Tucked away in the corner of an otherwise bland strip mall, Shanti Yoga has breathed a whole new…read morelife into the former Woodlawn Road Library space. With gorgeous hardwood floors and a distinctly zen decor from the moment you reach the front doors, Shanti let's you escape the stress and pressure of the daily grind in a clean, welcoming and friendly environment. My partner and I had never done yoga before but we were drawn in by the $40 introduction fee for a month of unlimited classes. While our first class during their opening week was insanely busy (clearly we weren't the only ones eager to take advantage of such an awesome deal), we found future visits to be much more calm with about 20 people per class (8-9pm slot) instead of the initial 60. If prefer a smaller group, try the 90 minute class on the weekends where you're usually one of 10-15. What makes this studio work for me is that you don't need to commit. You can buy pay-as-you-go passes or simply charge up your account for whenever you feel the urge to get centered. With most of their classes all catering to any skill or experience level, there's no signing up for 12-week courses, and no need to change your schedule to accommodate a certain class. There's no 'missing a class' and no fussing around if life just gets too hectic some weeks - although most would likely argue that's EXACTLY when you should be going! Without having a wide range of yoga experiences, I found each instructor to be extremely welcoming and insightful as they guide the full class while also ensuring one-on-one attention to make sure you handle the poses safely. Having trouble with a certain portion of the class? Chat with the instructor after to figure out what you can work on in the future! My biggest tip? Don't be afraid of the 90-minute class. While the 60-minutes are usually enough for me, the longer class actually goes at a very reasonable pace that feels even more rewarding without making you want to die three-quarters of the way through. Give it a try and be sure to drink TONS of water before and after.

Shout out to all yogis out there! Yoga is definitely an expensive exercise option but it's become…read moresuch a popular hobby, and my personal favourite form of strength building, that more and more yoga studios are popping up everywhere. I've tried out a fair few yoga studios in the Halifax/Dartmouth area and so far, this is my favourite place. 1) Reasonably priced I've compared intro months, I've DONE the intro months, I've looked at Groupons, and monthly memberships... and Shanti is definitely easy on the wallet. The intro month is $30 was the cheapest I saw anywhere. The monthly membership's are $20 less than most places. 2) Beautiful Layout The spaces are spacious and almost luxurious. The woman's room is complete with lockers, showers (which are HUGE, included in the price, have soap and shelves to place your stuff), filtered water, bathrooms, towels, hair dryer... 3) Breathing space I don't know how best to explain this but if you've ever done hot yoga, you can probably relate to the stuffy feeling you get by breathing in the hot air. When I'm Shanti, I feel like I can breathe without loosing oxygen molecules. 4) Push yourself I can't stress this enough. What I absolutely love about this place is that the teachers WANT you to try new things, they give you alternatives to easier poses for more advanced yogis and if you're a beginner, they are welcoming to that to. When I went to other yoga places, I felt like the teachers don't want anyone to go out of the perfectly laid sequence they have even if it means creating to depths. I've been doing yoga for 2 years now, so I like to challenge myself and do harder poses. Shanti encourages this! 5) Eco-friendly This probably isn't a selling feature for most but shanti seems to pride itself on not creating environmental waste. There's no paper forms, everything is reusable and the bathrooms have towels (not paper napkins). Makes you feel a bit better about yourself =) This is going to be my yoga place for the next while! =)

I'm not really a yoga fan for some reason. I think I get too antsy when I do it and just want to…read morebounce and flop around. Moksha is different because it is hot. The room is so warm that you sweat like crazy, actually detoxifying your entire body. This aspect of the yoga makes it more challenging and easier for me to concentrate. I like the schedules they have because it's usually available to anyone's schedule. I you have free time during the week I recommend going then; the weekends are just too busy. I went on a Saturday once and the entire room was full. It was so full that I couldn't even stretch out all the way without hitting someone. The dude behind me touched my foot because we were so packed. The instructors here are great. They are very informative and helpful. If you're doing something wrong they will correct you. One instructor in particular, Melissa, is cool because, in the more awkward poses, she asks if it's alright that she moves you. I liked the respect that she's showing when she does this. Just a quick tid bit. Ladies, don't be afraid to change in front of each other... and stop taking up the toilets to change your clothes! Some of us really need to pee after drinking 1.5 litres of water in an hour. If you're just looking to increase your exercise a bit, maybe try going once or twice a week. That means that buying a whole month isn't really worth it. Unless you plan on going more than three times every week, the monthly pass isn't worth it. I stick to one to two times a week, since it's quite a work-out and my muscles usually hurt the next day.

I've been hitting up the hot yoga since December and I have to say I do love me some Moksha…read more It's a super busy studio, which can be kind of trying on the patience sometimes, but busy= good. One thing I wish they did though was post which instructor was teaching which class. While the majority of the instructors here are amazing, everybody has a different personality and some people jive better than others. Overall though, a great place to sweat it out!

There are so many adjectives of adoration that I can use to describe Mandee, the woman who runs…read moreYogaHeart. She teaches with such love, presence and warmth, that it is impossible not to find her at once lovely and inspirational. Mandee often teaches out of a church hall in Dartmouth. The space is wonderful, with vaulted ceilings and natural light. The classes are open to anyone, of every physical fitness level. Her classes can be physically challenging, but for me, have been more about residing in a sense of peace and awareness, opposed to a rigorous workout - which is a challenge in itself! The vibe is one of gratitude and happiness, fostered by Mandee's ability to draw people together. Her genuine joy and palpable love for yoga makes taking her classes a treat and a privilege. The cost is very reasonable; far cheaper than standard studios throughout the HRM and there is a sliding scale if cost is an issue. YogaHeart is wonderful way to start out your yogic journey, or perhaps to add to your already advanced practice. Classes are peaceful and centered, all guided expertly care of a loving and patient yogini.

Two words meet and make the perfect marriage: Yogaheart. Its true that this little yogic journey is…read morea spot that thrives on heart and soul of good founding structure. With another location in Dartmouth, Yogaheart is a well spread outlet for Haligonians to try. The classes are gifted with high regard, expertise, and with the steady goodness for inner and outer experiences. Summertime means that the class schedule has relaxed a bit, but this is a great time to go and get comfortable with your practice. YogaHeart is the home of a few fantastic instructors-- the combination of passion, kindness and expertise transcends into high caliber classes. I'd recommend this venue to all interested in pursuing yoga times. Experts, beginners, or those just looking to add a new element of practice, YogaHeart is exactly what the yogi mentality stands for.

Had the pleasure of checking out this yoga studio on the weekend for a Karma class with a friend…read more Yeah it's a little out of the way, but a little mini road trip on a Sunday afternoon for a good cause was more than welcomed. The space is lovely and super tranquil. The class itself was challenging as somebody who practices yoga frequently but also accessible to my friend who was pretty new to the whole thing. The instructor was lovely (don't remember her name unfortunately) and I'm still feeling it in my muscles 2 days later. Due to the location, I probably won't be a frequent visitor here, but I wouldn't hesitate to make the trip again if the opportunity presented itself.

excellent instructors, beautiful space, great neighborhood, lots of parking. LOVE LOVE LOVEread more

Since there are no reviews yet for Therapeutic Approach Yoga Studio I feel much obliged to share my…read moreexperiences. This is a fantastic place to practice! I went to a class at this studio for the first time about two years ago, and this summer bought an unlimited pass and practiced daily. I am currently enrolled in their Yoga Teacher Training program, and have nothing but good things to say about all of the wonderful people who work and train here. If you're thinking about doing your teacher training in Halifax, I recommend their weekends-program. It spans about 9/10 months and gives you a lot of time to practice teaching while going through the course. Mike, Maxine and Leslie focus a great deal of time on proper alignment and anatomy education, which is essential if you're going to be a safe teacher. The studio's focus is Hatha flow yoga; as well many of the teachers also implement principles from the Baptiste tradition. There is a weekly mediation class, as well as a couple of classes dedicated to the Ashtanga tradition. You will also find family yoga, yoga-dance and prenatal classes. The studio has been around for quite some time and you will find regulars and newbies alike attending classes. I recommend giving this studio a whirl. It is a very comfortable and inviting place to further your practice.

Really enjoyed this place friendly staff helpful and would recommend for beginners to advanced…read moreI would go again I think the chit card for classes is a good idea try a basic class

Beautiful space, friendly staffs, knowledgeable and caring teachers, lots of choices of great…read moreclasses!! They have special classes like backcare, weekly kirtan, also for cancer and chronically disease! The only studio offers such classes in Nova Scotia that I know!!

Erz... ma bad. Apparently Kim isn't the owner anymore and the space is now called "Ama la Vida"…read more(love life is the translation). I went to claim a Groupon I found for $50. TIP: judging by how many people have arrived using Groupon's... I'm thinking they frequently have promotions on there. What I don't like of the place is that the classes are 75% towards gentle or restorative yoga of sorts. Which is fine, but I only do these 1 or maximum 2 a week. I like the sweaty & strength classes! They used to have power yoga, hot yoga, summer body yoga!! Now the only workout classes are pilates (offered Mondays), Piyo (offered Mondays) or flow (offered 3 times a week). Furthermore, I think most of the classes are restorative because the place is geared towards an older demographic. Pilates usually only has a couple of us attend whereas the restorative classes are always full. The space is beautiful and they have free use of props... but once my month is up... i'll be looking for a new place. =(

The Pilates Reformer class introduced me to new exercises. The instructor was excellent.read more

Another PS for Studio In Essence:…read more After my very first pole dancing class, I feel it may be worthy to provide a little feedback on what my experience entailed! As previously stated, I'm less of a minx, and more of a mouse, so my nerves were a little on edge prior to the class. I know the studio for its playful energy and great instructors, and so with a few gal pals, decided why not. The class is absolutely not intimidating. Our instructor, Christy, was sweet, smiling and eased us in with fun stretches and conditioning exercises. There were lots of giggles and great body moving. The entry level pole class seems to be about building the proper muscle to support ones body weight, as progression entails more body lifting. Christy taught us some key exercises to help build and prepare our bodies for more intense moves that would come with time. Its very much an eased in process, and very fun! I'd suggest wearing pants as oppose shorts, as the extra slide from the fabric could making things a bit easier. The attention to body awareness and technique exemplified a superior knowledge of instruction, and its clear that the pole class is more than just a giggle or two. Great work out and a fun time.

Bright, open space studio (unlike most in the city) which is nice…read more I've recently started drop in Flow classes and have become a huge fan of this space. No pretention, excellent instructors, great location if you live in the west end. They have a great start special - unlimited classes for $23 - 10 days straight. Namaste.

Best yoga studio in the city! My second home. What an amazing community of staff, instructors,…read moreyogis and therapists. You have to try it!