Core Studio

Walk into Core Studio on Queen Street West after a Pilates or yoga class, and you’re likely to see a handful of students happily chatting and relaxing in the lobby. You’d be forgiven for thinking this place is a neighbourhood gathering. Show up for a class and you’ll discover something else: your own strength, resilience and capacity to heal.

Founder and co-owner Monica Plewes wants it that way with Core Studio, a boutique sized studio that is small enough to offer each student personal attention. The classes are full of laughter, hard work and gentle adjustments. Chances are the instructor will learn your name – and your needs – pretty quickly.

“You can be pregnant, you can be injured or very fit. You could even be fresh off the couch! You can be anyone and there will be a class that fits you,” says Monica. The studio also features physiotherapy and massage therapy in combination with exercise for students whose aim is to heal an injury.