Yoga is widely researched for general wellbeing, and our benefits of yoga page sets out what the research does and does not show.

There is much less available about what are the benefits of yoga in terms of what to look for when choosing a studio.

In particular, can the teaching, style and quality of the yoga you’ll get actually deliver the researched benefits.

The truth is that some yoga does deliver the benefits you want, and some does not.

The great advantage on online yoga, is that you can absolutely find and use the “best yoga centre near me”. So its even more important to know what do look for.

There is also the issue of what suits you best, and whether you can put up with the way it’s being delivered to you!

Read on to see what I suggest you look for, so as to ensure you get yoga that works for you.

Last updated: 25 October 2026

The short answer: to choose an affordable yoga studio as a beginner, check four things: classes at your level, a teacher who gives you personal feedback, the real cost per class, and times that fit your week. At Flametree the beginner deal is 12 classes for $59.50 (about $5 a class), and the beginner timetable shows the times, in Darwin and online.

It’s also worth checking our why I’ve found that Flametree’s Iyengar yoga style delivers you the most benefits.

The yoga studio benefits that make the biggest practical difference

Other than the health benefits of yoga, the benefits of the studio that make the most difference for you on a day-to-day basis at a studio are things like:

• The number of classes available, and their times, both online and in-studio
• The skill level of the classes. (Too many studios teach one size fit all!)
• The number of beginner classes, and their level
• The availability of special focus classes for backs, women, stiffness, de-stressing & more.
• If the teachers are pleasant to you!
• Whether the teacher offers guidance to get you into postures that actually deliver the benefits
• The price of the packages, including if you get price or volume deals that allow a lot of affordable yoga.

To choose a studio, you need to know what to look for, and whether a particular studio can deliver what’s needed.

If you’re new to yoga, it can be difficult to choose among yoga studios. In fact, their offers, value and quality are significantly different.

It’s worth looking closely at what you’re likely to get from them, and knowing some criteria on which to assess them.

The points below suggest some CRITERIA worth using to assess studios, classes and teachers.

On this page, I’m particularly talking about online yoga. But much of what I say is applicable to in-studio yoga as well (and Flametree Yoga offers both).

What are the benefits of yoga, including at Flametree

The points below also give some strong reasons for doing your ONLINE yoga at Flametree, and sticking with one main provider of your online classes. Your location of course means some people can only do yoga online.

But especially if you’re looking for the “best yoga centre near me”, then online is with you wherever you are.

Others, who are closer to Darwin, Australia, or in Darwin, do a mix of online and in-studio classes at Flametree.

These reasons are worth considering whether you are in the online only category, or have the luxury of being able to do a mix of online and in-studio yoga.

• Flametree teaches the highest QUALITY modern classical yoga, including all types of yoga poses. Among other things, yoga is about doing the right positions, in the right way, for the right amount of time, with the right supports, and in the right order. The teachers need to have enough knowledge and experience to do all this for you, so you get everything that you should from each class… with a touch of humour, and plenty of kindness and humanity. Flametree’s teachers are trained for a much longer period of time than most studios, and are closely supervised by a Senior Teacher with over 12,000 hours of yoga teaching experience.
• Flametree’s teachers closely watch what you are doing, and at the right time, and discretely, give you customised FEEDBACK. This means you get more from each posture, and also progress at the best rate.
• Flametree’s package deals give you the lowest COST yoga you’ll find, either for online, or in-studio yoga. There’s also options for a mix of online, in-studio, and / or streaming playback classes 24/7. (Yes, it is cheap yoga, but the low, low cost is the only way it is cheap. It’s in fact very high value).

Even more ways to choose a yoga studio

• You’ll be able to discuss YOUR PARTICULAR ISSUES with the teacher/s. Where necessary, they review your situation in their own private discussions among teachers. They will remember the issues and solutions, and ongoingly work with you on them.
• Over time, teachers can steadily work with you so you PROGRESS at the rate that’s right for you. In class, or before or after class, they will also advise you on any particular customisation of poses that is best for your situation.
• You can, from time to time if it suits, visit for in-studio classes and retreats. If you work in a remote area, or via FIFO, the online and in-studio mix is particularly good when you periodically visit Darwin for breaks. Among other things, it means you not only build a whole new COMMUNITY in your life, but also get a heightened version of the various learning benefits discussed in this list.
• Unlike almost any other studio you’ll find, Flametree teaches yoga in FIVE LEVELS of training. This means there is always a level where you’ll find a suitable mix of ease and challenge. You can also progress steadily in a way that works for you.
• Flametree’s physical teaching is supported by a steady amount of verbal and written INFORMATION about what you’re doing and why. This can help motivate you, plus ensure you are doing the right postures in the right way.
• Flametree offers a range of SPECIAL FOCUS CLASSES such as Women Only, Breath Meditation (Pranayama), Backcare, Restorative, Gentle, Fifty Plus & Restorative Yoga. These work for anyone, but particularly for the issue/s or group/s they address.

And even more ways to choose a yoga studio

• There’s enough VARIETY OF TEACHERS, and of varying ages, to ensure you can find one or several who works well for you.
• There’s a LARGE AND CONVENIENT TIMETABLE of classes. Most of Flametree’s in-studio classes are also provided online (a few are studio only). If needed, this means you can also swap backwards and forwards between the same class each week, or even find a very similar version of the class in the video class playback library.
• Customer service, including help with getting online (if you choose that option). See the links to the Customer Service Team at the bottom right of this page. We don’t hide-out behind online barriers! Get in touch and you’ll be dealing quickly with live and helpful people. You can also ask the team for more background on the health benefits of yoga.

Use these factors when choosing yoga studios, or the “best yoga centre near me”.

Check out Flametree’s top yoga benefits & packages

Choose among online, In-Studio, or Streaming Video Playback yoga, or a convenient mix of any of them.

All passes are under the “Passes” tab on this site. Here are some of our most popular yoga passes.

Most classes and packages can be online, in-studio, or both, including private classes.

Get the “best yoga centre near me”.

Beginner Iyengar students at Flametree. 2 weeks FREE in the beginner course or week to week deal. Online or In-Studio

Non-beginner newcomers or lapsed get 14 days of unlimited non-beginner classes for just $39.

Personal yoga trainer for one, several, or a group

Choosing a yoga studio: questions

How do I choose an affordable yoga studio as a beginner?

Look at the cost per class, not the sticker price. Ask whether there are real beginner classes, whether the teacher gives you personal feedback, and whether the times suit you. Flametree’s beginner deal is 12 classes for $59.50, which is about $5 a class.

What should I look for in a yoga studio?

Classes at your level, teachers who watch you and give feedback, a timetable that fits your week, special focus classes if you need them, and a price that lets you attend often.

Is online yoga as good as going to a studio?

Many people do a mix. Flametree teaches most classes live online as well as in the studio in Darwin, so you can choose.

Do I need to be flexible or fit to start?

No. Beginner classes use props such as blocks, straps and chairs, so you can start where you are.