Yoga studio review series: Follow Your Bliss Yoga

Can there be such a thing as “genre” in workouts? Because there is definitely a yoga studio genre. Students are predominantly young, fit, middle class and white women donning trendy yoga gear looking for a workout or a way to de-stress in studios that all seem to have the same decorator: clean lines, mellow palettes, tastefully placed statues of random Buddhist (although it’s rare to hear anything about Buddhism) or Hindu gods/figures, meditation paraphernalia, tropical plants and warm, “ethnic” (god, how that term irritates me) furniture, usually wood. Don’t get me wrong, I like the aesthetic. It is calming and serene and, to follow this paradigm of genre that I’ve suggested, this is what the students expect and desire. But sometimes you think to yourself that you’d like something utterly different.

Now, I’m mentioned my appreciation for Sivananda Yoga, where students were mostly older, and really, really into yoga. Follow Your Bliss is also very different from the yoga studio genre, but in a different way.

 

Yoga studio review series: Ahimsa Yoga

I just started an unlimited 2 weeks for $40 new student special at Ahimsa Yoga, which now occupies the space previously known as Octopus Garden. This is an excellent studio for expanding your yoga practice, and students who have already established a regular practice will benefit the most.

 

Yoga studio review series: Yoga Sanctuary Danforth

Yoga Sanctuary’s Danforth location shares teachers with its College branch, but has its own unique appeals. Located steps away from the subway, this studio is conveniently located a short block away from a string of Greek restaurants if you’re craving for a post-yoga meal.

 

Yoga studio review series: Shas Yoga & Pilates Studio

Shas Yoga & Pilates is a tiny studio located in an unassuming building at the corner of Dupont and St. George. Its small size necessitates smaller classes (maximum 7-8 students) and is recommended for those who prefer a strong teacher-student relationship.

 

Yoga studio review series: YogaSpace

Situated amidst hipster favourites, Golden Turtle and Pizzeria Libretto, YogaSpace rests at the heart of gentrifying Ossington/Dundas. Offering various types of bodywork therapies, as well as a special focus on pre/postnatal yoga, birth preparation and yoga with young children, YogaSpace is a very unique studio but its drop in classes are accessible to all.

 

Yoga studio review series: Moksha Yoga Danforth

Moksha Yoga on Danforth is located almost right outside of Chester station which is a definite bonus in the winter. The last thing you want leaving a hot yoga class is to shock your body with a long walk in -20 weather.

 

Yoga studio review series: Buddha Body Yoga

Buddha Body Yoga is a small studio located in the heart of the village, a five minute walk from Wellesley Station. A warm space with a relaxed atmosphere, this studio offers a low key experience.

 

Yoga studio review series: Sivananda Yoga

Swami Sivananda

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre is located just West of Spadina on Harbord, close to a smattering of excellent restaurants and specialty bookstores. It is very different from the other studios included in the Passport to Prana card. It is a registered charity that offers classes, some of which are free, for a very specific style of yoga as well as other practices such as meditation and ayurvedic cooking. This is not the studio to go to if you are looking for a workout, to simply relax, or many of the perks other studios offer. However, if you want to deepen your yoga practice and go beyond asana yoga, or if you are simply looking to get away from the lithe and young professional Lululemon crowd, this place is perfect for you.

 

Yoga studio review series: Octopus Garden Yoga

Octopus Garden Yoga is a tiny studio nestled innocuously on Bloor street by a hardware store and Outer Layer in the heart of the Annex. Classes are very popular and the teachers are excellent, but the facilities leave something to be desired.

 

Yoga studio review series: Yoga Sanctuary College

Yoga Sanctuary‘s College studio is a popular studio located conveniently on the north west corner of Yonge/College. It is literally right across the street from the Winners’ College facing exit.