Downward Dog Yoga Centre — Local services in Toronto

This place isn't really very friendly or welcoming at all in my opinion. I went three or four times to the front desk and nobody was there. They take forever to answer messages, if they even answer them at all.

Beyond that when I took my first class and explained to the instructor that I was new, he really didn't seem interested and was dismissive at best. The two week trial doesn't really cover beginner classes, so you are kind of thrown out there to kind of figure it out on your own.

Personally, this place looks like the sort of place that's for people that are already very well versed in yoga. If you're new? Well good luck.

Gave it 3 stars because I feel like they're probably really good with their classes, and the facilities seem well maintained, but beyond that, I don't think I'm gonna bother.

Props to Sarah at the front desk though. She seems to know what she's doing and she sold me on trying out the place. It's unfortunate that the rest of the studio doesn't seem to be interested in new business.

EDIT: To answer to the business's response. Well, this is about what is to be expected. Being short-staffed is not an excuse for poor customer service. An intensity rating does not tell people whether a class is hard or not, and that is not my issue at all. Beyond that as someone who is starting out, that's really not something that gives me enough information anyway. How would I know what works and what doesn't when I've never done this before? The difficulty with the classes isn't really the issue I have. The classes can be easy or difficult, that's fine by me, I understand that. Even so, it's very hard to expect a total beginner to just know what to do from scratch. It's way more difficult when the instructors act indifferent. They told me to talk to the instructor before the class, I did, and it really didn't change much.

Telling me that I should send an email if I didn't like something is pretty dismissive, as is also pointing out that I still have the rest of my trial to keep trying new things. And by the way, I did message the business on Instagram asking about other classes. It's been a week, and I've heard absolutely nothing.

I'm not sure what kind of business practices these are, but maybe that's the reason this studio is short-staffed. It seems like chasing away new business is one of its...

This is definitely the place you want to go to if you are looking for a transformative yoga experience. Or if you're facing a mid-life crisis. Or both.

Every teacher at Downward Dog has years of experience and is passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with their students. They are dedicated to helping each person find their own unique path in yoga and to fostering a sense of community within the studio. It is an incredibly welcoming and inclusive space that embraces all levels of practitioners. Whether you are just starting out and have no idea about what yoga is or whether Astavakrasana is your best friend (I'm looking at you, twisty pretzels), you will find the support and encouragement you need to deepen your practice in every class.

I feel I did an insane amount of research to find the right place to do my yoga teacher training and I have now self- proclaimed myself to be the authority on the best yoga studio in Toronto. Here's my unsolicited advice: pick DWD.

I live way out in the east end and travel an hour by the TTC to get there. I've had my fair share of 'enlightening experiences' on the TTC, but here's the thing - the moment I step off that TTC and into my favorite yoga studio, all that stress melts away. The experienced teachers, the welcoming community, the energizing classes - it's always worth it. If that isn't a testament to how amazing this place is, I don't know what is.

And if you want to actually yoga a regular part of your life by twisting and bending to your heart's content without breaking the bank, sign up for their unlimited classes for $150 a month (secret side note, you get a discount on your mats and other purchases too). I also love that the owner, Karen, spends her time doing a lot of charity work and she does a bunch of community classes with some of the other teachers like Margot and Shehla.

That's all folks! If you got to the end of this review, you're probably looking for a sign....

If you are late 3 minutes - they close the door and while you try to reach someone on the phone that is not even in service and there is literally no way of getting to talk to anyone - you miss the class cause you are late and after standing there like an idiot you get a woman coming and claiming she was there a minute ago and you are not allowed. If you have such policy you HAVE to make sure your potential clients know about it when booking the class. In big letters.

It’s not like you are somewhere near the subway or in a place where roads are clear and there is lots of parking place (studio has zero parking lots).

Double checked - nowhere in the notifications emails it is mentioned. Like the policy itself is ok, it’s not illegal - but at least make sure your students are actually aware.

Charging me and my husband for no show after tellling me the class is full (how is it full if we booked in advance, it’s not like we dropped off) is an icing on a cake.

How they could make this experience better (if you can even use this word):

1. make sure you include info about this policy in the booking process. Make sure it stands out. Repeat it in notification emails you send (checked all email - zero glimpse on the policy).
2. if you see a new client booking - call them or drop a text to introduce them to the policy to avoid all this. You only have to do it once when they first show.
3. put a sign on the door that explains why the door is closed and how to contact someone if you have questions.
4. show some class and at least invite people to come to a lobby instead of talking to them from the door and them standing on the busy street.
5. tell them what are their options. Next class happening? Using credit toward another booking? Tell them how...