You like your yoga pure but sprinkled with a modern flair. Lucky for you, Sattva Yoga Shala hasn’t lost track of the ancient Indian philosophies behind all the 21st century fuss.

Mark and Joanne Darby founded their grassroots yoga school in 2003 with the goal of teaching the traditional method of Ashtanga Yoga while helping digital-era folk ease the strains of modern-day living.

The studio itself reflects this partnership between the ages with its unquestionably calming and unpretentious feel. Warm orange and bluish hues are accented with beautiful Hindu-inspired paintings by local artist and yoga instructor Jamie Lee.

Mark and Joanne are both internationally renowned for being among the select few who have achieved the highest level of Ashtanga yoga teaching accreditation. They spent years in India studying one-on-one with the creator of this practice, Pattabhi Jois.

Now Montrealers reap the rewards of having masters in their midst. But don’t come expecting a walk in the park. Ashtanga is a powerful and structured yoga practice that demands focus simultaneously on breath and movement. The introductory level course will help you become familiar with the postures. Then before you know it, you’ll have the strength, stamina and flexibility you crave. 

And if you’re lucky, you’ll find either Mark or Joanne at the front of the morning Mysore class where they’ll guide you through an independent practice.

You’ll find that East-meets-West balance you’ve been looking for at this downtown yoga haven.