The Rama Lotus Yoga Centre is an organization that designs and delivers yoga classes, teacher training programs, workshops and products for living a healthy, happy, and holistic life. Please see our Mission Statement for more information.
The Rama Lotus Yoga Centre was founded in 1994 in Ottawa, Canada by Robert Hay. It was the first centre devoted solely to Yoga in Ottawa at that time. The centre began with a few Kundalini yoga classes each week and has grown to become one of the largest yoga centers in Canada, with 14 styles of yoga to choose from and over 100 classes offered each week. We were the first in our area to offer ongoing drop-in classes allowing people to fit yoga around their own personal schedules. We are proud to have trained hundreds of yoga teachers, many of whom have opened up their own studios in Ottawa and other parts of Canada.
After fulfilling his vision for the centre, Robert decided to focus his energy and expertise on a new Yoga resource for the Ottawa community - the creation of an outdoor Yoga retreat called the Yoga Garden Retreat Centre www.yogagarden.ca. In May 2008, Tara Cartland became the new owner and director of The Rama Lotus Yoga Centre. A certified yoga instructor, long time yogi, and a Manager of the centre since January 2002, Tara's transition to this new role was a smooth and natural next step for the Rama Lotus. Tara's husband Abe joined the business, and they now oversee operations together.
The overall operations at the Centre are handled by a group of fabulous people:
The first people to greet you warmly at the centre will be one of our Receptionists: Angela, Stephanie, Briana, Claire, Emily, Dana and Alison.
The centre is being lovingly cared for and cleaned by John and Jessica and a team of wonderful volunteers.
Our Website Design and revised logo was created by Scott Sigurdson, our Webmaster is Mike Block.
Rama Lotus' instructors are among the best and most respected in Ottawa. All of our teachers are professionally certified, and have a true love for the yogic experience and way of life. They have been chosen for their ability to create a great experience for students. They are compassionate and caring individuals who are eager to share their vitality with others. Our teachers honour and respect each student on their own individual path and encourage a non-competitive environment, where students come to accept and embrace where they are (both on and off the mat).
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa at 342 Gladstone Avenue, between Bank and O'Connor, Rama Lotus is one of the largest yoga centers in North America. We are very accessible by car, bus, bike or feet! There is ample street parking all around our building, including an underground public parking lot in the condo building directly beside us.
The Rama Lotus Yoga Centre has been providing yoga classes in a beautiful and nurturing environment for 18 years now. We offer over 100 weekly on-going, drop-in classes to choose from in many different styles and levels of yoga, including Ashtanga, Baby & Mom, Beginner, Bikram, Hatha, Hot, Kundalini, Prenatal, Partner, Power, Yin, and more. Classes are open so that students of all levels of experience may attend. Qualified teachers ensure enough direction for beginner students and enough challenge for advanced students. Classes are ongoing so that students can participate in any of the classes offered at anytime! Ongoing classes are very supportive to many people who require flexibility due to their hectic schedule.
There are 4 spacious yoga studios in our location, including 7 change rooms (four with showers) for your comfort. Before or after class enjoy relaxing in our community lounge, where we serve complimentary tea and offer a 'take a book - leave a book' library of yogic and spiritual books. In the past 13 years, we have certified hundreds of students in our Hatha, Kundalini, Children and Yin Yoga Teacher Training Programs. To complement your yoga practice we also host weekly workshops with Canadian and International instructors and provide Ottawa's most established and complete yoga boutique. Our boutique is for yogis by yogis! It offers a full line of yoga accessories, several lines of yoga clothing, related books, DVDs, CDs, meditation props, snacks, jewelry and many other lifestyle items. If we don't have it, we would be happy to order it for you. Whatever your yoga needs, we are here to serve and support you. We offer yoga with the intention of uplifting the global community. We invite you to become a part of the Rama Lotus Yoga Centre!
First time students are welcome to enjoy an introductory class for $8 or have the option of choosing our First Time Special of two classes for $20. Drop-in classes are $16.00. Flexible payment options are offered such as frequent user packages.
Yoga packages can be used for any of the various classes offered. Exploring the different yoga styles is fun and allows people to experiment and to find their personal preference.
Yoga is a complement to other fitness practices such as aerobics, dancing and athletics. Many people today are turning to yoga for their complete workout routine as it helps keep the body strong, mind clear and heart open.