Yoga For Bone Health

By Chris Lalor, Certified Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist, and Dr Stuart McGill, Yoga Teacher, Flametree Yoga Darwin

Last updated: 25 October 2026

Short answer: Flametree teaches yoga, not Pilates

If you are searching for Pilates in Darwin, here is the plain answer. Flametree Yoga Studio teaches Iyengar yoga, not Pilates. Our classes are done on a mat, in small groups, with props such as blocks, belts and chairs. Your first class is free, in the studio or live online.

In short

• What: Iyengar yoga mat classes, with a teacher who explains each pose and adjusts the set-up with props.
• Where: Woolner and Coolalinga in Darwin, plus LIVE online.
• Who it suits: beginners and experienced students, including people in their 50s, 60s and beyond.
• Price: first class free, then 12 classes for $59.50 for new or returning students (half the usual $119).
• Next step: see the beginner deal or pick a class on the timetable.

Start with your free first class

What a Flametree mat class is like

You work on a sticky mat, usually with a few other students. The teacher shows a pose, explains how to do it correctly, and walks round to help you. We use props so that each pose fits your body today, not an imaginary body.

Iyengar yoga is known for its focus on alignment (lining the body up correctly in each pose). That care is why many students in their 50s and 60s feel safe starting with us.

If you already do mat classes, you will find the set-up familiar. The classes are different in one way: you stay in each pose longer, and the teacher teaches the pose itself, step by step.

Kim in Half Angle pose, one of the standing poses taught in Flametree classes.

Strong bones: poses that carry your own weight

Many people look at mat classes because they want to look after their bones. Standing poses ask your legs to carry your full body weight, and arm balances ask your arms to do the same. Weight-bearing activity (activity where your bones carry your weight) is widely recommended for bone health.

Poses we teach that carry your weight include:

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose), the base of all standing poses
• Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) and Warrior 2
• Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), on one leg
• Vrksasana (Tree Pose), on one leg
• Downward Facing Dog, with hands on blocks or a chair if needed

For more on bones, read our page on yoga for osteoporosis (thin, fragile bones) and the post on yoga for strength.

Kim in Half Moon Pose. Standing on one leg is a good test of leg strength and balance.

Kim’s story: too much exercise is not the answer

Kim, one of our teachers, did gymnastics for up to 25 hours a week for 8 years as a child and teenager. It left her strong and comfortable upside down. It also taught her that more exercise is not always better. Today she teaches steady, balanced classes where the aim is to feel good after class, not wrecked.

Kim in a handstand at Fannie Bay, Darwin. We teach many preparatory poses before anyone goes upside down.

Questions about Pilates searches and Flametree

Searching for Pilates for beginners near you? See beginners yoga near me to find out what Flametree teaches instead.

Does Flametree teach Pilates in Darwin?

No. Flametree teaches Iyengar yoga only. If you want a mat-based class with a teacher who explains each movement, our Iyengar yoga classes in Woolner and Coolalinga, and live online, are the place to start.

I like mat classes. Will a yoga class feel familiar?

Yes, in the way that counts. You work on a mat, in a small group, with a teacher helping you. The main difference is that you learn named poses and hold them longer, using props so each pose suits you.

Where can I do yoga mat classes in Darwin?

Flametree runs classes at Woolner and Coolalinga, with occasional classes at Casuarina. You can also join live online from anywhere. The beginner timetable shows every class time.

Is the first class really free?

Yes. New students can reserve a first class free, in the studio or online, then just turn up. After that, the beginner deal gives you 12 classes for $59.50. Other passes are on the yoga passes page.

Can I do the classes online if I live outside Darwin?

Yes. Our live online classes run over Zoom, and the times show in your own time zone. You do not need to live in Darwin to join.

Which poses are best for bone strength?

Standing poses that carry your body weight are the base of our teaching, such as Triangle, Warrior 2, Half Moon and Tree. Your teacher will show you simple versions first and add props where needed.

Try a class this week

Reserve your free first class on our beginner timetable, or read about the beginner deal. Questions? Use the contact page or the chat button.

Flametree Yoga Studio, Iyengar yoga in Darwin and live online. Written by the Flametree teaching team.