Overview
Santosha Yoga in Burlington is an Iyengar yoga studio owned and taught by Davina Parkinson, a certified instructor with 25 years of personal practice. The studio’s name, drawn from Sanskrit, means contentment, reflecting the goal of the practice. Classes follow the method of B.K.S. Iyengar, emphasizing alignment, stability, and the use of props like chairs, blocks, straps, and rope walls to accommodate all body types and abilities. The class schedule rotates every four weeks, allowing students to build skills progressively. Offerings include foundations classes, modified inversions for intermediate students, and classes for those comfortable with headstand and shoulder stand holds. Booking requires contacting the teacher at least 24 hours in advance. Payment is by cash or e-transfer. The studio has garnered positive reviews, with students noting relief from back pain and appreciation for the teacher’s skill. Holidays are observed for Easter, Victoria Day, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving. Santosha Yoga provides a dedicated space for exploring the Iyengar tradition in central Burlington.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | – |
| Tuesday | Open | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed | – |
| Thursday | Open | 9:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Friday | Closed | – |
| Saturday | Open | 9:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Sunday | Open | 9:00 am – 11:00 am |
Studio in Details
Overview and Philosophy
Santosha Yoga in Burlington is a dedicated Iyengar yoga studio rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, known as Guruji. The studio’s name, Santosha, is Sanskrit for contentment, a goal that resonates through the practice offered. The approach emphasizes alignment, stability, and mindful progression, with classes sequenced in a four-week rotation to build skill and understanding systematically. Payment is accepted by cash or e-transfer, with details available on request. The studio is owned and led by Davina Parkinson, who has been immersed in yoga practice for 25 years and is a certified Iyengar teacher. She took over the studio in 2018 and moved it to its current Fairview Street location in 2021, where the Santosha community continues to thrive.
Classes and Teaching Approach
Classes at Santosha Yoga follow the Iyengar tradition, using props such as chairs, blocks, straps, and rope walls to make the practice accessible to everyone, regardless of physical condition or experience. The sequence of postures is designed to promote health, strength, and coping mechanisms for life. Students begin with basic techniques and gradually progress to more advanced poses. For those with a minimum of six months of yoga practice, there is a class that includes modified inversions and a final restorative section, offering a measured pace. More experienced students comfortable with inversions like Sirsasana and Sarvangasana can attend classes that build on an established Iyengar practice. The teaching is grounded in the understanding that each asana has an optimal alignment, and the practice aims to integrate the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self. Teacher certification in Iyengar yoga is a rigorous process, demanding precise personal practice and deep understanding of the asanas, which Davina Parkinson exemplifies.
Visitor Experience and Practical Details
The studio environment encourages a focused and supportive practice. Booking a class requires contacting Davina via text or email at least 24 hours in advance, with a confirmation sent back. Visitors should note that classes are not held on certain holidays, including Easter weekend, Victoria Day, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving. The studio uses a class card system for attendance. Reviews highlight the effectiveness of the instruction, with one student noting significant improvement in back pain after attending classes. Another reviewer describes the studio as the most wonderful Iyengar yoga studio and expresses gratitude for finding such an incredible teacher. The atmosphere is one of dedicated learning, where students can deepen their understanding of yoga through the precise, thoughtful teaching characteristic of the Iyengar method. Overall, Santosha Yoga provides a welcoming space for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners to explore the transformative power of Iyengar yoga.