loyalty card & your 6^th class is free) or you can sign up for $ 30/​wk for unlimited classes. They do have a cheaper deal for newbies if you want to try the studio before you commit.
Mat hire is $ 2 (free on your first visit) so if you have your own bring it along. All other equipment is provided.
Zama has a range of classes, though my favourite is their Yin class on a Wednesday afternoon. Deep stretches held for 3 to 5 minutes each — so good!
Would I travel a long and far to visit Zama? No. Is it a convenient, friendly, reliable yoga studio for a casual visit? Yes.

Finally biting the bullet and going to one of Zama Yoga’s Barre classes (a combination of pilates and ballet) was on my to-​do list for a very long time before Anna C & I ventured there last Saturday.
No there was no flash dance moment but maybe I would have been better at the class if I wore bobble socks?
Our class was straight after a hot yoga class in the same room meaning the first 10 or so minutes of the class were a little more humid than expected. Being a Saturday morning also meant the class was full to the brim and for me being a first timer I found the number of people a little overwhelming.
The class itself, a mixture of body-​weight bearing exercises, classic ballet moves, ab work and stretching were all fast-​moving and a solid way to wake up the body and get the heart rate pumping. Great for a non-​traditional workout and to mix things up a bit.
Our instructor was friendly and understood my need to modify a few of the moves to accomodate my lower back issues. The hour was over before we knew it and while I probably won’t go back to the Saturday morning class, I wouldn’t rule out some of their quieter sessions.