Inner Space Yoga

Let me be clear that this review is only for the infrared sauna, not for yoga.
They recommend that you bring 2 towels with you (or pay to rent them there) but you really need 3. One for the floor, one to sit on and one to wipe your face as you sweat out all those toxins.
I can’t relax in this sauna, because the room it’s in is not totally private. It’s got a folding closet-​type door (the kind with slats) that doesn’t lock and it’s right next to one of the yoga classes so people are walking past, talking and opening/​closing the door right outside the sauna room. I prefer 100% privacy when using a sauna.
The sauna itself is fine. It’s actually quite spacious inside, and has colored lights as well, if you’re into light therapy. Each session is 40 minutes and they book on the hour.
On one occasion, the sauna had not been turned on prior to my arrival, so it took more than half my session to reach the correct temperature. When finished, I commented on this to the employee at the front and expressed that I wasn’t pleased, feeling like I wasn’t getting the full benefit of the sauna. She was borderline rude and did not offer me a satisfactory response other than, «That’s fine, thank you.» Really? That’s fine? Actually, no. It wasn’t fine. If it was fine, I wouldn’t have said anything.
I wouldn’t return even if it was free. I would rather take my business elsewhere where customer satisfaction actually matters.

Admittedly I haven’t tried many yoga studios, particularly in Vancouver, but based on my experience here and what I’ve heard about other studios around, this place is fantastic. The reception staff and instructors are friendly and very helpful and try very hard to make you feel welcome if they see that you’re new to their class. If it’s a smaller class they will seek input from the attendees as to specific areas to focus on or specific goals to work toward. Although you may do many (even most) of the same poses if you take the same class with two different instructors, they each have their own unique teaching style and unique ways of trying to help you appreciate the various aspects (physical, mental, spiritual) of yoga. The studio itself is in a great location in Gastown and features beautiful wood panelling and historic character.

Thanks to a great deal, I was able to practice at this yoga/​pilates studio.
It’s tucked away in a little fenced-​in alley-​type way, but there’s always a sign outside leading you in.
The studio is welcoming, there’s a water jug with clean glasses available at all times, and all mats/​equipment are provided.
I was happily surprised to see the classes were never jam packed, offering plenty of space to move around.
Anita is the pilates instructor, and she’s fantastic. Pilates was only offered once a week, but they recently starting offering a second class. Her voice is soothing, and she really tries to work with the students’ needs. For example, in one class, we had older women who basically wanted to relax, so the class that day was a little slower (but still effective). Other times, I’ve sweated. It’s nice that she’s able to adapt to what we want.
I also took Katie’s yoga class. I really liked her a lot. I was in an mixed-​level class, and I was the only beginner, and she took her time to help me and didn’t move too fast. She also was able to adjust all the movements/​poses depending on your ability, which was helpful.
Shelley was another yoga instructor I saw, but just once. Her class was too difficult, even though it was for all levels. I mentioned I was a beginner, and she said she doesn’t show moves, so I should watch the girl in front of me. That kind of rubbed me the wrong way. The other teachers also did the yoga with us, but she did not.

I bought an unlimited month of yoga clases for 19. pretty good deal! the studio is very cozy, the teachers are really good, there’s a good vibe on the place, the yoga rooms already have yoga mattresses so you don’t need to carry yours.

I cannot express how much I love this yoga studio. I started with a 1 month social shopper deal and this January I took the plunge and bough a 1-​year membership! Talk about commitment!
I really like the instructors at Inner space. Rebecca’s classes are fantastic and she really brings the practice back to the roots of Hinduism sometimes, which I appreciate. Mike is awesome as well! I did a 5-​week workshop of his about the 5 principles of anusara yoga and felt so enlightened in my practice. Anusara yoga really focuses on practicing yoga in a safe manner so that you don’t hurt yourself. And the instructors really encourage that.
I am glad to have turned yoga into a lifestyle change. I feel happier, calmer, and lighter. I deal with problems a lot differently now. Not to mention, I have much greater muscular strength that I never thought would be possible for me in my entire life.
If anyone wants to try out yoga for the first time or just find a new, safe way of practicing, I highly recommend Inner Space. The instructors really work with you and are very supportive.
Also, the infrared sauna they have is fantastic. They also have a massage therapist, naturopath, and an acupuncturist on site.
My only criticism would be is that it would be awesome if they had shower facilities.

I’m new to Yoga, I’ve only experienced a few community classes and a home dvd.
I was nervous about my skill level, my first class was Morning flow with Chris. Chris was kind, calm and attentive. The movements we’re simple yet challenging and I got a major tushy workout. It was very meditative, I felt energized afterwards and had an ear to ear smile.
My second class was Morning Flow with Katie. Katie is energitic, her class was more physically challenging (I did my first ever wall handstand!) I enjoyed the physical and mental challenge. Katie is very attentive and will quietly come assist you. I got a major core workout.
Both classes had 5 – 8 people in them.
The space is very welcoming, it speaks for itself. When you enter you immediately feel part of a community. There are no feelings of competition or inadequacy. There are free cubbies with or without locks for your belongings as well as 3 change rooms and a bathroom. You don’t need to bring a mat, however you are responsible for cleaning the mat you used after class. It’s proper etiquette not to step on other peoples mats. Some people bring a mat and place it over the mat provided. They also provide blocks and bolsters.
The price is on the steep side, but this is Gastown right? I’ve opted to purchase the 20 Class Pack and go at my own pace.
P. S. You go down the alley and up the stairs. Inner space is above Abbott St. not on the street.

Hulllloo, restoration! Not long ago, in a time and a place that seems almost eons away, I shared an apartment with this insane hippie sanskrit-​speaking-​full-​of-​love-​and-​good-​intention-​doing-​sipping-​whiskey-​out-​of-​jam-​jar-​drinking roommate who would trade Sanskrit tutoring for in-​house yoga. As in, we would move all of pillows (because, naturally, we didn’t own any furniture. Like, at all) four times a week for a yoga instructor to come into our home and teach. This was my introduction to candlelight hatha.
Fast-​forward X+Y number of years (Y being the variable that accounts for skewed memories that invariably come with age and copious amounts of wine), and I find myself in knots, stressed out, in pain — clogged chakras all up in my hizzy. I needed relief. I needed release. I needed me some restorative and candlelit yoga. Inner Space is out of control good. After just THE FIRST class, I felt blissed, blessed, and bewildered that it’d taken me this long to go.
Sure, it’s pricey, but hell, I’m worth it. Addiction comes in all forms — just so happens this one is good for me. Who needs in-​house when we’ve got Inner Space?

The director/​owner of this place is miserable and mean spirited. The director often ignores clients while she talks down to her staff making it embarrassing and uncomfortable for everyone. Very rarely will she acknowledge your presence and she seems to have trouble making eye contact.
I was once in a class where she actually snapped at a student attempting something she was not skilled enough to do. Which is fair enough to save a student from injury, but her approach was similar to a person reprimanding a dog that had gotten into the garbage. She didn’t even make it an issue to follow up with the student to help educate her or demonstrate modifications. It’s really too bad because I believe this particular student was new to yoga. I have NEVER heard an instructor talk to a fellow yogi like that. Generally speaking it should be a kind and helpful offering.
I’ve been practicing yoga for 6 years now and have been to many studios as well as retreats. I like the physical space of this studio, nice floors and the dark warm paneling is gorgeous. They also provide mats at no charge which I really appreciate. The other instructors are really great and I enjoy their instruction at other studios. As a yogi I need a safe, warm, friendly environment to practice in and unfortunately management of this place does the exact opposite by creating a negative vibe, it’s a shame.

Been to ISY twice now… first time was a lunch Anusara class with Christine. Class was good. I wasn’t super into it, maybe work on the mind, but I was a little sore the next day which is good (i know you aren’t suppose to be sore after yoga necessarily but I hadn’t been in awhile so at least I knew i was re-​working those muscles!).
Then last night I checked out Chris’ Restorative class. WHOA! SO GOOD! Very suttle. This isn’t power yoga… it isn’t even yin. It’s very suttle, very relaxing and Chris is really great and with a good voice. It was an hour and half class and it flew by. I was totally relaxed and had a great sleep last night. Highly recommended. I’m pretty psyched to check out his other classes.
Sign up etc was fast and painless. The front desk was nice, inviting and helpful. Actually what I really love is the location… you walk into an old school wrought iron gate into a narrow Gastown alley. That feeling of being transported in time (or to Europe) doesn’t necessarily extend into the Abbott House building itself but it is nonetheless really a pleasant entry…
The only thing I think could be improved is the scheduling… I guess coming from a stint at West Coast Hot Yoga, i’m used to more selection and struggle a bit with the times and gaps between classes. Having said that, I think they are relatively new and need more members before they can offer more classes. The 2 classes I’ve been to were at best half full.
So what i’m saying is… go check it out! More ISY would be a good thing!

I purchased an unlimited membership 5 weeks ago and am now hooked on this studio. Consistently great yoga instructors and a cosy welcoming, friendly studio. Have been to Semperviva and YYoga too, which are also very good, but Inner Space is more intimate and equally good instructors.
I typically do the Anusara Yoga classes which they seem to specialize in. They have complimentary wider yoga mats for the Anusara poses and a water cooler with glasses. You can also book your spot online which makes it easier to just show up and know the class will have a spot for you.
Overall great studio and great addition to Gastown.

Very high level instructors, consistently. My first class there was with Chris, he’s amazing. Very sweet, very engaged. I then took my sister to her first class with him and she also had a great experience.
My class today was with maybe the 5^th person I’ve had a class with there, and yet again was impressed by the quality of knowledge and practice.
The space is beautiful, location is amazing for me.
but the team is really what stands out.
Every class is an invitation to honor your body, and in that I feel completely comfortable sitting poses out if it doesn’t feel right that day, or going hard if I’m feelin that. And that goes for the sense you get from the front of the room and from the whole group. Maybe it’s also because nice instructors attract nice students? :)

I feel so lucky that I live 2 blocks away from Inner Space AND that I was able to score a Groupon for 6 weeks of yoga for only $ 20! The studio spaces are lovely, open and serene and so far I have been very impressed with all the instructors. They offer many classes during the day and evening, and so far none of them have seen over crowded as sometimes yoga classes get. I also appreciate the down to earth friendly attitude of everyone who works there.

I love that at Inner Space Yoga the classes are smaller and the teacher’s give you alot of personal attention. The Anusara classes and Yin classes will make you feel incredible. I have really deepened my practice by attending Inner Space and I cannot wait to try the new infrared saunas.
Inner Space is by far my favorite place to practice yoga. The studio is absolutely gorgeous and I love that everything is made of eco-​friendly materials as well as the people that work there are super friendly and welcoming.

Went to my first class of restortive yoga and loved it.
I want to sign up just putting the funds together.
Very excited they have the infrared saunas now too!

Today was my first days of 6 weeks of Yoga at Inner Space. Located in a cute Euro ally in the heart of gastown. You climb upstairs to a warm wooden palace. Their are 2 yoga rooms, a really cool tea room, lots of change rooms, and complimentary yoga mats.
After spending over year at a studio with no complimentary yoga mats i have to say that this is the way to go. I don’t have to drag my mat around town with me, or worry about getting charged if i forget it.
I took a noon hour hatha class with Chris and it was perfect. I will be going back almost everyday for the next 6 weeks. I will let you know if my perception changes.

Just came back from an amazing experience at Inner Space Yoga in Gastown. The space itself is beautiful — it’s old school in an older building in Gastown, bright windows, lots of plants. It’s very calming.
We were greeted by our teacher Chris, admittedly a few minutes late. He told us we were the only 2 people there (score!!) and didn’t freak out over the fact we were late. In fact, we went a few minutes past 1pm to get the full hour.
The mats they had there for us to use were awesome. They were a heavy gum rubber which means you don’t slip and if you’re anything like me, I sweat like a beast when doing yoga, so to feel sturdy the whole hour was great. As for Chris, he was great. Very warm and welcoming — genuine. I know there were only two of us, but he really paid attention to us and how we were doing, not just going through the motions of the class.
I feel great right now so much so that I have a bit of a spring in my step!