Ada L.
Yelp
Jaybird Studio, located on Queen St W. near Tecumseth, is a Pilates studio offering a variety of unique classes where the workouts are done in a candlelight heated infrared room fueled by music. There are classes that are more intense in terms of movement and less intense classes focusing on breath work and stretching/mobility. The concept is that when the workouts are done in the dark/in candlelight, the space becomes a completely judgement free zone where you can focus on being in the present moment forgetting how you look while you sweat. Phones are not allowed in the room when you are working out as the idea is for you to completely forget about your day.
My friend and I were able to try Jaybird recently as we received a free class card from an event we attended. We were able to book our class online through their new booking system which was easy to use. You can book classes a week in advance. A day or two prior to our class, we received emails outlining studio policies/class etiquette as it was our first time there.
Day of our class, we arrived at Jaybird about 35 min prior to class to make sure we settled into the space. Upon entering, you do have to take off your shoes. The studio is upstairs and not accessible (no elevator). Once you arrive upstairs, you get a calming feeling as the walls are painted a dark green colour. There are interesting photos of individuals with floral heads on the walls. The lighting of the studio is calm and more dim than usual. The front staff were friendly when we checked in. We got a tour of the space (which isn't huge to begin with). The washroom/locker space is gender neutral and shared by all. There is a change room, 3 shower rooms and 2-3 washrooms available for use. The shower rooms do lock where there is a small space for you to change as well. In terms of amenities, there is everything you need if you do shower there (towels, hair dryer, bags to put your dirty clothes, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, cotton swabs).
Although Jaybird provides complimentary yoga mats and face towels, you do have to use a yoga mat towel to cover your yoga mat for sanitary and hygienic reasons. If it is your first class or if you have a membership, the yoga mat towels are complimentary. If you are using credits, then the fee to rent a yoga mat towel is $2.99.
Upon entering the workout room, you pick a yoga mat. There are infrared heat panels above you so be mindful of where you go as those spots may be hotter. My friend and I chose mats in the middle of the room. I think we were actually close to an infrared heat panel above us without us realizing it until I sat down and looked up. I've done hot pilates/HIIT before so I figured I would be okay with the heat. The room is filled with LED candles which set a real mood for the class.
We took "The Burn" class. The class is intended to build strength and mobility while using props all while you work through movements linked to your breath. There was a nice start and end to the class where we were lying in the heat filled room. Our instructor, Brittany, led us through exercises to work on different muscle groups. There was also a bit of cardio/movement near the end as well. At the end of the workout I was drenched in sweat. The instructor and her directions were easy to follow and the workout isn't particularly extremely difficult - it just felt more difficult in heat.
After class, it may get busy in the change room area as there are people leaving while others come for the next class. I don't think many people showered but my friend and I did as we got quite sweaty.
Overall, the concept of the classes was interesting and great. I liked that the space is very nonjudgmental where it allows you to be yourself while working out. The gender neutral change room and washroom is also very inclusive. Our instructor was great as well. The class was easy to follow and the workout was made harder as it was in a heated room. Definitely a good sweat! Would not mind coming back in the future.
