Overview
Sai Patanjali International Yoga Academy (SPIYA) is a London, Ontario-based yoga school founded by certified E-RYT 500 instructor Gowri Priya Hemnath. The academy offers a wide range of yoga styles and specialized programs, including chair yoga, gentle yoga, prenatal and postnatal yoga, kids yoga, yoga therapy, and sports yoga. Classes are available both online and in-person, with small group sizes that allow for personalized attention. The studio serves a diverse community, from seniors to athletes, and emphasizes safe alignment and therapeutic benefits. Students appreciate the instructor’s detailed explanations and patient teaching style. The academy also provides a 200-hour teacher training program for those seeking to deepen their practice or become certified instructors. Reviews highlight improvements in flexibility, stress reduction, and overall well-being, noting the welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere. With over 12 years of teaching experience and thousands of classes led, SPIYA is a trusted destination for holistic yoga and mindfulness in the London area.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | Open | 5:30 am – 8:00 pm |
Studio in Details
Overview
Sai Patanjali International Yoga Academy (SPIYA) is a yoga school in London, Ontario, founded by certified E-RYT 500 instructor Gowri Priya Hemnath, who has over 12 years of teaching experience and more than 9,000 hours of instruction. The academy focuses on authentic yoga, meditation, and pranayama, offering both in-person and online classes. Small group sizes allow for personalized attention, and the teaching style blends traditional yogic wisdom with a therapeutic, inclusive approach. SPIYA serves a diverse community: women, seniors, children, and individuals with specific health conditions. Many students report significant gains in flexibility, reduced stress, and better sleep, with the founder’s detailed explanations and patient demeanor frequently praised.
Classes and Services
SPIYA offers a broad range of yoga and wellness programs. Chair yoga and gentle yoga provide accessible options for those with limited mobility or chronic pain. Prenatal and postnatal classes support mothers, while kids yoga introduces children to mindfulness through play. Yoga therapy sessions are personalized, addressing individual health needs. Sports yoga and corporate wellness programs serve athletes and workplaces. The academy also runs a 200-hour teacher training program covering asana, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methods. Online classes allow remote participation, and each session emphasizes safe alignment with detailed instructions and adjustments. Themed challenges, such as fruit challenges, encourage healthy habits among students.
Visitor Experience
The studio is described as welcoming and non-competitive, with small class sizes that enable individual attention. The founder is noted for her patience, clarity, and ability to adapt poses to different abilities. She corrects alignment gently and encourages students without pressure. The atmosphere is calm, with a focus on breathwork and meditation. Online classes maintain a supportive feel. Long-term students report improved focus, flexibility, and overall well-being. The studio is family-friendly, and children’s classes build confidence and healthy habits. Reviews consistently highlight the positive, motivating environment.