Reviews

Downward Dog Yoga Centre

5 stars Customer since 2009

Best Studio in Toronto!

4 stars Customer since 2009

it's a friendly place and I like the Mysore - lots of class times on offer

5 stars Verified customer

The change rooms are a little small and the showers a bit old but they have the best teachers in toronto.

5 stars Customer since 2012

On the positive...

I really enjoyed the class! I like the pace Ron set for the class and his ability to use plain language cues. I certainly look forward to more classes with him. So far, Downward Dog is my favorite place to practice yoga in Toronto, the teaching is top notch and I haven't had a bad experience yet - everyone is really nice here!

On the negative....

The studio is really stuffy and when the heat gets going it feels like there is no air in that place. I know some people really like the heat and that it's an old building but I also know this is why some people will not come here. Personally, I would prefer more fresh air and less heat.

5 stars Verified customer

Provides a challenging, progressive and acute direction.

1 stars Verified customer

The actual yoga practice of the class exceeded my expectations. My friend is new and I am only a bit more experienced, so we attended the beginner prep class on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the NOISE coming from the hallways outside was appalling. The main rule of yoga practice in a studio is to be respectful of the practice of others, so I could not believe the screaming (not just loud talking, but actual screaming) that was allowed to go on in the hallways. It began with the other class coming to an end, and tons of people filling the halls laughing loudly, yelling from one end of the hall to the other, and down the stairs. This took probably ten minutes to dissipate, but I still wasn't allowed to relax. People were constantly in the hallways talking loudly, including other employees at the front desk (my guess based on the content of the conversation that I could hear in great detail). The actual class I attended was wonderful, but at NO POINT was I able to relax and enjoy it. The only response the instructor had was to remind us to try and ignore distractions. I have been to 5 other yoga studios and have never experienced anything even close to this. Usually, at other studios, other patrons remind those who might be talking to stay as quiet as possible, before employees even have a chance. My impression of Downward Dog was that this level of noise is the norm. All the patrons felt free to act like this, in a way that would never be tolerated at any quality studio, and as well the employees chat loudly, and the instructor never stepped outside the class to try and remind patrons to be quiet as there is practice in session. My friend and I had the same reaction: that this absurd level of noise is a deal-breaker for our attendance at the studio. Despite our continued positive impression of the quality of the class, we do not expect to ever return to Downward Dog. It really is a shame, because the class was exactly what we were looking for.

Downward Dog Yoga Centre replied:

Thank you for your feedback and apologies that you had such an experience. We are aware that things can get loud in our humble space and do try to encourage our community to be respectful of other classes, and as well as to get our staff to promote this as well. We'll keep at it. Thanks for visiting us, and we do hope that you will try us again for a class. Feel free to email us directly with any concerns. Namaste.

5 stars Customer since 2006

I started practicing Yoga many years ago but have taken many breaks in between. I always feel renewed and challenged when practicing at DWD. The teachers are all dedicated and amazing at their craft and add something completely differ to their class. I have tried other studios closer to my home but I always compare my experience and practice to DWD, it's worth the little extra commute. Others might complain about the class being crowded but that's the amazing part about the practice - the heat and energy emanating from your fellow yogies is exhilarating! Thank you for loving what you do!!

5 stars Customer since 2014

A friend referred DD to me and I went in last week for one class, returned for another + signed up for a monthly package, and then had my third class this morning. Very supportive environment and I feel as if I'm always learning something.

5 stars Customer since 2013

Incredible studio, as a studio owner myself, I am selective where I practice. I am never disatisfied with the environment, teachers, or quality of yoga. The advanced classes are challenging, which is nice.

This studio has an air of authenticity and the people are warm.

5 stars Verified customer

Fantastic