Welcome to

Astanga Yoga Ottawa

"A truly transformational practice."

Confidently explore yoga, breath and movement in depth

Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll develop strength, flexibility and breath awareness while exploring the Ashtanga Vinyasa method in a supportive community.

For more than a decade, we have been Ottawa’s studio for Astanga Vinyasa Yoga. Start with an intro month and get to know our teachers!

Functional Anatomy of Yoga with Ally

Next session: Saturday November 30

Hip Knee and Ankle *limited spaces

Yoga teachers and practitioners alike can hugely benefit from a solid understanding of the human body’s structure and function. In this workshop series, we will explore the functional anatomy of the major joints and muscles involved in yoga postures, with a particular focus on how they work together to create movement.

For Newcomers + Seasoned Yogis

Upcoming Events

Sanskrit for Yogis: Making a Beginning
with Marcia Solomon

4 Wednesdays from 6-8pm, starts February 5, 2025
* Online only

This 4-week program will introduce you to the sounds and structure of the alphabet, the reading and writing of Devanagari script and the basics of chanting verses and mantras. There will be opportunities for your active participation. If you are thinking of pursuing Sanskrit study or simply “Sanskrit-curious”, this will be an enjoyable way to jump right in!

The Art of Hip Strength
with Imad Khaddaj

Sat, November 23, from noon to 2:30 pm

Optimize Your Movement! Dive into the exploration of enhancing overall hip strength and fluidity in this empowering workshop. Discover the crucial role your hamstrings play in improving yoga postures and explore techniques to overcome common challenges.

Scorpion Pose
with Allison Tomotsugu

Saturday December 7, Noon to 2pm

Join Ally for this in-depth workshop where we’ll break down this unique backbend in handstand. We will focus on ways to build strength, stability and flexibility to approach your scorpion pose with technique and confidence. This workshop is ideal if you feel comfortable jumping into a handstand against the wall.

60-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training
with Imad Khaddaj

This training offers a unique blend of Yin Yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and healing practices. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to expand your knowledge or a student interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of Yin Yoga, this course provides an essential toolkit for physical, energetic, and emotional healing.

how we teach

Class styles

Flow Classes

Astanga Flow classes are all-levels. You’ll be talked through the Sun Salutations (warm-ups), followed by the Standing Series and some Seated Postures. Our teachers take creative liberties with adapting the practice to the group, often including some backbends from Second Series. The Finishing Series is usually presented with modifications.

Mysore Style

Mysore classes take their name from how this practice was taught at the Astanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. Students start with the fundamentals at their own pace, while the teacher helps them memorize new sequences and develop helpful movement patterns. You don’t have to be flexible or know what you’re doing – just come as you are!

TESTIMONIALS

Kind words.

A warm and welcoming place to get to know a beautiful practice. Teachers that truly care about you, challenge you and laugh with you when a pose falls apart. What more could you ask for!"

"Wonderful place for more traditional ashtanga yoga theory and practice!"

“More than a school for all yogis to learn and grow, AYO holds the energy of a spiritual space and a great school for Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga."