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This week I had my first beginner’s yoga class at 889 Yonge and I loved it. The studio was welcoming as was the teacher and I also had some personal “Aha” moments for the first time in a yoga class – I actually know now what it feels like to have all parts of your hands on the ground if that makes any sense. I loved the non-competitive atmosphere and being with others who were learning with me. I’m also proud of myself for trying something new.

I’m actually really glad that I have waited this long to take a beginner’s workshop. I think if I had tried to do this at any other point in my life I would not have been ready. Now, I feel that I am ready to take this step and at least try to embrace what yoga has to offer. The other main reason that I’m happy that I have waited this long is that I have found the right studio and teacher for me. I’m looking forward to what the next three classes in this workshop bring.

Some people have asked me why I chose to do enroll in a beginner’s yoga when I have done at least 100+ hours of yoga. You see I think sometimes it is not a bad idea to take a step back and learn the foundations of something and in my case…I truly needed to learn the right way to do these poses.

Interview with one of Toronto’s most beautiful yoga spaces.

Can you tell me a little bit about 889 Yonge?

889 Yonge is devoted team of wellness experts supporting our guests in their pursuit of increased energy, happiness and health. We offer a comprehensive Yoga program, Holistic Spa treatments, a team of Holistic Doctors including a Naturopathic Dr., Traditional Chinese Medicine Dr. and Osteopath, as well as a Lifestyle Boutique with many holistic and eco-friendly products.

There are a lot of yoga studios in Toronto what makes 889 Yonge different?

Our space is serene and has a truly positive vibe; it is free from toxins and free from the external distractions and chaos of the bustling city. Our late 1800’s Victorian ‘home’ has been designed with the intention of preserving the environment and with a commitment to sustainability. 889 is a Membership based community and our Yoga program offers our guests fewer teachers who are here more often. Our teachers are here to support and guide our guests in their journey towards achieving good health, balance, increased energy and happiness.

If you had to describe 889 Yonge in one sentence what would it be?

At 889 Yonge, we have built a business around our profound belief in the possibility of personal transformation and connection; we inspire a healthier and happier lifestyle from the inside out.

What is a yoga class at 889 Yonge like?

At 889, we are known for our signature Vinyasa Flow Yoga classes. These dynamic, creative classes set to groovy tunes are intensely challenging yet completely calming. Perfect for those “Type A” personalities who can’t still but desperately need to relax.

What are your top three tips for people completely new to yoga?

• One of our most popular offerings is our Beginner Yoga Workshop – a perfect way to learn Yoga in a fun and friendly environment (and you don’t have to be a pretzel!)
• Don’t take yourself too seriously or be too hard on yourself – yoga is about feeling better when you leave not worse, we’re not training for the Olympics!
• Breathe!

How often would someone need to practice yoga before noticing any benefits?

You will definitely notice a shift after experiencing one yoga class, but like anything consistency is really the key to receive the full benefit of yoga.

Many yoga studios lately are offering classes like Yoga for Runners. Can yoga be beneficial for people involved in other sports, such as running?

Absolutely! Yoga is about creating balance in both the body and mind. It allows you to bring equal awareness to all muscle groups, activates small muscle groups and supports your joints, ligaments and tendons. Yoga helps to reduce lactic acid buildup and repair muscles, preventing injury. Yoga is an incredible way to settle and calm the mind, for athletes, a steady mind is a key component in performance.

What are your three must-have yoga products (e.g. favourite yoga pants, brand of mat, etc.)

Zobha Pants: These lightweight, high-performing pants are gorgeous and provide exceptional fit for your practice.

Jade Harmony Yoga Mat: Made from natural rubber, these non-slip, biodegradable mats are perfect for your practice. Jade Yoga is committed to the environment and a tree is planted for every mat sold.

Vysada Mat Cleaner: Vysada’s Yoga Mat Spray is a safe and non-toxic way to help fight germs and odors. Made with 100% organic essential oils and witch hazel it is free from harsh synthetic fragrances and chemicals

Interested in learning more? Visit their studio at 889 Yonge or visit their website – www.889yonge.com.

889 Yonge is also on Twitter – @889Yonge

Flickr: shioshvili

Sometimes I get lazy and the location of a studio is initially what draws me in rather than its reputation. It’s what I like to call my “it’s good enough” list.

The Yoga Plus studio that is near me by Yonge and Eg falls into this category. I have taken a number of classes there and only find myself there when:

1. I don’t know where else to go
2. Their schedule kind of appeals to me
3. Its been a while since I last went to yoga
4. All of the above + laziness

The studio is located on the 8^th or 9^th floor of an office building and because of this you sometimes have to use the intercom to be let in. This I find kind of inconvenient, but it is something I can live with. The studio environment also falls into my “it’s good enough list” as it is neither fantastic nor bad. The space itself (until you get into the actual practice areas) just feels kind of crowded and cramped to me (other say cozy). That said the designated areas for their classes are actually quite spacious and at lunchtime their classes are nice and bright which is something I enjoy.

The teachers, though, that I have had there have been generally good and willing to offer suggestions on how I can modify poses to fit my inflexibility! When I first moved to Toronto I got my first introduction to Pilates with one of the teachers there and the class was good. Unfortunately, I don’t think she teaches there anymore.

The studio does seem to always be busy when I go, so I am assuming that they have a lot of regulars. I am wondering if it is because they are in a prime location that is convenient for people or if their regulars truly enjoy their classes. The other reviews that I have read about this studio seem to be positive, so maybe it is just me!

If you have ever tried the studio out let me know your thoughts.

One of the main reasons that I chose this particular studio was that it was conveniently positioned to the Rosedale subway station. I had no clue what to expect as I have never heard anyone mention the place before; in the years I have been running in Rosedale I have never even seen it which is weird as it is apparently located right on Yonge Street.

For some reason I was convinced that 889 Yonge would be a very crunchy granola-esque yoga studio. I don’t know why, but the name seemed to say to me ‘bring your Birkenstocks’ (which I don’t own). I soon learned that you shouldn’t judge a studio by its name.

889 Yonge is truly a beautiful space. I think I fell in love with it upon entering the front door. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by some very friendly staff who really make you feel comfortable.

One of the things I appreciated about this studio is that they showed me around (unprompted). It was nice to actually know where everything was located, so I didn’t have to wander around aimlessly trying to guess where the bathroom or class was. I realized as I did the tour of the studio that the owners must be women- there were just so many feminine touches around! You were given slippers to walk around in, there was a library of yoga books to read, a tea garden to relax in prior to or after your class (try the tea it is delicious), environmentally friendly tampons in the bathrooms and hair elastics in the change room! The ladies change room was also one I would actually consider using. Normally I tend to get in and out of these places as fast as I can and shower at home. I got so caught up in the place itself that I almost forgot what I was there for…a yoga class.

The yoga class I took was called fundamental flow and was taught by Kim McBean. I honestly didn’t really know what to expect. I assumed it would be kind of similar to any other yoga I have attempted. The 75 minute class was quite challenging for someone like myself (beginner and terribly inflexible), but as a whole I enjoyed the challenge. The class itself is pretty athletic in style as the sequences were done quite quickly and there were a lot of planks. I found that the teacher did try and challenge us with poses that we may not normally get a chance to do until a more advanced level. One of my biggest discoveries in the class came when we were in the standing pigeon pose: my left side is way more inflexible than I thought…a lot more.

Yoga at 889 Yonge is membership based, but drop ins are welcome for $20 (you also don’t have to rent a mat as they have spares!). They also have a beginner’s yoga workshop series ($120 for four classes) that they offer frequently. Oh and I almost forgot the two best things about this place: they have a shop where they sell great lines of clothing and they have a spa!