889 Yoga

I can’t review the studio in general, but I did take the «beginner» yoga program and was so disappointed with the first class that I’ve opted not to return. The class featured 25 minutes of chit chatting, followed by three poses and more chit chatting. Then getting a wrap-​up email summarizing the 9 poses we’d learned (obviously the «teacher», Sara, thought it was more important to chit chat about nothing than actually teach us anything… including going through the nine poses that the class was supposed to include). Utter waste of time and money.

3.5 STARS
It’s getting all hot up in here! I tried out this yoga studio with my Passport to Prana pass. The studio is a yoga studio as well as a small store — they sell jucies, clothing, makeup, (all cruelty free) as well as some wellness books and jewelry. The studio has a very clean, crisp zen like feel. They provide free water throughout. The change rooms have lockers with keys so you don’t have to worry about bring your own lock.
I took a class here on Saturday and it definitely wasn’t a beginner’s class! Although I have done yoga previously, I haven’t done it in awhile and my body is a little rusty. Never the less, the instructor (can’t remember her name) was very nice and would walk up and down in the class demonstrating the moves so everyone could see. Also, I think they might have turned up the heat in here b/​c at some points I needed to relax b/​c it was waaaaytoo hot for my liking… but everyone else seemed fine.
Overall I felt this studio was definitely a place where novices may feel a little left behind. Serious people only here! But still a great opportunity to get balanced
Om Shanti Om

Very pristine, clean, luxurious yoga studio. Extremely friendly and accommodating staff and overall a great yoga experience. I’m currently signed up with a different fitness club but I’m looking to incorporate yoga again into my routine and what better place than 889?

I started at 889 years ago when a friend swore by their candlelit class. I’ve been going off and on ever since and have had the chance to enjoy more of their classes this year. I love the concierge staff and the instructors, many of whom are very hands on, which I really appreciate in a class.
I only wish there were more classes throughout the morning and later in the evening to fit into my schedule.

I’m a huge fan…
When I first entered the door 889 back in November, I was greeted with what I believe to be the most authentic and warm welcome I’ve EVER received in a Toronto service business. Comprehensive, warm, inviting, educational… it was all of these and more.
I’ve now been a regular client of 889 for about 5 months and it’s become a great part of my life. It’s exceptionally close to my offce, has lots of class options, amazing stable of talented instructors… and has a very peaceul and professional vibe.
I started off with the 40 days for $ 40 package, which gave me great opportunities to check out this place. That was 5 months ago — still going 3 – 4 x a week and love that i’ve finally incorpated yoga into my life!

Beautiful studio and the best yoga teachers! This is by far the best yoga studio I have even been to. One month unlimited pass is only 120, which is very reasonable for the quality of classes at this studio. Spa service (massage) = wonderful, they even gave me a little take away of scented epsom salts.

The massage was fantastic. The spa rooms are dark and cozy and my therapist, Stephanie, was professional and strong. The ladies room is spotless. They provide all kinds of organic soaps and lotions and the showers are probably nicer than my own. Its important to feel nice when getting treatments like a massage. The studio itself is bright and clean. I would take classes here if parking was not such a nightmare (Yonge and Church area). One star is lost thanks to the crappy receptionist who was not welcoming and not attentive, preferring to chit chat with her friend/​co-​worker. Everyone else was wonderful and the experience was otherwise relaxing.

Just thinking about this studio makes me smile! I absolutely love this studio.
This is one of the studios included in Passport to Prana (which is how I found this studio). The décor of this studio is the nicest I’ve seen (and I’ve seen quite a few, with the passport!). The change room was so modern, sleek and clean and the «lounge» outside the studios upstairs was equally nice.
I came here for a weekday morning class (a beginner’s class) and there were 3 other students, so each of us got lots of attention on our posture. I came another time when they were having free lessons for the whole day. The studio was packed, but it was still a great class and I felt the teacher still made the effort to correct as many of us as possible.
The place is just gorgeous, from the design to the change rooms and shower to the instructors. Complimentary tea and water was a very nice touch!

If you are interesting to join Free Yoga Class there are every Saturday having a Class with Reggae music at Outside deck of the Thompson Hotel from 4pm to 5pm it limited time.
Let’s open website and scroll to under on the first page. It easy to find location, click on the upper page ”King West”
Those Yonge Street&King West Studios are very clean and pretty Luxury.
You’ll have relaxation time and nice weekends with 889 Yoga.

I really wanted to hit this studio regularly because it is so convenient and the facilities are nice, but after 10 + practices there I feel confident declaring that the instructors here are boring.
In each class I was consistently unmotivated, bored, barely paying attention, dreaming up escape/​fake bathroom plans.
The instructors all offer their unique version of ‘the yoga voice’. The energy is very calm, but doesn’t envelop you in a way that other chilled out/​restorative studios do. In some of the classes I recall instructors putting the room into poses that I really didn’t think were appropriate given the general level of skill in the room — it seemed like they had a class planned out, as opposed to looking at the people in front of them and providing a practice that was appropriate to them.
Having said all of this, they do offer free yoga on Saturday afternoons outside on the giant deck — that’s pretty cool.

I went for the saturday brunch flow class taught by Nicki. what a great class! an older clientelle than other studios I’ve been to — but that fits with the area, and it didn’t feel weird as everyone was lovely and friendly. The space was lovely — lots of natural light, a very bright entryway and a nice little boutique with eyecandy in the back. Free david’s tea is a great way to cap off your practice. The change room was spacious and clean with a couple of showers. I was in the sun studio upstairs, which was flooded with natural light.
The class was challenging in all the right ways. We did a core focused class and Nicki was good about giving tips on alignment to ensure we were working our core and not straining our backs. The practice had flexibility with Nicki giving a couple of pose options in some places depending on what you wanted to work on/​relax.

om, 889 is wonderful. Right upon entering, the vibe is so welcoming and soothing that even a tentative newbie (me) will feel right at home. Staff is incredibly supportive and helpful; tea and water are freely available; the change rooms are spacious AND equipped with lockers.
I took a Fundamental Flow class with Lisa, which I simply loved. The instruction was very accessible for all levels and Lisa walked around improving and deepening our holds. The Flow was simultaneously challenging and restorative with each burning hold giving into looser, recharged muscles and a relaxed mind.
The ambiance at 889 is also incredibly beautiful and makes the visit feel like you’re giving yourself a gift.

Massage Therapy @ 889
I had my first RMT appointment at 889 this week and it was a wonderful experience. I admit that I was initially apprehensive about booking a massage here as I had only attended Yoga classes and not the spa. However, I can confirm that this is a great place to check out if you are looking for a relaxing, relieving and renewing massage.
My RMT using a unique combination of stretching, pressure application, deep tissue massaging and breathing techniques to alleviate major muscle tension. Unlike other massages I have had where I experience soreness in the days after, I woke this morning and felt incredible — no sore/​tired muscles from the treatment and I truly felt pain relief.
Rates are very reasonable for a downtown spa.

This place is great — my favourite studio in Canada. I tried a lot of places I didn’t like before finding this one.
Lisa Barkin, Kim McBean and Nicky Poole’s classes are my favourite (especially Lisa’s yin yoga class — she even goes around and gives everyone a little massage in each class). I’m sure everyone else is amazing too — I just haven’t had a chance to try them yet!
They also have mat storage, really nice showers (with organic shampoo/​conditioner!!) and free delicious tea.
The only thing that I don’t like so much is the clientele are a bit more Yorkville and less granola than I’d like, but this is a very minor thing.

Yes, it’s everything that everyone has ben saying! The place is nice, and should be the standard of all yoga places.
It’s clean, cubby holes for everything, lockers for you to put things, 2 single stalled washroom, towels provides (So Important!), drinking water and tea everywhere.
It’s got a nice lounge area in front of both studios, and great place to wake up/​relax after class.
The check in process was same as all places, where you fill in the form etc. One thing I did notice was that the teacher wasn’t present for the check in process to see and question who is in their class. And I really don’t know if anyone is reading what I write about my injuries and exercise régime.
They did show me around briefly, which was nice, but I found although seemingly friendly, the reception girls were a bit fake. There was no asking me how the class was, or chit chatting as I left, like in the other studios.
I went to the Detox Class. They say it’s a hot yoga class, but it’s very much reduced heat. i didn’t break a sweat. It was a flow class, so be prepared.
The instructor was okay, a little cold with strict instruction following music. She barely cracked a smile. She demoed it in the front, but hardly ever came around to make corrections, she had the time. I dislike this, because you can really hurt yourself if you’re doing it wrong.
I did like the music during the class. It helped keep the flow, and I was so relaxed in the savasana listening to crickets chirp in a background of soft drums.
The cost is $ 18.95 for a drop in. They offer $ 30 introductory for a month otherwise 4 classes for a month $ 64, and it increases in price for longer time periods. It really costs just as much as a regular yoga class, so if you’re not looking for moksha or bikram, this really is the place for you.
I love that they can provide certain standards on a dime similar to other places — they probably have higher rent as well.
It’s close (a block and half) away from Bloor station. Parking is only really available at the Canadian tire down the street (or street parking in the side streets south off of Yonge). If you by something at the Canadian Tire, you get 1.5 free parking, but $ 4 for each half hour!!! it’s robbery. I was there for about 2 hours in the end.

A class at 889 is less a Yoga Class and more a Yoga Experience.
Seriously, After visiting a large number of studios in the GTA this feels like checking out of the bungalow guest house you have been staying in and splurging for a 5 star with hot showers.
Everything is catered to ultimate luxury and the attention to detail is impeccable. The space is bright, beautiful and spacious. Change rooms are downstairs and the heated studio is up. The change rooms have lockers with keys, towels are available to use for free, there are soaps and lotions and tea stations, and filtered water everywhere.
I had Nicky Poole as my instructor on my first visit. I had specifically selected her class because of her reputation, and because i wanted to try a level 3 heated. She did not disappoint. Right when I entered she came over, greeted me warmly, shook my hand and asked me about my level of experience, injuries etc. There were no mirrors in the studio, which confused me at first as I like to watch my alignment, and the yogis all line up facing each other. During Vinyasa, I swear I nearly bumped heads with the girl I was facing several times. Nicky then instructed from the middle. It was a very intimate, community-​like experience.
The class was Prana Flow 3, which focused on breathing, Vinyasa (!!!) and was very challenging. Not challenging in the overwhelmed-​what-​am-​I-​doing-​here-​I-​am-​going-​to-​die but supportive-​anything-​is-​possible-​with-​some-​practice-​encouraging way. As a level 3 it was perfect. The moves flowed excellent from one to another, and she used the sanskrit names of the postures and everything flowed quickly and seamlessly. Just note that if you are into hot yoga or Bikram, it is «heated» at best, not hot.
For more experienced yogis, the benefit of an advanced class is that she was able judge the collective ability of all of us, and catered to it. She then could focus on explaining more advanced moves in detail and she did not have to stop to explain basic moves. It was great. The class opened and closed with a supported posture using bolsters and was tremendously restorative. The whole class had «world beat» Music (!!) and a (singing bowl?) energy clearing. 75 min flew by, and I was sad to see it end.
Not only is this the most beautiful studio I have ever visited, Three of my top Five teachers in Toronto teach here. Nicky Poole (the latest) Sunny Smith and Davian Den Otter! and I am so happy that they are all in one place.
They have a great $ 30 30 days package which I am going to pick up as soon as my passport expires.
Bonus Points
— Vinyasa (!!)
— Challenging Class, Excellent Instructor (!!!)
— Awesome Teachers including some of my favorites ever
— Beautiful Space
— Lockers (!!)
— Music (!!!)
— Soaps, Teas, Filtered Waters, Lotions galore!
— Friendly Staff
— spa on site
— EVERYTHING is there for you. Water, Towels, Locks, Mats, you do not have to bring anything with you.
— Mat storage
Minus Points
— Not that hot, I like Hot Yoga. But who cares. GORG!
— Kind of pricey, but one trip to 889 and I’m skimming my budget to see where I can trim to afford. So worth it.

Studio 889 is probably the most luxurious yoga studio I’ve visited on my Passport to Prana. I’ve taken two classes here (one in each studio) and I’m quite taken with the fresh atmosphere, clean locker rooms (with locks included!) and beautiful facilities. Did I mention the lockers? Why aren’t more studios taking this example? (hint hint Moksha)
The range of classes offered here is impressive, and the instructors are some of the best in the city. I appreciated the instructor who corrected my downward dog pose — it made me realize how often I’ve been doing this incorrectly and nobody has mentioned anything until now.
The only problem with 889 is that I’m completely spoiled now… it’s going to be difficult to settle for anything less.

Thanks to the fabulous Unilocal,I got a Passport to Prana recently and have been scanning the list trying to decide where to go first. I recently headed to Tula for my first yoga class in almost 3 years so was hoping I’d find somewhere that was challenging without expecting me to become a pretzel! I read the reviews of 889 Yonge (and reckon Roma M is always a good judge of yoga places) so decided to pop in today to get the holiday weekend off to a good start.
This studio is GORGEOUS. The staff at the desk were really friendly and full of smiles, I filled out the usual health form thing and headed off for my class. I kind of wished they had given a few directions because I had to ask someone else where the changing rooms were after wandering aimlessly for a few minutes. Turns out the changing areas are downstairs and are spotless with really restful feel and lockers that you don’t have to bring a padlock for, showers and towels. There’s water and tea in a little lobby area downstairs. The main floor has the reception desk, a little shop, mats and a new studio. I was in the back studio upstairs. There’s a lovely waiting area with couches, water, tea and yoga books. Really sweet things were a book to suggest music you like for yoga and a wishing wall-​you write a wish on a piece of coloured paper, roll it up and pop it into a little slot :-)
The studio I was in was so pleasant. The sun was streaming in the window and I was lucky that the Saturday brunch flow class I attended wasn’t too crowded. The instructor, Nicky, was just the sweetest person and came over to me before the class because she knew I was new. She distributed blocks and straps and there were towels available in a shelving unit against one wall. The class was great… started off with gentle somatic type movements and then headed into a good flow session. I had forgotten how challenging yoga can be-​it really demands a different type of strength to the gym-​and I was reminded of how stiff and inflexible I’ve become! Nicky gave excellent instructions, demonstrated and corrected gently. I finished the class completely miles away in savasana… as relaxed as I would be after a facial or massage.
On the way out I had a nice cup of tea and the beaming girl at reception waved goodbye.
I wish I had more money-​yoga works out expensive (vs a regular gym membership for example)…but they have a selection of packages etc-e.g. 6 classes for $ 108 or monthly membership packages ranging from 4 classes a month for $ 68 to the kind of super deluxe package at $ 230/​month which allows you unlimited yoga plus either a private session or a massage once a month. Members also get 10% off at the boutique and wellness clinic. The membership options are an autorenewal thing though so best if you are definitely going to be there regularly! The current introductory special is $ 20 for 10 days unlimited yoga. Pretty good value-​especially considering the quality of the teaching. And Jennifer K’s description of the place as an oasis is utterly accurate. It’s bliss :-)
I can’t wait to go back!

889 Yonge is really an Oasis for yoga and spa fans alike!
I went on a Monday night a FREE first class! Yes it is really free! No one trying to sell me any packages… The receptionists was so nice showing me where the rooms were and offer me sandals to walk around.
They have 2 practice rooms. I was attending a restorative class and the room is quite spacious with all the props set up in a nice mahagony cabinet. There are free yoga mats, free towels, free mat cleaner spray to use!
I have to tell you this place is popular! The class is packed! I love my restorative class! The instructor and the assistants came around and adjust everyone and make sure we have the proper alignment. There are bolsters, blankets, strips and my favourite EYE PILLOWS! The lighting is soft, that make the class so relaxing!
The waiting area is really nice too. with hot tea, water and magazines you free to enjoy while you wait for the class.
They also has excellent spa products to use in the washroom/​change room! I love the smell of spa! and all the hand creams and soap…
BTW, they no longer provide free yoga mats starting April 2010. So bring your own or rent one from them for $ 2.00.

This studio is one of the best, I don’t even know where to start.
Take one look at the array of yoga classes this studio offers, and you know you’re in for a yoga experience quite unlike any others, with classes like Hot Detox Flow (typical), to Mandala Flow and Ashtanga Current, which is a more advanced class.
The skill level is marked with tree-​like symbols, 1 being slower paced and 3 being challenging and intense. I’d like to think I’m a beginner to intermediate level yogi, and I took a 2.5 level Hot Detox Flow class which detoxed the hell out of my body… and for the next two days.
I also loved that the instructor teaching my class had actually been to India and learned yoga there. I’m tired of faux-​yogis who’ve basically paid for their teaching certificate from a non-​licensed Toronto school, and it’s usually plainly obvious when they incorrectly explain and over simplify Sanskrit terms. If you can’t do it properly, don’t even bother (I’m looking at you, Moksha Scarborough). At the end of the Detox class, the instructor pulled out a portable harmonium, sang and played a hymn that was both, relaxing and uplifting.
The studio offers the free usage of their mats, as well as tea and fruits. They also sell an array of tops by James Perse, some other lifestyle clothing and jewelry.
Change-​rooms, lockers and showers are located in the basement, though they are still immaculate, and the room is pretty cute.
I think this has got to be the best all-​round yoga studio in Toronto.