Discover your inner yogi at these Vancouver yoga studios
It’s no secret that Vancouverites are passionate about their yoga. Let’s face it; you can’t walk more than 10 feet without spotting Lululemon-clad locals with mats slung over their shoulders. The city’s yoga studios cater to practitioners of all abilities, from beginner Bikram to advanced Ashtanga. Check out these local spots to get your downward dog on. [Photo courtesy of Semperviva]
Semperviva Yoga
110-2201 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N9This award-winning Kitsilano yoga studio offers various different class styles (including Hatha, Vinyasa Power Flow, Yin and Kundalini) at all four of its light-filled neighbourhood spaces. The new student offer (a 30-day trial for $39) is a great option if you’re a first-timer hoping to test out a few different forms of yoga. Seasoned yogis who are looking for a new challenge can register for advanced workshops and intensive teacher certification programs. And those who want to take their practice beyond the studio walls can sign up for Semperviva’s yoga training retreats in exotic destinations like Greece, Tokyo and Mexico.
Stretch
180 Pender St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3Four words: cats on your mats. Mix up your regular yoga routine and do your downward dog alongside real-life felines at this hip fitness studio and event space in Chinatown. The kitty-cat yoga class (part of a fundraising initiative to help find homes for orphaned kittens) is just one example of the original programming you’ll find on the schedule at Stretch. If you’re into date-night yoga, mindfulness meditation workshops and funky flow classes with live DJs, then this is the spot for you. There are plenty of traditional classes on offer too (Hatha, Yin, fast-paced Power Flow) for all levels.
YYoga Downtown Flow
202-888 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1X9Arguably the most full-service studio in town, YYoga offers a clean, spa-like experience at all of their 11 locations across the Lower Mainland. The comprehensive schedule boasts more than 12 unique yoga styles, including Yin, Power, Restorative, Jivmukti, Hatha and Core classes. Flexible membership packages are designed to work within your budget and flexible passes can be used at any location, which makes it easy to get a workout in no matter where you are. Many studios also offer additional fitness options such as TRX, Pilates and spinning for those who want to incorporate cross training into their practice.
Dharma Yoga
1083 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L7Dharma Yoga, a deeply spiritual form of yoga founded by Brazilian grandmaster Sri Dharma Mittra, is the focus at this cozy Cambie Street studio. The multi-disciplinary practice blends nine different types of yoga for a truly unique workout. Challenging both mind and body, instructors guide students through a series of postures with an ultimate goal of bringing participants closer to a state of self realization. You’ll also find a few fun alternatives on the schedule, including Yoncé Yoga, a Power Vinyasa Flow class set to Queen B’s hottest hits. Monthly memberships, multi-class passes and drop-in rates are all available.
YogaButtons Kids Yoga Ltd
2525 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9Child’s pose…Happy Baby…You know what they say, start ’em young! Babies, toddlers, teens and young-at-heart adults are all welcome at this family-friendly studio in Kitsilano. Gentle, baby-friendly classes are a great option for new parents, while older kids can sign up for after school classes that are designed to help pint-sized yogis develop physical strength, balance, flexibility and proper breathing techniques. Pre-school, school age, adult, postnatal and family yoga classes are all offered on a drop-in basis (no pre-registration required) and are suitable for all levels. Yoga Buttons also hosts yoga camps, birthday parties, and creative YOGArt classes.
Westcoast Hot Yoga
1128 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9Be prepared to sweat while you stretch at this hot yoga studio with locations in Yaletown and White Rock. With both a 30-degree and 40-degree room, the added warmth helps warm and loosen up your muscles, ligaments and tendons as you move through various different stretches and poses. Cat, cow, crow and crane – you’ll learn how to master beginner, intermediate and advanced positions in a safe and comfortable environment. The small studio has plenty of amenities to keep things easy and convenient, including showers, lockers, and mat and towel rentals.
One Yoga For The People
201-150 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8Reconnect with your mind and body during alignment-based Vinyasa classes at this simple one-room studio on West Hastings. Knowledgeable and approachable instructors guide students with mindful breathing exercises as they move through a sequence of bends, twists and inversions to promote strength, balance, flexibility and interconnectedness. Classes are open to all levels and advanced modifications are provided for those who are looking for an added challenge. One Yoga has also partnered with Float House, The Birds and The Beets, Nectar Juicery and other local Gastown businesses to provide monthly pass holders with special deals and perks in the neighbourhood.
Moksha Yoga Vancouver
242-2083 Alma St, Vancouver, BC V6R 4N6Moksha yoga is, unsurprisingly, the specialty at this boutique studio with locations in Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano and Burnaby. During the signature 90-minute class, students move through a 40-posture series designed to strengthen and open up the body. Classes take place in a specially heated, humid room that’ll leave your body dripping and detoxified. You’ll also find Power Flow, CardiYoga and Yin classes on the schedule. All locations offer an Energy Exchange program, which gives individuals the opportunity to volunteer their time in exchange for complimentary classes.
Yoga Generation
108-2922 Glen Drive, Coquitlam, BC V3B 2P5Take your yoga practice to new heights! Head to this Coquitlam-based yoga studio to try out a dynamic aerial yoga class that’ll have you posing in the air supported by hammock-like silks suspended from the ceiling. Challenging, acrobatic and surprisingly fun, these anti-gravity postures and inversions will help you improve your mobility, deepen your stretches and decompress your spine. The full schedule also includes a number of mat-based classes (Restorative, Yin, Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Pilates) for those who prefer to stay grounded. Yoga Generation runs regular 30-day yoga challenges and other special events and therapeutic workshops throughout the year.
Bikram Yoga Vancouver
22-555 12th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7It doesn’t get much more convenient than this state-of-the-art studio located inside the City Square mall. Classes run from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and the location offers free underground parking and is just a few steps from Broadway-City Hall Skytrain station, meaning there’s hardly any excuse not to make it to class. The focus here in on Bikram Yoga – an intensive sequence of 26 asanas (postures) all performed in a hot room. Tone your body, sweat out your toxins, and burn anywhere between 600 to 1,000 calories – all in just 90 minutes!
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