Testimonials from Members of Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio
I had my first yoga class at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio in Vancouver and had the best time! Now I'm hooked! The Yaletown studio offers a diversity of classes from the best teachers! I love Exhale Yoga Studio!
~ Amanda
owner of SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic
www.sknclinic.ca
Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio feels like my second home. I feel comfortable in this Vancouver yoga studio and treated as if I were family.
~ Julie Morrison
I have been practicingyoga and Pilates for over five years now, and consider my practice very important. Not only in terms of physical strength, fitness, and mental well being, but also as a source of confidence, comfort and enjoyment. At Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio I feel that I am able to grow in my yoga practice in all aspects. I feel a sense of belonging and community. The smaller studio size allows for a more hands-on and personal approach from the owner and all the instructors, which makes me feel 'at home' when I attend yoga or Pilates classes. The Yaletown studio is also very natural in lighting and has beautiful decor and coloring, so I definitely feel a sense of calm and rejuvenation during and after my practice. I really enjoy and value my time at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio and would recommend this studio to all interested in practicing yoga or Pilates."
~ Marlena Dumas
I want to extend my thanks to Rachel and the instructors at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio for helping me recover from a car accident a few months back. Yoga instructors Jolene and Dan have been instrumental in my recovery and have helped with adaptations in yoga postures so that I could continue to participate in my yoga practice. Thank you Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio for operating a relaxing, professional studio. Namaste.
~ Mag
www.markalangreenberg.com
I learned to ride a two-wheel bike when I was three years old and that same day I was already trying to ride no-hands. I loved riding so much that I spent my entire childhood on a bike, eventually turning my passion into a seventeen-year career as a professional BMX rider in which I won six world championship titles and nine X-Games medals. It was a dream come true experience that I wouldn’t change for anything, but it came with a price. Aside from the amount of damage done to my body from the years riding, sitting on planes, sleeping in crappy hotel beds, etc, the bigger issue was the bad posture I was left with from growing up on a bike leaned over the handlebars every day. The last few years of my career were spent in a substantial amount of pain, and it got even worse after I retired. I’d been to see a number of sports medicine specialists to get help, but the advice didn’t seem to be doing much. A bunch of friends kept recommending yoga and Pilates but that’s not really my style. I like hockey, I listen to bad metal and I still think it’s funny to fart in elevators. As a last resort I eventually gave yoga, then Pilates a try. Three years later I’ve reduced my pain substantially, I’m a lot stronger, I’m over an inch taller, and as an unexpected surprise I’m also a lot calmer than I used to be. That’s a good thing when you go from nearly killing yourself on a regular basis to running a small business every day. Now I go to yoga three to five times a week, I have no doubt that I’ll eventually become pain free, and I’m going to do it without ever walking into a LuLu Lemon store. I wear sweat pants and a T-shirt to every class and everyone at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio seems cool with that. What I like most about Exhale yoga studio is that it’s a lot smaller than other yoga studios I’ve been to. So the teachers get to know you quickly and can easily correct your posture when you’re making mistakes. That’s important when you get into yoga like me, not knowing the first thing about it.
~ Jay Miron - Professional BMX rider
My yoga practice started late in life for me as I was a dedicated gym rat before I discovered the power and beauty of yoga. I was introduced to yoga through a former teacher and I have never regretted dropping the gym for the yoga mat. I started yoga at Prana Yoga in 2003 and this journey taught me the joys of peace of mind, the practice of non-attachment, courage, love, freedom as well as flexibility and strength. I continued my personal practice when Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio emerged as I enjoy the Hatha style yoga of the Prana taught yoga teachers. I have been a dedicated student at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio ever since and practice yoga on a daily basis attending the wonderful classes of my principal yoga teachers Dan, Chris, Jolene and Rick. It is under the guidance and motivation of such exceptional teachers that my yoga practice continues to grow and improve and each class brings a fulfilling experience of energy and spirituality. Every teacher can be trusted to bring honesty and compassion into my yoga practice without fear of injury. The Exhale space is a blessed place where I come to concentrate on my wellbeing and inner balance. I have made many friends over the years at Exhale and I cannot imagine not having yoga in my life. Namaste!
~ Maureen Ramsey
Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio has the best teachers in the city! There is a style of class and style of teacher for everyone, from high energy House Dance with JoJo to relaxing Candlelight Yoga with Jolene, everyone can find a class and/or teacher to challenge them and have fun with. My personal favourite is Pilates with Props taught by Fran, cause it’s a real core killer! Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio has so much variety in the classes they offer, I have tried so many new things being a member at this Vancouver yoga studio! I love trying everything from Carla's infamous Burlesque Dance to Bellyfit to Pilates - and there are always new and exciting classes being added to the schedule! I regularly attend class at Exhale Studio in Yaletown because the teachers are amazing! Depending on your mood, fitness or energy level, you can find a class daily to suit your needs. All classes are open level and teachers are great about catering their classes to each person there so I always feel challenged.
~ Deanna Spadafora
Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio in Vancouver is the most beautiful yoga studio I have been in. You would never know you are just steps from busy Yaletown once inside. The energy is peaceful and welcoming and the trees that surround it make you feel like you are miles away from downtown Vancouver. Exhale’s amazing teaching staff ensure that, no matter what your level is, you will leave with the safest and best workout possible for each person’s specific needs. The teachers are continually training themselves to bring you the newest techniques, and latest steps in their fields. I have never recommended someone to Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio who has left unhappy and I feel this says the most about what Rachel Wainwright has created at her Vancouver studio. I look forward to every class! Thank you Exhale!!!
~ Ariel Swan (Professional Dancer)
When I moved from Germany to Vancouver a few months ago, I was looking for a Vancouver yoga and Pilates studio where I could enjoy myself, get stronger and meet new people at the same time. With Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio I found everything I was looking for. Rachel (creator & instructor) – as well as the other yoga, pilates and dance teachers – was so friendly and kind, that I felt at home right away. It helped me to concentrate on my wellbeing and inner balance. It is the combination of professional classes within a great atmosphere embedded in a perfect environment. That counts the most for me and is worth every minute I have spent there so far. When I told her about an upcoming Charity Fundraiser Golf Tournament for "at-risk kids,” Rachel did not hesitate to support the project with a generous gift certificate. Her outstanding personality will help her to be successful in the future! I would recommend Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio to everyone who is looking for an extraordinary, nice and professional yoga and Pilates studio. I wish Rachel and her team the best for the future and look forward to taking part in more classes in the future.
~ Stephanie Bachmann
I love Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio! The place is warm and welcoming from the initial greeting to the pot of tea that’s always available. Rachel (my personal favourite) has a lovely and gentle way of leading a pilates or yoga/pilates class, always respectful of each participant’s needs. And I feel totally energized when I leave. What’s better than that?
~ Deborah Spafford (Real Estate Agent)
Hey Exhale; I just want to say thank you so much for such wonderful experiences. For many years now I have had a desire to practice yoga and Pilates, but always had a fear. I have tried many Vancouver yoga studios but I never committed to any of them. For a long time I wondered why I couldn’t commit to regular yoga practice when I had the desire. After years of searching and wondering, I had an answer after only one class at Exhale Yoga Pilates Studio. After I completed my first week, I knew that Exhale was the yoga studio I was always looking for without even realizing it. My yoga and Pilates experience at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio is like no other I have had. In my opinion, Exhale is the best studio in Vancouver hands down. Exhale is a beautiful space, has a variety of classes, genuinely caring and extremely knowledgeable teachers. My favourite teachers are Rachel, Fran and Alex; they are an inspiration to me, and it is quite obvious that I am not the only "regular" in their classes. Their enthusiasm and commitment to Pilates instruction is second to none. I have learned huge amounts about my own body and how to keep it healthy, as well as spiritual well being. These experienced instructors know exactly what level to take me to and I always feel that I have achieved something I never thought I could achieve. They are patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable and the qualities that they bring to every session make Pilates a joy to do. Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio has been very transformational for my life and me. Once again, thank you, you bring light and inspiration to my everyday routine. I know no matter what’s going on in my life, whether it’s crazy work or a rainy Vancouver day, after a session at Exhale studio even the stormiest day will bring sunshine. Lots and lots of love.
~ Ulyana Polishchuk
Rachel's (creator & instructor) enthusiasm and warmth invited me to be a committed member at ExhaleYoga Pilates Dance Studio since 2008. The teachers provide a constant inspiration for my mental and physical well being. The bright studio provides a relaxed environment within downtown Vancouver - natural blue sky and trees. During the dark days of winter I was inspired to challenge myself to 30 classes in 35 days. I was successful!
~ Diana Pearson (Proud Grandma!)
A co-worker and I joined Exhale Yoga Pilates Studio in October 2009 and have been taking Rachel's Pilates and Yoga/Pilates Fusion classes about 3 times a week. I have really enjoyed these classes so far. Rachel is a very motivating instructor who really cares about her clients. On the dreary rainy days you leave feeling uplifted and rejuvenated. I recently booked a Stagette Party for a Burlesque Dancing lesson. We all had so much fun during the session, laughing and learning some new moves. I would recommend this Burlesque Dance lesson for anyone who wants a fun ladies night out. I look forward to continuing the classes at this Yaletown studio and maybe trying out some other ones offered.
~ Adrienne Otter
I have a goal to be healthier at 40 than when I was 30. Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio is a very important ingredient in reaching that goal. Exhale’s Vancouver studio offers a nice variety of classes in an intimate setting. I do not feel like I'm a faceless number at a large, corporate yoga studio or gym where it's difficult to get bored. Rachel and all the top quality instructors make you feel like you can do more at every class. I will likely never be a good dancer or be able to mold my body into advanced yoga classes, but I will certainly be having fun challenging myself. Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio has also helped me to be less self-conscious and more relaxed and carefree. I am not just going to be healthier at 40; I will also be happier and more confident.
~ Rhea Santos
Upon completing the 30-day challenge at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio in Vancouver, I discovered that the classes I took on days I didn’t feel like going were the most rewarding. The yoga and Pilates classes helped me achieve a longer, leaner body, while the dance classes renewed my confidence and coordination. I plan on making this investment in myself every month!
~ Jessica Holdstock
Rachel’s (creator & instructor) classes are so fun that any stress just dissolves away and I always leave feeling relaxed but re-energized, feeling stronger and standing 2 inches taller! My waist and my booty are very stubborn parts of my body that I felt would only get larger as I aged, but she targets those areas in her classes and – I can’t believe it but my measuring tape doesn’t lie – I have lost inches and look the best I feel I can look. Her approach is about having fun, celebrating sensuality and finding confidence in yourself. Rachel’s yoga and pilates classes help you burn fat & calories, while laughing and smiling.
~ Sarah M.
In the past, my version of exercise has been jogging and lifting weights at the gym - but in recent years, I've been really put off by the gym atmosphere. The smell of sweat, weights clanging, tough guys grunting... Now, as a contrast, the yoga class seems so peaceful and gentle, and it also offers a great workout. I've tried yoga a few times – with some very devoted teachers – but I've never really enjoyed it this much. In fact, I'm kind of surprised by my own enjoyment of it. Am I being whimsical and enjoying the novelty of something new? Or is this the start of something I will cherish for years to come? Time will tell... In the meantime, thanks to yoga instructors Jolene and Dan, and Exhale. My experiences at Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio have helped me through a stressful week - and I am eternally grateful.
~Susan Main (writer / web content specialist / new yoga addict)
www.supercitizenshowcase.blogspot.com/
Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio in Vancouver was recently renovated and the space is simply gorgeous. I purchased a first-time offer of unlimited yoga, pilates and dance classes for 1 month at a bargain price. The long room has rich, mahogany floors and oozes calm. The yoga instructor was patient and kind and the class wasn't jam-packed full. The studio also offers hip-hop, jazz, bellyfit and salsa dancing along with Pilates and yoga. Perfect chill environment to unwind from whatever madness plagues you.
~ Mercedes G.
Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio is a beautiful, clean, and spacious Yaletown studio with interesting and varied classes. Free drop-in card is a bonus, especially for unsure first-timers. The location is a little hard to find, so arrive early. I highly recommend the small apparatus Pilates class on Wednesday mornings: Fran is an inspiring Pilates instructor and easy to follow.
~ Christie S.
I want to make Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio my full-time yoga centre for many reasons;
1: I love the room: it's large, open and decorated with Buddhas, candles, lamps. There is an awesome stereo system and the instructors are all amazing, not like run-of-the-mill-I-took-a-community-course-types, but real Zen, yoga individuals.
2: The blankets are fluffy and not gross, and the accessories are new.
3: I like the open concept change room and lockers; the cookies and tea compliments of the studio are a nice touch.
4: The bathroom is small and for one person only, but I like it anyways.
5: You can take Pilates and dance classes as the owner and people working there are also professional dancers.
6: Parking is not great in Yaletown, but you can always find something.
7. They offer many levels of different types of yoga and the hours are very flexible.