Fit City Guide Reviews Yoga Mamas

Guest Written By Tabitha Vallierie, Creator of Fit City Guide

I’ll dive right to it, I am MIGHTY impressed with Toronto Yoga Mamas, which is apparent given the fact that I’m rating it FIVE PINEAPPLES! what what. I was delightfully surprised when I experienced the chic, bright, and {cool} modern space. Feeling a tad insecure that it would be obvious I was new, I was immediately greeted with so much kindness as the reception staff gave me the run-down and personal tour of the whole place. Which is a lot because there’s a lot happening here. The nuts of it is, Toronto Yoga Mamas isn’t just a specialized yoga studio, it’s an incredible source for trying, new and expecting mums (especially first timers that have no idea what they’re doing – exhibit A). With a massive pre and postnatal wellness centre that includes everything from acupuncture, chiro, massage, holistic nutrition, pelvic floor physio and naturopathic medicine, to education classes to doula’s, this is more like an all-knowing, one-stop-shop, that’s-not-your-hospital-hub of mum and baby info. And they’ve thought of everything, from stroller parking to childcare to yoga mats being included so you don’t have to worry about bringing that too (bc that’s too hard when you’re about to pop and/or have a newborn. Honestly.) The 40+ women who run this amazing facility have got your back, and your belly, ha. 5 pineapples all. the. WAY. 

Classes at Yoga Mamas

Toronto Yoga Mamas specialises in yoga, pilates and barre for expecting and postnatal mama’s – but that’s new. Barre is a new addition and it’s an awesome one because they’ve added both pre and postnatal barre classes this last December due to popular demand. Way to listen to your tribe, guys. There are over nine styles of classes offered in total, some where you bring your baby with you, some without, some that specialize in family, but all that have been very carefully tailored to mums and what her body needs during a significant time of change. All classes include Fertility Yoga (4 week series), Prenatal Yoga, Yoga Babies (between 4 weeks and crawling), Crawlers Yoga (for you and your bub when they start to crawl), Family Yoga (4 week series), Vinyasa Yoga (Candlelight, Flow, and Energising Flow), Pilates Babies (between 6 weeks and crawling), Barre, and Barre Babies (between 4 weeks and crawling). It’s important to note that although 95% of this studio is heavily geared towards mama’s, many of the classes such as Yoga Babies and Crawlers Yoga are appropriate and encouraged for papa’s, nannies, and any caregiver looking after baby and it’s a great chance for, not only a workout, but bonding time. Awww. 

As far as prices, TYM is on the top-end for what we’ve seen in Toronto for drop-in yoga prices, however with it being so specialized and the abundant extra services that are provided (including complimentary mats, towels and all gear), we think it’s well worth the extra pennies so we’re still giving full fruits. Also, if purchasing a monthly Mama Pass, per class rates drop to $13.50 if going a minimum of twice a week. Unlike many studios that have prenatal programs, it’s not necessary to lock-into a set term. You can just drop-in for classes whenever suits you, provided you sign-up online beforehand. That said, they have an awesome deal if you want to commit for a full nine months that includes unlimited yoga, Pilates and barre, 10% off the retail boutique, education, events and workshops, and you can pause the membership when your baby arrives. A couple catches in the fine print though, this pass is only available to purchase in the months of May, August, and December.

• Drop-in: $24
• 10 Class Card: $189 ($18.90)
• The 9 Month Pass: $66 per month = $699 (available May 2018)
• Mama Pass: $108 per month
• Family Yoga 4 week series: $129 a family (can include up to 5 members)
• Fertility Yoga 4 week series: $99 per person

Instructors
Toronto Yoga Mamas was first founded by Jamie Kalynuik in 2012, as she wanted to create a community where women can learn, nurture and connect with each other through their birthing journeys and into motherhood. As a doula first, she feels strongly about creating a supportive, safe and confident environment throughout pregnancy and after birth. The extensive team that Jamie has created since opening TYM doors over five years ago, is one of the most impressive rosters of strong, powerful and supportive women that we’ve come across. With over 10 staff members in the Wellness Center, 12+ yoga, barre and Pilates instructors, 11+ doula’s, and a supporting staff of eight people to run it all smoothly, this massive team of 40+ is knowledgeable, nurturing and supportive in everything from fertility, pregnancy, birth, parenting, child care and mamma self-care. Every person we’ve interacted with are mothers themselves so they speak from personal experience, which can be incredibly helpful. 

Joana Peixoto
I took Joana’s 8:15pm Wednesday pre-natal yoga class and I loved everything about her teaching style. She’s been teaching vinyasa yoga in Toronto for over six years and her background is in ashtanga, iyengar, restorative and pre and postnatal – this mama knows. Her approach is welcoming and approachable but very educational at the same time, which is a nice mix because I know I was soaking up literally everything she was saying about what our bodies go through during and after pregnancy but I didn’t feel like a dumb-ass for not knowing about it. This was actually my first specifically pre-natal fitness class and I could immediately tell the difference in the teaching methods and in the flow of the class, which I’ll get to later. Every movement Joana walked us through was catered to the eight of us and she explained why. She started with showing us how to massage our own feet in areas we need it most (arch of your foot gets crunchy because it represents your intestines that get super squished #reflexologyforthewin) and we focused mostly on hips and glutes because that’s the safest thing for all of us to challenge no matter what stage of pregnancy we’re in. Joana would demonstrate most exercises to start and then she would spend the rest of the time walking the room to adjust our form or the movements if people’s bumps were in the way. The entire class felt incredibly tailored, yet not easy. She still challenged us and found the fine balance of knowing when to push us further to maximize our strength and heart-rate but in a way that was completely safe.

Vibe

TYM studio space is very bright, feminine, and calming. The vibe that the staff have created is so confidently chill – it’s obvious they know what they’re talking about but with a ‘go-with-the-flow’ approach. Which I really appreciate, because this stuff can be overwhelming. I went in the evening so the tranquil atmosphere was turned to the max with the lights dimmed and the candles lit – which is pretty on-point considering how desperately most mamas really need a place to zen. When walking in the doors, there’s a sizeable shoe storage area/coat rack to your right and a chic lobby to your left. In the middle of the lobby is the sign-in desk that’s surrounded by their Mama Retail Boutique stacked with carefully curated feminine extras – everything from candles, to make-up bags, to scarves, cute mugs, books, you name it – you’ll want to buy it. Easy to drop a few bucks here. Past the main lobby is the Baby Boutique, which is an adoooooorable extension of the same beautifully curated selection of trendy products, and the entrance to their Wellness Centre which includes 4 treatment rooms. 
The two large practice rooms are located upstairs and they’re made unique with their decor, which includes upside down balloons hanging from the ceiling and tassel draping. Right now anyway, they switch it up every now and again. Something I REALLY loved; our mats and yoga station were set up for us in the studio when we arrived – a considerate detail that was not overlooked – and with eight of us in the class, we felt nicely spaced out. Outside the practice rooms is a lemon water station, a herbal tea station and a library where you can borrow any book for a months time. 

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