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| - I like everything about BeHot Yoga Toronto (formerly Bikram Yoga Centre) from the overall friendly, sense of community atmosphere, to the way teachers instruct, and the location itself. Easily accessible, tucked away downtown on Colborne Street in a great neighbourhood (St. Lawrence). The studio in general feels warm and is very clean. It is popular with women and men of all ages, shapes/sizes, and skill levels; there are many regular practitioners (who may want to keep it a secret). New students are always welcomed into the environment.
The practice room is a sizeable room that is more long and narrow. It's clean and doesn't smell. Floor is a smooth, laminate type surface. Fits about 4 rows of mats. In a busy class it's normal to have 40-50 people. Markers on the floor should be followed for mat placement, as the class WILL fill up. When you practice regularly, you learn to get over a lot of things including the tight fit of people. It can make for good energy, so there is an upside. I have never felt too impeded (other than for full locust/"airplane") or that my practice did not flow. Everyone spreads out in a less populated class.
The heat and humidity are consistent and the more bodies in the room, the hotter it gets. The fan is turned on at regular intervals. I always go well hydrated and never underestimate the need to be and to bring enough water. Again, it does not smell bad in the room unless you end up near someone with bad BO or other issues. People are generally pretty good with hygiene and not wearing strong scents.
As for instruction, there is not so much constant "drill sergeant" delivery that Bikram Yoga is known for. To me it's the right amount of firmness with positive encouragement and usually some levity thrown in. All are encouraged to do their best and take breaks when necessary. Teachers are proficient and follow the standard "dialogue" but often will provide additional guidance and sometimes even brief philosophy (and occasionally at the end of some of his classes, Paul will sing--it's nice). The additional information is beneficial and can be insightful. When you are really listening and focusing you can truly be in a meditative state; just being in the postures, improving them and your overall well-being.
Hands-on adjustments don't normally happen but occasionally they do here. Teachers are consistently helpful to everyone. You are still more likely to be verbally guided to make the adjustments yourself and that is why listening is strongly emphasized (we all hear but listening is a skill).
All in all this is a great studio with a positive vibe from the people to the location. Whether you are new or have an established practice, if you have access, go!
Other:
You can rent a mat and towels for a couple of dollars each and purchase water & coconut water. Sign-in is by scanning a card that you are given when you join. Shoe racks & a coat closet inside the entrance. Down the hallway are the change rooms for men (first) and women (far end). No full size lockers but there are small phone/wallet lockers (no fee) in the hallway. For the women's change room you have to go through the yoga mat cleaning and drying racks area. It doesn't smell bad as it gets cleaned and aired out. The floor gets wet between classes because of the mats, which is a challenge for any studio in my experience.
The women's change room is bright and clean. Given the space limitations (historical building) it's not a bad size. It can feel cramped but there is enough room to change and people are mostly courteous. There are: many cubbies & hooks, some benches; 3 sinks (one for the water filter); 2 toilet stalls; & 3 separate showers with good water pressure & liquid soap. There can be a long line up for the showers but most people respect the shower quickly decorum.
See website http://behotyogatoronto.com/ & http://instagram.com/behotyogatoronto, FB.
Additional info., intended to be helpful:
If you're new to this type of yoga, read the FAQ, etiquette & elsewhere on the Web. Etiquette: be on time in the practice room, class starts promptly. Silence in the practice room & quiet when placing your mat etc. Postures: accessible to everyone; it's not about being flexible. Follow the cues, do your best. Heat: it will take time to adapt. Do what you can do on any given day. Hydration: advice is 2 L during the day. Bring at least a 1 L into the room. Eating: allow 3 hrs between a meal & class. Guaranteed discomfort with a full stomach. Clothing: don't wear cotton as it acts like a weight; long pants not recommended. Here women wear bra top or tank top with shorts or crops; men generally go shirtless & wear longer shorts (nothing on display, please).
Try at least 4-5 classes taken not too far apart and try different instructors (they are all great at BYT) before deciding if it's for you or not. Eventually you will start experiencing the MANY benefits, which can be different for everyone but are all great!!
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