Yoga Fitness For Palmerston NT: Dave’s Story.

Iyengar yoga near Palmerston, at Coolalinga, Woolner & live online.

Short answer: if you live in Palmerston and want to get fit, flexible and calm without a traditional gym, Flametree Yoga Studio teaches Iyengar yoga at Coolalinga (about 15 minutes from Palmerston), at Woolner, and live online. Below, Dave, a Flametree student and psychiatrist, tells how yoga replaced running for him. 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 times.

Here’s the story of how I (Dave) got fit, flexible, toned, calm, & free of worry.

Plus, see my answer to the question: “What is yoga fit”?

Here’s why I (Dave, a Flametree student & psychiatrist), use yoga fitness classes at Flametree, instead of going to a Palmerston gym, or wherever. Plus, how I got an answer to “what is yoga fit”?

After dabbling in the wild fury of squash, I (Dave) took up distance running, at 40. Over the next 15 years, I completed half a dozen marathons, and innumerable half-marathons.

My genetics, and the relentless impact of feet on road or grass, predicted serious damage to my knees. So, unfortunately, the mindful “runner’s high” became but a memory.

What was I to do? Being inactive is a near impossibility, and cycling, though fun and maybe a sensible replacement for running, somehow lacked the mindfulness I needed. (I think hyper-alertness to mad drivers “drove” my thinking on this!).

Tai chi was fun and appealed to the rhythm sense, but it seemed to not keep muscles as taut and toned as I wished.

Get Half OFF Flametree’s Yoga Beginners 10 pass (with 2 more FREE), $59.50, no code.

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

My first attempt at yoga fitness

A Flametree Yoga advert for Beginners Yoga suggested another option. So, I began their yoga fitness classes.

For instance, I soon learnt that headstands were a recipe for my own pain and discomfort (at least at the stage I was at). But, in contrast, hanging upside down in a yoga sling was do-able and invigorating. (In other words, in my early yoga, I was shown some easier ways to get the various benefits of yoga).

Of course, there was far more to yoga classes than headstands, and for a while, I looked forward to a couple of classes a week.

In each class, I was guided through 15-20 yoga postures. The classes started with more vigorous moving poses that sometimes called cardio yoga. Then we moved into poses to calm us down. In their various ways, all of the poses built strength, flexibility, focus, and the many other other yoga benefits.

But then work and study intervened. So, I stopped what turned out to be just my first attempt at yoga.

Time passed and joints stiffened, tendons shortened, and irritability increased.

But a professional fascination with the complex interplay of mind and body was a constant reminder of the benefits of exercise, sleep, good diet, social engagement, and mindfulness. (I had gotten all those things from my first yoga sojourn).

Easy way to build core

Chris demonstrates way to lift her whole weight

Yoga delivered flexibility, balance, toned muscles, & peace of mind

Once again, an advert from Flametree’s yoga gym Palmerston reminded me of the teachers and teaching I had enjoyed. So, I began again to learn the poses and practices that Flametree teaches, as well as something of yoga philosophy. In the process, as I outline below, I got my answer to my question, “what is yoga fit”?

Now, a few years later, I have progressed to an intermediate stage in the journey. On the one hand, that knee will still not straighten, and one shoulder rotates to 45 degrees and stops.

But, for instance, I can now turn my head and back to look behind. That’s a useful novelty after many years of stiffness and rotational impairment.

I still can’t remember most of the names of the poses (although the relaxing “Legs-Up-The-Wall” yoga pose is an exception).

In addition, I occasionally become left-right confused. But then, so do some of my teachers!

More importantly, my muscles are toned, my balance is much better, and my mental equanimity has been a saviour in difficult times. They’re just some of the many yoga benefits that I’ve steadily come to love.

Get Half OFF Flametree’s Yoga Beginners 10 pass (with 2 more FREE), $59.50, no code.

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

Near Palmerston, Flametree has beginner classes at Coolalinga most days. See the beginner timetable.

 If you are new, your first class is free. Then get the half price 10 pack plus 2 free.

My Flametree fitness journey continues

Have I mastered the art of yoga? No, but new yoga skills certainly keep arriving.

For example, in a small class, I got some extra personal attention and guidance in what it meant to “soften the front of the right thigh”, as well as how to coordinate positions of multiple bits of my body. I found I could do it all at the same time, without my brain exploding!

Though now I’m a little more elegantly and accurately posed, I’m far from perfect. But I get it’s work in progress.

My conclusion, and why Flametree Yoga is important to me, is that I now understand “the pose is for the ego, and the journey is for the mind, body and soul”. In other words, no matter where I’m at with yoga poses, they still give me heaps of benefits for both the mind and body. 

As you’ll below, I’ve also come to understand the question of what is yoga fit. I also think that the conventional view of yoga underplays how yoga can deliver both fitness, and all the other benefits I’ve already mentioned. But for a start, what do I mean by yoga fitness.

What is yoga fit?

• Yoga Fit is integrated fitness to get strong, flexible, steady, & balanced.
• Yoga fitness develops from holding poses, calmly, & breathing!
• It’s also helped by some Iyengar flow yoga.
• In the process, you also develop stamina & resilience.
• Plus, in all poses, yoga fitness involves deliberate breath to stay calm & focused.
• In the yoga tradition, you work evenly with both the active and resting sides of your nervous system.
• Also, key outcomes are doing poses in ways that avoids agitation or upset.
• So, being yoga fit flows from working simultaneously on physical, mental, & emotional fitness.
• All of which is doable with yoga, due to its multi-faceted elements or components.

Some of the numerous benefits of yoga, such as you see in the image below, are obviously major reasons why people do yoga.

But too many avoid it because they just want to get fit. My point, is that with yoga, you will also get yoga fit, just like I have. For me, yoga fitness includes conventional fitness, but also much more.

Flametree’s Palmerston fitness deals include a FREE first class, & more

Thank you to Dave, from us at Flametree, for his story of his yoga journey.

At Flametree, Beginner level classes run continually. That means you can start anytime.

If you are new, your first class is free. In the studio, just come along. Online, click the class time you want and we email you the link to join. Then the beginner deal gives you 10 classes at HALF price plus 2 free, $59.50 in total, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

 

Get Half OFF Flametree’s Yoga Beginners 10 pass (with 2 more FREE), $59.50, no code.

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

Yoga student testimonials about Flametree’s yoga gym Palmerston classes

Here’s a collection of the many short and very positive reviews of Flametree by other students.

On Flametree’s Google page, you’ll also find detailed posts from many students about the very wide range of benefits of yoga that they received.

There are also many extensive stories by Flametree teachers and students, about their yoga fitness journey.

For instance, here are popular stories by Stuart, by Gary, and by Miriam.

Or check out the short story about Kim, one or the teaches at Flametree’s yoga gym Palmerston fitness classes. Her story is with this tiny video of her yoga.

Last, for many tiny examples of both easy and advanced examples of what you can learn, check out Flametree’s TikTok or YouTube pages.

Flametree’s yoga gym Palmerston class times & types

Here are class times for beginners and non-beginners.

The classes are all standard, introductory hatha yoga poses.

The nearest studio classes to Palmerston are at Coolalinga (Coolalinga Central), with beginner classes most days of the week. The main studio is at Woolner. Many classes are also live online.

There’s also options, including Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Back (& Neck & Shoulders), and Easy Restorative Yoga.

These last three classes can also be further adapted for ongoing conditions, any disability, or issues arising from trauma. (For those on NDIS, yoga classes can be part of your NDIS plan. Try NDIS yoga.)

At the non-beginner level, there’s extra options like Yoga For Immune System, Fifty Plus Yoga, and more advanced levels.

Near Palmerston, Flametree has beginner classes at Coolalinga most days, and live online.

 If you are new, your first class is free. Then get the half price 10 pack plus 2 free.

Flametree’s fitness centre, & weight loss program

By the way, we mean Palmerston, Northern Territory, rather than Palmerston North in New Zealand.

Coolalinga is about 15 minutes’ drive from central Palmerston, and Woolner about 20 minutes.

Flametree also has private classes. They are similar to using a personal trainer for personal training.

At Flametree classes, whatever your fitness level, you can work at your own pace with various exercise programmes.

The free first class is a great reason to get started with your personal fitness goals.

Each class gives you at least an hour access to great teaching and guidance.

In addition you can integrate your classes with Flametree’s weight loss program.

So Flametree is a good place for your fitness journey.

Whatever your fitness levels, start a fitness program

Whether you are in the Palmerston area, nearby, or far away, Flametree’s classes can help you build a healthy life.

Many Palmerston residents have already found Flametree’s experienced educators to be a great way to maintain and build healthy habits.

At classes, you’ll learn functional movement options that you can also use at home for even just a 10 or 15 minute workout.

Many students also value the sense of community.

So, try Flametree’s approach to functional training.

Look for more than the conventional fitness industry

If you want yoga, look for a specialist yoga teacher.

​In other words, the high quality yoga we suggest you choose, should deliver fitness, as well as what’s listed in the diagram above.

In addition, good quality yoga can work on all of these.

• Support for heart health, alongside your doctor’s care.
• Calm, slow breathing, which reviews link with modestly lower blood pressure.
• Better range of motion.
• Better breathing techniques and lung capacity.
• The intentionality to do personal practice.
• The use of alignment principles that correctly extend your body, and mind.
• Props such as sandbags for calming and stretching.
• Work on your entire body.
• Lift your heart rate into appropriate ranges.
• Include long holds to as to build strength and stamina.
• Improvement in mental focus and stress management.

The Iyengar yoga taught at Flametree works on all of this, if you practise regularly, come to classes, or ideally both.

Yoga classes for Palmerston residents

Many Palmerston students do some classes at Coolalinga, and also some in Woolner (just off the Tiger Brennan expressway).

For example, some students also want to attend Flametree’s Special Focus classes in Woolner, such as Gentle Yoga, or Back, Neck, & Shoulder Yoga.

A Flame Tree Yoga Gym Darwin Beginner level yoga class can also be started at any time. To do this, start with your free first class, then the HALF price beginner deal.

 

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.

So get fit, strong and flexible with Flametree, near Palmerston or online.

Get Half OFF Flametree’s Yoga Beginners 10 pass (with 2 more FREE), $59.50, no code.

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

Yoga near Palmerston NT: common questions

Is there yoga near Palmerston NT?

Yes. Flametree Yoga Studio runs beginner Iyengar yoga classes at Coolalinga, roughly 15 minutes’ drive from central Palmerston, plus classes at Woolner and live online. Check the beginner timetable for current times.

Does Flametree still run classes at Gray Hall in Palmerston?

Gray Hall classes are not on the current timetable. The nearest studio classes for Palmerston residents are at Coolalinga. Many Palmerston students also join live online.

What is yoga fit?

It is the kind of fitness that comes from yoga: strength and stamina from holding poses, flexibility, balance, and a steadier mind from slow, deliberate breathing. It works on physical, mental and emotional fitness at the same time.

Is yoga a good exercise for former runners?

Many former runners, like Dave, find yoga keeps them active, and adds the flexibility and calm that running did not give them. For knee problems in particular, see Flametree’s Iyengar yoga for knees page, and tell your teacher before class.

Can yoga help a stiff neck and shoulders?

Many students find it does. Twists, shoulder openers and supported poses gradually improve how far you can turn and lift. Yoga For Backs, on Wednesdays at 7.15pm at Woolner, focuses on the back, neck and shoulders.

Can I use NDIS funding for yoga at Flametree?

Yoga classes can be included in some NDIS plans. See Flametree’s NDIS yoga page for details, and check with your plan manager about what your plan covers.

How much does yoga cost for Palmerston residents?

If you are new, your first class is free. Beginners then get 12 classes for $59.50 (10 at half price plus 2 free), with no code and a 14-day money-back guarantee. The same pass works at Coolalinga, Woolner and online.

Can I do Flametree classes online from Palmerston?

Yes. Many classes are live online through Zoom, taught at the same time as the studio class. Click the class time you want and we email you the link to join.