What is wellness? Is it rising early in the morning to practice yoga before work? Swapping Nutella spread for mashed avocado? Painting out frustrations instead of hate-stalking someone on Facebook?

If you’ve not been living under a rock for the past couple of years, then you’ll know that the emphasis on health and wellness in society has truly skyrocketed. In answer to the first question, wellness itself is largely focused around improving physical, emotional, social, occupational, intellectual and spiritual well-being, in ways which are unique to each individual.

From social media detoxing to treating our bodies with clean beauty products, pili nuts and matcha, 2018 has seen a number of trends arise on the wellness scene. However, finding the right path on your wellness journey doesn’t have to involve following the trends.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your mind, body and soul in Manchester, then there are plenty of places to visit for wellness classes and relaxing activities!

Yoga in Manchester City Centre

Beginners Yoga in Manchester

If you’re a true yoga novice, then practicing the Downward-Facing Dog alongside experienced yogis is probably going to be a little daunting. Fortunately, there are plenty of beginners yoga classes in Manchester to get involved with, including introductory courses usually spanning over six weeks.

Want something a little more challenging? Ashtanga yoga is a form of classical Indian yoga and is one of the more physically challenging forms of the practice. The AYM (Ashtanga Yoga Manchester) Studio in the Northern Quarter offers six-week induction courses for beginners, designed to gradually introduce students to the background, practice, and philosophy of ashtanga yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga Manchester, Methodist Central Buildings, Central Hall, Oldham St, Manchester, M1 1JQ

Hot Yoga in Manchester

Hot yoga is exactly as it sounds — hot! This rather sweaty practice has become popular with students thanks to its stress-relieving effect, often brought about by an increase in blood circulation and a release of tension in the body. On the other hand, some people simply enjoy the physical challenge of enduring high temperatures during exercise. Each to their own, hey?

The Life Centre North on Deansgate offers hot yoga classes every day of the week and is popular with students thanks to its emphasis on community building and welcoming all abilities. Get that deodorant can ready...

The Life Centre North, 293A Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW

Top Yoga Studios in Manchester

Looking for other places in Manchester city centre to get your yoga fix? Here are two of the best...

Yoga Express Manchester at Studio25

If you’re a busy bee, then this popular yoga studio in the Northern Quarter offers the benefits of a 90-minute yoga class in half the time.

Yoga Express, Studio25, 25 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PE

Manchester Yoga & Holistic Central

Manchester Yoga Central offers the largest variety of yoga classes in Manchester, set in Trafford’s iconic Victoria Warehouse.

Manchester Yoga Central, Trafford Wharf Road, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1AB

Spa Days in Manchester

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve had a stressful day at work or just wish to pamper yourself and unwind — the occasional spa day is enough to get your mind and body back on track. Fortunately, there are an abundance of spas in Manchester city centre, usually located within some of the city’s finest hotels.

Hilton Spa Manchester - Spa Urban Oasis

The Hilton is largely renowned for being situated in the impressive Beetham Tower building, complete with its Cloud 23 bar offering exceptional views over Manchester. However, it’s also the perfect spot for a luxurious spa day (and a spot of afternoon tea, too).

Serenity In The City package - £90 per person

To get yourself energised, this package begins with two hours of swimming, sauna and steam room usage, before finishing off with a back exfoliation treatment, a neck, back and shoulder massage, a facial, a soothing scalp massage and an arm and hand massage. Phew, that’s a lot of indulgence for one day!

Hilton Manchester Deansgate, 303 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ

Leisure Club and Spa at Macdonald Manchester Hotel

This deluxe spa boasts a signature thermal suite, complete with the likes of a hot rock sauna, ice igloo and eucalyptus scented steam room.

A Luxury Twilight Spa Evening - £39 per person

If you want to save on the cash, this cost-effective package includes a 25-minute Elemis treatment (involving a manicure/pedicure, foot massage, back massage or facial), a glass of Prosecco, full use of the spa facilities and additional benefits.

Macdonald Manchester Hotel, London Road, Manchester, M1 2PG

The Spa at The Midland, Manchester

The Midland is one of Manchester’s most revered luxury hotels and its spa is certainly on the same level. Every spa day package comes complete with spa attire and full use of the swimming pool, thermal suite, relaxation suite and private gym.

Holistic Hideaway spa day - £89 per person

This stress-busting spa experience begins with a 55-minute Hopi Ear Candle therapy, Indian Head Massage or Reflexology holistic treatment, followed by an exceptional two-course lunch at the hotel’s 2 AA rosette restaurant Mr Cooper’s.

The Midland, 16 Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS

Meditation in Manchester

Let’s face it — modern-day life is busy. There’s so much to see, so much to do and so much to learn, that it can be difficult to reduce the speed that our brains are forever running at!

This, among other reasons, is why meditation has grown in popularity across Manchester and the world. Meditation is designed to help calm the mind and encourage us to develop deeper concentration, positive thoughts and clarity. If you want to get on the path to developing this life-changing skill, then there are a number of places to begin your meditation journey in Manchester.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

The Manchester Buddhist Centre offers a range of practical courses and classes for newcomers and more seasoned meditators, from a six-week Meditation Foundation evening course to short lunchtime classes. Everyone is welcome and the environment is informal and relaxed.

Manchester Buddhist Centre, 16-20 Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1DZ

Kadampa Meditation Centre Manchester

Whether you wish to take part in a one-off 45-minute session or embark on an ongoing course covering a specific area, the Kadampa Meditation Centre offers an extensive range of sessions for aspiring meditators. Public talks and sessions include focusing on learning to let go of the past to developing the same habits of healthy people. Five-week courses are just £25 per person.

Kadampa Meditation Centre Manchester, 125 Portland St, Manchester M1 4QD

Float - Manchester's First Wellness Festival

Wellness is taking on an exceptional new form in Manchester this September with the city’s first ever wellness festival — Float.

On 22 September 2018, an exciting array of mindfulness practitioners, yoga teachers, foodies and so on will be coming together to deliver a range of talks and workshops for Manchester’s people. Whether you want to learn about getting on the pathway to flexible working or discover more about photography or acro yoga, this intriguing one-day festival is bound to get you thinking and motivated.

A ‘Full Fat’ ticket is £58, whilst a £25 ticket will grant you ‘wanderers’ entry to either the morning or afternoon part of the festival. We can’t wait to see how the day pans out!

How are you looking to start your health and wellness journey in Manchester? Have you found something that works for you? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch on Twitter.

This article comes courtesy of Manchester Apartments - one of Manchester’s leading landlords of high-spec studio and 1-3 apartments in Manchester city centre.

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