Since the doors first opened at 735 Queen Street West, Downward Dog has become a home to yoga students of all ages and levels. Many of Canada's most renowned teachers and studio owners have at one time or another come through the doors of Downward Dog to train under the guidance of Ron Reid and Diane Bruni. The studio has become a sought-after destination for students and guest instructors from abroad, who come in search of an exceptional experience. As o a Yoga Alliance certified training facility. Downward Dog provides internationally recognized Teacher Training programs throughout the year. One of Toronto's original yoga studios, Downward Dog seeks to connect with all those interested in enhancing their lives through yoga.more...See more text
Downward Dog can be considered one of the most renowned yoga studios in the city. As the practice of yoga in North America has continued to grow, the studio has become a popular place to practice Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga in particular.
Ron Reid, who co-owns the studio with his wife Marla Meenakshi Joy, began studying yoga in the mid-1970s. As a musician, he found it easy to take his practice on the road, with health benefits accruing right away.
“It was a good fit physically, it was a good fit mentally — pretty much what I continue to feel to this day.”
Ron began the practice of Ashtanga yoga in the ’90s, travelling to India and teaching at various studios in Toronto. Initially, Ron focused on self-practice — also known as “Mysore” — a set form that students practice at their own pace with a teacher moving around the room to help individuals within a group. In 1997, he founded Downward Dog, the very first Ashtanga school in Toronto.
Alongside a loyal and ever-expanding clientele, many prominent actors and musicians have visited Downward Dog for classes. These include The Police front man and solo artist Sting; actor Willem Dafoe and actresses Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Beals.
There is a reason classes at Downward Dog are almost always packed. It’s here where you’ll find some of the most dynamic, high-level yoga classes in Toronto. Learn the principles of Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga as you deepen your practice with some of the best instructors in the city.
The schedule at this popular Queen West studio offers a challenging mix of Ashtanga and Vinyassa yoga classes alongside some unique alternatives. The self-directed Mysore classes see students guide themselves through six poses while the interpretive Yoga Jam sessions encourage participates to energize their practice through a series of improvised movements. The studio also offers specialized workshops, retreats and training programs for would-be yogis, and Shiatsu and Thai massage therapy sessions to relax your body and complement your practice.