Yoga Fitness In Casuarina & Darwin: A Tradie’s Story.

How I loosened up, & got fit & calm.

Short answer: if you live around Casuarina and want strength, flexibility and a calmer mind rather than a traditional gym, Flametree Yoga Studio teaches Iyengar yoga in the Darwin region and live online. Shane, an electrician and Flametree student, tells his story below. If you are new, your first class is free; then beginners get 12 classes for $59.50 (10 at half price plus 2 free, no code, 14-day money-back guarantee). See the beginner timetable for current class locations and times.

Here’s why I use yoga for fitness classes, instead of going to a traditional Casuarina gym Darwin class (or wherever). If you are weighing up a gym in Casuarina, Darwin, try Flametree yoga instead. It is easy to start: try a free first class, in the studio or online.

In my early 20’s, I knew some folks who were prescribed medication for depression. I noticed how the side effects sometimes dulled their experience of the world.

I also saw how the “treatment” sometimes impacted their relationships with those around them.

As part of growing up in modern Australia, I also saw plenty of very good people using too much ICE, as well as too much alcohol.

The impact on them wasn’t good. Too often, they became jumpy, or scattered, or worse.

Part of the reason I came to Darwin, some 10 years ago, was to find new circles who did less of the stuff I wanted to avoid.

My trade made it easy for me to travel and work. Among other things, I spent plenty of time in remote Indigenous communities, helping to build and refit houses.

Beginners: 10 classes at HALF price + 2 FREE, $59.50 (no code).

Free 1^st class at Flametree, for newcomers, in the studio or online.

Already do yoga? Non-beginner HALF price 10 pass + 2 FREE, $104.50 

Sport was OK, but I wanted more

My dad was a black belt judo. Maybe that’s part of why I have always admired Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

It also probably helped with my focus on sports. As a young person, I played 500 games of baseball in rural South Australia.

So, I knew all about what sport could do for me, but I still wanted more than that.

Focus, or die!

As an adult, I went on to get into boxing, and then very fast motor bikes. At one point, I got up to 300 kilometres per hour!

That’s when focus is really key. You can’t afford to think of anything else… or you die!

They tell me that’s mindfulness!

My electrician work is a bit the same. The electricity you’re working with is plenty of reason to focus. In addition, in my kind of work, falling off ladders is just as big of a hazard.

By 40, I was getting stiff

I work with a big contractor with lots of other tradies.

They like it when I show them some of the chill out poses that I learn at yoga. The other day we were opening some new equipment packed with large blocks of foam.

I showed my mates how to use the block under the upper and lower back to spread out the chest, and then lie back in a de-stressing pose.

Another part of the reason for initially getting into yoga was to help loosen up my shoulder, after I broke my collar bone.

Even though I’ve always done plenty of sport and physical work throughout my life, I found that by the mid-forties, I was far too stiff. My tummy was also bigger than I wanted.

Yoga fitness helped on many fronts

Yoga fitness has quickly changed many things for the better. First, I’m steadily getting calm. Yoga quietens down my mind. I mean that “monkey” mind, or the voice in our heads, is less intrusive.

I can also now do lots of poses that demand a mix of flexibility and strength. I had the strength, but my flexibility had been ever decreasing!

Yoga fitness has also changed my eating and drinking habits.

It’s too easy to go to the pub after work. Instead, I’m now use Flametree yoga deals where it cost less if I buy in packages. That makes it even easier to go to class instead of going to the pub.

I think yoga is also slowing down how much I eat, and changing what I eat. My diet now is probably less meaty, as well as more of the stuff that keeps the tummy in check.

Meanwhile, I’ve now done well over 100 hours as a recreational pilot. Flying demands the same kind of mindfulness that yoga fitness helps. It’s like I mentioned before… be mindful or die!

Beginners: 10 classes at HALF price + 2 FREE, $59.50 (no code).

Free 1^st class at Flametree, for newcomers, in the studio or online.

Already do yoga? Non-beginner HALF price 10 pass + 2 FREE, $104.50 

My favourite fitness exercises at yoga

At yoga, some of my favourite poses are those that bend the spine backwards. In the yoga tradition, they are said to lift the mood, and my teacher uses them for dealing with the blues.

So, there’s always room for more back-bending.

I also find these backbend poses come pretty easily. There’s plenty of other yoga poses that are a serious challenge. But at least I can quickly do impressive stuff on some fronts.

Yoga for better breathing

I also like how yoga improve my breathing. I’ve done a lot of scuba diving, so I know a lot about breath, and the importance of regulating it.

With the modern discussions about the importance of breathwork, it seems that more folk are seeing the many benefits of better breathing, and stronger lungs.

I can feel how yoga opens up and extends my chest, so I breathe more fully. In the process, the focus on breathing in yoga helps give me that calming effect that I like so much.

I’ve also seen a bit of Flametree’s breath meditation classes. They call it pranayama in Sanskrit.

How I got started with Flametree’s fitness classes

When I was younger, I was into dancing. Yoga has that same bodily expression that I enjoyed with dancing.

In the process, it builds both my strength and flexibility. Until I tried it, I never would have thought that.

But after I’d done the beginner classes in early 2019, I just found that yoga fitness was one of those things I really liked having in my life. The various yoga benefits just crept up on me.

I find the teachers at Flametree to be very genuine and sincere. So, it was easy to take. They and the other folks at the studio have slowly become a new bunch of friends.

Give yoga a try. The free first class, and other deals, make it easy to give it a shot.

Beginners: 10 classes at HALF price + 2 FREE, $59.50 (no code).

Free 1^st class at Flametree, for newcomers, in the studio or online.

Already do yoga? Non-beginner HALF price 10 pass + 2 FREE, $104.50 

Start anytime

Across its various location, Flametree’s beginner level classes, and other classes, run continuously.

You can start beginner level classes at any time with the FREE first class (if you are new), then the HALF price beginner deal (10 classes at half price plus 2 free, $59.50).

There are also many special focus options such as Backcare Focus, Gentle Yoga, and Restorative Yoga (see also yoga and anxiety, sleep, and weight).

Each week, you can do different combinations of classes and teachers, so you check out what works best for you. You don’t have to do the same combinations each week.

All poses are simple and introductory. Most people can do the classes, using yoga props to help you, if needed.

If you start with a friend, it’s more social, and it helps you keep up regular attendance.

If you’ve done yoga before, try the non-beginner deal: 10 classes at half price plus 2 free, $104.50 (online or in-studio, or both). Or get 30 days of unlimited online classes for $29.

Classes at Flametree’s style of gym Casuarina Darwin

Are you looking for group fitness classes, or otherwise want to improve your strength, flexibility, and calmness? Or maybe you are interested in one of the 117 health conditions where studies suggest yoga may help (Dr McCall’s June 2019 list).

Flametree has taught beginner, Gentle Yoga and other classes at the Lyons Centre, 25 Damabila Drive, Lyons (near Casuarina). Check the beginner timetable for whether a Casuarina class is running this week.

Here’s a Google map for directions to the Flametree Casuarina location.

Classes can be done as a casual class, or with the half price beginner deal.

On the site below, the beginner timetable shows all online & In-Studio beginner classes. The main studio is at Woolner, with more beginner classes at Coolalinga.

Many students also do classes after work, at this mix of locations.

 The beginner deal can be used at all Flametree studios and online.

Chris Lalor, an accredited Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, leads the teaching team. She’s one of my regular teachers at the Flametree Woolner location which I now attend.

A different approach to fitness

Elite athletes, including from AFL, cricket, and Rugby League, use yoga as part of their training.

Just come along to Flametree’s group classes.

In yoga, your own body weight is the load.

In addition, Flametree’s online yoga, or even your home practice, works well in your study room, or wherever.

The Woolner studio is about a 15-minute drive from Casuarina. (We mean Casuarina NT, not Casuarina NSW near the Tweed Coast).

Like anything, the outcomes you get depend on the total amount of time you devote to classes. But many students notice a difference even with one class a week.

So, getting fit at Flametree won’t cut into your spare time.

Group fitness instructors to help your fitness goals

Start your move to a more healthy lifestyle with Flametree’s knowledgable team.

There’s no need for special gym facilities. At our locations, all yoga props and equipment are supplied.

If our class times don’t suit you, then choose a time of the day that does, and use our yoga videos.

For a free first class in the studio, just come along. Online, click the class time you want and we email you the link to join.

After the free class, unless you opt out, you’ll get an occasional email alert about yoga research updates, or stories from other Flametree students (such as Angie’s story).

Yoga online, at a studio, or by yoga video

A Flame Tree Yoga Studio Darwin Beginner level yoga class can also be started at any time.

See the beginner deal for details.

Some students also start with a private class or two, and then move onto regular online or in-studio classes.

Beginners: 10 classes at HALF price + 2 FREE, $59.50 (no code).

Free 1^st class at Flametree, for newcomers, in the studio or online.

Already do yoga? Non-beginner HALF price 10 pass + 2 FREE, $104.50 

Yoga instead of the gym, Casuarina and Darwin: common questions

Is yoga a good alternative to the gym in Casuarina?

For many people, yes. Yoga builds strength by lifting your own body weight, improves flexibility, and adds a calming, mindful side that most gym workouts do not. Flametree teaches Iyengar yoga in the Darwin region and live online, a short drive or a click from Casuarina.

Does Flametree have yoga classes in Casuarina?

Flametree has run beginner and Gentle Yoga classes at the Lyons Centre near Casuarina. Check the beginner timetable for current Casuarina times. The main studio is at Woolner, about 15 minutes’ drive away, and many classes are also live online.

Can yoga help if I am stiff from physical work?

Many tradies and manual workers find yoga helps them loosen up. Iyengar yoga uses belts, blocks and chairs so a stiff body can work safely, and teachers adapt poses for old injuries. Tell your teacher about any injury before class.

Can yoga help me switch off after work?

Many students find it does. Iyengar classes ask for close attention to the body, which leaves little room for work worries, and each class ends with relaxation. Some students, like Shane, find a class after work a better habit than the pub.

Can I do yoga with an old injury, like a broken collarbone?

Often, yes, once it has healed and your doctor is happy for you to exercise. Tell your teacher about the injury before class. Iyengar teachers adapt poses with props so you can work around it, and gentle work may help you regain range of movement.

What is Yoga For Backs?

Yoga For Backs is an open level Flametree class on Wednesdays at 7.15pm at Woolner. It focuses on the back, neck and shoulders, using chairs, belts and the wall, and suits people who sit or lift a lot for work.

How much does yoga cost compared with a gym membership?

If you are new, your first class is free. Beginners then get 12 classes for $59.50 (10 at half price plus 2 free), under $5 a class, with no joining fee or lock-in contract. Mats and props are supplied at the studio.

Do I need to book a studio yoga class?

No. For a studio class, just come along about 10 minutes early and check in with the teacher. For an online class, click the class time you want and we email you the link to join.