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| - Bikram Yoga Yonge is a good studio where everyone is friendly. It's a solid, nice space, which used to be occupied by another yoga studio. It is busy, which is pretty much expected for yoga in Toronto. The busiest classes are following the standard workday, no surprise. Weekends can be quieter but sometimes you get a packed class. There are more women than men, but men are in regular attendance.
The practice room has lots of windows and the floor is dark hardwood. It can fit about 40 people. It is a VERY hot room (and I say this in comparison to other studios I have attended), and becomes hotter with more bodies in it. They don't have a fan so the teacher will likely open the windows during class to bring in some fresh air and to circulate the air; that's been my experience here. If you find that they don't (oh yes, it can happen), it's not good and it can be really unpleasant. Even when you get air, it's still hot! On the natural desire to have more versus less space between you and your neighbours, don't expect it. For a very busy class, you can expect there to be only a few inches between mats. If the class does not fill up, just before start time you can take the opportunity to adjust your mat to have more room. When space is tight, for full locust posture, yogis should negotiate with their neighbours so all can extend their arms.
All teachers follow the Bikram "dialogue." Some teachers give you straight dialogue. Others have variations and provide further guidance and tips on the postures. I try not to prefer one teacher to another because it's all good. Where additional information is given (e.g. a posture is further explained), it is generally beneficial. If you're really listening, you can refine your practice and improve. Hands-on adjustments don't normally happen in Bikram Yoga but sometimes do. You are more likely to be verbally guided to make the adjustment(s) yourself. I've noticed both here.
Overall the space is clean. The ladies' change room is big. There are four showers with decent water pressure. There are two sinks and only one toilet/water closet and a long line up is not unusual. For storage of belongings, there are cubbies in benches, hooks, and some small lockers (you will need to bring your own lock). There is a sitting area outside the practice room if you have time to spare. There's a tap where you can fill up your water bottle. In the practice room, oddly they don't have a supply of old towels/rags for cleaning up your own sweat when class is done. I'm accustomed to doing this at other studios. (And I have to say, earlier reviewers, if you don't sweat under these conditions, that's odd.)
Additional information, intended to be helpful:
Directions: closest to Bloor station and South of Bloor Street. The entrance is a few doors down from Noah's Foods on Yonge. Located on the 3rd floor of an office type building. There are some times where access to the street level door is restricted and you have to be buzzed in. Scroll on the directory to buzz the studio.
If you're new to Bikram Yoga, read the FAQ and read elsewhere on the web. The practice is open to everyone but it's always challenging. The dialogue and postures are Bikram standards so expect repetition. The dialogue has a demanding tone although some teachers are more relaxed sounding (but don't be fooled into thinking it will be easier!) Don't take it personally, just listen to the cues and follow them. I've also never been in a class where any teacher hasn't been completely welcoming and encouraging to new students (i.e. do the best you can, go at your own pace, take breaks when needed). When they say the best thing to do is to come back soon for a second class, it's true. Give it at least four classes and try different teachers. There are many benefits to this practice including better sleep, better focus/concentration, calmness. Bikram Yoga has done positive things for me that Vinyasa Flow (love it) did not.
Basic tips/etiquette: go well hydrated (minimum 2 litres during the day is recommended, if not more). Don't tank up on water just before class. You'll need water on hand in class (a litre or more). Have a mostly empty stomach, whatever that means for you. The guidance is to allow 3 hours between meal and class time. No talking in the practice room and be quiet with mat placement etc. Bring a towel that covers the length of your mat; you can rent one at the studio. Don't wear pants, you will regret it. No cotton, acts like a weight. Bra top, close fitting tank, shorts, and crops are common for women. Men usually wear longer shorts (nothing on display please), maybe a technical shirt, but most men go shirtless. You will definitely need to shower afterwards so bring another towel. Don't change into jeans, you'll regret that too (lol, hard to get them on and you'll still be hot).
You can see pictures of the studio here http://instagram.com/bikramyogayonge & on their Facebook page.
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