Nestled in an industrial street in Collingwood, Schoolhouse Studios is an innovative shared studio space that hosts local creatives: architects, activists, record labels, fashion designers, our friends Folk Collective, and more. They also hold classes in yoga, pilates and meditation. We went along to one of their yoga classes and got to know some of the aspiring yoginis and yogins in between downward dogs.
Name?
Hannah Sim.
What are you wearing head to toe?
Adidas skins, a vintage vest, Bonds jumper, Vivienne Westwood socks, New Balance trainers.
What do you do for work?
I work as a waiter at Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar.
What do you do for fun?
Yoga, dancing, cooking. Trying new food I’ve never had before is probably my most favourite thing to.
When did you start doing yoga, and how did you get into it?
I started doing yoga five or so years ago when I was living in Sydney. My housemate at the time had started doing heated vinyasa and I went along. It’s probably still my favourite style. So Sydney.
What do you love about doing yoga at Schoolhouse Studios?
I’m obsessed with the teacher Vanessa. She’s an old regular of mine; she’s magic.
How do you bring a sense of personal style to your fitness gear?
I unintentionally end up going to yoga in all black. The other day I embarrassingly went to yoga in this t-shirt I got years ago as a souvenir from a dive bar which says “alcohol abuse centre” on it. My personal style completely contradicts my practice.
What’s your favourite healthy snack to make at home?
I love making chia pudding, which isn’t really healthy. I love treats though, so for me that’s super healthy.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
Probably stretch in my room and listen to music. I’m a big fan of going to the onsen too.
Name?
George Bauer.
What are you wearing head to toe?
Socks, an old pair of Nike shorts, a windbreaker and a trail run events shirt.
What do you do for work? I run my own business; I make bow ties and other men’s accessories. It’s called That Dapper Chap.
When did you start doing yoga and how did you get into it?
My studio is at the other Schoolhouse Studios in Brunswick East, so I found out through that.
What do you love about doing yoga at Schoolhouse Studios?
It’s really relaxed and there’s a realism about it. There are no taboos or questions you can’t ask.
How do you bring a sense of personal style to your fitness gear?
I don’t have much yoga-esque gear, so whatever soaks up the sweat.
What’s your favourite healthy snack to make at home?
I’m a big smoothie man.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
Running is my destresser.
Name?
Vanessa Muradian.
What are you wearing head to toe?
Nike Air Max sneakers, Cotton On socks, Lululemon leggings—which are really good for sweating in—my girlfriend’s t-shirt, her jacket and a scarf she gave me.
What do you do for work? I’m a sexologist, a yoga teacher and the business owner of Mia Muse.
When did you start doing yoga and how did you get into it?
I got into it consistently three to four years ago, and I loved it because it’s an amazing way to work out and get [in touch with] spirituality at the same time.
What do you love about doing yoga at Schoolhouse Studios?
I love teaching here—the vibe is completely chill.
How do you bring a sense of personal style to your fitness gear?
Colour, even though I’m not wearing any today.
What’s your favourite healthy snack to make at home?
A smoothie for breakfast.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
Either meditate at my altar or oxytocin release by affection.
Name?
Katy Roberts.
What are you wearing head to toe?
Adidas Gazelles, ridiculous leggings I found in a NYC thrift store, a Dr. Dre t-shirt I acquired from the tallest guy I know and a Kloke down jacket.
What do you do for work?
I work next door producing videos.
What do you do for fun?
Friends, music, dancing, food.
When did you start doing yoga, and how did you get into it?
A few years ago I moved in across the road from a yoga studio so the reasons not to do yoga were wearing thin.
What do you love about doing yoga at Schoolhouse Studios?
It’s metres from my office, so, again, no excuses.
How do you bring a sense of personal style to your fitness gear?
I’ve never really bought exercise specific items of clothing, so everything I wear is personal items; just years out of rotation and daggily repurposed.
What’s your favourite healthy snack to make at home?
Is opening a bag of corn chips the wrong answer here? If it is, I don’t want to be right.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
I lay on my bed and listen to music with my eyes closed. Or red wine.
Name?
Renee Helena.
What are you wearing head to toe?
Lululemon leggings, some really old American Apparel top, Nike slides, Adidas sling bag and Zara cardigan.
What do you do for work?
I’m a Project Manager.
What do you do for fun?
Either get away for the weekend somewhere relaxing or hang out with friends in the city.
When did you start doing yoga, and how did you get into it?
I started doing yoga five years ago with the intention to get focused and strong. I actually got into it because my mum was doing it. I was complaining about being tired all the time and she was like, “Just try it out”.
What do you love about doing yoga at Schoolhouse Studios?
It’s a good studio, but at the end of the day it’s all about the teacher and Schoolhouse has great yoga teachers.
How do you bring a sense of personal style to your fitness gear?
I honestly just wear what I like and what’s comfortable; you have to be able to move in it easily and not think about it, particularly when you’re in certain positions like when you’re upside down.
What’s your favourite healthy snack to make at home?
Breakfast smoothie—coconut flour, blueberries, almond milk, chia seeds and banana. It’s yummy and fills me up.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
I do enjoy a glass of wine, but the most important thing for me is to switch off, it took me a really long time to learn how to do that.
Name?
Nita McMahon.
What are you wearing head to toe?
Old socks, Aldi lycra and a t-shirt sample I made.
What do you do for work?
I’m a sewing pattern designer.
When did you start doing yoga and how did you get into it?
About 20 years ago, but I started with Vanessa two years ago and as for why, I’m not too sure.
What do you love about doing yoga at school house studio?
Vanessa, she’s a babe and hilarious.
How do you bring a sense of personal style to your fitness gear?
So nothing falls out and nothing gets chafed.
What’s your favourite healthy snack to make at home?
Kale chips.
How do you relax after a stressful day?
I’m knitting at the moment, that’s currently it.
This article is presented in partnership with Fitbit Blaze.
Credits
Photography Ben Thomson