Question 1

How do I book a class?

Accepted Answer

Head to our schedule (or use our app for Apple or Android!), click on the class you would like to take and book away!  If you don't have an existing pass, you may then choose a pass to purchase.   Please note our one hour cancellation policy for in-studio and park yoga classes—cancel online at least one hour before class to avoid fees, if you can't make it.   (Troubleshooting: If you have a pass, but are being asked to pay again, call us at 416.516.0909 or email info@unionyogastudio.ca as you may have duplicate accounts.)

Question 2

How can I earn credit, or offset how much I spend on classes?  →  REFER FRIENDS!

Accepted Answer

We reward you for referring friends!  Referrals lead to spendable credit that can offset the ciosts of your classes, memberships, buying yoga props or fitness equipment, even accessing trainings and workshops!  Learn More

Question 3

What do I need for a great ONLINE CLASS? How to bring the yoga studio experience home:

Accepted Answer

Online classes take some getting used to.  Our best tips to bring the Union experience you love into your home include: 1) connect your computer to good speakers, or practice with wireless earbuds
 2) set up a yoga corner that is minimal, maybe with a plant or two, where everyday clutter / mess is out of sight & out of mind — ready your props, and don't be afraid to get creative: books can be blocks, and soup cans make great 2lb weights!
 3) before and after class, take an extra 3 minutes to literally shake off the day, smile and tap into a sense of peace — maybe do some deep breathing to cultivate that sense of presence and mindfulness that make your practice so special
 4) if you share your home with others, set boundaries around your practice time (if they are animals, take time to "claim your mat as your space" so they don't try to play or trample you during practice)
 5) missing our Hot Room?  Just set up a humidifier or diffuser near your mat for humidity, and use a portable heater to boost the heat!   6) schdule conflicts?  If our livestream schedule doesn't work, just try our on-demand classes, available 24/7 in the Virtual Studio!  Learn More   7) expect the occasional distraction or interruption.  ;)  Life happens.   8) don't stress about equipment or props.  Specialized equipment is always optional and you will hear our instructors suggest common household items that can replace traiditional yoga props: a textured rug = a yoga mat thick books = yoga blocks belt = yoga strap firm cushions = bolster soup cans = weights lacross ball = acrupressure massage ball   You're more prepared than you think!    Trust us, you've got this.  Enjoy!

Question 4

How should I prep / what should I bring to enjoy a STUDIO CLASS in-person?

Accepted Answer

For your first visit, please arrived masked with proof of Covid vaccination  (2 doses) and your ID. We're happy to verify this at the front desk to make future sign-ins a breeze.  Masks can be taken off once you are on your yoga mat, so you can enjoy class mask-free!    Stretchy clothing that you are comfortable in, a full water bottle, and face towel are three essentials.  Bring your mat, or rent one of ours with a yoga towel!  A shower  is lovely after heated classes — we also rent shower towels!   RENTALS (tax included) $5 – mat + yoga towel $3 – yoga towel $3 – shower towel $2 – face towel   Approach your class with curiosity, and listen to your body: mild discomfort is alright, but be ok with modifying a pose or opting out should you ever feel pain.  Be kind to yourself.  Pain has no place in yoga.

Question 5

What are Union's amenities?

Accepted Answer

We offer so much!   filtered water tea when it's chilly showers + blow dryers rental yoga mat + yoga towel combo, rental towels non-gendered private change stalls & restrooms men's & women's public change rooms (trans folk friendly) props: block, straps, mediation cushions, resistance bands, etc… memberships with complimentary mats & face towels cubbies for your street clothes, bags, etc… a supportive, non-judemental space knowledgeable instructors & staff

RENTALS (tax included)
$5 – mat + yoga towel
$3 – yoga towel
$2 – shower towel
$2 – face towel 
MASKS (tax included) $1 – basic mask $2 – KN95

Question 6

What are Union's booking and class cancellation policies?

Accepted Answer

Great questions!  Our cancellation policies for classes, workshops, trainings and massage therapy can be found here on our Ethics & Policies page.

Question 7

What are your Covid-19 strategies and policies?

Accepted Answer

Great question!  Our Covid policies to keep you and our whole community healthy can be found here on our Ethics & Policies page.

Question 8

What is the difference between hot, warm and regular temp classes?

Accepted Answer

Regular temperature classes are heated to a nice ambient temperature of 23º.  These are held in both our smaller back studio and larger studio.   The larger studio also hosts Warm classes which are heated to 26º, and Hot Classes which feel like 36º in the shade.  Even heat-sensitive clients enjoy a Warm class, as the little bit of extra warmth helps muscles to relax.

Question 9

Which classes are beginner-friendly?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of classes that are excellent for beginner.    For an introduction to active yoga try any Hatha class.    To improve strength and balance by incorporating some Pilates into your yoga experience, look for Fusion with Tash.  To explore how to modify yoga postures for you body, try a class that combines movement with deep rest: Restorative + Somatics with Kim.  For a calm and restful yoga experience that helps improve sleep, softness and resiliency we suggest these class styles:  Restorative
 Yoga Nidra
 Meditation

Question 10

I'm not flexible at all — can I still try yoga?

Accepted Answer

Asbolutely!  Yoga is a moving meditation that doesn't require flexibility.  While yoga will gradually you feel more limbre, practicing yoga centers around strength, balance and resiliency.     Everyone's practice will look different, since we each have a unique body, with individual limitations.  At Union, we honour all people's ability to practice yoga, no matter their body of degree of flexibility!

Question 11

Do Union's Flow classes use a set sequence / follow the same series of postures?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a proprietary sequence—instead, we celebrate the creativity of our instuctors.  Each class at Union is unique.  You will never take the same class twice.    Why?  This empowers our students with a broad range of postual knowledge, often leading to personalized modifications.  Unique classes prevent repetitive strain injuries and fitness plateaus for our clients. and allows us to grow as our teachers pursue continuing education.   We make room for contemporary inclusions such as sequences inspired by functional movement and pilates.

Question 12

Aside from yoga, what do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We have an array of classes other than yoga: Pilates, Fusion, Hot Body Tone, Meditation, not to mention workshops and trainings that cover a wide range of topics.    Union Yoga has RMTs on site every day, offering massage therapy.  Appointments for Occupational Therapy and Meditation Coaching are also available.   For workplaces, we are happy to offer day-long or half-day customized retreats, and corporate yoga classes.

Question 13

May I store my yoga mat at Union?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't offer storage.  Why?  With heated classes, mats get sweaty and are smelly if they are not aired out to dry.  We prefer to stay fresh and tidy for our clients!   Feel free to rent one of our mats in lieu of toting yours.  We offer our unlimited members complimentary mats and face towels!

Question 14

Where should I store my valuables?  Do you have cubbies?

Accepted Answer

Whenever possible, leave valuables at home.  We offer cubbies, but do not have lockers.   Bring your valubales with you into class, and tuck them out of sight in a cubby (if avaialble) or at the edge of the wall.  No large items, please—limit it to a powered-down phone, wallet, jewellery, keys.   If you arrive from work with your laptop, we will store it behind the desk.  All other valuables should stay with you.   Union is not responsible for lost & stolen items.

Question 15

Is Union a trans-friendly space?  Are there changeroom options?

Accepted Answer

Asbolutely!  Chioose between private non-gendered change stalls, or public men's & women's changerooms.   We also offer private non-gendered restrooms, which are wheelchair accessible.   Accessibility is pivotal at Union.  We welcome suggestions if you see room for improvement!

Question 16

Do you have a lost and found?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do.  Forgot something?  Call us at 416.516.0909 and we will tag it with your name, and set it aside.   Clothing or towels left behind may be laundered before finding their way into the wicker lost & found basket near our front door.  Please allow 24 hours, in case your item is in the laundry. We keep lost items for 3 weeks, and then they are donated.

Question 17

I am working through an injury / illness.  What should I do to practice safely?

Accepted Answer

Great question!  Speak with your instructor before class begins—they will offer specific modifications for today's class.  If this is a recurring injury, or long-term issue please flag our desk staff who can add injury notes.   If you are ill, REST is your best friend.  "Sweating it out" is a myth—to recover quickly please stay hydrated, and stay home.  Thank you for helping our other clients, instuctors are staff stay healthy!

Question 18

I found out about Union after sustaining a TBI.  Which classes are a good option for me?

Accepted Answer

Try practicing with teachers who have specific training to support clients with brain injuries such as Angelica Rao, or Sarah Waterfield.    Yoga Nidra with Taryn Diamond, or Meditation classes with OT Ruby Knafo are also a wonderful option.   We always recommend checking out the LoveYourBrain website, and enrolling for a free series to help aid your recovery.  LoveYourBrain used to be hosted Union, and have now moved to the LoveYourBrain Foundation's online program.  Visit their website for details.

Question 19

Are massages booked at Union with RMTs?  Do you offer direct billing?

Accepted Answer

All massages are offered by RMTs who will give you a receipt after your massage.  While we don't offer direct billing, the majority of insurance companies enable you to upload a photo of your receipt, and will reimburse within a few days.   There is a 24 hour cancellation window for all massage appointments.  Please give as much notice as possible to avoid fees.

Question 20

What kinds of health and wellness professionals can I access at Union?

Accepted Answer

At Union Yoga + Wellness, we have a wonderful team of Registered Massage Therapists, an Occupational Therapist and Meditation Coach.   Learn more here!

Question 21

Do you have locations other than 956 Bloor Street West?

Accepted Answer

Not yet!  We are focused on offering our clients excellence, and are proud to have celebrated our 5 year anniversary in August 2019.

Question 22

May I bring tea into the yoga studios?

Accepted Answer

If you have an insulated bottle or thermos, absolutely!    If you are using one of our glass mugs, we ask that they stay in the lounge.  Glass mugs or glass bottles aren't permitted in the yoga studios for your safety.

Question 23

Where can I find info on yoga teacher trainings and continuing education?

Accepted Answer

Take a look at our Teacher Trainings page!

Question 24

My workplace is looking for a yoga instructor — does Union offer Corporate Yoga?

Accepted Answer

We do!  We tailor each Corporate Yoga package or retreat to meet the needs of your workplace, and the space you have available.     Feel free to copy & paste the form below into an email to one of our managers, and we will be in touch soon!   Corporate Yoga intake form:   1. COMPANY: 2. CONTACT:  3. ADDRESS:  4. CLASS INFO — please complete fields below Preferred day of the week: Class start time: Preferred dates: Does this class repeat? How often: Number of participants:  Description of the style of class you are looking for, or staff wellness goals:

Question 25

Do you offer private yoga classes?

Accepted Answer

We do!  Enjoy a private class for just yourself, or a small group of friends, either in your own home or at our studio space.  Rates vary, depending on what you are looking for.  Connect with a manager to learn more!

Question 26

What products do you sell?

Accepted Answer

We offer an array of natural rubber B Mats (varying colours, sizes, and thicknesses), as well as synthetic mats by HalfMoon.   Find carry-straps for your mat, really excellent Guru Yoga Towels, Pilates bands & balls, massage balls, cork blocks, eye pillows, yoga blankets and meditation cushions to support your practice.   We also stock an array of hand-poured candles made with essential oils, malas, select books, and more.

Question 27

Do you rent your space?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our rooms are available to rent between classes (typically weekday mid-morning or afternoon).  Rentals are idea for quiet events like private yoga, small meditation groups, etc.   Please note that if classes must be cancelled, the rental fees are high to account for lost revenue.  Plan accordingly!

Question 28

Are you hiring?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time.  We are a small team, and prioritize hiring graduates from our Yoga Teacher Training programs who are well versed in Union's values and accessible approach to yoga.

We love questions!

F.A.Q.