Serenity Yoga Studio: Finding Balance in the City

Why I Needed Yoga (And Didn't Know It)

I'll be completely honest—I only tried yoga because my physiotherapist insisted. After months of heavy lifting at Gold Fitness, my lower back was constantly tight, my shoulders were rolled forward, and I had zero mobility in my hips. She recommended yoga as complementary training, and I reluctantly agreed to try one class.

That first class at Serenity was humbling. I've deadlifted 180kg, but holding a basic pigeon pose for 60 seconds nearly broke me. My hamstrings screamed, my hip flexors refused to cooperate, and I couldn't touch my toes without bending my knees. The instructor, Sarah, noticed my struggle and quietly adjusted my form without making me feel incompetent. I left that first class exhausted in a completely different way than lifting exhausts you.

The Space: Thoughtfully Designed

Serenity Yoga Studio is located in the Al Olaya district, tucked away on the third floor of a modern building. The entrance immediately sets the tone—you leave your shoes in a designated area and step onto warm wooden floors. The lighting is soft and indirect, never harsh fluorescents. Natural light floods in through large windows, but they've positioned the space so you're never dealing with direct sun during practice.

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

They have two practice rooms—the main studio holds 20 people comfortably, while the smaller room is used for private sessions and meditation classes. The temperature is controlled perfectly, which matters more than you'd think. Too hot and you're uncomfortable, too cold and your muscles don't relax. They've nailed it.

The changing rooms are compact but clean, with secure lockers and proper showers. They provide mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters—all in excellent condition. I eventually bought my own mat, but it's nice knowing I don't have to carry it if I'm coming straight from work.

The Instructors Make All the Difference

This is where Serenity truly excels. The instructors aren't just certified—they're genuinely passionate about teaching and deeply knowledgeable. Sarah, who taught my first class, has been practicing for 15 years and holds certifications in Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative yoga. She studied in India for two years, which comes through in how she approaches teaching.

What impressed me most was her attention to individual students. In a class of 15 people, she managed to provide personalized adjustments to nearly everyone. She never forced corrections, instead offering alternatives if someone's body wasn't ready for a particular pose. That awareness of individual limitations while maintaining class flow is a skill I've rarely seen.

I've taken classes with four different instructors at Serenity, and they all maintain this standard. David teaches an intense Power Vinyasa class that had me dripping sweat and shaking in plank. Layla's Yin yoga sessions are slower-paced but incredibly challenging in their own way—holding poses for 3-5 minutes tests your mental endurance as much as physical.

Class Variety: Something for Everyone

Serenity offers classes throughout the day, starting at 6 AM and running until 8 PM. The schedule rotates different styles, which has let me explore what works for my body and goals. Here's what they offer:

I've settled into a routine of two Power Vinyasa classes and one Yin session per week. The power classes challenge me physically and complement my strength training perfectly. The Yin class on Sunday evenings has become my recovery ritual—it's slow, meditative, and helps me decompress from the week.

The Community (Without the Cult Vibes)

I was worried yoga studios might have that overly spiritual, exclusive community feeling. Serenity doesn't. Yes, there are regular practitioners who've been coming for years. Yes, there's a sense of community. But no one makes you feel like an outsider if you can't do a handstand or don't own expensive yoga apparel.

Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash

The mix of practitioners is genuinely diverse—locals and expats, beginners and advanced students, people in their twenties through their sixties. I've had conversations with a Saudi engineer who uses yoga to manage stress, an American teacher recovering from a knee injury, and a British consultant who's been practicing for 20 years. Everyone's there for their own reasons, and that's respected.

They host occasional workshops and social events—I attended a breathwork workshop last month that was fascinating. But there's no pressure to participate in the social aspect if you just want to practice and leave.

Pricing and Membership Options

Serenity isn't cheap, but it's not outrageously expensive either. Single drop-in classes cost 100 SAR. Class packages work out more economical—10 classes for 850 SAR (85 SAR per class), valid for three months. Unlimited monthly membership is 650 SAR.

I started with the 10-class package to test if I'd stick with it. After using those classes in five weeks, I switched to the unlimited membership. Even attending just three times per week, it pays for itself compared to per-class pricing. Plus, having unlimited access removes the mental calculation of "is this worth spending a class credit on?"

They also offer private sessions (300 SAR per hour) and small group privates for up to four people (450 SAR total). I haven't done private sessions, but several members I've talked to say they're worth it for addressing specific issues or goals.

Three Months In: Measurable Changes

I'm not one for vague statements about "feeling more centered" or "higher energy." I need concrete results. After three months of consistent practice (2-3 times per week), here's what's changed measurably:

• Flexibility: I can now touch my toes with straight legs. My hip mobility has improved dramatically—I can sink deeper into squats with better form.
• Pain reduction: The chronic lower back tightness that plagued me after heavy lifting sessions is gone. My physiotherapist confirmed improved posture and muscle balance.
• Strength gains: My overhead press increased by 10kg. I attribute this partly to improved shoulder mobility and stability from yoga.
• Recovery: I recover faster from intense training sessions. The combination of stretching, breathing work, and active recovery in Yin classes makes a noticeable difference.
• Sleep quality: I track my sleep with a wearable. My deep sleep percentage increased from 15% to 22% since starting yoga.

What Could Be Improved

The studio gets crowded during peak times—the 6 PM classes often fill up completely. They cap classes at 20 people for safety and quality, which I appreciate, but it means you need to book ahead during popular times. They use an app for bookings, which mostly works well, though it occasionally glitches.

The parking situation isn't ideal. The building's parking is shared with other businesses, and finding a spot between 5:30-7:30 PM can be challenging. I've started parking a block away and walking, which honestly works fine.

I'd also love to see them offer more advanced workshops. They've done a few, but I'd attend monthly workshops on specific skills like arm balances or deeper backbends. There's clearly demand from the regular practitioners.

Who Should Join Serenity

If you're looking for authentic yoga instruction from knowledgeable teachers in a well-maintained space, Serenity delivers. It's particularly good for:

• Athletes or lifters needing mobility work and recovery
• Complete beginners who want proper instruction from the start
• Experienced practitioners looking for variety in class styles
• Anyone dealing with stress who wants to develop a mindfulness practice
• People recovering from injuries (several instructors have therapeutic backgrounds)

It might not be the best fit if you're looking for a budget option or primarily want a social fitness scene. This is a serious practice space where people come to work.

My Recommendation

Serenity Yoga Studio has become an essential part of my fitness routine. What started as reluctant physical therapy has turned into something I genuinely look forward to. The instruction quality is consistently excellent, the space is thoughtfully designed, and the community is welcoming without being cliquish.

Is it the cheapest yoga option in Riyadh? No. But the quality justifies the price. I've tried cheaper studios and the difference in instruction caliber is significant. If you're going to invest time in yoga, learning proper technique from qualified teachers matters.

External Resources on Yoga Benefits

For evidence-based information about yoga's benefits and proper practice:

• Harvard Health - Yoga Benefits Beyond the Mat
• Yoga Journal - Practice Guides
• NCBI - Health Benefits of Yoga Research