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Ahimsa Yoga Studio
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
440 Bloor St WToronto, ON M5S 1Y2
Neighbourhood: The Annex
- Good for Kids:
- No
6 reviews for Ahimsa Yoga Studio
6 reviews in English
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Review from Candice E.
Toronto, ON
4/7/2012
I started going to Ahimsa Yoga back when it was still Octopus Garden. When Octopus moved down into a much bigger space on College, JP Tamblyn stayed behind to open Ahimsa with the help of some other great yoga instructors, including Elke Schroeder, who is now their studio manager.
Now here's the thing: I've been doing yoga off and on for 7 years, and am also involved in other forms of fitness (I'm a runner and I train circus aerials and acrobatics). So I've been through my fair share of yoga and other fitness studios over the years. Ahimsa is the best yoga studio I've been to. Even though I've moved to the Junction, where another well-known yoga studio just opened a second location, I keep going back to Ahimsa for yoga. There are a few reasons for this:
* Really excellent teachers. Elke and JP are both amazing, I highly recommend their classes. But I've taken classes with a few of the other instructors as well. All have their own class style, but all genuinely care about the students in the class, are happy to help you make modifications to poses if you need them, and all are approachable, easygoing people.
* Lovely space. Lots of bright sunlight coming in through the windows. Nice hardwood floors. Simple decorations so the focus is really on the yoga practice. But also, showers available if you need them, small change rooms, mat storage, and other basic amenities that people look for in a studio.
* A good balance between the physical and spiritual practices of yoga. When I go to a class, I do want to get a workout (or get a good long stretching in, if I'm attending a Sukha/Restorative class). But I also appreciate the focus on yoga beyond the physical practice. JP is particularly good at this, often using classes to teach people more about the Yoga Sutra, or the 5 commitments of Ahimsa yoga (Sthira - steadiness; Sukha - ease; Suumna - the core; Prana - conscious breathing to find energy; Satya - seeking Truth), or other spiritual concepts important to yoga.
* Very reasonable prices. I fully understand yoga studios need to make money, but some charge pretty high prices for their class passes. Ahimsa's work out to be $12.50 or $13 a class.
I've been debating moving on to another studio, since I do live so close to so many yoga options in the Junction, High Park and Roncesvalles. But I think I'll stick to Ahimsa, since they've got such a good thing going. Well worth the short subway ride over to the Annex! -
Review from Renata R.
3/7/2012
I don't really know how to review this. I had a great restorative class there. The teacher was really awesome and I'd give him more than five stars if I could. Helpful, friendly, skilled, calm and had an incredible soothing voice.
But here lies the problem: I arrived there and there wasn't anybody at the Front Desk, and I waited a while for somebody to arrive. Then I was told the changeroom was *inside* the yoga studio, so I had to wait at the Front Desk for the other class to end to be able to change.
When I was finally led to the "changeroom", I realized it was just part of the tiny studio separated by a curtain, a cubicle made of curtains inside the room, where you leave your belongings and change. Didn't feel comfortable at all.
The class was good enough for me to almost forget about the cubicle-changer, but then, again, I decided to go to the washroom... and there was no water. No water in the toilet, no water in the faucet.
I believe the studio itself needs maintenance. They have a good teacher, but I wouldn't come back with all these issues. -
Review from Roma M.
12/26/2011
I've taken two classes at Ahimsa, Sthir (Active- Vinyasa) and Sukh (Restorative).
Both were taught by the same outstanding instructor who was patient and skilled.
In the restorative class we each got 3 blocks, 2 bolsters, 2 blankets, sand bag, strap and eye bag. We did about 3-4 different postures with plenty of time in between and lots of adjustments provided by the instructor.
There is a tiny washroom and 1 shower in the back but though there are no additional perks, like at 889, Ahimsa provides more than what you'd desire with their exemplary teaching style. It's definitely one of the better studios downtown.Listed in: Yoga Fire!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
1/23/2011 3 photos
Ahimsa Yoga Studio is a brand "NEW" yoga studio that opened in Annex. It took over the old studio of Octopus Garden and they did a good job in updating the studio by giving it a coat of new paint, brand new washrooms..and leave the layout of the studio intact.
Ahimsa is a term meaning to do no harm.. So I guess this is Ahimsa Yoga Studio mortal. As there were stickers and buttons at the front desk for you to pick up as souvenirs.
This is a busy yoga studio! The Sunday 11 AM class was packed full to capacity! There were like less than 6 inches between yoga mats. But surprising I never feel crowded... the instructor was really smart in modifying all the asana so I never even got to be too close to my neighbour!
Though it was a Level 1 class, most of the asana were really fundamental like tons of sun salutations...until I was sweating like pigs in a room temperature class. I did have a great workout... but I wish there are more stretches at the end of the class...
I love the extra teaching assistant aside from the instructor who helped in doing demonstrations and both of them were actively walking around correcting and helping with everyone postures!! I never get as much attention even when I attended class with less than 15 students!!
JP is an amazing instructor with a lot of energy, good teaching techniques and great calming voice. You can have a really posh yoga studio but good teachers will be the most important element in making a great yoga studio!
Faclities are limited with 2 washrooms and 1 shower and a small change room.. with no lockers....
Passport To Prana was welcomed with a big smile. -
Review from Janna S.
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This studio was small but friendly and the instructor and assistant were among the best I've ever had. They both made sure that everyone in the class received some attention and help to improve their practice; this type of teaching approach is my absolute favorite - and I think this hands-on approach is perfect for a level one class.
The 11 am Sunday class was packed but I snagged the very last spot so I felt lucky to be here. The poses were perfect for a crowded class; the instructors were mindful of the limited space instead so I felt pretty comfortable here. Staff here all seem to have a great sense of humor, which is a nice change from some of the studios that take themselves so seriously.
The change area was very tiny but I like that it's right behind the classroom so it's easy to drop your things off and not worry about lockers. I thought the studio and bathrooms were pretty clean, especially considering the weather and the number of students here. I hope to return again one day soon! -
Review from Giselle g.
Toronto, ON
3/1/2011
Continuing my quest for the least strenuous "exercise" imaginable, I hit paydirt with Ahimsa's Sukha class. Sukha is sanskrit for ease or bliss, and that's exactly what it feels like.
The class consists of yoga stretches with a chair to assist balance. This is followed by seated meditation and finally, napping. You are tucked into a blanket with your feet up and an eye pillow blocking out the light.
For some people, this excuse to turn off the cellphones and be still, is a reward in itself. As a napping afficianado I love to learn new techniques to get the most out of my resting experience. I picked up some new tips and tricks that I can practice at home.
Apparently, Ahimsa offers more vigourous yoga classes too.
