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Core Studio
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Pilates Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Pilates, Yoga [Edit]
553 Queen Street West3rd Floor
Toronto, ON M5V 2B6
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West
(416) 545-7743
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 9 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Sun 10 am - 1:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
11 reviews for Core Studio
11 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
12/24/2010
It is no surprise to me that several reviewers have given this place five stars. I visited last night with my Passport to Prana and a girlfriend. Because of the busy holiday season, we both needed a break and wanted a restorative class to relax ourselves.
This studio is gorgeous. I would LOVE to live here. The top floor has a large brick walled studio with loft ceilings and a smaller studio with Toronto skyline views.
The owner of this studio is one of the warmest people I have ever met. Before and after class we were treated like longtime regulars and not first timers. We were honestly treated like members of the family. The happiness and warmth was memorable for certain. So welcoming.
The class itself was with Sunny, and was hands down the BEST restorative class I have ever taken. It was small, with about 8 people, with plenty of props for all of us. Restorative yoga involves using blankets, bolsters, bricks and straps to support your body so you have the chance to just melt. I had an Iyengar teacher years ago that referred to it as "delicious" and it kind of is.
Sunny had calming music playing loud enough to echo through the space (hooray music!!) and some lavender scent. She was calming, thorough and explained everything very well. She also did adjustments when necessary (!!) I honestly left the class feeling like I had just spent the entire day at the spa. I cannot believe I forgot how fabulous restorative is.
I do not do Pilates, but this studio has a Pilates bootcamp and Pilates machines, which vaguely resemble medeivel torture devices, but that I would love to try some day.
Fantastic Studio, Fantastic Teacher. Will return for certain. TRY THE RESTORATIVE WITH SUNNY. Trust me.Listed in: Best of the Best, Yoga Studios
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
2/28/2011
I can see why everyone loves this studio, but for me it was.. meh.
Its a great space that offers Pilates and Yoga. They have reformers in one big studio, a private reformer, and upstairs 2 other rooms. I felt it was a Pilates class that just so happened to have Yoga classes.
However, the instructor for the Yin class was really good. She was attentive, calming, and provided help where needed.
The people both working here and who attended the classes are really friendly, but I felt out of place as a first timer in the studio.
Maybe I'm just used to the hot yoga classes and so called yoga etiquette. I felt strange with everyone chatting in the room before and after the class.
The Yin class was supposed to be reduced heat class. I was a little cold because the windows were open, and even after it was closed. It was warmer in the middle.
It was challenging and a lot different in a non-hot room (you don't stretch as easily). You only get to do 4-5 poses which you hold for a long time. It's something that would be good to do every so often to complement a regular workout regime.
The entry way here is tiny and I must have bumped into people so many times. The change room is actually a room, with some shelves. The door opens awkwardly so be careful you don't flash anyone.
There is no clock anywhere, so i wasn't sure when the class started, and if it already did, so I by accident walked into the previous class! Sorry!
The place it okay, but I don't think I'll be back. Just not for me. I like my Moksha classes and studios.
One thing I wanted to comment on was the person in the class who commented that this was the most relaxing yoga class she's ever been to (Of course! It's slow, and Yin yoga) and that all the other yoga classes she's been to with her Passport was torture and even called it a Passport to Pain.
Of COURSE it would be if you keep going to Vinyasa and Asthanga classes - all yoga is different, you have to pick one that fits with you. Read the class descriptions, I find it frustrating that she would complain about something like that when it's all in her own control. -
Review from Diane R.
Toronto, ON
8/2/2011
I can't believe it's taken me nearly 8 months of dedicated Pilates study at Core to write a review. Shame on me.
Fantastic studio with great instructors. Sometimes a little disorganized, but who isn't? -
Review from jocelyn l.
4/7/2011
I was posted to work in Toronto for a couple of months and was seeking a good pilates studio. I'd only ever practiced Pilates back in SF at Blue Sparrow, so I was a little anxious to find a really good studio with nice, easy-going but attentive (read non-threatening) instructors.
I was very lucky to chance upon Core Studio on Yelp, even though it was a 25 min subway ride away from where I was staying.
The Studio is bigger than what i'm used to, but doesn't feel like an impersonal gym.
The pilates reformer class is pretty big- 8 people, but i did not feel like i wasn't getting the attention i needed.
Because I was working "Pacific time-PST", i could only attend classes on Saturday and the Noon class on Saturdays was only $19 + tax, which is about 40% less than my usual classes in SF (albeit smaller classes there)- awesome deal.
There're a Lot of classes; bootcamp, bootcamp max, mat, stretch etc. I wish I was there long enough to try it all.
Lindsey is a great instructor.
Patient, easy-going, attentive to what we were doing even though there were 8 of us and I got a very good workout every week.
The space is gorgeous; brick walls, high ceilings, right on Queen Street West, 1-2 blocks from all the shops and restaurants.
Everyone is friendly and non-pretentious.
Would highly recommend to anyone seeking a pilates studio in TorontoListed in: Favorite 'hood in the TO: West…
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
3/4/2011 2 photos
If you are a fan of non heated yoga practice or really into pilates, you would have love Core Studio.
As a stand alone yoga studio, the yoga classes does lack varieties or the "Hot" factor. But personally I think Core Studio is trying to use Yoga to compliment their Pilates and bootcamp classes instead of the other way around.
It is good for Core Studio in a way as it differentiate itself from all the other yoga studio that doing mostly yoga and have one or 2 Pilate classes a week or some yogalates class??
I do love the spaces...high ceiling... you don't feel like you are in a cave looking out to the windows... The brick walls does add some rustic charm to it.
The Sunday late morning Yin/Restorative class I attended using my Passport was both relaxing and energizing at the same time. I love how the instruction gave my lower back and my neck/shoulders a little massage...using topical muscle relaxation cream.. it was just this numbing sensation... Then when we were in the final savasana a lavender head massage! :)
The change room is small and no where really for your valuables... but they do let you bring your wallet into class.
The prices for reformer class can be pricey but I might give it a try! -
Review from yyz a.
Toronto, ON
2/8/2011
I've only taken yoga classes here but can say that the staff are awesome - teachers are super down to earth... none of that b.s. trying to be spiritual/fluffy stuff that typically goes with most yoga instructors.
The space is really beautiful and they have the nice extra little touches like blankets and smelly things that make the class the experience you wanted it to be. -
Review from Janna S.
8/9/2010
My visit here via Passport to Prana was really great! The weather was perfect so our yoga class was brightly lit by the sun streaming in from the open door with a view of the Toronto skyline - fantastic! The instructor, Caren, provided excellent series of poses that kept my attention and challenged each person according to their level of practice. There were clear instructions for modifications, so nobody really needed to resort to sitting it out. There were a few new poses thrown in - regular students commented on this, so obviously Caren is a dedicated teacher!
I REALLY like that this studio doesn't have silly rules about not bringing your bag/purse into the room with you. Too many other studios adopt this policy without providing secure lockers! The studio was well-equipped with yoga blocks, straps, and cushions for everyone, which made it a more effective class for the less-than-limber (like me!) There is also the option of renting a mat for $1.
I would definitely return here and I hope I have to opportunity to do so before too long. -
Review from Kat T.
10/6/2010
In discovering the amazing card that is, "Passport to Prana", I feel my eyes have been opened to a world of different Yoga studios. So, on this, my second passport use, I decided to try a different practice of Yoga. Yin Yoga, the opposite of my Yang life, is slow and deliberate. Not a drop of sweat, but nonetheless I feel like I learned so much about my body and yoga. The instructors are super nice and make you feel welcome.
When you walk up the stairs, keep on walking past the Institute of Traditional Medicine and take your shoes off on the landing. Inside the office, you are transported to a calming place. The change rooms are large and uncluttered with room for all kinds of winter clothes. I didn't need to use the showers, so no comments on those yet. The main yoga studios are up another flight of stairs.
My class was in the back room of this two-floor studio. The front room has gorgeous brick walls and high ceilings, I want to live here! While doing the 'double shoelace' pose, I was able to gaze lovingly out across the city and see the Canada Life Assurance light indicating the weather is getting colder. I'll certainly be back, and isn't that the point of the passport? To lure you in with good service, and good yoga and then get you stay awhile?Listed in: Prana to Nirvana
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Review from Amy M.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2009
I'm one of those people who is nervous about doing new things that involve physical activity. I never felt that way when I started going to Core. They are amazing. The staff is friendly, they know your name and they make you work. I've seen amazing results, and have actually enjoyed getting into shape. The space is fantastic and bright and the equipment is always clean, in great working order and the instruction is amazing. I love Roselby who's been my personal trainer for the past 6 months. Alice is also a stellar instructor. The studio is warm, without attitude and has personality. Something that was important to me if I was going to be getting into sweatpants.
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Review from Amanda L.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2010
My review is only based on on lunchtime pilates session but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The instructor was very helpful with my friend and myself, who were newbies. The vibe was relaxed and even the receptionist was welcoming. I hope to get back again but it is a little farther away than my usual gym. I really want to try out the reformers....
Listed in: Work up a sweat
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Review from Bill S.
3/11/2010 1 photo
During a recent stay in Toronto I needed to find a yoga studio for just a few days and was referred by my friends at Average Joe's Cafe to Core. They are in a downscale but funky part of the city near Chinatown and Kensington Market, at the top of a steep flight of narrow steel stairs, which opens through the front door into a beautiful, warm, complex of rooms on two floors dedicated to both yoga and pilates. Lovely, friendly energy greets you via the ambiance and welcoming attitudes of the two receptionists I encountered. I saw a large room used for pilates instruction, what looked like a small room for massages, a cosy men's changing room, a larger women's changing room, a small bathroom (with shower), and upstairs a mid-sized yoga room, and my favorite - the huge and awesome yoga practice room, with wood floor, and old exposed red brick facing inside, looking out from the this top story at the cool old buildings across the street and beyond.
I took classes from four separate instructors over four days using their $40 (2 week) unlimited intro offer. First, Monica Plewes, who I understand is the owner, was a warm Norwegian woman who was a very confident, very interactive instructor leading a Vinyasa class. Next, Amber J, a tatted woman with a bold muscular presence gave a class called 'Fusion', which I heard her say she had designed, and which combined pilates and yoga. Day 3, I took a Vinyasa class from Caren Cooper, a reserved and confident instructor, and then finally, day 4, I took Vinyasa from Mandi, who had the softest style of the four, while being very warm and spiritual.
I have to say I loved every class, I loved the different energy from each, and when I go back I will try to make sure I get a class from each one, rather than feeling anyone was a 'favorite'. Then on top of that the place was so welcoming in spirit (I chalk that up to the receptionists in particular as they were my guides in a sense), which frankly in a place overwhelmingly filled with strong women, isn't easy for a foreign male out-of-towner to feel, that overall I have to say Core Studio MADE my Toronto visit (I was there to spend several days with my Mom at the nearby hospital).
My thanks to Core Studio for making a tough visit a healthy, warm, calm mind/open hearted experience!! SO happy I found you!
