Last week, I travelled to Monkland Avenue in trendy NDG to visit the recently-opened ELMNT Studio. This is a welcoming space where the smell of paint and new furniture still lingers. The studio’s foyer features a wall of lockers as well as a large seating booth that wouldn’t be out of place in an elegant spa lobby.
The studio’s mission is “Ride + Move + Align” and the class list reflects this through a great mix of spinning, interval training, and yoga classes. I have probably already mentioned how much I appreciate studios that offer varied fitness options, since each class provides different benefits for the body. “Fusion” classes are also available (if you’re short on time!) as well as workshops on wide-ranging topics including foot care and massage balls. There’s also an intriguing schedule – check it out!
The yoga space is fully equipped for barre classes, wall yoga, and more. In fact, the entire studio is well-appointed; there’s a huge wall unit featuring every type of yoga equipment – even items you won’t recognize (for instance, did you know there are small sandbags to cover your eyes? Neither did I!) Even shoes for spinning class are provided.
This week, I tried the Wall Yoga Active class with Natalie Kakon. This class features a swing anchored to the wall, whose height can be adjusted for different exercises. The swing allowed us to remain balanced as we executed some very challenging poses, while resting on the wall. Although this is quite scary, it’s also gratifying to realize that you’re floating through the air with only your toes touching the wall! After the 75-minute session, I had lost my bearings and felt like I was still floating. Using the wall and the swing allows you to relax muscles that are normally always firing.
I liked that classes are limited to 12 people (regular yoga classes can run with as many as 18 participants). It makes the class more intimate and lets you move at your own pace, adapting as you go. There was a pregnant woman in my class, and she was able to receive all the help she needed and tailor the poses to her abilities. Having attended a studio with a ratio of 50 participants per class, I truly enjoyed this more intimate experience.
Next week, I’ll be trying out the Ride and Flow class (45 minutes of spinning and 30 minutes of yoga). I’m really looking forward to it – especially since it will be my first time spinning!
Visit the ELMNT Studio and save it to your favourites!
Namaste!
I’m looking for the most amazing yoga classes in Montreal
I’d love to talk about you or visit you. Would you like me to come to your studio?
Email me : claudine@yogatribes.blog
