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Yogaspace
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
148 Ossington AveToronto, ON M6J 2Z5
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
(416) 516-9940
- Hours:
Mon 9:30 am - 10 pm
Tue, Thu 9:30 am - 9 pm
Wed 9:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
18 reviews for Yogaspace
18 reviews in English
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Review from Selene n.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2012
I came here for a vinyasa flow class with my passport to prana and absolutely loved the place. It was everything a yoga studio should be - incredibly friendly and warm person at the front desk, clean and spacious change rooms, beautiful entrance area that was clean and organized (and even had a mini succulent garden - be still my beating heart), and an amazing studio space. The room had huge windows and was flooded with natural light. There was an exposed brick wall, candles and access to all the right props neatly organized. The class size was small and the instructor was wonderful; the class was the right combination of challenging poses, offered modifications, comments on proper alignment and technique, and serenity. The shavasana was a great end to the practice, with the instructor using props and essential oils to enhance the meditation.
Overall, absolutely fantastic. -
Review from roben h.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012
The instruction here is good - the teachers are knowledgeable and as far as I know quite well educated in more than one area of study.
I would note that they are, however, all of a similar disposition. Classes here are all very calm, quiet, soothing etc. and instructors have a pretty strong case of the "yoga voice" - which personally I'm not big on. -
Review from Denise H.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2012
Last week I tried out this studio for the first time. I bought the $20(plus HST) 1 week pass for new students. I tried to get there early so that I could register for the class. There was another newbie checking in which slowed things down and there computer was also slow (first studio I've been to that has POS system...like). I managed to get checked in with minutes to spare, luckily my friend was already there and found me a space while I changed. The room was packed.
The class I tried was the Vinyasa 1, Friday 6:00pm with Fiona. She walked around and made sure everyone was set up properly for the class. She introduced herself to all the new people and asked about their yoga history. Fiona's instructions were very clear and easy to understand.
Overall, I found this class to be too easy for me. I practice daily, sometimes 2x, so didn't find this class challenging at all. However, I think Fiona 's level of instruction was appropriate for the people in that particular class. I also saw her taking the time after class to answer one of the student's questions.
I found the room to be a bit cold, but could just be me as I usually do hot yoga. I probably wouldn't have minded it so much if it were a more active class. They provide blankets for savasana which I was grateful for because I was so cold.
There was also a lot of noise during savasana. There was a loud thud above and I could here the instructor in the other studio giving instruction. Not a big deal for me. I've encountered this kind of noise in other studios.
Unfortunately, I didn't get back to the studio to try out other classes before my pass ran out. -
Review from Janna S.
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the sort of place that makes me jealous of people who live downtown. Warm, friendly, and just around the corner for a quick Vinyasa to pick you up when you're feeling blue (or just lazy like me).
I took a class with Fiona on my Passport to Prana card and I loved it. I have not felt so engaged in a yoga class for months, but she has the right combination of expertise and humor to keep people motivated. I LOVE instructors who take yoga seriously without taking themselves so seriously. A rare combination but win-win for students. Beautiful!
Change rooms are the only slight drawback. There isn't much room to store things but they let you bring bags/clothes into the class if you need to. -
Review from Allison D.
Toronto, ON
8/30/2011
Yesterday, very much in need of an hour and a bit of yoga, I attended the Vinyasa 1 class at Yogaspace. I'd heard quite abit about the studio from Erin B, my former preceptor, nursing colleague, and (to be quite honest) oft-time guru, and was very excited to try this studio out.
The studio is very open, and the staff seem so welcoming. The reception man engaged me in conversation about how may studio's I'd been to on my passport, what kind of yoga I normally did, and how my summer was going. He was also very helpful in orienting me to the studio and didn't verbally attack me when I was a little slow in the uptake of taking off my sandals. I met Fiona, the instructor on my way in, and she seemed very lovely. Excited to begin, I made my way downstairs to the change room. Ah, the change room; one of the few downsides of this studio. It was quite small and I may have knocked myself between the eyes with someone's mat end as it sat in it's rented mat space. Oh, and they have space you can leave your mat!
The class itself was enjoyable; I think I could have afforded myself a more difficult class, and I did miss tree. It's not yoga if there's no tree pose (at least to me)! That said, there was a great focus on breathing, and Fiona was exceptional at getting the entire class to breathe in unison.
The studio has a number of different types of classes, a number of available times; I would love to try a few different classes, to get a better feel, and it's also nice to know that a 5 class pass is available for something a little more short-term. -
Review from Erin B.
I've been coming to yogaspace pretty regularly for about six months now. I have not had a bad experience yet and don't actually care that the change room is small, so it's about time I changed my rating to 5 stars.
Reception staff are always friendly and helpful. The space is beautiful - just being there makes me feel a bit lighter. I adore the big windows, shiny wood floor, and brick wall in studio 2 - nothing is quite as nice as doing a yoga class in a sunbeam (unless it's the very quiet, candlelit Saturday Night Yoga class, which is also perfectly delightful).
I've taken a wide range of classes from the Monday morning restorative vinyasa flow, which is just about the perfect combination of relaxing (essential oils!) and energetic to get my week started, to Kathryn's Vinyasa 1-2 class that gets me sweating and pushes my limits - she always seems to know if you're not giving it everything you've got.
Almost all the (lovely, playful, supportive) instructors use music (often folk or pop, not exclusively 'yoga' music) in their classes, which I wasn't sure about when I started coming here, but I adore it now - just a little bit of extra energy to help you through the class.
The only class I wasn't fussed on is Bibi's flow class - other yelpers seem to love her, but I found her style abrasive. Which is fine - there are so many other great classes for me to choose from! I just signed up for a six month pass so I can enjoy yogaspace as often as I want. Woot!Listed in: Passport to prana!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/3/2010
I returned to Yogaspace to try a Vinyasa 1 class and I am SOLD. I loved almost everything about the… Read more »
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Review from Kelly O.
7/15/2010
I think this could quite possibly be the best studio I have been to! From the first step into the building, to the last step out, I was completely blown away by Yogaspace. For starters, the reception was amazing. Chaz, the owner's son, checked us in, chatted us up, and we had a great conversation about different types of Yoga, the Passport to Prana, and Yelp. He then took us on a tour of the facilities, which were very lovely.
The class was a Pilates/Yoga fusion, which was amazing! The instructor had lots of modifications for anyone from beginner to advanced, and she came around a lot to offer suggestions on how to improve comfort and form. And the candles and fun music were a great touch. I left this class feeling relaxed, energized and rejuvenated.
The worst thing about this facility is that they have SO many great-sounding classes that it was had to choose which one to use with my Passport. According to Roma M, the flow class by Bibi is supposed to be amazing, and Jennifer K raved about the Restorative Yoga.
The only solution? Buy a pass and try them all! -
Review from Renata R.
Updated - 7/28/2010 37 Check-ins Here
I came back to YogaSpace and I'm sold.
After my last visit, I mentioned Yelp to Kathryn, the owner, and she came here, and sent me an awesome e-mail - even mentioning they have, yes, showers! And invited me to another class and to talk with some students about her teacher training.
Well, her class is probably the best I've had, she pays attention to every movement you make and for people like me who are obsessed with doing it right, she is not afraid of correcting your postures - if you plan to take yoga seriously, she will guide you there.
And, yes, it's a wonderful studio, and they are renovating the changerooms, so nobody will feel uncomfortable there again.
Has been elected my favourite studio from now on. I simply don't feel like leaving the studio after the class.
Tip: Try the delicious Kale Chips they sell at the front desk.Listed in: Passport To Prana
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/23/2010
Great studio with that "I'm home" feeling.
I had the Vinyasa class with the owner, Kathryn. She… Read more »
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Review from Jamie F.
Toronto, ON
10/31/2011
I love this studio. The level and quality of instruction is fantastic. The studios are not as fancy as some but they're warm and cozy. If you're looking to advance your practice try the Vinyasa 2 or power yoga classes, I've consistently found the instruction great. If you like a challenge from your class or are looking to learn new things, this studio is great! The variety within the classes is also great for those of us with short attention spans and weary of sequenced postures that become routine relatively quickly.
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Review from Roma M.
3/31/2010
I took a 2-hr Yoga Flow class with Bibi, and believe me, once you enter Bibi's class it is hard to forget.
First of all you think that for a 2-hr class on a Friday night, this place is packing, and you soon realize why. Bibi takes command of the class, and each yogi is hanging on to her every word. You'll do positions and back bends you've never done before, and wonder whether your body will be intact when you leave. Nothing is painful, --it just feels like a delicious, body-opening stretch.
Trust me, you'll be fine.
The meditation part of the class was very relaxing, and Bibi actually played some authentic Indian spiritual music, a first for Toronto Yoga schools and extremely appreciated from my part (I find it hard to relax when someone is playing pop-ified Hare Krishna music).
Although the change room in the basement is very dark and sketchy-looking, it worked for me because I didn't need to shower after class. The practice rooms are woody, beautiful, spacious, with quite possibly, the largest windows I've seen in a yoga studio to date.
I highly recommend Yogaspace for relaxing post-work yoga .Listed in: Yoga Fire!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Here for a revisit using my Passport to Prana 2010.
Yes the restorative class is still as good as I remembered!! This is really the only classes I ever took in any of the studios that use essential oils and give us a armotherapeutic experience!
I know some people are sensitive to smell! However, for the rest, this is the best restorative yoga that one can get!
Wish I can do this every night!Listed in: Yoga Studios I visited in…, Passport To Prana 2010, Can't Stand the Heat!!, A Day in Ossington!, Passport to Prana 2011
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/9/2009
I tried this studio using my passport to prana back in July. And I fell in love with their… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2009 8 Check-ins Here
Yoga: 1, Stephanie: 0
Last night, I lost the battle when I headed into my first yoga class in a long time (ahem, let's say a few years) at Yogaspace. Using my new Passport to Prana, my friend Jen and I decided to try Yogaspace as our first destination.
We arrived to a very busy Monday night. I had no idea that their Vinyasa classes were so popular. Being the last ones to walk into the large room, we had to find a spot at the front of the class. Oh, how embarrassing...
"No worries," said my friend, "no one will pay any attention to us as they'll be busy concentrating on their moves."
I hoped so because they wouldn't want to see me struggle for each pose while trying to achieve yoga nirvana. As my friend got into position in a somewhat graceful manner, I was trying my best to not scream, "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"
Our class, Vinyasa 1-2, is usually taught by Katrina but Paluna filled in for her and I think she did a really good job. She normally teaches on Fridays and on weekends, which I'll keep in mind for the future.
I have to warn everyone that Vinyasa 1-2 is a fast-moving and challenging class. Probably some of you who do yoga regularly know this but I sure as hell didn't. I had difficulty doing some of the poses and at one point nearly gave up because of sheer exhaustion and my wrists aching. Luckily I was given a emergency massage by one of the yoga assistants, who I think is also a massage therapists here. Easing my aching muscles with what smelled like bergamot oil, I suddenly felt revitalized and overcame "i wanna quit attitude" with a "can do" one instead.
Listening to my body, I attempted as best as I could the moves given, going as far as my body would allow me to go. Over the course of an hour, we progressed into more achievable moves until at the very end we lied down on our backs to meditate for a few minutes. I can do that pose PERFECTLY!
I do have one complaint that this particular class is very busy, too busy in fact. There were at least 40 people in the room, all breathing and grunting (okay, that was me) together. With the teacher showing us the move and with the yoga aide/massage therapist helping one person at a time, it was hard for them to attend to each individuals' need. Perhaps if they had an extra student teacher handy who can help, I think it would be beneficial.
The change rooms appeared clean but I couldn't get a closer inspection when our class let out. The rest of Yogaspace looks clean and urban, everyone seemed focused on their poses rather than which Lululemon tanktop they were wearing.
I'd like to return to Yogaspace in the future, but I'll sure to sign up for their "Beginner" classes instead.Listed in: Finding My Yoga Nirvana
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Review from Erin H.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2008 1 photo
Feeling very urban and brave for having slept at my boyfriend's condo in Toronto's West End, I chose this morning to venture further out of my comfort level and actually tried a different yoga studio.
Now, there is a marked difference between the people living in midtown Toronto (myself not included since I am a Winnipeg girl at heart) and those living in the West End; that is, the denizens of midtown make lots of money, prance around in designer clothing and flashy sports-cars and probably live outside their means, whereas West-enders have recently begun to earn money, walk around looking like paupers, and probably live beneath their means.
Now what does this have to do with yoga? Well being from the midtown, I was afraid the West End Yogis would smell the stink of St. Clair on me and resent my presence. But Yoga Space is a relaxing environment, with friendly staff and a very yogi clientele. Everyone is welcoming, or at least leaves you alone. For the most part, the instructors are good, but the classes are often taught by students since it is a yoga school as well. The best part about Yoga Space though are the calming efforts the teachers make to relax you into your final pose -- Savasana -. Each end to the class is different, anything from bean-bags on your eyes to a foot rub to a eucalyptus scented blanket is used to let you close your practise in complete comfort. Yogi or not, one thing is certain, no Good Life gym under the Sun would offer you that kind of treatment at the end of a workout. -
Review from Rana L.
7/10/2010 7 photos
I loved this studio! It was very calming, spacious & clean. I loved the ambiance when I first came into the practice room. Yoga music softly playing... candles lit...oohmmmm :)
I took a 8:30am Anusara-inspired Yoga class & it was such a great workout. At one point everyone was sweating like they were in a reduced heat class :D In addition to some great stretching we got to concentrate a little on the handstand & forearm stand, The instructor Marinella was wonderful and went around adjusting eveyrbody & making sure anyone w/ injuries were ok. She was a bit slower than what I'm used to but made us hold the poses for a long while. Marinella also played us some 'summer music' to lighten the mood.
Anyone who lives in the area should check this place out. Its an excellent facility and I wish there was another free class on the passport! Although i do not mind coming here for fun.
Parking - Try the side street cuz it's free. Otherwise, paid parking on Ossington.Listed in: Yoga Yoga Yoga! Ohhmm....
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Review from Starr W.
Scarborough, ON
2/27/2010
Up and coming trendy area and the yoga studio is large and spacious...The class itself was nice but fairly busy (then again, I did go on a Friday night) and everyone seemed to keep to themselves. The washrooms were decent size too, except there were no lockers, which meant I had to take my stuff into the studio. The lighting was also pretty weird, there were no pot lights on top of the stalls so it was pretty dark and dingy too. Most importantly (at least to me), the staff could have been friendlier... particularly when I told them that I spent more than 20 minutes trying to find my coat and their response was "oh, you should look harder."
General impression: Decent studio if you live nearby but definitely not one of my top choices. -
Review from Rob B.
4/24/2009
Nice large room/facilities...pleasant staff..you can eventually find an instructor & class that suits your style...
But the $18 per class is beyond most finances and not in the spirit of yoga.
Sure they offer the community class at $7...but you're lucky if you break
a sweat in it. An alternative is Pay what you can.
If you trust that people will pay what they can afford you might be surprised
with the turnout and positive effect for the community. An example is
YTTP in NYC...yelp it. -
Review from Michelle C.
Toronto, ON
7/10/2010
Yoga terrified me. Seriously. I can't pinpoint exactly what I was afraid of - maybe that I'd appear even more granola in the eyes of my friends and coworkers; that I'd suddenly start thinking it was okay to wear Lululemon pants in public, who knows. When I saw a friend post on Facebook that she was taking a 4 week beginners workshop here for $80, though, I caved. It's down the street, it looks cute from the outside, and hey, at least I'm only committing to 4 weeks.
I was really surprised when I showed up at the kind of people this class series attracted. Older couples, athletes and other fit types, the type that pretended they already knew everything about yoga and meditated before class, and then a lot of others like me who had no clue what to expect.
The class was taught by Kathryn who is the director of yogaspace. She was very pleasant and after the first class or two I was really into it. However, and maybe this is a result of taking the workshop type classes, it got really frustrating for the 3rd class, so much so that I skipped the last one (and was told by my friend that it was just as well that I did). She spent so much time with a few students in the class, helping them figure out why things hurt or were difficult, that I was straight up bored most of the time. Is it normal for the last 10+ minutes of a yoga class for people to go to sleep? This was weird to me.
The changerooms were okay - I've never been to another yoga studio to compare but I saw no issues with them. Free hair elastics were a benefit. If you forget your mat you can rent one for $1 which is a plus but I don't think they clean them - when you are done with them you just put them back in the same pile and both times I rented one they smelled like feet. GROSS. The window sills in the room my classes were in were covered in dust and had dried up dead flowers in gross crusty vases on them, which was really out of line with the look of the place from the outside. Yes, I was so bored I had time to pay attention to these things at a few points.
I might come back and try some of the drop in classes. I like that this place helped me get over that feeling that people would all judge me for not being able to touch my toes or turn myself into a pretzel at a yoga class, so hopefully outside of the workshop I can get beyond the stuff that was driving me nuts. -
Review from Emma M.
Toronto, ON
7/31/2009
Love, love, love this studio. Having sampled just about every yoga studio south of Eglinton in the past 10 years, I can safely say this is my absolute favourite. The instructors here are warm, friendly, and amazing teachers. The studio itself, is relaxed and welcoming.
I would definitely recommend trying this place out, especially if you are new to Yoga :)
