Esther Myers established her Studio in 1979. What began as a small studio in the Annex area of Toronto has grown into a vibrant institution that offers classes, workshops and retreats to students at every level of yoga practice, as well as pre and post natal yoga, yoga for children, yoga for the Deaf (in ASL), and a highly respected Teacher Training Programme.

Inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli (1908-1999) and Esther Myers (1947-2004), the style of hatha yoga taught at the Studio is both accessible and challenging. Each class highlights the profound connection between the breath, gravity, and spinal mobility. The core premise of the practice is that because we are always breathing, and gravity is always acting on the body, we can harness and utilize these powerful tools in order to elongate and enliven the spine. In this way yoga can be practised safely and in a manner that is constantly unravelling tension and ultimately freeing the body into a state of dynamic ease and comfort.

This approach to yoga postures promotes relaxation in the muscles, a spacious mobility in the joints of the body, and enhanced energy and vitality for practitioners of any age, physical condition, or level of fitness.

Many students come to the Studio looking to relieve stress, to alleviate physical discomfort, or to experience a quieter, more centered state of mind. These, as well as many others, are excellent reasons for beginning to study and practise yoga.

What To Expect When You Arrive At Esther Myers Yoga Studio

When you arrive at our bright, spacious Studio, you will be invited to borrow any equipment that you need (yoga mat, bolster, blanket...) and to find a spot in the room to lie down and relax. As you rest back you may begin to enjoy the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself as you start the process of settling into the room, and into your body.

Class usually begins with a guided relaxation. During this relaxation you will remain in svasana (a simple resting posture). The time taken to focus on relaxing the body and quieting the mind is an important element of yoga practice. Svasana acts as a bridge between the busy, often hectic lives we lead, and the more singular internal focus we cultivate during yoga practice.

As the time in svasana draws to a conclusion, students are encouraged to stretch in a manner that is best for each individual, perhaps gently, perhaps vigorously. One important element of the practice is to truly feel what is happening in the body, and to learn to call on the postures to invigorate and mobilize your unique structure.

The next portion of the class is devoted to both asana practice (the practice and experience of the postures) and pranayama (various breathing techniques that when integrated with the postures mobilize and energize the body). The breath and the stabilizing force of gravity are employed as partners throughout the class in order to free the spine into its natural wavelike action. Depending on the level of the class, and the time of day, the focus of the postures may be restorative, invigorating, or both.

Classes conclude with a second focused relaxation. This allows students time to rest deeply once again, and to give their bodies the opportunity to integrate the physical experiences introduced throughout the class.

The classes at Esther Myers Yoga Studio are infused with a spirit of exploration and discovery. Students are encouraged to practise at their own pace. The teachers challenge and support each student, taking into consideration her or his individual energy, physical abilities and limitations. The faculty is open to questions, comments and requests from students both during and after class. This makes for a lively, inspiring atmosphere.

All of the teachers at Esther Myers Yoga Studio are graduates of the Studio's Teacher Training Programme, and were students of Esther Myers. Therefore, they share a common methodology. In addition, each teacher is guided by personal expertise and interests. These range from the martial arts, to meditation, to dance and other body/mind disciplines. This makes for a rich variety of approaches.

The Studio strives to offer a supportive and safe atmosphere for the ongoing exploration of the ancient and evolving practice of yoga.