Spring into health: Toronto spots for your spring detox
Now that the signs of spring are in the air, and maybe you’ve spent more time watching Netflix and ordering in than you’d like to admit, it’s time to spring forward and give your body and mind a boost. Here are some of the top spots in Toronto to reboot, restore, replenish and reset.
Float Toronto
1159 Queen W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J4For the device-addicted, overworked and over-stimulated crowd (the majority of us), floating may offer a much-needed body and mind reboot. This cozy West Queen West oasis has five float tanks (cocoon-like and insulated, so you won’t hear or see anything around you) and the water is heated to your body temperature with more than 800 lbs of Epsom salt, allowing you to simply, float. The results: you’ll likely step out feeling refreshed, renewed and restored. Float on.
Village Juicery
2409 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2E7Whether you’re looking to increase your energy, add more nutrients to your diet or are in need of an overall “reset” of your digestive system, you may need a little help from the experts. At this uptown neighbourhood juice bar, a nutritionist will customize a plan based on your unique lifestyle to help you eliminate toxins and waste and give your digestive system a break. The consultation is free and you’ll try out a number of concoctions before you buy to ensure you’re in love with what you’re drinking.
Octopus Garden Yoga Center
967 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A6Whether vowing to meditate more was a New Year’s resolution that has yet to transpire or if you find meditation daunting in general, a group class can take away the fear factor. This College Street yoga studio offers two weekly drop-in sitting meditation classes in a cozy and intimate space that will give you the basic techniques to incorporate it into daily life. Bonus: an Urban Herbivore outpost is located here for healthy vegan bites and delicious smoothies pre- or post-sitting.
Body Blitz Spa Inc
471 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1T1The ancient bathhouse gets a modern makeover at this warm, immaculate, and sophisticated spa for women only. Swap weeknight drinks with your pals for a water circuit. The healing powers of water are put to the test in a series of stations, including a soak in the Dead Sea salt pool, eucalyptus steam, cold plunge, infrared sauna and Epsom salt pool.
Kula Yoga
304 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7More than a space to get your downward dog on, this philosophy-driven Annex neighbourhood favourite boasts a robust selection of mind-body classes, which change throughout the year. The space is open, inviting and inclusive, and classes are designed to both complement your yoga practice and bring more relaxation and mindfulness into your life. Choose from breath work, Thai massage or learn how to do your own self-massage.
City Dance Corps
950 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M6H 1Z2Whether you need to shake off those winter blues or, ahem, winter brews, group dance classes not only burn cals, but they also boost mood. Large windows overlooking Queen West offer loads of natural light during the day, and an airy studio space means you won’t be two-steppin’ into your neighbour. Feel the burn in classes such as ballet boot camp, hip hop for absolute beginners and the fundamentals of jazz. Bonus: you’ll meet new friends and leave with a ton of new party tricks.
Ashtanga Yoga Studio Of Toronto
3180 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 2L1Despite the numerous health benefits of yoga, if rushing to classes or trying to make class times work for your schedule fuels your stress or keeps you from practicing, Mysore classes may be the antidote. This uptown studio, known for its traditional approach and awesome sense of community, runs classes throughout the weekdays from 5:30 am to 8 pm and as early as 8 am on weekends, so you can practice when it suits your schedule. This style is great for building strength, endurance and focus.
