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| - A class at 889 is less a Yoga Class and more a Yoga Experience.
Seriously, After visiting a large number of studios in the GTA this feels like checking out of the bungalow guest house you have been staying in and splurging for a 5 star with hot showers.
Everything is catered to ultimate luxury and the attention to detail is impeccable. The space is bright, beautiful and spacious. Change rooms are downstairs and the heated studio is up. The change rooms have lockers with keys, towels are available to use for free, there are soaps and lotions and tea stations, and filtered water everywhere.
I had Nicky Poole as my instructor on my first visit. I had specifically selected her class because of her reputation, and because i wanted to try a level 3 heated. She did not disappoint. Right when I entered she came over, greeted me warmly, shook my hand and asked me about my level of experience, injuries etc. There were no mirrors in the studio, which confused me at first as I like to watch my alignment, and the yogis all line up facing each other. During Vinyasa, I swear I nearly bumped heads with the girl I was facing several times. Nicky then instructed from the middle. It was a very intimate, community-like experience.
The class was Prana Flow 3, which focused on breathing, Vinyasa (!!!!!) and was very challenging. Not challenging in the overwhelmed-what-am-I-doing-here-I-am-going-to-die but supportive-anything-is-possible-with-some-practice-encouraging way. As a level 3 it was perfect. The moves flowed excellent from one to another, and she used the sanskrit names of the postures and everything flowed quickly and seamlessly. Just note that if you are into hot yoga or Bikram, it is "heated" at best, not hot.
For more experienced yogis, the benefit of an advanced class is that she was able judge the collective ability of all of us, and catered to it. She then could focus on explaining more advanced moves in detail and she did not have to stop to explain basic moves. It was great. The class opened and closed with a supported posture using bolsters and was tremendously restorative. The whole class had "world beat" Music (!!) and a (singing bowl?) energy clearing. 75 min flew by, and I was sad to see it end.
Not only is this the most beautiful studio I have ever visited, Three of my top Five teachers in Toronto teach here. Nicky Poole (the latest) Sunny Smith and Davian Den Otter! and I am so happy that they are all in one place.
They have a great $30 30 days package which I am going to pick up as soon as my passport expires.
Bonus Points
- Vinyasa (!!)
- Challenging Class, Excellent Instructor (!!!)
- Awesome Teachers including some of my favorites ever
- Beautiful Space
- Lockers (!!)
- Music (!!!!)
- Soaps, Teas, Filtered Waters, Lotions galore!
- Friendly Staff
- spa on site
- EVERYTHING is there for you. Water, Towels, Locks, Mats, you do not have to bring anything with you.
- Mat storage
Minus Points
- Not that hot, I like Hot Yoga. But who cares. GORG!
- Kind of pricey, but one trip to 889 and I'm skimming my budget to see where I can trim to afford. So worth it.
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