February 01, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Spas & Wellness
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Yoga pairs nicely with Vancouver’s laid-back West Coast vibe, and this city has fully embraced the idea of stretching, breathing and oooohhhmming in a room of like-minded people.
Studios are popping up everywhere, and all types of yoga are available. You name it, Vancouver’s yoga scene has it (yes, even nude yoga). Where to start? Here are some suggestions:
YYOGA: The downtown Flow studio is huge, has a ton of classes, and feels like a spa thanks to organic hair products, peppermint soap and an infrared sauna. That being said, there’s also something special about the small, cozy room at their Yaletown studio. Big wooden rafters and candles make it my favourite space for an evening yin class.
Yoga for the People: A friend of mine loves this Gastown studio. What makes it unique? It’s all donation-based to make yoga accessible to everyone – pay what you can. Incredible! It’s a small and intimate space that offers a variety of styles. Wade’s vinyasa and Elle’s yin classes are my bud’s recommendations.
Semperviva Sea Studio: This relaxed studio reminds me of doing yoga in someone’s living room (maybe it’s the carpet?) – albeit a living room with a waterfront view. It’s on the second floor in a refurbished industrial building, and two walls of windows overlook False Creek, houseboats, and gently swaying boat masts. Stress, begone.
Lululemon: In Vancouver, it may seem as though the road to inner peace is paved with lululemon clothing. Lululemon was founded in Vancouver, so they have a huge local following. They also offer free in-store yoga classes – great for any out-of-town yogi, as they provide the mats.
Free Yoga: During the Winter Games, YYOGA and lululemon are offering free yoga at any of YYOGA’s studios (6 locations, including Vancouver and Whistler) – an awesome way to stretch your cheering muscles!
Sometimes, though, the urge to zen-out can happen any time, any place. That’s me above striking an impromptu pose on a sunny summer day at Third Beach – no studio required. (Photo by Vanessa Griffiths).