Ahimsa Yoga Studio

I’m a big fan of this studio, which has been a fixture of the Annex for the past 5 years. They have a good variety of class times that fit most schedules and the location (between Bathurst and Spadina stations) is easy to get to via TTC. I find their prices competitive as well. It’s a busy place and you have to get their early for popular times because the word is definitely out!
The teachers are really where Ahimsa shines. I have tried classes from a few of their instructors and all of them made a point to introduce themselves, remember names, ask for feedback, and give lots of options for modifications. You really feel like they care about each student and it’s not anonymous like some bigger studios can be. I always leave feeling challenged and rejuvenated. In mixed level classes, they do give options for more advanced poses but always make sure people are practicing in a safe way within their limits. Extra touches like eye pillows for shavasana or essential oils are a nice touch.
The only thing I don’t really like is that the changerooms are at the back, i.e. you have to walk through the studio to get there. It means that even if you arrive really early, if there is a class in session, you can’t access the changeroom and it can get packed between classes with people coming/​going. Otherwise though, the facilites are simple but adequate. The women’s changeroom is small, with cubbies for your belongings (no lockers), 2 bathrooms, and 1 shower. There is a small boutique area at the front with yoga props and clothing.
Also, on my first visit, the woman at reception was quite surly and I’m not sure why. She didn’t give me much by way of an introduction or welcome. Also, they had a holiday deal where one could buy a 5 class pass for $ 50. However, the deal could only be bought as a gift. I thought that was sort of weird, and I had wanted to buy one for a friend and one for myself and was told I couldn’t. Just seems rigid, especially when I could just ask a friend to buy it for me and then pay her back anyway (I didn’t, but thought about it). But aside from the front desk staff, I have found the teachers to be exceptional and that’s why I would come back.

I like it!
— Intimate group setting, though it can fill up;
— The vibe is chill and I really like the interaction that goes on between people and instructors, like laughter or gasps when there are funky postures; and
— Most people there seem to have practiced yoga for a while, though I’ve not been to many classes thus far, but trying different postures can be fun (learned lots!)
Really enjoying the intro month special~

The best yoga studio in town for the kind of attention you could get from top-​notch instructors. Instructors go around to check on their alignment, helping them where there are physical issues, and pushing experienced students to go further. So this is also a safe place to practice advance asanas. Great vibe at the studio, and friendly people who actually talk to one another. Love the fact that instructors like JP try to integrate asanas with yoga philosophy, so that we remember why we do yoga and what it could do for us when we honor it. Very reasonable rates as well! Only wish i live a little closer!

I tried this place because I had a passport to prana pass. My first impressions are that it is a bright, clean space to get your downward dog on.
The class I chose was 1.5 hrs. And not sure if this is a unique day I went, but the place was packed… I was literally sitting on my neighbours lap. LOL. So you can only imagine how HOT the place got after awhile. I thought I was going to die.
The pros of this place is that the instructor is well knowledged in all things yoga. He is patient and nice and I actually tried out a few moves that I hadn’t done before. If you have taken yoga before the moves regardless of which studio you go to all end up being the same. There were a few moves that I hadn’t done so I liked that.
The cons — well there were way too many people here — too hot and some moves were difficult to do because you would hit the person next to you. Also at times the instructor would talk… and talk… and talk. In fact so much so that the class went over by 30 minutes. I’m sorry but my time is precious…5, 10 minutes maybe… but 30 — nope.
I don’t live particularly close by to make this my regular place so I don’t think I would come back, but for those looking for a bit of a challenge or learning some new moves then def give it a try.

This is a serious yoga studio. It isn’t packed full of people because they have more space, but the teachers are also much better. They’re more advanced than your typical yoga studio, so don’t expect to try yoga out for the first time here and do well because it’s people who really practice it on a regular basis and are beyond flexible (e.g. they can bloody do THE CROW.)
It’s bright, airy, and it even has cubbies for yoga storage and other yoga things which is a HUGE plus. I love coming here.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.