When I first moved to Toronto a couple of years ago I discovered Core Studio on Queen Steet as it was close to where I was living at the time. This trendy yoga and pilates studio quickly became my second home. The Pilates classes I was taking there were amazing and the changes in my body were incredible. I swear my waist had never been so tiny and my core so toned.

I then got a job and moved to another neighbourhood in Toronto. Slowly my daily attendance at Core dropped to a couple of times a week, then once per week and finally I just stopped going. My job and the fact that I was training for a half marathon just took over.

In the last couple of months, though, I have realized that going to this studio added something to my life and taking classes there just made me feel better about myself. I also have realized that actually doing core work is an important part of being a strong runner.

So, I gathered up the courage to go back to the studio and am one of their 30-day challenge participants. I’m on the “light option” of practicing yoga or pilates 21 times in a month. It has been difficult, my core has screamed at me at times and to be honest it is hard to be a level 1 again when I used to be more advanced. I also don’t think I am going to make the 21 times as my schedule hasn’t permitted it. However, instead of stopping the challenge and giving up I am just going to try and do what I am able to.

Participating in Core Studio’s 30-day challenge has given me the much needed kick in the butt to get back to the studio and make room in my life for something I used to love so much.

I think the main reason why I love it here so much is that it isn’t as yoga studio-esque as the other places I have been to. It has some athleticism involved and the teachers are just plain great.

Definitely recommend going here and trying it out. They have an introductory special as well — two weeks of unlimited classes just sets you back $40.