A fantastic place to develop your practiceNEW by: Jason Baldwin
As relatively new yogi I am constantly impressed by what a great job Melissa does of providing intermediate poses and providing in depth explanations of to best develop both specific postures and my practice as a whole. Some of the postures I once thought of as absurdly impossible are now part of my regular practice. Although there are still several postures that elude me, I now know what needs to be done in order to achieve them and I now know that it is only a matter of time.
In my time at the studio I have also been highly impressed by the number of people who have joined and had their practice progress and flourish under Melissa's guidance. This is also at least in part due to the excellent examples provided by the large number of intermediate and high level practitioners who regularly train here with a dedication and grace that is nothing less inspirational. Regardless of the level of your practice, this studio will help you to develop your practice at the pace that is right for you.
They say that yoga should be a life long practice, and it is easy for me to imagine realizing that goal at True Yoga.
Jul 29, 2011 Rating
Truly the Best!! by: Mati
I met Melissa 10 years ago while she was giving a back release week workshop in a friend's living room. I was so taken by the care and the presence Melissa could be and give. Now that she is running a very busy studio, she kept the same quality, heart and attention. To my knowledge, she is one of the BEST teacher I have met. And I have met many...
Give it a try and you will see!
Jul 29, 2011 Rating
So much more than yoga by: Karen Stanko
Melissa has helped my body open to new levels I never dreamed and the asanas have opened my heart and mind. Yoga teaches me that anything is possible in my life.
Jul 22, 2011 Rating
best yoga studio in Edmonton! by: Kara Thordarson
If you are interested in Ashtanga or vinyasa yoga, True Yoga is where you want to be.
After sampling various studios around Edmonton (and Europe), I can easily say that Melissa is the best instructor I have ever had. She is the perfect blend of encouraging and understanding, gentle and challenging. She is incredibly knowledgeable and amazing at offering classes that are great for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Somehow she remembers everyone's name, even if they haven't attended class for months. I'm grateful to her for the growth I've felt in my practise, and for creating such a special space.
The atmosphere at True Yoga is welcoming and supportive, with a lovely, down-to-earth yoga community surrounding it. A beautiful thing to be a part of!
Sep 07, 2010 Rating
True Yoga by: Chris
True Yoga is a remarkable studio led by an inspiring woman, Melissa.
I have been practicing Ashtanga Yoga at this studio for well over a year and I have found Melissa's teaching style to be kind, encouraging, warm, and tough.
She is a supportive and caring guide who makes a sincere investment in each of her students and that is reflected in number of long term practitioners who attend this studio
My own practice had developed profoundly through Melissa's instruction and I have developed a loving relationship with yoga as a result.
I really mean it when I say that Melissa is far beyond what one might expect from a yoga instructor, and I strongly encourage anyone interested in the Ashtanga practice to visit True Yoga!
Apr 08, 2010 Rating
So glad to have True Ashtanga! by: Susan Gretzinger
I have practiced yoga on and off for 5 years before coming to Melissa's studio. I have to drive 40 minutes one way but it is so worth it. I feel so good about my level each step of the way and Melissa is so encouraging. Its a time for me to recharge and just "be" no matter what is happening in my life. Thank you so much Melissa for your sweet passion to provide this space for us all.
Feb 01, 2010 Rating
True Yoga by: Madeleine Leipnitz
True Yoga is really the place to practise yoga. Melissa's lead classes are just at the level they need to be for each one of the students. I've been doing lead and mysore classes. Both are inspiring and beneficial. Melissa is there for help and encouragement every step of the way. On site babysitting is a unique feature at True Yoga and greatly appreciated by all moms who access the service. Yoga is for everyone. I would strongly encourage you try True Yoga just off Whyte Ave on 101 st. You will be glad you did!
Jan 28, 2010 Rating
The Ideal Ashtanga Yoga Spot by: Jolene
I love True Yoga! It is wonderful doing yoga in such a warm and inviting place. The instructors are great and very down to earth. What a perfect mix for a yoga studio! If I owned my own studio it would be exactly like True Yoga. I enjoy coming here weekly. The place is almost a home away from home!
Jan 13, 2010 Rating
Fantastic teacher!! by: Jen Bustin
Melissa at True Yoga is the most positive yoga teacher I have ever worked with. I have many difficulties but I always feel that I'm getting somewhere due to Melissa's encouragement and optimism. She is extremely willing to give personalized instruction before, during, and after class. I have gained strength, confidence, and ability through working with her. I highly recommend True Yoga!
Jan 07, 2010 Rating
AWESOME! by: Jill
Melissa is an amazing yoga teacher. She is nurturing and supporting, yet she gives me confidence in my practice by believing in my abilites. True Yoga has a very "non-competetive" vibe. The students are friendly and supportive, which stems from Melissa's lovely energy.
The childcare is so so so great as well. To be able to practise yoga while the children play in the next room feels so good. It's if wonderful to be in an asana and hear the children laughing throughout the room. It is also good to expose the children to yoga as well, and to surround them with other children in a warm and nurturing amosphere.
True Yoga is one of the best. Truly. I love it there.
Jan 04, 2010 Rating
The best in Edmonton! by: AmyW.
Melissa's style of teaching is warm, knowledgeable and loving. She's gentle, yet she's firm, she won't let take you shortcuts because there isn't any shortcuts in Ashtanga! Melissa encourages you go further than you think you can go and she is there to help you. I have gone further in my practice than I thought I would ever go. Melissa's provided a safe place to explore and practice yoga.
True Yoga studio is a reflection of Melissa- warm and friendly. There is no ego here. Whether you're a newbie taking a foundations class or an advanced student practicing for many years, everyone at the studio is supportive and welcoming. There's a feeling of camaradiere.
Melissa and her studio have created a wonderful yoga community by providing childcare, throwing get-togethers and providing a comfortable space for students to socialize post practice.
True Yoga has become a home away from home for me. Thanks, Melissa!
Jan 04, 2010 Rating
we love coming to this studio by: Camilla
Me and my two kids (one 5 month old and one 3 year old) love coming to this studio. Melissa is a very knowledgeable teacher and she makes you feel welcome and comfortable. The fact that she has baby sitters is a godsend for me - it makes it so easy for mums of young children to attend classes. The baby sitters are all very nice and Melissa lets you know if they need you to go out to feed etc. There are windows into the studio so older children can see that mum or dad is doing yoga – my daughter likes that feature as well as all the toys and other kids to play with.
Jan 04, 2010 Rating
I LOVE True Yoga! by: Sharon
True Yoga (and Melissa) have truly been one of the great happy accidents of my life! We found the studio because it was near to my daughter's preschool, and my life has never been the same! Melissa's gentle caring guidance has encouraged me and helped me become stronger and more flexible. I've been going for more than a year now and really love how I feel, and I'm looking forward to being able to improve my practice even more.
The child care provided there is superb, with caring individuals who really connect with the kids. I also love that your child is in close proximity so you can sneak a peek over to see how they're doing and give a little wave every now and then! The yoga/childcare combo is lovely and unique, a real blessing for a stay at home mom!
Jan 03, 2010 Rating
Superb by: Anonymous
Melissa is 100% trustworthy, a fabulous teacher, so kind and sweet and knowledgeable. She knows her stuff. You will feel comfortable and welcome at this cosy studio off Whyte....a good mixed crowd of students at all levels.
Jan 02, 2010 Rating
Choose to Believe by: Anonymous
Wow! I want to come and do a class!
Choose to BELIEVE! We all need to do this more. "I believe in myself" and "I believe in love"... The best yoga mantras I know. All the best!
Jeff
Dec 28, 2009 Rating
It is excellent! by: Lisa, Edmonton
True Yoga is a small but comfortable studio on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, AB.
There are a number of types of classes ie (Mysore, Led classes, work shops and others I have not tried).
The instructor (Melissa) is excellent and has a natural ability to help bring calmness into your practice.
There is excellent child care available through the week which enables parents to practice regularly.
I have been doing Ashtanga yoga for about six months, three times a week. I can not imagine life with out it now. I have never before found a way to feel energised and relaxed at the same time.
It is excellent!
Dec 27, 2009 Rating
A great experience everytime by: Kim Valin
Melissa is fantastic and has a studio that is equally fantastic because she genuinely cares about her students.
Melissa loves what she does it is emulated through her teaching. She has a gift to teach and I feel extremely fortunate to attend her classes and look forward to building my practice with her help.
Thanks Melissa!
Dec 23, 2009 Rating
Great place to learn, great place to practise by: Saul
On the advice of a friend who practises Yoga at True Yoga I tried one of the Led Classes, my first Yoga class. It was wonderful, Melissa is such a great teacher, even with someone like me (who had never done Yoga and couldn't even touch his toes).
Now, a year later I've taken the full Primary Series in Led Classes and done some Mysore.
Melissa and the other teachers are all awesome. The classes aren't large so you get a lot of adjustments, like Mysore; I find I learn something new each time.
I've recommended True Yoga to several of my friends. All of the people are friendly and treat everyone else equally, even though I'm still very much a beginner.
My friend still loves it, I really enjoy it and I know I'll continue to improve.
Melissa recently brought in a guest instructor for some workshops that were really interesting (I went to 2 of them).
A year later and I credit starting Yoga with being an injury free runner and I look forward to continuing. I can even touch my toes! :)
Dec 23, 2009 Rating
High quality yoga without the attitude by: Kristina Marvin
Melissa brings her incredible yoga and anatomy knowledge together with her generous, caring, fun personality to create a nurturing community at the studio.
She believes in you so much that you have to believe in yourself and you end up achieving things that you never thought possible. The studio is down to earth and real.
Good for beginners and more advanced students.
I really enjoy the availability of a regular evening Mysore practice.