During a recent stay in Toronto I needed to find a yoga studio for just a few days and was referred by my friends at Average Joe's Cafe to Core. They are in a downscale but funky part of the city near Chinatown and Kensington Market, at the top of a steep flight of narrow steel stairs, which opens through the front door into a beautiful, warm, complex of rooms on two floors dedicated to both yoga and pilates. Lovely, friendly energy greets you via the ambiance and welcoming attitudes of the two receptionists I encountered. I saw a large room used for pilates instruction, what looked like a small room for massages, a cosy men's changing room, a larger women's changing room, a small bathroom (with shower), and upstairs a mid-sized yoga room, and my favorite - the huge and awesome yoga practice room, with wood floor, and old exposed red brick facing inside, looking out from the this top story at the cool old buildings across the street and beyond. I took classes from four separate instructors over four days using their $40 (2 week) unlimited intro offer. First, Monica Plewes, who I understand is the owner, was a warm Norwegian woman who was a very confident, very interactive instructor leading a Vinyasa class. Next, Amber J, a tatted woman with a bold muscular presence gave a class called 'Fusion', which I heard her say she had designed, and which combined pilates and yoga. Day 3, I took a Vinyasa class from Caren Cooper, a reserved and confident instructor, and then finally, day 4, I took Vinyasa from Mandi, who had the softest style of the four, while being very warm and spiritual. I have to say I loved every class, I loved the different energy from each, and when I go back I will try to make sure I get a class from each one, rather than feeling anyone was a 'favorite'. Then on top of that the place was so welcoming in spirit (I chalk that up to the receptionists in particular as they were my guides in a sense), which frankly in a place overwhelmingly filled with strong women, isn't easy for a foreign male out-of-towner to feel, that overall I have to say Core Studio MADE my Toronto visit (I was there to spend several days with my Mom at the nearby hospital). My thanks to Core Studio for making a tough visit a healthy, warm, calm mind/open hearted experience!! SO happy I found you! read more