"I started my yoga practice in November 2008, and have been a devoted HappyTree convert ever since! Before I started, my posture was terrible, my back cracked whenever I moved, and I was in chronic joint pain. I started my physical transformation with a strict meal plan, where I lost almost 25% of my body weight over a one-year period. Once the weight came off, the ability to start stretching, moving and bending in my yoga classes became much easier. Since July, when I started attending at least 4 to 5 classes a week, the focus shifted from "can I do this at all?" to an inner-dialogue of mindfulness that enabled me to experience each posture both physically and mentally.

Guided by the wonderful instructors at HappyTree (special thank you to Albert), I have been able to increase my muscle tone, stamina, strength and flexibility. I enjoy the continuous challenge of yoga, and the calmness that follows every class."

"I was 64 when I tried yoga for the first time some 18 months ago. When I called HappyTree, I just wanted a way to make my muscles more flexible so I could carry on with my outdoor activities with continued ease. I love the cold and anything outdoors. Yin yoga brought me that mental and physical flexibility that made me have even more fun. For example, my first sign of weariness when I bike, especially on hills, is a sore lower back. I haven't had that soreness for a good year now and that has encouraged me to go for longer, more frequent rides. When I did a tour of Abitibi this September, I would do my yin exercises while waiting for the sky to clear up. That way I could ride 7 to 9 hours. Of course I got tired, but all over evenly and not more so in my back. A good night's sleep, a bit more yoga to get the kinks out and I was off again, refreshed. I have tons of stories about cramponing in the mountains, cross-country traverses and winter hiking, in all of which yoga continues to play an important part. Also, I must admit, a good yin yoga session can really set you up for a good night's sleep! Thanks Melanie, you really got me off on the right track. Yoga is definitely a part of me now and it is an interest that I shall cultivate."

"I passed the CA exam!!!! This is such a great feeling! Thank you so much for everything. Your support throughout the process was very much appreciated! Yoga is, and was, a major reason why I got through such a hard process.

Not only did you help me achieve my goal of succeeding on the exam, but I am now less stressed, more focused and energized, and I have a better outlook on life overall. Yoga at HappyTree will continue to play an important role in my self-development." Thanks again,

"I love HappyTree!!! When I moved to Montreal, I was pretty sad about leaving my studio in Toronto, but once I joined you, I knew good things were in store. I have connected deeply with my practice and with some wonderful souls at the studio. It has quickly become my second home in Montreal. I have a great amount of trust in the teachers here, and I know that I can safely explore and expand my practice of yoga."

"HappyTree is just the right combination of respect, tranquility, harmony and comfort. The studio simply spells wellness. I love HappyTree because it is a place where I can be with myself while being surrounded. I don't have to be anyone else, I just come with myself and enjoy and share my practice peacefully. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable without being pretentious and always makes me feel at home."

"My little brother, Anthony, and I are really into hockey. I had been thinking about starting yoga for a while due to my lack of flexibility and recurring injuries (not to mention that if some of the Habs are doing it, then it must be good - not that it helped them this year!). Anthony actually started before I did. He took part in a Hockey/Yoga program at Focus School, coached by Melanie, Scott and Jesse, and really enjoyed it (being a goalie, he stole all the flexibility genes).

I immediately found out that it was an excellent practice and exactly what I needed to counteract high-speed collisions into immovable boards. It also seems to give me more energy and increase my capability to focus while straightening me out, which is even more enjoyable. Anthony is always excited to go to class and seconds my comments: we both think HappyTree has a great vibe and there's always a fresh pot of tea waiting for us in the lounge."

"After a couple of years of daily Hatha Yoga practice, I started coming to HappyTree this past summer because a friend told me about the great Yin class. I tried it, loved it and, a few days later, mistook the time and ended up in the Tuesday Hot Yoga class, which I would never have done deliberately, thinking it would be too difficult. It was, but I survived and kept coming back, not least because Nicolas was so compassionate and told me that the Universe had a reason to send me there that day! I think the real reason was that I had a lot to learn, which I do every time I come to a class. That's 6-8 times a week and I have never felt better. The kindness and spirituality at HappyTree are things I love about it, but also Dawn's greetings, terrific teachers, Yoga classes for all levels of students, meditation, chanting, getting new vegan recipes, Yogi tea, and of course, free hugs."

"My experience at HappyTree Yoga Studio over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Not only have I found my niche within a welcoming, nourishing community, but I have also transcended many self-limiting beliefs thanks to the excellent instruction I have received throughout my practice. When I reflect upon where I was when I first joined the studio and see where I am now, I am truly astounded by the transformation of my body, mind and spirit."

"It's always a pleasure to do yoga at HappyTree. With a bright and cozy environment, I immensely enjoy my practice and chatting on the couch with others, drinking tea. Yoga at the studio provides an energizing and relaxing break from my studies."

A few anonymous testimonials from Dale Parizeau Morrris Mackenzie (http://dpmm.ca/cms/) employees who participated in a HappyTree “Power Lunch” event:

“I loved it – the fact that we were able to relax and enjoy a good, healthy meal boosted our system and our morale. Let’s just say that my stress stayed up there in the boardroom on the 7th floor. It would be amazing to have this kind of event on a regular basis. Thank you very much.”

“The session and the food was AMAZING!!! What a great way to relax!!! Thank you so much for organizing it!!”

“I find that combining a yoga class in an area where we normally feel stress is genius because people feel more relaxed, focused and productive afterwards.”

“I really enjoyed yoga. Very interesting. My meal was delicious. Thank you for the Yoga experience.“

“It was super – enough said. The teacher was very fun and educational. The food was succulent. When is the next session?”

“I found the yoga class really great, I will use some of the exercises in the future to relieve some stress.”

“Hey Melanie, I just want to thank you once again for my yoga time in Montreal. I really enjoyed very much doing yoga with you. You are marvelous yoga teacher. And believe me - I am usually very choosy about whom I like to work with. So, thanks once more. You also made me discover Yin and I am getting more and more into it. I hope to see you soon.

Wishing all the best to you and good luck with your studio. Please contact us if you are ever in Belgium.”

"My Name is Gypsy Snider. I am 38 years old and have two children. I have been a circus performer all my life and a year ago was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon/Rectal Cancer. It would seem to be a combination of all of the above that led me to HappyTree. After a lifetime of intense physical training, at my age with kids, I was looking for something that would be active but healing. Then when I was diagnosed I had no choice but to heal. As soon as I began chemotherapy I started to come in for classes 3 to 4 days a week. The more I came the better I felt and the more the side effects of the treatments diminished. I believe the active and passive stretching of the muscles helped to circulate the medicine throughout my body in an even manner and kept it from stagnating. The breathing exercises made me realize how shallow my breath had become and helped me oxygenate my body and the calming and meditative aspects of the exercises allowed me to relax about what I was going through. I truly believe this helped the treatments to do what they needed to eliminate the cancer from my body. The classes also acted as a kind of support group where I felt I was in a room of people healing rather than suffering from the same disease. It was nothing but positive. I continued the classes through the 6 months of chemo and radiation and some days even took classes right after treatment.

I feel an immeasurable gratitude toward Melanie and CanSupport for making these classes so accessible. Yoga has played such a substantial role in my road to healing and I will never stop practicing.

Thank you Melanie, Jodie, Harmony and all the girls involved. Namaste."

Within our division, we like to organize activities that allow us to build our team strength and also to get to know each member of our squad differently than how we see them in their suits and ties in the office. This year, with the financial market’s up’s and down’s we wanted to offer our team a little moment of peace, some time to relax and focus on themselves. We decided to offer them a corporate yoga session at HappyTree yoga studio.

At first, our team was not too convinced… Wearing leggings in front of everyone else was the major concern in our office… But since the activity was free for them and since the majority of our group had never tried yoga before, everyone decided to give it a try, warning us that they were not quite sure yoga was for them.

Once we arrived at the studio, our team was impressed with the general calming ambiance in the studio and by the welcoming spiced tea scent while entering the room. During the activity, we were all pleased to actually realize that, although we had never done yoga before, we were actually able to follow our teacher and we quickly realized how good we felt and most importantly, how good we would feel afterwards.

The very next morning, our team members were calm and they all came knocking on our door asking if and when we would repeat this team activity since they have LOVED it. As a result, we will be going for yoga corporate classes every quarter this year with our team and this time, it is THEIR REQUEST!!!

“I managed to do about 30 sessions this summer with Albert, Nicolas and Melanie. The amount that I learned, both inside and out, was amazing and more than I had expected. You've inspired me to really take my yoga practice seriously. I moved back to Winnipeg at the beginning of September and I've found a new little studio here. I have to tell you the truth. It just isn't what I experienced in that purple bright room this past summer. Don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful that I have found a new yoga home, but I can't forget how amazing your teaching techniques, style, facility and energy that comes from your studio. I found it really gave me strength and I am so thankful that I called you inquiring that Wednesday morning in June. Thank you so much for having such a huge impact on my yoga journey. I really appreciate the teaching techniques you use and also the philosophy of your company.”

Coming from the world of competitive sports, yoga has taught me to appreciate the journey and resolve issues by looking within rather than comparing myself to those around me. I have been able to develop a profound awareness which has allowed me to enjoy meaningful experiences and relationships when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Yoga and HappyTree have become an important part of my life with Melanie and Albert acting as guides in my own evolution. They have greatly influenced how I train and coach my clients. I would encourage anyone to join this incredible, supportive community so that they too can enjoy this amazing link between spirituality and everyday life.

"All I can say is WOW! I had never been to a yoga class before, nor had many of my friends, and the experience could not have been better. We were very happily welcomed into the beautiful studio and made to feel right at home. I was so impressed its sheer beauty and cleanliness.

All our nerves, worries and self-consciousness flew out the window once we began the class and was replaced by a state of energized relaxation. Our instructor did an amazing job at putting us in the 'here and now'. For something in the heart of downtown Montreal, you could not feel more like you'd escaped and entered a realm of bliss.

Since we were there for my friend's surprise birthday party, we all had yogi tea (which was so yummy!) and cupcakes, and once again were made to feel very comfortable sitting in the lounge, chatting and laughing away. I'm thrilled we chose to come to HappyTree and as I said before, our experience could not have been better!"