Ode to Passport to Prana

We live in a lovely country that provides everything from violent hockey to cinnamon coated beaver tails. To instill even more patriotism, our home and native land has founded the Passport to Prana. 

Prana means “life force,” “breath”, “energy” and this Passport helps you to acquire all three by offering one yoga class at many different studios, for $20-$30 total, depending on the city. Purchase the card online or from an authorized yoga studio, activate the card online, and voila – a yoga trip around your city.

Raj Gandhi, the CEO of Passport to Prana spoke with us about this powerful piece of plastic that has changed the way Canadians and beyond have viewed the role of yoga in their lives.

How are the participating studios chosen?

My partner YuMee Chung and I try to make sure they have a variety of styles. Now, after years of success, our job is easier, as studios come to us for promotion and to acquire new students.  Some cities are still at the expanding phase (like Calgary and Edmonton) and studios are still handpicked to make sure contrasting styles are offered. This includes Ashtanga, Iyengar, Hatha, and even Spinning/Yoga.

What has the response been like so far?

The response has been magnificent, as people who may not have been interested in the yogic path are trying it on for size. One current studio owner of a Moksha space first came into a studio due to the Passport.

Where else would you like to expand the program?

We would love to bring it everywhere! We are really focusing on growing the cities that we have and ensuring that they are working properly for the studios on board. Washington, DC and Boston could happen in the future...

(We joked that his Passport to Prana helped his Canadian Passport acquire more stamps).

The affordable price tag seems to be sticking?

We don’t want to make it cheaper than one class but we do want to let people easily try out new studios.   

The program used to run from May to February, but currently has no start or stop date. It expires a year from the date when you start, to simplify the process.

O Passport, we stand on Guard for Thee.

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Passport to Prana is currently offered in Canadian cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver & Victoria and various US cities. To order a Passport online, or to find out more information check out their website - www.passporttoprana.com.

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Courtney Sunday has two cats and a boyfriend who are very patient with her health and wellness obsessions. She teaches yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling and gives Thai massages through her Toronto business Om at Home Yoga. When she is tuckered out, she takes up the sport of sleeping.