Canmore Yoga Studio Relocates After 25 Years on Main Street

A Canmore yoga studio is starting a new chapter in its nearly 25-year history after opening a new location, relocating from Main Street.

The Yoga Lounge began welcoming students into its new ground-floor space in early April. Owner Jeff Mah said the move reflects both the studio’s evolution and its continued role in the community.

“When I took over in 2012, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and I was keen for the studio to meet the changing needs of students. In many ways, the history of the Lounge is one of evolution: our teachers are continually showing how yoga can adapt to our daily lives,” Mah said.

The new location places the studio in Canmore’s Industrial District, an area near downtown with a mix of recreational, retail, and service-oriented businesses. Mah said the studio’s new home was selected in part for its proximity to its former downtown base, while positioning it in an area he said is continuing to grow.

Mah said the space allows the studio to expand both accessibility and programming, while continuing to offer a range of classes tailored to different experience levels, including slower, restorative sessions and more active, flow-based classes.

“Now that we’re on the ground floor, we’re more accessible. This really helps parents with strollers or people with mobility issues,” he said. “And because we own the space, we’re able to get more creative with class content and sound.”

The studio’s interior was designed from scratch, with an emphasis on natural light, greenery and a modern layout.

“Tons of natural light, plants and a soothing, contemporary design. It’s already got great energy,” Mah said.

The move follows several challenging years for the business, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising operating costs. Mah said increasing rent at the former location ultimately made it difficult to remain there long term.

“We were hit with over a 25% increase in just two years,” Mah said. “There came a point where the writing was on the wall. For the Yoga Lounge to survive, we would need our own home.”

Mah said owning the new space has provided greater stability and that he is optimistic about the business’s future.

“We’ve gone through some crazy times such as the pandemic and rising costs, but teaching is in my blood,” he said. “Now that we have a permanent home, I can continue to offer the best yoga possible.”