Restorative Yoga & Restorative Yoga Training
​ Testimonials 

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be among the first group to go through Leslie’s Restorative Yoga training. Leslie shared her immense expertise during an intensive and immersive five days where we learned how to provide the most relaxing and beneficial restorative experience possible.

From start to finish, we practiced hands-on techniques and were encouraged to take photos to build our own library of knowledge. Leslie never tired of answering our class’s non-stop questions (we’re an inquisitive bunch!) and created a learning experience that had and continues to have such incredible depth. Her warm and welcoming personality make you feel instantly at home and her teaching style is like talking with a friend.

​Leslie creates a truly incredible experience where you walk away knowing you’re fully supported…a lot like Restorative Yoga itself ;)" - Lisa
"The restorative yoga training with Leslie was an empowering and wonderful week. Leslie provided the right balance of theory and practical training to help me understand the foundations of restorative as well as dive in to the actual practice.

This training gave me a lot of experience and practice with different poses to start my self-practice and offering restorative yoga as well. We got to do a lot of practice with props, set-up, and transitions, with feedback and support." - Karen
"I have been a yoga instructor for over a year now. I had never really practiced yoga before that. I attended, with my daughter, a few classes of restorative yoga where she went to University. The class was very beneficial to her and I saw that she needed this more often. She was hesitant on going by herself, suffering with anxiety. We did not have any yoga back home when she visited.

That is when I decided to bring yoga into my life and my daughter's and become the teacher. I left my family for one month to become a Hatha yoga instructor and then practiced and taught for a year. Finally, I joined Leslie's Restorative Teacher Course to be able to bring back this amazing program to my family and community.

Leslie is a very attentive and precise teacher. She has a clear way of communicating with her students. The details of every postures make the experience amazing. She has a natural way of making every posture a perfect one. The restorative yoga sequence taught by Leslie is so much more than the classes I attended. This course was life changing for myself and the people attending. I have seen already so many benefits and remarkable changes in the lives of the people who have experienced it. I am grateful to have found this precious gem." - Nathalie
"​I learned so much in the Restorative Teacher Training that I've been able to apply immediately to my teaching. The fine level of detail on setting up the poses was much appreciated and I feel confident to try teaching them.

The biggest impression on me was that lovely feeling of "ahhhh, this is so comfortable," which I got to experience several times a day in the training. I feel like that feeling is precious and nurturing and I will be very happy if I can bring that feeling to my students.

Putting the poses into a sequence was very eye-opening. I had no idea how much physical effort is required to move the props from one position to another in a timely manner and with finesse. I have the upmost respect for anyone who does this. It's a very selfless act as I found it to be quite hard on my body.

Leslie is a lovely, caring, and capable teacher and it was a pleasure to learn from her.

My only request if I attended this training again would be to have a short break mid-morning and mid-afternoon. The training involves a lot of information and movement and I feel like I would have liked a little time to regroup.

I can't recommend this training enough for anyone interested in teaching this style or incorporating it into other styles." - Kaori
"Leslie's Restorative Yoga class is just amazing! Having started a few months back, I never want to miss my weekly class. I'm always so relaxed leaving the class and the Restorative Yoga with Thai Massage or Reiki are just the ultimate in relaxation. Cannot recommend Yoga Grove highly enough - thanks to Leslie for making my Thursday night sleep so wonderful!" - Jayne
"I love going to Yoga Grove especially because of the intimate class sizes and the personal one-on-one attention and adjustments that this small class setting enables the instructors to provide. I particularly love Leslie's restorative yoga classes where everything is set up for you, pose after pose and you just have to show up, and let Leslie's warm and gentle presence guide you to ultimate relaxation. Highly recommend this studio!" - Queenie
"A terrific place to learn yoga. I had never done yoga before so I took the Absolute Beginner classes and really enjoyed them. Being middle aged, I was looking for a place that had small classes with lots of instruction. Yoga Grove is perfect! The instructor (Leslie) is very knowledgeable, patient and an excellent teacher. I have now progressed to Flow Yoga and Slow Vinyasa Yoga and just love it. I have also tried a Restorative Yoga class and found it to be incredibly relaxing and calming. Yoga Grove is a great addition to my neighbourhood and I highly recommend it." - Lisa
"I have been taking Leslie's restorative classes for the past year and a half. I love the small classes and Leslie's kind and gentle nature. She is a very knowledgable practioner and takes time to continue to learn in order to provide what is best for her students. I have enjoyed other classes as well, gentle hatha with Jessica and flow. Great place for yoga and for individualized attention." - Elisabeth
"Where to start in the list of how Leslie and Yoga Grove has helped me over the last months in my time of extreme self care? 
First, the environment created in Yoga Grove's intimate studio. When I was looking for restorative yoga that is meant to help heal, the bigger studios showed a focus on filling a room instead on creating a healing space. Leslie and Yoga Grove does exactly that.
Second, the size of the class which allows Leslie to provide personal service and attention to every client. For Restorative Yoga, it allows her to work with you for whatever your restrictions or challenges are. For example, I had troubles feeling safe so we worked with additional blankets to allow my body to truly relax. With the other Yoga types, Leslie ensures you are properly aligned for each move, allowing you to remove any bad habits not noticed in other bigger classes.
Last yet certainly not least, Leslie's empathy and true intention on helping you meet your personal needs and goals makes Yoga Grove a little piece of heaven on earth and Leslie my personal angel." - Gwen
"After suffering from a back injury for over 6 months and finally getting back on my feet I decided to sign up for the Absolute Beginner yoga class at Yoga Grove. The class ran one evening a week for 4 weeks and I thoroughly enjoyed. I had never done any yoga before this class and Leslie was so good at explaining not only how to do certain things but why we were doing it and what it was helping. The class I have enjoyed the most is the Restorative Yoga. 90 minutes of silence, relaxation and changing positions helps your body unwind and allows your mind to completely turn off. I highly recommend for anyone who is stressed, exhausted and just needs some "me" time." - Jennifer
"I recently enrolled in Yoga Grove's restorative yoga class and have found it to be a nurturing space for both the inner and outer work of yoga. Leslie is a thoughtful and sensitive teacher with no pretension. She is caring and skilled and has created a small personalized class where she can be 'hands on' - helping students refine their yoga practice. I have found her restorative yoga class to be an essential part of my self care as I work toward better overall health." - Gia
"Being an 'athlete' all my life, I have enjoyed participating in many sports as well as running. After suffering a back injury, I began to re-evaluate my physical well-being and decided to give yoga a try. I was reluctant to take part as I have always been terribly inflexible and whenever I tried yoga in the past, I found it very frustrating and painful.
Then a friend brought me to Yoga Grove and I began an introduction course with Leslie. Not only did Leslie present the practice of yoga in such a simple way, but she instinctively adapts her classes to suit the individual needs of all her students. I have also been lucky enough to attend her restorative yoga classes and can't even begin to tell you how amazing you feel after one of those! You will have to try it to believe it! Thank you Leslie for teaching me that yoga is for everyone. I treasure our weekly sessions and always leave feeling peaceful and rejuvenated. You have a wonderful gift and I feel blessed that you share it with all your lucky students!" - Kerri
"Yoga Grove is amazing! Small sized classes ensure that you receive individualized attention. Leslie is a gifted yoga instructor who truly cares about her students. I have been practising yoga for 10 years and have seen more progress in my practice in less than a year with Leslie than I have in the other 10 years combined. She has an amazing ability to present yoga in a way that inspires you to want to reach to the next level. 
I suffered an injury recently and she happily put my sessions on hold until I could return. Once I was able to return she suggested classes I might try to ensure continued healing. She was so solicitous during class to make sure I was comfortable and not overdoing. 
I live in East Scarborough and drive at least once but often twice a week to class! I have never met a yoga teacher quite like Leslie!!! Her classes are well worth the drive across the city!!!!! Thai yoga restorative is just downright heavenly, highly recommended to ease whatever aches and pains you may have. Leslie has a beautiful heart and it is evidenced in her teaching style and how she genuinely cares about each of her students! Looking forward to my first retreat with Leslie ... great venue, great food, yoga and Thai massage with a dear friend ... doesn't get any better!!!" 
- Debbie
"I was lucky enough to participate in the special Mother's Day restorative yoga + thai massage class at Yoga Grove. What a match made in heaven! The small class size (6 people), the ambiance, the music and above all the warmth and professionalism made it an amazing experience. I left totally relaxed!" -Maria
"You are gently guided through your Restorative Yoga poses while you lay on a bed of bolsters and pillows. Soft music plays in the background. I can't think of a better way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. Thank you Leslie for bringing some much needed serenity into my life." 
- Maureen
"Leslie's restorative classes are the ultimate way to unwind, de-stress and relax. The darkened room is set with candles and beautiful music, broken only by her soothing voice helping to settle you in for the 90 minutes of magic that awaits you. All you have to do is show up -- everything is set out for you and Leslie does all the propping and guides you into your next pose/posture. Pure magic!
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This is the best form of self-care I have found, and am so happy it's right here in our community!" - Sara
"I discovered YogaGrove over a year ago. Being mostly housebound with a severe chronic illness I was very anxious about trying out a full yoga class even though it was a restorative one. During the 1.5 hour class we laid through a series of 5 poses which was a great slow and relaxing pace for me! The instructor Leslie is very kind and listens to any individual needs you have. Their online sign up system works well and their new space is great. I now attend monthly and find the class really does 'restore' me! Thanks Yoga Grove!"
- S.C.
"I was in a car accident in May. From May to June I had physio, acupuncture, Chiro, massage, and tens therapy. After 2 months; still experienced pain in my shoulder and back. Came to see Leslie and did one session of restorative yoga and the constant nagging pain in my shoulder disappeared! I know Leslie is an amazing restorative yoga instructor but this was like magic! Three sessions I am feeling more like my pre-accident self; physically and emotionally. I believe restorative has done more for me than all the other therapies combined! Thank you Leslie for giving me my health back!" ​​- Debbie
"Yoga Grove and I crossed paths when I was suffering from severe health issues. At a time when I felt so mentally and physically weak, Leslie's restorative yoga classes sounded like a good opportunity to get some stress relief and heal. I had never done any yoga prior to my classes at Yoga Grove, but with Leslie's clear, personalized, and empathetic approach I learned quickly and was able to effectively practice the positions outside of class on my own. The small classes allow Leslie to provide unique attention to each of her client's needs, be it physical, emotional, or your hectic life schedule. They have also allowed me to make some amazing friends, and feel like part of a family. The road to recovery has been a long one, but I credit finding Leslie and Yoga Grove when I did as one of the reasons for my success." - Lindsay 
"Can you imagine there being a time in your life when you are in so much pain that your body aches and you can’t even breathe? You are so lost and conflicted that the very thought of going anywhere or doing anything is just too overwhelming. You are stuck and can’t move.

Can you then imagine coming upon a person who gently envelopes you in blankets and supports you with pillows as her melodic voice guides you into a practice of relaxing positions which enable you to simply breathe. As you take those cleansing breaths your mind starts to open up with thoughts of healing, self-compassion and self-love.
This place allows only a few people to be around you at one time, so you don’t feel like you are competing with anyone and you can be comfortable and at peace in the space that you have chosen on your mat while you rest and repair.

The person is Leslie Cranston, the practice is Restorative Yoga and the place is Yoga Grove. It has made a big difference in my mind, body, and soul. It is making a big difference in my life." ​- Louise
"Yoga Grove is one of Toronto's best hidden gems. Leslie's restorative yoga and Emily's flow are the two best yoga classes I've ever tried (and I've tried a lot:). They are both amazing, and the fact that there are never more than 6 people per class, makes the experience even more special. A big thumbs up from me:)." - Maja
"I first went to Yoga Grove when it was run out of Leslie's home a few years back from a Groupon I'd bought. Since then I have been 4 or 5 times, and most recently the last 2 in her new studio which is lovely, and have always been absolutely in love with it. I have only ever gone for restorative yoga and only ever with Leslie so I can't comment on different class styles or teachers, but the hour and a half of those classes are not only my most relaxed version of myself EVER but also just the nicest experience. I brought my mother (usually very high strung, not a yoga fan) and she LOVED it too. Please book a session, especially restorative, it's amazing!" - Rebecca
"Yoga Grove has been my best tool ever for stress reduction, better sleep, self care, self love and well being. Leslie is definitely a gifted yoga teacher who does everything from her heart. Guided by her own intuition she will help you every step of the way and make you feel so rejuvenated that you will want to come back for more. I highly recommend her restorative yoga, a gift I give to myself once a month for inner peace and happiness, along with her early morning summer class in her backyard. Pure bliss!." - Ivanne
"I had the desire and interest to start yoga many years ago but always felt intimidated by the huge studios out there. Then a friend told me about Yoga Grove and its unique small class sizes of no more than six people. This boutique style yoga studio is perfect. The smaller class sizes allow for greater interaction with the instructors during the sessions. Leslie's knowledge, enthusiasm and outgoing personality makes for a perfect combination to grow and learn in her sessions. She has obviously taken great efforts to build a great team since moving to the Baby Point area. Her instructors are friendly and knowledgable. I highly recommend Yoga Grove. If you have not yet done so, you MUST try the restorative yoga at Yoga Grove!" - P.V.
Leslie's Restorative Yoga is one of a kind. I've tried many other yoga studios and classes, but none compare to Yoga Grove classes. This place is a true gem." - Maja
"From the root to the fruit, Yoga Grove is calm, serenity in a quiet corner of the city.
Stepping outside of the usual yoga studio cliche, the space has an earthy handmade feel in all the details. Reclaimed live edge wood ties together coherently every corner, from the cute benches to the baseboards, the single practice room, the coat-hooks, the well-mannered front desk staff; the details convey an attentiveness that is carried forth into the caring hands-on approach only such an intimate setting can provide. 
While it is true that the practice of yoga can do much for one's fitness, this is only the low hanging fruit of what is typically offered. The opportunity to heal one's self with the guidance of instructors (Jessica) with trauma sensitive training and lived experience, learning techniques to soothe one's anxiety, to practice restorative and going beyond simple restfulness with Leslie." - Bo
"Hello all, a class with Leslie is truly is a special experience. The moment you enter her home studio you are surrounded by a peaceful, healthful energy that is so rare to find these days. It is the opposite of the commercial studios that abound in Toronto; this place is totally full of life, love and personal attention! 
I did a restorative class with Leslie and she was able to put me into a deep, spiritual plane of relaxation. It was truly a remarkable experience. I can't wait for my next class this week. I highly recommend Yoga Grove and hope whoever is reading this has the opportunity to enjoy the experience her class provides. Namaste!" -Monica
"I'd been wanting to do yoga for a long time, but found picking a studio and anticipating large classes way too intimidating. I feel so lucky to have found Yoga Grove. Leslie is kind, patient, encouraging and excited to teach us. We've been going weekly for almost half a year and can't imagine missing a week. 
We attend Ashtanga on a regular basis, and I've tried Flow, Gentle Hatha and Restorative. I highly, highly recommend any of the classes. Restorative was a big treat, and I look forward to going to more of these classes…they are the epitome of relaxation, I felt like I was floating afterwards. Thanks for everything Leslie, see you next week! :)" - Allison
"Your Restorative Yoga classes truly restore the mind, body and spirit connection.  I feel better after each time I come, feeling truly relaxed, crisper and clearer. I'm re-discovering myself, with a renewed sense of energy after battling years of illness.  What a gift this has been to myself! 
I appreciate your small, personal class sizes, your gentle, loving support and great care during class. I appreciate all this, since I experienced an injury while participating in a large class, doing a posture incorrectly. I am absolutely confident that this wouldn't happen in your class.
I appreciate the small sized environment, your gentle, loving support and great care in your teaching, and your home studio is so peaceful, serene and inviting, I think everyone would feel welcome."  -E.D.L.-W
I have learned more during my first six weeks at Yoga Grove than I have from various yoga classes I've taken here and there over the years. The small class sizes allow for extra attention and Leslie is a passionate teacher. Learning the ujjayi breath technique and how to ground myself firmly in mountain pose are two simple skills I discovered I'd never been taken through in detail until my classes with Leslie. I have also had the wonderful experience of her Restorative Yoga class. Five stars for Yoga Grove. - Angie
"Thank you so much for the wonderful restorative yoga and thai massage class. It was a little piece of heaven. I brought my husband and wasn't sure what he would think, but he loved it and he keeps asking when we can return!" - Jen
"Yoga Grove has transformed my relationship to my body. Thanks to the gentle and supportive teachings of Leslie, I now embrace possibilities instead of focusing on physical limitations. As a direct result, I have experienced tremendous physical improvements. The Flow and Restorative classes are an absolute treat!"
- Sylvie