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April 2024 by Ernesto Lang Oreamuno
This place isn't really very friendly or welcoming at all in my opinion. I went three or four times to the front desk and nobody was there. They take forever to answer messages, if they even answer them at all.
Beyond that when I took my first class and explained to the instructor that I was new, he really didn't seem interested and was dismissive at best. The two week trial doesn't really cover beginner classes, so you are kind of thrown out there to kind of figure it out on your own.
Personally, this place looks like the sort of place that's for people that are already very well versed in yoga. If you're new? Well good luck.
Gave it 3 stars because I feel like they're probably really good with their classes, and the facilities seem well maintained, but beyond that, I don't think I'm gonna bother.
Props to Sarah at the front desk though. She seems to know what she's doing and she sold me on trying out the place. It's unfortunate that the rest of the studio doesn't seem to be interested in new business.
EDIT: To answer to the business's response. Well, this is about what is to be expected. Being short-staffed is not an excuse for poor customer service. An intensity rating does not tell people whether a class is hard or not, and that is not my issue at all. Beyond that as someone who is starting out, that's really not something that gives me enough information anyway. How would I know what works and what doesn't when I've never done this before? The difficulty with the classes isn't really the issue I have. The classes can be easy or difficult, that's fine by me, I understand that. Even so, it's very hard to expect a total beginner to just know what to do from scratch. It's way more difficult when the instructors act indifferent. They told me to talk to the instructor before the class, I did, and it really didn't change much.
Telling me that I should send an email if I didn't like something is pretty dismissive, as is also pointing out that I still have the rest of my trial to keep trying new things. And by the way, I did message the business on Instagram asking about other classes. It's been a week, and I've heard absolutely nothing.
I'm not sure what kind of business practices these are, but maybe that's the reason this studio is short-staffed. It seems like chasing away new business is one of its core principles.
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February 2024 by Tiffanie Caracassis
When looking for a yoga studio, you have to consider the space, the teachers, the classes and mostly, the vibe! The good news is that Downward Dog Yoga Centre delivers on all these categories and so much more!I believe that it truly is one of the best yoga studios in the city.All the teachers are incredible and I feel so blessed to be part of their community??Bonus: They also rent their spaces. These photos showcase my NYE Yoga event that I hosted in one of their rooms.
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January 2024 by Cherish Yap
The Yoga Teacher Training was fantastic and life-changing ❤️. Thank you to Karen, Margot, and Shehla. So much positivity and love at this place. ?
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September 2023 by Gloria Kim
Great community and teachers.
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September 2023 by Diana Vazquez Romo
Clean and nice facilities, welcoming and dedicated instructors and a variety of time slots with classes!
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September 2023 by Olivia Foster
Love this place! Super friendly instructors and the space is clean and bright.
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July 2023 by Jan Tiffany Perez
Instructors are knowledgeable and welcoming! The studio is very clean, bright and complete with all the equipment you need.
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May 2023 by Madeline Hardy
Just finished the Spring 2023 Yoga Teacher Training here. I cannot thank these teachers enough for all the knowledge they passed on to us. It was so well rounded and collaborative. The teachers were thoughtful, informed, and consistently encouraged us to think critically. It also attracted a beautifully diverse group of people that I'm so thankful I met! Thank you Downward Dog - keep up the fabulous work.
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May 2023 by J Chen
The studio is clean, bright, and inclusive, with plenty of props (they even have dowels) to support your practice. The instructors are knowledgeable, attentive and supportive. If you're looking for a yoga studio that's welcoming to all, I highly recommend checking out Downward Dog!
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May 2023 by Tanya Chadha
I recently completed the yoga teacher training at Downward Dog, and it was an incredibly positive experience. The faculty were friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive. In particular, Margot, Shehla, and Karen went above and beyond to ensure that every student received personalized attention and support throughout the training.Margot's expertise in anatomy and alignment helped us to understand the physical mechanics of each pose and Shehla and Karen's guidance on teaching methodology and philosophy gave us the tools we need to become confident and effective yoga instructors.I can't recommend the yoga teacher training at Downward Dog highly enough. It was an experience that has transformed my practice and my life, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such talented and dedicated instructors.
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May 2023 by Paayal Khanna
I have nothing but love and kind words to share for the Downward Dog team! ??I completed by YTT 200 hr this spring and it was such a wonderful experience. All the teachers - Karen, Margot, Shehla, Tamara and Athena - have such a deep knowledge of yoga and have an even beautiful way of imparting that to the students. I would highly recommend this studio to anyway considering to deepen their practise or join Yoga Teacher Training (YTT).
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May 2023 by Pallavi
This is definitely the place you want to go to if you are looking for a transformative yoga experience. Or if you're facing a mid-life crisis. Or both.Every teacher at Downward Dog has years of experience and is passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with their students. They are dedicated to helping each person find their own unique path in yoga and to fostering a sense of community within the studio. It is an incredibly welcoming and inclusive space that embraces all levels of practitioners. Whether you are just starting out and have no idea about what yoga is or whether Astavakrasana is your best friend (I'm looking at you, twisty pretzels), you will find the support and encouragement you need to deepen your practice in every class.I feel I did an insane amount of research to find the right place to do my yoga teacher training and I have now self- proclaimed myself to be the authority on the best yoga studio in Toronto. Here's my unsolicited advice: pick DWD.I live way out in the east end and travel an hour by the TTC to get there. I've had my fair share of 'enlightening experiences' on the TTC, but here's the thing - the moment I step off that TTC and into my favorite yoga studio, all that stress melts away. The experienced teachers, the welcoming community, the energizing classes - it's always worth it. If that isn't a testament to how amazing this place is, I don't know what is.And if you want to actually yoga a regular part of your life by twisting and bending to your heart's content without breaking the bank, sign up for their unlimited classes for $150 a month (secret side note, you get a discount on your mats and other purchases too). I also love that the owner, Karen, spends her time doing a lot of charity work and she does a bunch of community classes with some of the other teachers like Margot and Shehla.That's all folks! If you got to the end of this review, you're probably looking for a sign. Well, this is it.
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January 2023 by Kath
Great teachers! Did my YTT200 here and it was an amazing experience. There is a wide range of classes to choose from.Would highly recommend to anyone that would like to deepen the practice or just getting started on this journey!!
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January 2023 by Tami Dacks
The New Year's Day class with Athena Lamarre was incredible. The energy in the room was hyped. Athena led us through an excellent, invigorating practice with many options and modifications offered. The music was amazing and really helped to make the flow of the class. I cannot recommend her more!
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October 2022 by 练飘飘
Did a class with Nicole in the sun room, it was deliciously challenging and the room itself though not heated worked me up in a good sweat which I did not expect at all. I came here to zen out and it def did more than that for me. I reckon this is one of the best hidden gems in Toronto, the techniques cued were outstanding.
