Toronto Yoga Mamas

Yoga Mamas is a yoga studio, wellness centre and mama meeting spot in the heart of Leslieville. Owner and director Jamie Kalynuik started as a prenatal yoga teacher, leading classes around the city. But she found that options were limited and didn’t offer the convenience that new moms were looking for.

“I started teaching at studios and noticed there weren’t many prenatal classes and they were at odd times that weren’t convenient," Jamie explains. "So I thought, there’s really a need here. Lots of women want to do prenatal yoga, but it’s not accessible.” Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and a background in marketing, the next step was clear. Jamie opened Yoga Mamas, a studio for prenatal and baby yoga as well as regular vinyasa classes.

“We find most people come because they’re looking for something physical they can do in their pregnancy that’s safe for their baby and themselves – something to keep them moving and healthy; something relaxing to bring mindfulness and stress relief for body and mind," Jamie says. "Also, the instructor will use cues to help people understand how to communicate with their unborn baby.”