I just came back from what felt like the worst massage of my life. I have been having some pretty…read moreintense shoulder and neck stiffness and my regular RMT is not available at the moment, so I decided to try somewhere new. I was surprised I could book in immediately online and went for a 90 minute "Deep Tissue Massage." I am so disappointed!!! I feel like the massage therapist pretty much moisturized my back and arms and that was it. Wasn't even deep pressure, let alone deep tissue. And I consider my back to be pretty sensitive (low pain tolerance in my shoulders) so it's not like my idea of "deep pressure" is even that deep. My back doesn't feel any better and the whole experience was very scattered. I've had a lot of massages by different RMTs and this was the first one where I actually wondered if she was qualified for the job and knew what she was doing. She constantly moved from one area of my body to another without actually doing anything. All of the knots in my shoulders were "identified" but never released. She never once asked me about the pressure during the massage, which struck me as pretty strange. The spa itself is fairly nice, but the room where the massage was done was a little messy and disorganized. I didn't like that the oil/lotion/whatever the RMT used came out of a jar that she just scooped with her hands - how sanitary is that? I feel like she must have been aware I was unhappy (or that she didn't do a good job) because at the end she told me how "every massage therapist is different" as she was aware I have a regular RMT. I am aware of differences but this wasn't just a change of technique, it was a complete lack of one. I wanted so badly to have my back loosened up - I guess today was not my day.

I want to love this yoga studio, given its proximity to my apartment and prices slightly cheaper…read morethan other studios. I really want to love it. But so far it's only ok. My biggest issue is that the class descriptions and the class schedule aren't really related. They have a really nice schedule on their website, but most of the classes have only partial, vague class descriptions, and these descriptions don't match the classes that actually get taught. This might not be an issue for some people, but I have some wrist issues and so any class that's likely to have a lot of, say, downward dogs, in it is out for me. Most of their classes seem to be "flow" classes (even if they don't say that on the schedule), and the room is quite a bit warmer than I find comfortable, so the vigorous classes also make me a bit nauseous. I get that some people like this, but I don't, and I'd like to know which classes are the kind of thing I'm looking for, without having to attend classes that aren't as described. I've also emailed some questions in on their "Contact Us" webform, and got no response. Other than that, the place seems alright. They've got a bunch of different class times, and the room is quite warm, but not hot (if you like that sort of thing). The teachers are ok, I haven't had any that were really great, but they're not bad. From the classes I've attended, I wouldn't recommend ones that don't say "beginner" to anyone without some yoga experience, as they don't take much time to explain each pose. They also have massage and some other services here, but I've never checked them out.

I must admit that I became to dislike many aspects of Bikram yoga and the things I disliked…read more(militant ways of teaching, not recognizing different bodies, pushing too hard, singling people out and discouraging modifications and drinking water) have been dropped and the better aspects (breathing exercises, the heat, the postures, experienced teachers) have been maintained. They also added new and different classes and are super welcoming. I love how this studio has evolved. I have been a student of theirs since the Whyte avenue days where lineups went into the street when they were the first hot yoga studio in the city. They asked us to grow as students and themselves have grown as a studio. This proves they listen to their students (and customers). They have a lot of experience and their classes reflect this. Overall it is a great studio. They have new laminate flooring, good air circulation and nice change rooms (although soap in the shower would be helpful). Definitely worth a try!

Friendly staff, good instructors, nice change rooms, and decent pricing as far as hot yoga goes! I…read morereally enjoy going here. Arrive 10-20 min early, as certain time slots fill up quickly (especially weekend mornings). Overall, pretty great place. ** It is Bikram style, so the "Core 32" classes consist of around 26 poses (always the same ones). So over time you will really improve at these specific poses which is nice, but if you crave variety, try out their Yin class which incorporates other poses.

I had previously heard about this place from a co-worker, and thought I would check it out as part…read moreof a Yelp event. The class I did was a combination of pilates, yoga, and cardio, which got the heart pumping in the 30 min introduction. It was fun, but at a hefty monthly fee of $160 a month, it's a little out of my price range. That, and it's located pretty far south (8708 51 Ave) for a northsider. They do offer a newcomer promo for $40 for 2 weeks, and then you can decide whether this workout is for you. Check out their website (http://thesurfstudio.ca/), as they offer a bunch of different classes. I came here at night, and the place was really easy to miss. Ample free parking out front.

Oh! Wow... this is WAY harder then I thought it would be, but such a novel and really neat way to…read morework out and get in shape. At first I thought this would just be a easy and fun way to get a little workout in, but after doing it a few times I am really blown away by how this is a complete, full body work out that you really work hard at - but not in that "I hate this" kind of way. The studio itself is really beautiful and gives you that "I just rolled into Southern California" vibe. With cool blues and Hawaii/Cali chic decor. And then there is not enough amazing things I can say about the owner, Natasha. She is cool, fun, positive and amazing at Surf Set fitness. I caught the tail end of one of the kids classes; amazing! Kids from 3 - 10 were woking out and having a blast - this is definitely a wonderful way for children to work out in a small class setting. Time to Hang 10 Edmonton!

Guys, THIS PLACE. I'm loving boutique fitness more and more, but this has to be one of the nicest…read moreand most welcoming studios I have been to. Hive is located on Jasper and 104 street, with access right beside Corso 32. We parked in an Impark lot one block south of Jasper on 104th, but street parking is also available. There's a nice sandwich board pointing you in the door and up the stairs. When I arrived with my friend (also a newbie), we did the usual waiver signing and got a tour of the studio. After we had changed, a staff member sat with us and showed us how to use the rowing machines, and brought us all the blocks and bands we would need for the class. There are change rooms with bathrooms and showers, a lounge area, and some complimentary valuable lockers (I had to wait for one to free up after a previous class finished to store my purse). Hive offers rowing classes, yoga, HIIT and spin, meaning you can get a great variety of classes for purchasing one subscription or set of passes. We tried a rowing class because we had never done one before, and we were pretty nervous about the unknown. The class was tough, but also so fun! In between rowing we did mat work beside the machines that included arm work, lunges, push-ups etc. We did the class on Tuesday and my legs didn't feel normal again until Friday evening (always a good sign!). Our instructor was awesome, so high energy and encouraging, and consistently checking with us to make sure we understood movements and that our form was correct. Everything about our visit was great. The effort the staff have made to create a trendy environment that is welcoming, inclusive and encouraging is apparent. Definitely check out Hive for a great workout!

This place gets a 5/5 for me. I felt very Real Housewives of Edmonton coming with my girls at 9:30…read moreAM for Spin while our men slave away at work ;). Just kidding, we're all baddies with careers. I miraculously made it to class today so that's also a plus for me, yay! Anyway, the esthetic is on point. I especially love the honeycomb decor with the plants - I might even buy something like that and put it up in my home, very cute. They have some nice inspirational messages around as well so you can attempt to pump yourself up to workout. I do not like working out and I don't like being up at this time of day, but the ambience of the place made it more bearable. We're greeted at the door by a friendly staff member who helped me find spin shoes that fit properly. Then we were introduced to Lauren, our spin instructor. Everyone was so nice, asking me if I needed water, taking me on a tour, helping me stick my shoes in the peddles, adjusting my seat etc. I was like wow, this is a lot of care! I'm super low maintenance when I work out so all this attention was definitely an experience. I loved the seats here. They didn't make my behind ache when class was over. I'm actually sitting right now and feeling pretty comfortable. Class itself was awesome. I haven't done a spin class with weights before, and this was by far the best part of the workout for me. I love the isometric movements and could feel the burn for sure! I also had to laugh because so many people were hootin' and hollerin' it was awesome! I love when people get into the workout because it helps pump up those of us who were dragged out of bed kicking and screaming (not me). My favourite part of the workout was when it was over. No joke, they come around with MINT COLD TOWELS for you to wipe your face with. I was like damn, I must have made it. This is truly the life. I would definitely come back to this studio. I know they have a rowing class that I might want to check out. I will say that they do charge a pretty penny for these luxury workouts. There is also a no-show fee that is a whopping $15! I've never seen a no-show fee that high before. If money is your motivator, this is the place for you.

I recently decided to deepen my practice of meditation off of my yoga mat. After a quick Internet…read moresearch, I easily found Edmonton Shambhala Center. They have a newcomer's night one Tuesday of the month. For dates and times, their website is edmonton.shambhala.org/ The Shambhala volunteers were welcoming, informative and supported a small group of us (who had all found the center online) in a short guided meditation. We were introduced to the path of Shambhala Tibetan Buddhism, which follows the teachings of Chogram Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master and his son Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, who has carried on his work. Meditation sessions are free and you can offer a donation, which supports the work of volunteers who maintain and keep the center open and receiving guests. There are also meditation sessions Thursday and Sunday. In the reception area, there's a public bookshelf where you can browse and sign out books. I had a very positive experience here and will definitely return. The people are lovely and the energy in the space is peaceful and quiet, friendly and open. Om.

I've been to several different drop-in yoga classes at Yoga Within, and I quite like this studio…read more There's a variety of instructors (male and female), kinds of classes (both drop-in and registered), styles of yoga, and two spacious rooms with excellent visibility. The prices are reasonable, punch cards and monthly drop-in passes are available, and there are many other sessions and retreats offered via the studio. There is also a small shop of yoga apparel and other wellness related items. In my experience the classes are quite mixed in terms of age range and gender, and are often quite busy, so arrive early to get your preferred floor space. I think it's usually about 20 people per drop-in class with plenty of room left. The website outlines exactly what classes are offered when, with a calendar that's usually for 2 months at a time. I would give Yoga Within 5 stars save for the following things: - very few to no classes Fri-Sun from noon onwards - slow check-in, one staff dealing with 40+ people trying to register - poor soundproofing - lots of noise between studio rooms and from adjacent businesses, plus traffic noise from 75th Street 4 to 4.5 stars, there's something for everyone at Yoga Within!

I recently went here or not for yoga but for a Tibetan singing bowl class. It's a lovely studio…read more-it's nice ,warm and cozy. The class was very relaxing and the instructor was wonderful. Unfortunately it was a little bit noisy from the traffic outside. But other than that I would highly recommend it. I can't wait to go back and try other meditation or tibetan bowl classes. There is plenty of parking in front of the Building. The studio is located in a strip mall. Check their website for their schedule and extra specialty classes.

Yelp has the address of this studio wrong! The correct address is 10018 105 St NW. Gold door at the…read moreback of the building. I love this place, and the people who run it. I've done lots of yoga in many of studios, and I have never learned as much as I have in the month I've been attending here. They have led classes (from restorative through the a**-kicking lunch-hour 3-count Ashtanga class). They also convinced me to try Mysore-style class after years of me being too scared, and it turns out I LOVE it: in Mysore style, you are given a sequence of positions to do at your own speed, and the teachers watch you and help you tweak each position for your body, so you're NEVER lost, you always know what muscles to use in what way, you can move at whatever speed works for you, and if you're not sure about something you can just ask the teacher. Mysore has made me and my practice way stronger than I ever thought possible. This place is super down-to-earth and not trying to sell you beauty products, just teach you the best yoga for you and your body. It's the best.

I wish I'd found Ashtanga 20 years ago. Or maybe not, could have wrecked myself in youthful…read morefoolishness. Like a martial art, ashtanga yoga is not just a physical discipline, it's about learning restraint, mental discipline and respect for both the body's abilities and its limitations. Zero gimmicks, zero props. Just you, the mat, and your breath. Shala is like a Co-Op, a more true to nature yoga centre versus a studio. Yoga is more a life-style or a daily practice to many practitioners who attend or lead in Shala, and thus the overall focus is self-led / Mysore style. Newcomers are welcomed and there are frequently beginner/refresher sessions on offer. Lead Yogi Kellie is the real deal, still travelling to Mysore to refresh her own practice, and sometimes hosting yogis from abroad for special sessions. There are also led classes, mostly ashtanga based but other options are available. As an older, creakier person I love the Ashtanga Lite on Wednesday and the Hatha class. The latter is legit, the facilitator is someone who grew up with a daily practice, which is refreshing. So often hatha is just rando stretching with a few traditional poses thrown in at yoga studios these days. As a yoga "home", classes at Shala are comparatively inexpensive. One can buy passes at a "pay what you can" rate, as low as $12/class. One of the drawbacks to this model is sadly not unexpected, but a reality nonetheless. Cleanliness is lacking. This yoga home is warm and inviting but the floors are not swept between classes. This drives me crazy. Nothing is worse than gravel on your yoga mat. The cloths used for wiping down mats are malodorous, like they sat wet in a cupboard somewhere. It's just a little unnecessarily ghetto, given the effort taken to make this historic building space comfortable. The other drawback is cancelled classes and late starts. I feel this is offset by instructor kindness, time flexibility (no rush to vacate ASAP), and understanding if one can't make a prebooked class. If you're an Ashtangi, or even contemplative, I'd highly recommend joining the Shala community to deepen your practice. I learned so much in just a few months here that my other yoga instructor commented on the noticeable improvements in my practice. Challenging to be sure, but so worth it.

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. it smelt like feces, but... I kinda liked it, LOL. It was to bad. JK, jk. I…read moreloves it. No, no I didn't. Wait, omg, I can't make up my mind. Yeah, breakfast at Tiffany's and bottles of bubbles Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble Lashes and diamonds, ATM machines Buy myself all of my favorite things (yeah) Been through some bad shit, I should be a sad bitch Who woulda thought it'd turn me to a savage? Rather be tied up with calls and not strings Write my own checks like I write what I sing, yeah (yeah) My wrist, stop watchin', my neck is flossy Make big deposits, my gloss is poppin' You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (yeah) I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (yeah)

Great professional place. This studio specializes in semi private classes with the intent to…read morestrengthen and increase mobility and flexibility. The owner Steve incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. After attending a few sessions you'll find yourself becoming proficient in the different equipment available. When taking semi private classes each person is given their own program geared toward their own issues and goals. Your neighbor be doing completely different exercises but you won't notice because you'll be focused on your own. Steve and his employees come around to correct you. These corrections tend to be very small like when and how you're breathing or that you angle your foot at one particular point in a movement. You won't get that with 50 people in a yoga class or other plates classes following an instructor. Those corrections make all the difference. The classes are more expensive than others but the staff is willing to work with you to create home programs. As with any fitness program much depends on you. Great place for ANY age and ANY fitness level (couch potato to football player)

I had an in person reading with Elind and it was mind blowing! I had a great experience. She was…read morevery specific and accurate about the information she gave. I was left still digesting the information that was given for days after. I wished I had seen her sooner, but like she said; "Everything has it's time". Thank you, Elind for choosing this path in life for healing others.

Unfortunately caught in a lie during the reading couldn't work past it or make up for it the rest…read moreof the session. Felt nothing but ripped off. Even if it went well... I guess I would have still been ripped off lol