FAQ

Yes, you may drop in or join any of the regular classes at any point. Check with the Studio before dropping in to the short Themed class series and those with limited enrollment. 

Yes. An introductory class is $12 or 3 for $35 for anyone new to the Studio,
or as a first time student you can purchase an unlimited classes and workshops pass for 1 week for $45. Please pre register for themed class series.

As a first time student you can purchase a 3 card class for $35 or an unlimited classes and workshops pass for 1 week for $45. This will allow you to try out a few classes at a discounted rate, and help you to determine which class suits you best. Once you have finished the 3 class card or the week of unlimited classes and workshops you can purchase a 6, 10, or 20 class card and have the flexibility of changing the class that you take based on your schedule. The nature of our approach is such that you will accumulate knowledge in every class you attend and be fully part of the learning process, even when you participate only on a drop-in basis.

In both the Beginner and Beginner/Intermediate classes we cover postures that are appropriate for beginner students. Over the course of a term the students learn and practise forward bends, back bends, twists and side bends as well as inversion preparations. Every student moves at their own pace and integrates the practice in the way that is most productive for their body. By definition, in the Beginner classes there is no expectation of any previous knowledge about the postures or our approach to yoga. As a first time student at the Studio we recommend that you try either a Beginner or a Beginner/Intermediate class. All of our teachers are accustomed to welcoming and integrating new students into their classes at any point in the term. You will receive the instruction that you need as a new student in order to feel comfortable in the class.

The classes entitled All Levels, Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Back Care, and Complete Beginner are designed for learning or relearning the basics, stress relief, body and breath awareness, healthy movement, and enjoyment. The exercises are simple and repeated frequently. Classes are personalized, meditative, positive and relaxing.

The Gentle Beginner Class is for students who prefer to go very slowly for a variety of reasons. Some people find a slower quieter class meditative, some need to ease themselves into physical activity, some have a specific injury or a specific condition that requires a gentler approach to the body. The gentle class introduces those who have not practised yoga before to some of the poses and is also suitable for someone who wants/needs to take things easy, but not spend the whole time in relaxation.

In a Gentle Beginner Class, we cover fewer postures than in a Beginner Class. The Gentle Beginner Class is 1.25 hours long. The Beginner Class is 1.75 hours long.

Intermediate/Advanced and Advanced: Intermediate and Advanced students have considerable experience practising the basic principles of the approach at the Studio: breathing, grounding and elongating. Traditional yoga postures such as inversions, backbends, and meditation are taught as well as unusual and experimental alternatives.

Breathing Meditation: Take time just to breathe. These classes include basic  breathing exercises (pranayama) and a variety of breath awareness, relaxation and meditation techniques as well as Q&A and discussion.

Anxiety Classes: Practise and discuss asana and pranayama techniques that you can work with at home to help you manage anxiety. Understand the basis for each practice and how it may help you to re-energize the natural relaxation response and move you toward health and balance.

Qi Gong uses slow, repetitive and meditative physical movements ranging from simple to complex that work every tissue and system in the body. The effect of Qigong calms the mind and activates the energy and breath maintaining optimum health and over time may allow the body to recover from chronic illness. Sets usually are 5-10 moves. Modifications can be made to accommodate physical challenges.

Pre Natal Yoga: Practising yoga during pregnancy nurtures you throughout this powerful transition. Our classes provide instruction, information, emotional support, and an opportunity to share your experience. The poses stretch and strengthen your body, creating space for your baby. Learn deep breathing techniques and enjoy guided relaxation, as you prepare for giving birth and new parenthood.

Yoga for Stress Management for Teens: Learn simple, enjoyable techniques that can help you deal with stress at school, home, work and in social situations. We will explore yoga postures and breathing and meditation techniques. No previous yoga experience is required.
Note: we run this class from time to time. Please check the class schedule to see if it is currently being offered or contact the Studio for more information.

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 and 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 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 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.

The Studio is committed to offering a supportive and safe atmosphere for the ongoing exploration of the ancient and evolving practice of yoga.

Esther Myers Yoga Teachers

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

Yes, you can change the class you attend from week to week, if necessary. The 6, 10 and 20 class cards give you the flexibility to attend the class that works for your schedule.

We have mats, blankets, bolsters etc. However, we do encourage you to bring your own mat if you have one.

Loose comfortable clothing such as track pants, footless tights, shorts, T-shirts, and/or sweatshirts. Layers can be useful. We are air-conditioned in the summer.

We have change rooms and two washrooms, but no showers.

We are on the north side of Dupont Street at Brunswick Avenue, about half way between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street.

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Yes, Dupont subway is about 5 minutes walk away. If you get out on the north/west corner, stay on the north side and walk west.

There are 3 parking spaces allocated to Esther Myers Yoga Studio (MYERS) and 2 public spots at the front of the lot which you can use. Please only park in the spots reserved for Esther Myers Yoga Studio or for visitors as all other spaces on the premises are used by other businesses on a 24/7 basis.

Dupont Street has metered parking. There is also parking on the side streets in the area. There is a pay parking lot on Howland Avenue, just north of the Studio and two George Brown College pay parking lots on Bridgman Avenue, one street north of the Studio.

Yes. The first class is $12. After that, if you cannot afford the full fee, you may speak to Monica Voss or Tama Soble about a reduced rate.

With our class card system, you never need to worry about a missed class. The 20 and 10-class cards are valid for 1 year, and the 6-class card is valid for 6 months. We also offer passes for unlimited classes for 1 year, unlimited classes and workshops for 1 year, unlimited workshops for 1 year, unlimited Friday afternoons, and unlimited classes and workshops for 1 month.

If paying for a Themed class series, missed classes must be used during the same term for classes or workshops. Make-ups for a short class series cannot be applied to intensives, retreats, special events or visiting teachers' workshops.

The classes focus on many different stretches and breathing techniques applicable to any stage of pregnancy and is a women-only group, while the workshop is helpful in the latter stages of pregnancy, for labour preparation and birth and may be attended with or without a partner/coach/friend.

If you have taken yoga before and it is early in the pregnancy, you might want to start with a Beginner/Int. class, then join the pre-natal class at 6-7 months. If you are new to yoga, you can start the pre-natal class (or a regular beginners' class) at any time.