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Tula West
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
956 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6H 1L6
Neighbourhood: Dovercourt
(416) 913-4181
- Good for Kids:
- No
11 reviews for Tula West
11 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
1/30/2011 3 photos
I have an excellent experience using my Passport to Prana at Tula West!
We were running late late late... Rolling in the studio at 10:30 AM class at 10:30 AM is so not cool... But the staff at the front and the teacher both really nice and more than happy to take us in! I promised I will definitely be at least 10 min early next time!! I just hate running late!
Hot Hatha Class was packed... and Hot!! The room is spacious but it was a sunny morning and I felt I do need to wear my sunglasses or put on my suntan lotion with the bright sunshine shining into the room.... The sun did make the room extra hot....
Instructor was super nice... going around adjusting poses and I got quite a bite of adjustments and attentions.. since I was in the front roll and cannot be lazy.. :)
Change Room is small...but manageable... Love the nice smelling spa quality shampoo/conditioner/shower gel!!
I do like like Tula West much better than Tula Central. I found the atmosphere here at Tula West more laid back and the layout more spacious!
I will definitely want to come back here for more classes! -
Review from Zoe R.
4/1/2012
In a non-downtown location, only somewhat far away, is this Tula West yoga studio.
Not as beautiful as the Central location, prices are also the same I believe, however you might be able to enjoy a better instructor-student ratio.
I've been to one class so far. A non-hot one at that.
Nice reception area.
Personally, I found this location to be smaller and Tula Central to be more spacious.
I look forward to adding more details to my review at some point.
Instructor: was kind and good at delivering the class. She also gave us opportunities to tailor some positions to fit our own abilities/limitations?, and our own goals.
Reception here: is warm, personable.
Worth a visit. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm not sure I understand the reviews that compare this to Tula Central and say this one is less than par.
The studio has it's flaws, but I find it much better than the small and cramped Tula Central.
After taking the elevator or walking up the stairs (it's a great warm up!), you enter the lobby area and trip over a whole bunch of boots.
Aside from that, the welcome area is big, nice wooden floors, and the reception is warm and friendly.
After checking in, she got up and showed me around. The washrooms (sink and toilets) are in a separate room than the change room. Perhaps it's just a limitation of space and plumbing.
The change room is tiny and cramped for sure (but much nicer than Tula Central). 3 big showers, and a only 2 small benches for your stuff. No more than about 6 people could be there at a time. The instructor even had to share this room with us.
The have a large non hot practice room, and the hot yoga was downstairs into a lower room. I liked the stairs going down, somehow it made it more isolated from the outside world - however they are quite steep and I almost stepped on a candle.
With the hustle bustle of the changeover between classes and people spraying their mats in this small space, the alcove gets very crowded.
Inside the practice room, there is only one mirror that spans the front of the room. Large windows with wide sills on the side let you bring in your valuables. What I don't understand, just like Tula Central, is that you are allowed to bring in your yoga bags and purses into the room. This time it didn't obstruct me or anyone, but I hated my experience in Tula Central where I was kicking someone's bag during the whole class.
You can also leave your bags in the front reception. I get that there is no space in the changeroom, but I also don't like the idea of bringing in my gadgets into a 40C room. I'm sure it's not the best for them.
I didn't like how there wasn't mirrors everywhere, nor did anyone respect my mirror space. I was in the 2nd row and some guy decides to put his mat directly in front of me when he could have easily staggered!!! During some poses I shuffled over to the right to see my self in the mirror and he was oblivious and kept covering me.
I also didn't understand why people were lying down with the feet facing front. Not that I care, but isn't the opposite something any experienced yogi should know?
I felt the people here were well versed in yoga but etiquette at all. I felt the same at Tula Cental.
The HOT POWER FLOW class was good. Charlotte was attentive, patient and had a really nice soothing voice. Although the studio didn't so much in asking people's experiences and letting them know what they were getting into like more hot yoga studios - Charlotte did ask for those that were beginners and kept an eye on them.
It was quite a workout, but a good one.
The location is good, right at Delaware and Bloor, just steps from Ossington Station. There is free parking after 6 on Delaware, and free on weekends.Listed in: Om.........Namaste
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Review from Erin B.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went to a 2 o'clock hot hatha flow class this afternoon. After walking up many, many, many stairs, I found myself in the most open and lovely reception area - big window, comfy couches, and gorgeous dark wood floors. Not that you spend all that much time in the reception area, but it makes a nice first impression. I used my Passport to Prana, which was happily and easily accepted. The reception from the staff could use a bit of work, but I think I was there at a slow time of day when there was some staff change over going on, and folks were helpful and friendly once I got some attention, so I'll let them off on that. This time.
The hot studio (there's a hot studio and a cool studio) is bright, sunny, and reasonably spacious (it felt huge to me, but there were only nine people in my class, and therefore lots of unoccupied space). The instructor was lovely, with a very soothing voice, a gentle manner, and an encouraging teaching style. My only previous hot yoga experience was with Bikram, and my Tula class was such a delightful relief compared with that. No barked instructions, no militant insistence that you tough it out, just a regular yoga class, done whilst dripping pools of sweat.
Negative: The change room is small. Not a big deal for me, but could be annoying if you're in for a busier class. There's definitely no space for storing things in there, which is ok since everyone seems to take their bags into the studio. Though I echo other people's concerns about having electronics in that kind of heat, I've always been a bit (neurotically) anxious about leaving my bag unlocked in a change room, so I was happy to have it close by.Listed in: Passport to prana!
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Review from Karen S.
12/1/2010
Pros:
- Beautiful and spacious studio space
- Located very conveniently by the Delaware street side exit of Ossington Station
- There are three generous showers in the woman's change room.
- Decent instructor for the Hot Hatha yoga class I took
Cons:
- Small change room, though easily double the size of the changeroom at Yoga Sanctuary on the Danforth.
- No lockers. Actually, that's a luxury I've only ever seen at YogaTree so far.
- Some really thoughtful and ambiance decor decisions such as placing tea lights everywhere, though a bit concerning that they're placed on the floor... on the steps of the stairs. Fire hazard?
- Overwhelming wafts of incense on the way up the stairs to the studio
- Neutral, but friendly greeting at reception. Didn't make the basic effort to introduce the studio layout, maybe they were just busy.
Overall assessment: A nice, newer feeling studio with amenities catering to the urban sensibilities of city dwellers. Questionable decor choices and an oddly indifferent vibe, almost like the studio was trying a bit too hard to be hip.Listed in: Keeping it active
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Review from Allison D.
Toronto, ON
7/23/2011
In January, I decided to renew my yoga practice and checked out Tula with a girlfriend. Never having tried hot yoga before, nor having been to a proper yoga studio (I was a goodlife or school gym'er previously), I was open to the experience but had no clue what to expect. Tula makes it very easy for first-timers with their reduced price first class/second class free (seriously!!! free!!) strategy; I had a chance to try it for the first time and THEN try it again (I'm a big believer in second-first chances ;) )!
And what did I think? It was hot; pants were a poor choice (I now go in shorts and usually a sports bra). That said, my stiff muscles were able to stretch into position easier than I'd ever experienced. And after the class, I felt AMAZING. Like, refreshed, detoxified, and relaxed amazing! After my two class tries were up, I ended up buying a class card and was going usually once a week for the remainder of the winter, spring, and into the summer.
THE GOOD
- After checking out a number of different classes and instructors, I found ones that I loved and would make a point of going to their classes. Megan is relaxed and mixes it up from the usual sequence on Thursdays (usually a less busy class). Amber is AWESOME; she's so positive and affirming. Jenny is a great teacher; many of my postures, especially my chaturanga, have improved from her classes. That said, she is more directive, less allowing of it being a relaxing practice. And Ginger is lovely; she really brings the mind and the body elements of yoga practice together.
- The atmosphere. Gorgeous, simply gorgeous.
THE BAD
- Despite their being 2 additional Tulas, I cannot use my class card anywhere but West. This is a pain now that I live significantly closer to both Central and South than West.
- The reception. Now, perhaps if I were a go-everyday person, I may speak differently, but as it stands, my greeting is usually lackluster. Not cold, not harsh, but lackluster. Kind of a "Yep, you're here. I'm here. Sign up." It would be nice to be more welcomed.
- Their massage service. Now, if I were just reviewing their yoga studio, this would have been a 4-star review easily. However, I feel I should mention the additional services they offer and how that has decreased my review.
I booked a half-hour massage with one of the RMTs and the person spent most of the time just feeling around. As a nurse myself, I realize a thorough assessment is crucial, but when I'm telling you I carry my stress in my shoulders and my shoulder muscles are bothering me, rub my shoulders! She also told me that the reason for my intermittent one-sided shoulder pain was a result of my spine not moving properly within my skull and due to the fact that my facia was attached improperly to my ribs. What?!?!? Seriously, just give me a massage! I think I only got about 5-10 minutes of actual massaging. And she tried some alignment things with my spine. I'm sorry, you are not a PT or chiropractor; I wouldn't go performing surgery, please don't try to act outside your scope of practice. I was so thoroughly disappointed and left feeling like I'd wasted my money AND was not feeling any more relaxed. Also, after having a discussion with a close friend who is a PT the next day and outlining the RMTs suggestions, my friend actually laughed. And then I got a massage that actually made me feel better. I would definitely would not recommend them for massage therapy. The only positive thing I can bring up is their reasonable price. A half-hour massage is priced at $55, so affordable within even my limited benefits budget.Listed in: Passport to Prana - Checking…
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Review from Melanie H.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2010
I like this branch of Tula (hot yoga) very much. The only thing that I find inconsistent there, is that sometimes their classes start right on time, and other times they start 5-10 mins late...but that's just me. I'm swiss, on time, and I assume the same of everyone else.
The teachers are all very good in their own way. Funny though, the Hot Power Flow classes are nothing like the hot power flow classes on Saturdays at 2 pm. If you are looking for the hardest workout of your life, this is it. Or maybe I was a little dried out today, I'm not sure. All I know is that if I keep this up I will finally have chiseled abs (not). OOOOh, and once, there was the stinkiest man there ever. He smelled so bad I had to hold my breath the whole entire time. Then I didn't go for at least 1 month. SHOWER BEFORE AND AFTER PEOPLE! -
Review from Angela N.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2010
Today was my first time at Tula West. I haven't been to the other Tula locations, so I can't compare, but I really enjoyed my experience. I took the Saturday morning community class - which ended up being a private one since it is one of the last weekends of summer. The teacher was lovely and the sessions was at the perfect level for me (beginner to intermediate).
Reception staff were great too. Greeted me warmly, gave me a tour of the studio, etc.
I would definitely head back to Tula again. It's nice to have such a great place right around the corner from me and it's a great addition to the neighbourhood. I hear their esthetician and massage services are very good as well. -
Review from Roma M.
3/1/2010
This location is a little disappointing after a trip to Tula Central. Just a very tiny bit. It's a great yoga studio, but I think it's no match for Tula Central. Although the location is accessible and convenient, it's just not as lively an area as Queen West.
I took a Hot Power Flow class on a weekday evening, and studio(on the 3rd floor) was completely wet in the entrance area. I understand the problems associated with winter in Toronto, but an occasional sweep wouldn't do any harm. That or moving the mats a little further away from the door. The staff member at the front desk was really short with me, but I guess they were just swamped with action: lots of yogis in my class, and I guess they come with their fair share of necessities.
The studio itself was clean, inviting but not as beautiful as Tula Central. The practice room itself is down a set of stairs. The class itself was good, the instructor provided a standard yoga flow series and I felt refreshed but not challenged. If you're looking for a strong workout, I suggest taking the Hot Hatha class, from my experience at Tula Central. I assume this location provides as much of a challenge.
This branch of Tula is a great option for someone in the area, or someone looking for an beginner to intermediate level practice.Listed in: Yoga Fire!
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Review from Margs L.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2010
I personally think that this place compares nicely to the Central location. Very warm and welcoming. The girls that work at the front desk are always very nice. My favorite class is the Hot Fusion which mixed yoga and pilates in one workout. For anyone that hasn't tried hot yoga yet, you must! At Tula you get a deal where for your first class you pay 10 dollars and if you return you 2nd class will be free. go to Tula and see what the hype is about.
Listed in: Work It Out!
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Review from roger w.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2010
my friend went here and suggested i go. i really liked it. great vibe.
