Jackie: “The Yoga Lounge is a fantastic place where the people and the practice create an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement. I have been practicing there for more than 7 years now. As a young person with rheumatoid arthritis with fairly significant and evolving joint changes, Susan and her team have seen me through the good times, the not so good times, the pregnant times and the busy with two small children times. In every scenario there was a class or a teacher that met my needs and enabled me to continue to my practice. Susan’s slow hatha class that combines her extensive knowledge with specific instruction and hands on adjustments has been invaluable to me. She has an ability to translate her learning into poses and directions that are easily understood. As a result, I have been able to gain strength without further weakening my joints. Amazing.”
Krista: “I tried and rejected yoga for years. It finally “clicked” when I started your classes. Yoga lounge has been life changing in several respects including stress reduction, general well being and physical health. Your classes were literally a life saver during a health scare. As well, at 5’10 by grade 8 I had 30 plus years of slouching to overcome. My poor posture has always been a point of insecurity that I thought I’d never correct. The improvement is unmistakable and the source of many compliments. Bottom line: I look better, I act better and I feel better. Thanks for everything. I’m finally a believer.”
Toronto Life: “Though set in the downtown core, this oasis feels more like a South pacific spa than an urban studio. Built using natural materials such as mango wood and African marble, the space is calm and welcoming. The change rooms are straight out of a glossy magazine-glass tiled walls and slatted wood seating. So is the light filled studio, a dreamy place to do yoga (from relaxing restorative to blood-pumping ashtanga). Classes are geared toward personal goals and preferences rather than strict levels. Single classes $15, unlimited $140 per month: annual rates and packages available.”
Where Toronto: “Although they specialize in Hatha yoga, teachers at this tranquil space in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood instruct private sessions in almost any style. True to its chilled-out vibe, the studio bases rates on what you can afford, usually between $65 and $120 for one hour.”
KodaiKanal Fundraiser: “The Yoga Lounge hosted a fundraiser event to support the KodaiKanal Research and Development Foundation Daycare. This was co-ordinated by Helene, a teacher at the Yoga Lounge. The studio’s yoga community supported the fundraiser for the daycare in India through well wishes, donations and by participating in the yoga class and Kirtan. Participants enjoyed a hatha yoga class, taught by Helene, and a wonderful Kirtan, which is yoga chanting and music, by Pale Fire Union. All together, $490 was raised for the daycare. This will go a long way to support the children by providing money for food and the teacher’s salary.”
Evan Williams, actor (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Baxter): ”The Yoga Lounge is a departure from the city, within the city. The space is fresh and modern, inspiring a deep restorative serenity from the first minutes in the studio to the last. I absolutely love the Hatha classes I take with Carlyn. She is a gentle, generous teacher, as well as a technician with regards to the proper execution of poses in order to avoid injury and maximize the healing effect of the practice. The instructors at the Yoga Lounge possess a youthful zeal in their approach, a natural beauty, and a genuine desire to help each student realize the potential within their bodies. It is easy to trust them because they bring love to their work. These ladies truly care, and they’re good at what they do.”
Tammie: ”Yoga was the one New Year’s resolution that I kept 4 years ago. My goal was to strengthen a weak hip and weak lower back. One class per week became two and now it is my time each day. It has helped me keep life in focus and perspective. The Yoga Lounge is a relaxed, welcoming place to be, run by Maximus (the cat), and Susan. The instructors are superb, with the ability to focus on clients as individuals, regardless of the class size. I learn something new in each class, which makes it a great day!”
Glenda Crisp: “I started taking Yoga classes at the Yoga Lounge 4 years ago. As a beginner, the pay as you go model really worked for me. I was able to add classes as I improved or miss classes if I got swamped at work and not feel guilty. When Agatha recently started the Pilates class on Sunday mornings I started attending right away. I find the two types of classes are complementary, with Yoga giving me flexibility and Pilates giving me improved core strength.”
Maria Conte: ”I have been practicing yoga for over six years and I have had the pleasure of being a student at The Yoga Lounge for over 4 years of these years. My teachers Susan, Jane, Ana and Carlyn have been an inspiration and have helped me greatly improve my practice during this time. I’ve grown to be more compassionate with myself and to embrace each moment instead of rushing ahead or thinking back. The Yoga Lounge is a retreat for the body and soul. The teachers focus on a holistic approach to yoga combining asana and prana. The classes are Hatha based and each teacher shares their style of yoga and experience with their students. You will be reminded to be compassionate with yourself and to “be in the moment” ensuring you gain the most of your experience. I invite you to experience one of the classes and embrace your inner yogi. It is truly amazing!”
Ruth Pierce: “A few months ago I returned to Yoga to work out the aches and pains of an aging body, including Arthritis. Not long after I started, I was diagnosed with severe Osteoporosis of the spine. I felt extremely vulnerable and wondered about continuing. With consultation with my doctor and discussions with Susan of The Yoga Lounge, I was encouraged to continue, being careful to modify my poses to reflect the new reality of my body. I continued with the sessions with the tremendous support of all staff at The Yoga Lounge. I recently had a complete physical check up with my family doctor, and was amazed to discover that I had grown one inch since my last check up. I was obviously delighted with this unexpected news, and can only contribute it to the stretching exercises of Yoga that proved so beneficial to me. Yoga now plays a significant role in my life. I feel younger, stronger and more flexible, attributes that will assist me in managing my health. My thanks go to Susan and all her staff who have provided such personal care and support. I highly recommend the Yoga Lounge whether you are just starting your journey in Yoga, returning to it after some absence or are already well advanced.”
Beau M. Nelson: “Susan and the Yoga Lounge staff. I just wanted to thank you all very much for allowing me to practice with you the last few months. I honestly have felt that something was missing in my life physically, mentally and even spiritually that is starting to be fulfilled by my practice and I am very excited about the change that is happening to my body and my mind. I feel blessed to know each of you. Every single one of you is obviously special. I would go so far as to say that you all have your own individual light. You are each kind, caring and talented. You bring into the classes a calm feeling and a loving atmosphere. Yoga is the only time I stop thinking. I just breath, and for me, that is amazing. I thank you all for inspiring me to become more like you, and for the calm, discipline and and inspiration you have brought into my life.”
Marie Dunseith: “Susan, the proprietor of The Yoga Lounge, runs a tip top operation. Her yoga studio is truly remarkable in the depth of its teaching facility, the variety of programs meeting all levels of students ability, and attention to special needs of clients. A big plus is it’s truly beautiful space. Finally, it operates 7 days a week; no excuse not to get out of bed or the office to treat your body and mind! A 5 star operation!”