Hot Yoga Wellness Concord

I have practiced at 5 different yoga studios including this one (not to mention yoga classes at 3 different gyms) and this place is by far my favourite yoga studio ever.
The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. I felt like I belonged from the moment I walked in –none of the weird aloofness I have seen at some places. The schedule is varied and offers many different types of classes. There is lots of space in the studio, and I enjoyed having lots of people of varying levels in the class — it’s clear that people from all walks of life enjoy this studio. The teachers are compassionate and knowledgeable. The change room area is relatively big, and the showers actually have SHOWER CURTAINS… Something I’ve found lacking in a couple places.
The only things that were off is that some of the moves — the flow sequences in particular — might be a bit beyond the beginner level, and one instructor in particular enjoys spouting off weird yogic platitudes (imagine someone basically reading off a lululemon bag), which I found very distracting during the final portion of the class. However, I still give this studio 5 stars because of the welcoming and knowledgeable atmosphere, and the availability of a joint membership with the studio and Crossfit box in the back.

I have been going to HYW Concord all of last summer and I can’t believe the bad reviews! I love this place. The atmosphere is positive, the owner is a sweetheart, the teachers all have their unique teaching style, and the schedule is just perfect, with so many different time slots available that you really don’t have an excuse NOT to go work out! :)
It does get a little stinky in the workout room… but then, that’s hot yoga… people are sweating! I don’t understand how else it can be. And because this place is so popular, they are more often than not, filled to capacity (I used to go 4 – 5 times a week).
I’ve also organized a girl’s night with my friends for an aerial yoga class and it was one of the most fun ones we’ve had! Jacob, the instructor and owner of HWY, showed us so many great tricks that many of us thought we couldn’t do. It was a great experience and I’m planning to do another one this summer.
I think it is important to find an instructor that works for you. If you don’t, your experience might turn out all wrong. If you purchased the 30 day pass, take advantage of it and try different instructors until you find the one that fits best!
Signing up in a couple of weeks with my boyfriend. :)

Detox Detox Detox!
After all the beers I’ve been drinking, the pork belly I’ve been eating and my friend pleading that we need to do some activities aside from eating… so armed with Passport to Prana, we ended up in one of the Hot Yoga Wellness Concord’s hot yoga class.
Hang over from Elite Event the night before? Preparing for a bar crawl in Streetsville later in the evening?
I found the class quite relaxing… And surprisingly calming. Yes it was hot! Dripping in sweat but it suppose to be a hot class!
Different levels in the class so we were offered options or even the options to lay down and nap!
After sweating a pint or 2, I think I am ready for food. Always great to practise on an empty stomach… as I am ready for a certain Yogi Roast… tender (sore), a little too well done for my taste and even served on a warmed plate (mat).

Recipe of the Day
-= Foundation Flow Yogi Roast =-
Serve Time: 12:00 noon
Server: Tilda
Ingredients:
1 Medium-​fat Roast Meat
1 Clean Tea Towel
1 Roasting Pan (aka Mat)
330 ml Liquid (non-​flavoured aqua)
Procedure:
1. Turn oven (room) up to body-​temperature 37 °C. (98.6°F).
2. Close oven door and turn on ambient oven light and music.
3. Follow detailed instructions as clearly shown in example.
4. Collect overflowing jus from Roast Pan and Baste.
5. If Meat looks dry, inject some Liquid during and after.
6. After 60 minutes, let it rest to absorb jus back into the Meat.
7. Remove from oven, Clean/​Trim as needed prior to service.
8. WELL-​DONE Yogi Roast complete. Please Enjoy.
Additional Notes:
Concierge generously showed me directly to the room and Men’s changing room.
Men: 2 showers, 1 sink, 1 hair dryer, 1 washroom and overhead storage space.
Music was Asian Travelshow in this class, mellowish-​upbeat, mystical journey.
Instructor came to adjust me so many times, I lost count. I feel so Tender today.

I’m doing a 30-​day pass here under the Hot Yoga Wellness brand and I have to say, it’s just like the other locations in Woodbridge (
) and Scarborough (
), with the choice of 60, 75 or 90 minute classes.
HYW Concord is a very short bus ride or drive away from York University right on Steeles and there is ample parking available at the front. At the various timings I’ve taken class here, I’ve never once found it to be at all sketchy despite it’s location in a commercial building (I just realized that all 3 locations are in similar commercial strips). Many restaurants are located across this studio, including a Starbucks and a Superstore should you need a water bottle or energy bar.
The main difference between this location in Thornhill and the others are the quality of teachers, and exceptional customer service at the front desk.
I’ve taken classes with Lisa K, Linda, and Jaclyn but my favourite instructor by far is Elena.
She begins each class with a very fresh take, sets an intention for the day, and takes perfect command of the class, adjusting where postures need adjustments. Elena is completely involved in your practice from the beginning all the way until you leave the studio. If she teaches at least 1 class a day, I’ll be sure to make the trip here more often.
Nutritional Services, Reflexology, Osteopathy and Massage Therapy are also offered at this studio.