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| - This is a gorgeous studio about a 5-10 mins. walk from Bloor/Yonge station. It's definitely "upscale" and has a typical posh Rosedale crowd. That used to make me feel uncomfortable, but the classes are wonderful and everyone is just there to focus on their wellness so it's all good.
The space is a no cell phone zone with bright, clean spaces and friendly service. They really do everything to create a calming atmosphere. Everything from the diffuser blends that smell so good to the variety of yoga props and clean, well-stocked change rooms make it a pleasure to take class here. Drop-ins are expensive but you can get the 40 day intro special ($108) or try them via Classpass. There's also tea and a boutique area selling yoga stuff, essential oils, clothes.
I've tried a variety of classes here and overall, the classes tend to the gentler side of things. They excel in yin/restorative and specialty classes, such as yoga tune-up (using balls to do self-massage, sort of like foam rolling). I do not find the vinyasa classes that vigorous -- the level 2/3 ones will certainly challenge you by throwing in more inversions and arm balances, but the pacing tends to be a bit slower so I do not work up much of a sweat, so I come here on days when I want a gentler practice. Amongst the teachers I've tried, Corrie's tend to be the most vigorous and she has great playlists and creative sequences too. The pilates instructors are fantastic and they recently added a few barre classes to the schedule. The one I attended by April was very similar to barreworks, as she also teaches/used to teach there. They have a great variety of early morning classes which are great for squeezing in a class before work. I tried a meditation class and it was more kundalini based than a mindfulness meditaiton. It was not really my thing, but worth checking out for those who might be curious.
There are 3 studios and I never find it over-crowded here. This is a bonus for classpassers because you can usually just decide at the last minute to join a class, instead of reserving in advance and facing the potential cancellation fee if something comes up.
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