YFM – Downtown New West

I just started going to this studio last week and have since returned for another class. I will be purchasing a monthly package.
I’m sorry to hear that Wai had a different experience than I did with Svetlana. Speaking frankly, I’m wondering if it was a bit of a miscommunication based on different cultures and proficiency with English. I do not think her intentions were to be discouraging, but rather guiding you to the types of classes that would be most appropriate for your current skill level.
Flow is a little tough for beginners. The sheer amount of vinyasas (in English: the movement that is repeated from standing to high plank, to low plank, to an «upward facing dog» or «cobra» and pushing back into downward facing dog) is tough on someone who has not developed the required shoulder strength.
To be fair, I’ve been practicing yoga for over 10 years at this point (Primarily Ashtanga, Flow /​Vinyasa, and occasionally, Power and Hatha), so it’s not exactly a new hobby. Having said that, Svetlana even adjusted me a few times, which, I fully appreciate though I can imagine being awkward for someone new. There are no mirrors in this studio so one can check their own pose. Thus, I was relying on her to adjust me if required.
I am very, very picky with my instructors (much to DH’s chagrin)… but I found both Svetlana and Alena to be thoughtful, aware, and conscientious instructors, focusing on the students rather than their own practice (read: they weren’t practicing while teaching like many do, choosing to walk around, perform adjustments and personal attention, while still demonstrating the asanas).
Really big pros: the studio is super clean, the building has this old-​world charm, the entry way is simple and inviting, you can book online and the prices are very reasonable.
What would make it five stars? Early morning classes (early morning yoga would be lovely, don’t you think?), mirrors (not because I’m vain, but because I do like to check my own pose), and really, a quick place to change if you’re coming right from work or need to change after class… but that’s one constraint they can’t really do much about, given the location.

I have been attending classes there since it was Bamboo and the location is great, beautiful studio and I love the instructors Joanna and Svetlana.

I started taking my first yoga classes this year. The staff at YFM Downtown New West helped me select the right classes and made me feel comfortable, welcome, and able to come to any class as a beginner and know the instructor would provide me with variations that worked for my skill level. I have been to classes with different instructors and each one has been great!
Carol D.

I have been coming to this studio for about one month now. I would highly recommend it. I’ve attended various classes with different instructors and they have all been really good.
The studio itself is quite lovely with a nice, calming and peaceful atmosphere. It is in an old heritage building. The floors are wooden and there are brick walls. It is very clean with no smell. They will often play relaxing music during classes, which adds to the atmosphere. In addition, there are plenty of adjuncts available to use for no extra charge including blocks, blankets, bolsters, mats, belts, etc. They are very well equipped. The instructors are also great about handing you whatever equipment you need during class. The only downside for some people might be the fact that there are no mirrors in the studio, for those who like seeing themselves. It is small, but so far I have not found that to be a problem as the classes have not been overly crowded. There has been plenty of room each time I’ve gone.
The actual yoga classes are excellent. The instructors are very committed to helping students and they will often help correct you with your moves and alignment, which is very much appreciated. I also find that they put a lot of thought into their classes, and they will tailor the class to the current energy level of the students. They do offer modified versions of poses, and will tell you to work at your own level. They instructors have all been very friendly and approachable. There is also usually a short meditative component to the classes, which I find very relaxing.
The flow and power yoga classes tend to be the best workout with holding lots of powerful poses and building strength. The hatha yoga is amazing for relaxation, stretching, twisting and bending. I’ve also been to the core strengthening class, which is more of a full body workout with lunges, squats, pushups, crunches, planks, etc. It’s great for getting fit, and Svetlana (the instructor) is very motivating. My friend has tried the Zumba class also and loved it.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this studio, and I plan to continue attending classes here as well. Thanks for the great studio!

I would rate this yoga studio 0 if this is an option. I’ve visited a few different yoga studios in the past years but I have never met a yoga instructor as rude and negative as the owner of this studio before. First I want to point out the owner, Svetlana was very discouraging to beginners. My friend and I bought the 10 times group-​on coupon and wanted to try out this place. We did 2 Hatha classes and we thought we would try out other ones as well but there isn’t much options to start with * especially for beginners like us! When we finished the flow class, the instructor told us we should not have come to this challenging class. In her opinion, we should only do Hatha classes. She repeated this a several times and did not even try to encourage us to keep trying. She continued to make comments on how bad my postures were but did not really help me during the class. What is the point of pointing it out and then make people feel really bad after their yoga practice. Worst yoga experience ever. The other yoga studios I have been to, all the other instructors would always encourage students to do modified poses if we find some poses too challenging. Some instructors would gently adjust our posture during the class so that we eventually learn to do poses right. This is how you teach, isn’t it?
I don’t understand why someone could be so discouraging and I don’t believe this is yoga spirit. I would not recommend this place and this instructor (the owner) to beginners who want to try yoga for the first time at this place just because of the group-​on discount. Safe your money to buy a recreation pass instead. There are much better options out there. Very disappointing.

This is the first yoga studio I’ve really fallen in love with. The owner, Svetlana, is a very committed and conscientious instructor, focused on helping you with the details of alignments and techniques for deepening the postures. The main instructional style is flow/​vinyasa yoga, but there are also hatha and yin style classes. The flow classes are broken into beginner and intermediate for more targeted instruction. Many of the classes have a meditation component at start/​end or throughout the practice.
The studio is kept on the warm side, so you tend to work up a sweat. There are tons of props available (blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets), and the instructors encourage you to use them to modify postures to suit your body.
The only downside is that it’s on the pricey side ($ 18 a class, $ 140 for a 10-​class card). The best deals come from the unlimited monthly/​yearly memberships. There’s a $ 25 intro deal for 2 weeks of unlimited classes, which is a great way to check out all the different styles and see if it works for you.