Yogaspace

Yogaspace is the last studio review in my prenatal journey, since I popped a few weeks later (eeep!), and I'm so happy I was able to squeeze it in considering this is one of the oldest yoga studios in Toronto, and THE oldest pre and postnatal program in Toronto. I gave points for it being easily located in Ossington, having over 60 classes per week and having prices that are in line with the lowest I've seen in Toronto, but the crammed spaces, lack of lockers and hour and a half prenatal class that landed somewhere between a restorative class and a flow class but without really letting us get our groove in either, left me wanting a bit more.

I went into yoga teacher training (YTT) @yogaspaceto as a fitness coach wanting to boost my knowledge and improve how I teach one of my specialties: flexibility. Thanks to the wealth of expertise, precise teaching methodology and unmatched enthusiasm of staff members like Kathryn, Hali and Jessica I have ended wanting to be a yogi for life. In particular, the knowledge of anatomy and functionality was so high I found myself endlessly making connections with exercise principles, but understanding them better in a much more accessible and vivid way. In our world, even when we rest or vacation, we are plugged in. YTT at Yogaspace shows you, first and foremost, how to easily create a sanctuary from your mat. I’m happily able to return to my self-practice daily, something that simply would not last in the past for an anxious busybody like myself. In addition, the calibre of supplementary workshops offered throughout the training is next to none. Topics ranged from cultural appropriation & yoga to using your voice to project and articulate better as a teacher. If you are an artist, a fitness coach or have practiced yoga and curious about teaching, I wholeheartedly believe in this studios abilities. Reach out to any of the team. In fact, the teachers are so accessible and willing to discuss anything - something we often hear, but here it’s really true!

I went to Yogaspace for their prenatal yoga classes when i moved into the neighbourhood around the 8th month of my pregnancy. Leasa and Sasha were both great prenatal yoga instructors. Going to their classes twice a week was the best thing i did during my pregnancy. It relaxed me mentally and physically and prepared me for the big day. The studio is also very nice, clean, safe, well decorated and ran by really nice and caring staff. I highly recommend it.

Such a beautiful space with even more beautiful teachers and staff! Clearly there is a reason Yogaspace has been around for so long and has such a great reputation around the city. The practice spaces are bright and spacious, there is a ton of props available, and the class schedule accommodates all types of schedules and practice levels. Also some of the best teachers in the city - Kathryn, Hali, Fiona, Yosh, Susan, Rachel.... the list goes on! There is no doubt you will be able to find classes that will perfectly match your own yoga practice. It's an amazingly accepting and supportive place - which is a special thing in a city so big!

I went to a pilates-yoga fusion class at this studio taught by Andrea and it was genuinely one of the best classes I’ve attended in the city. The space is beautiful and Andrea’s teaching was awesome - she gave lots of guidance for adjustments to make each pose more or less challenging based on each attendee’s comfort level. It was my first time attending the class but I thought the pace was great. It was challenging but easy to keep up, and I appreciated her pointing out where we should be feeling each stretch so that we could adjust if needed. I would definitely return to a class at Yogaspace taught by Andrea, and would recommend to anyone who’s looking to incorporate yoga into their routine

I completed the Summer Yoga Teacher Training (Module 1 &2- July/ August) and it was a great experience! Module 1 was conducted online, which I actually found convenient doing it from home. Hali's philosophy's class was absolutely wonderful, and she easily allows for the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversations. Module 2 was held in studio. The instructors were able to create a warm and welcoming environment while adhering to all safety protocols (COVID restrictions and precautions). Overall- I had a lovely training practice!

I first found Yogaspace while seeking out a good studio in the city to complete a Yoga Teacher Training program with. All it took was one drop-in class back in January, for me to make the decision to go with them as my school of choice. Covid-19 added a bit of a hiccup for us, but Kathryn and her team were quick to improvise and it was clear from the beginning that they were dedicated to giving us the YTT experience we signed up for. After a couple months of online weekend classes and a 3 week in-person intensive, I have happily graduated the 200 hour YTT as of August 2020. The changes Yogaspace has made to their yoga school to accommodate students during the pandemic was truly impressive. Module 1 of their program is hosted online via Zoom classes to build a strong foundation on yoga philosophy with Hali and the anatomy course taught by Ellie. I am honestly blown away at the depth of knowledge these two had to teach us and how well it was put together for the online portion. After the city moved into stage 3 when yoga studios were given the o.k. to introduce students back into their buildings, Yogaspace made the decision to open it’s back studio room to a group of us who were comfortable with returning to the studio to finish our in-person asana portion of Module 2 with Kathryn, Jessica, and Hali. They had a professional come in to mark the floor with social distanced mat placement guides and Kathryn has taken the extra precaution of adding an air purification device to the studio room which not only filters out toxins but also helps to sanitize the room. The studio was so clean I never once felt anxious or worried about my decision to return to an in-person class setting. We all had our temperature checked with a contact-free thermometer upon entering the studio, daily and we had a discussion on the first day about each of our individual comfort and trust in each other to navigate this group activity and remain safe in our own bubbles. It was an incredible experience! I would recommend both of the modules of this 200 hr YTT program to anyone who has an interest in deepening their own practice or in becoming a teacher or both! I cannot wait to share my practice with others and am so grateful for the time my classmates and I had together to go through this enriching experience.

I had the opportunity to try a few classes at Yogaspace’s new location in Little Italy. (They have a great opening special right now). The space is airy and relaxing. They offer a variety of classes, including regularly scheduled prenatal yoga! I look forward to my next class, would recommend this studio.