Yoga Tree Richmond Spadina — Local services in Toronto

I feel I have to leave 2 separate reviews since the actual sessions and teachers are(were) really enjoyable for me. What I am really miffed about is their cancellation policy and use of credit card information. I had joined initially with my credit card. Then cancelled within their 14 day period because I did not want auto-renewal. IMO 2 weeks is really far away for an autorenew AND I think should be an OPT-IN not default. So I did cancel within the timeframe...signed up again, but not with my credit card, I used cash thinking then they cannot autorenew me. I had to refill out the form again to start anew but did not provide credit card info. After the end of this second month, I went back the following week to pay (with cash to avoid credit card use) but was told my credit card had already been charged a few days ago! I am astounded that since I had cancelled my first membership, why they would still be authorised to use info from there. I did not provide my credit card information the 2nd time around when I had to REFILL the form so technically I would not think they still had my credit card info and would therefore not be authorised to process. If it just carried on...why have me refill the form??? Anyway they said that was just their policy and shrugged me off. Well, I went ahead to do my sessions and also borrowed my friends mat since she said I could. After my session I was accused of sharing a mat storage space with my friend. I explained that I am borrowing a mat and she has 2 kinds of mats she keeps there...(I know it doesn't sound good (she would have 2 there regardless if I used it or not and if she had 1 she would still let me borrow the 1!)...so they looked like me like a criminal...(meanwhile they were the ones who just charged my credit card without me knowing!) and I had to explain that my friend has 2 mats (which is absolutely true as switches around). She said only 1 mat is allowed. WHAT??? why not allow customers to store whatever fits in that tiny cubby paying $10 a month? I am a landlord and cannot even tell my tenant they cannot have a 2nd person move in...let alone have a second yoga f'n mat!! Anyway, I loved going there until these things happened, I didn't want that to be in the way of my practice, but that's all that had been churning in my head during the last month I was there so it is a bigger struggle to practice there than it should. I also was less motivated to go. Too bad, love the teachers and the sessions. Maybe I need to sit it out awhile and regain my zen first. trying to think good things...but don't like the attitude and rules of the whole place that do not exude good things...seems like the business is just run to squeeze out your money as much as possible. Anyway, I do hope I get over it. For now, I need a break from this...

Edit 08/03/24 Thanks for refunding that $12 Yogatree wishing you all the success you deserve and more going forward. Professional tip in the future if you decide to ban someone from your business for telling the truth about it you might want to inform them of that fact in some way, shape or form as opposed to leaving it to your front desk staff to communicate when said person actually visits the studio in person. That's just me though; I think relationships should be built on trust and open dialogue and certainly respect others' choices to conduct theirs very differently.

Edit 07/32/24 I stopped in today to retrieve some money I'd left on my account (to pay for towels) and was refused reimbursement by Cassandra. She said she didn't have authority to process this request which I found curious as she never had a problem forgoing the chain of command in the past when it suited her personal need for a power trip

Yogatree is unfortunately the nicest chain of studios I could never recommend you support with your hard earned money, time or attention. I say this after close to a year volunteering as an EE and also myself am a yoga instructor with many years' experience in teaching, managing comparable health studios and working in exchange opportunities through karma yoga programs at various ashrams.

Most of the classes and the majority of the teachers are highly competent. Both studios I've visited (both as an EE and paying guest) are kept very clean. All of the staff are knowledgeable about the different types of classes and some of them are friendly.

I am also trained as a psychotherapist and again unfortunately cannot in good faith recommend anyone support Yogatree due to some kind of toxic behavior demonstrated by at least two of the on-shift supervisors, modeled by a few of the female teachers and passively enabled by the studio owner (who was offered a private version of this feedback over a week ago and has yet to respond- Jason I love you brother and I am also a man of my word).

Normally I make custom artwork with my google reviews and in the case of Yogatree that won't be happening because I will never return unless I receive a public apology from the current owner and managerial team. Here is some fine wet for your enjoyment and enlightenment Yogatree you're welcome.

Other studios pay me to consider attending their classes so respectfully donate any outstanding passes to someone who will benefit (like those crusty front desk managers seriously get off the cope ladies u r glorified shift managers with remedial computer and personal...

I’ve not yet been able to join in-person classes, however, I have thoroughly been enjoying the online classes. Added bonus, it works great with my schedule and I can keep my camera off for days when I just want to stay isolated but still feel included or when anxiety is high for me!

The teachers are magnificent. Shoutout to Audrey as she taught my very first class (I am a brand new yogi as of 2 weeks ago) and her teaching style is what got me to purchase a membership with Yoga Tree. That’s one thing I absolutely love…practically all teachers provide the best teaching styles and I always feel comfortable following along. I was very nervous joining the yoga world, thinking I wouldnt be able to meet expectations or bend certain ways. That doesn’t matter now! The teachers provide variations, encourage use of props, and emphasize the importance of listening to your body and it’s needs. I am so comfortable joining classes now and they’re the highlight of my day.

I absolutely love yoga and I have Yoga Tree to thank for that. My mental health is improving, I’m happier, more calm, and I feel fantastic after a class (the hour flies by!). I wish yoga was more cost effective, but the benefits outweigh this. I am so looking forward to what the future holds. If I feel this great after 2 weeks, I can only imagine how ill feel by the end of the year. THANK YOU!

P.s, I think it’s really great that the teachers have all reached out to me after class to check in and provide space for questions and comments. I feel like I’m a part of a community. You guys are great! Also, another shoutout to Patricia, Darya, Ganna, and Chloe!

Edit as of Jan 28 (1 month in): still loving these classes and I do one every day! More shoutouts to Kim, Victoria, Melinda, Shannon… all teachers have been 100! The barre yoga kicks your butt and I love it, I love the Yin and Yang classes, Yin, and Hatha Flow. Hoping next month I dive into Vinyasa. Everyone here is fantastic and I’m seeing great results flexibility wise. Thank you!

More edits.. :): I participated in Melindas Sunday evening flow class and WOWWW. By far one of my favourites! She, like everyone else, has a beautiful soul! I love the music that is played, the encouragement, the short reading snippet at the end, the singing bowl and closing om. I...