We’ll be the first to admit that we think we look pretty good in a short skirt (hey, summer’s a-comin’—might as well lose the winter shyness now). But though our legs may have a nice (faux) tan, they’re miles away from toned.
Which is why we’re visiting Exhale Studio, Yaletown’s newest yoga, Pilates and dance spot. Owner Rachel Wainwright, a professional jazz and hip hop dancer and yoga and pilates instructor, has opened a chic fitness utopia—think dark wood floors, warm burgundy walls and plant and Buddha accents, offset by crisp white ceilings. It’s large enough for a wide variety of classes, but still intimate enough that we’re already on a first-name basis with our instructors.
Classes ($8 intro, $16 drop-in, and $130 for 10 classes; other rate options available) include everything from meditation and prenatal yoga to hatha, yin and of course, power yoga. The pilates mat class left us feeling energized and revitalized, but since we prefer the music pumping, our favourite was dance class: Wainwright offers jazz, street jazz, hip hop (don’t forget your sneakers!), video dance (inspired by music videos), belly dance, salsa, and even burlesque dance.
And our legs? Now they’re definitely in tip-top shape for sandal and skirt season.
Exhale Studio
www.exhalestudio.com
1083 Cambie St. (at Nelson; entrance in alley)
604-689-2446