The Surf Studio

I had previously heard about this place from a co-​worker, and thought I would check it out as part of a Unilocal event. The class I did was a combination of pilates, yoga, and cardio, which got the heart pumping in the 30 min introduction. It was fun, but at a hefty monthly fee of $ 160 a month, it’s a little out of my price range. That, and it’s located pretty far south (8708 51 Ave) for a northsider. They do offer a newcomer promo for $ 40 for 2 weeks, and then you can decide whether this workout is for you. Check out their website (
), as they offer a bunch of different classes.
I came here at night, and the place was really easy to miss. Ample free parking out front.

Finally got in to try Surfset at The Surf Studio… I was too chicken to try it before, thinking it’d be hard and I’d look silly doing it… but now I just feel silly for not having tried it sooner!
I love the space in the front, very welcoming atmosphere and décor. I appreciate the area to sit down. I like the merch for sale, very cute clothes (I might pop in sometime just to shop, especially ’cause they’re just next door to the world’s best chiropractor). I think it’s super handy that there are three changing stalls, and the cubbies to store belongings (honestly, they’d lose points if they didn’t have those — how would they not have cubbies!?) and a washroom are appreciated.
I’m not as keen on the space in the back, where the classes are held… there are some nice touches, but they are not enough to keep it from still feeling like a backroom that was built for storage — I probably should not be so picky about these things, it was mostly forgotten once the class started and I was focused on what I was doing… but I’m one of THOSE people.
I only tried an abbreviated version of the ‘blend’ style class. I got a little sweaty, but not enough to justify using one of the sweat towels they have on hand (a nice touch), though I can easily see using them during a regular length class. I’d say that it was a very balanced class that had a lot to offer. I felt like it was a good workout that worked on a lot of areas: cardio, balance, strength. Nothing was too difficult if you didn’t want it to be, lots of modifications provided. Also, most importantly, it was a lot of fun! I definitely got surf stoke and have to go back!
I plan to get my kids to try out one of their kid friendly classes and I’m quite interested in giving it a go outside in the summer… but I’m most excited about checking out the yoga class. As someone who has done yoga for several years, I feel that the board will offer a really interesting and challenging twist to my practice, and one that I cannot incorporate on my own at home, so that’s added value and incentive for me to buy a pass.
I spoke with Natasha, owner and instructor, after the class about my hubby’s injured ankle and whether or not this sort of thing would be suitable for him and she explained about how she’d provide him with modifications and how the exercises can be quite restorative. She had actually got into Surfset herself because of injuries sustained while engaging in high impact sports. She seems to have a lot of experience, knows what she’s talking about and is very helpful.
As I said, I’ve only been once, but it was satisfying and addictive and I feel that I’m one step closer to my fantasy of hanging ten with Keanu Reeves.

This a great place to come and change up your workout and have some FUN!
The first class I tried was Burn Build which really worked on your core and building lean muscles. A medicine ball was incorporated to add some resistance. Natasha, the owner, taught the class and it was awesome! My legs were feeling like jello after. Being on the surf board adds a different element to the workout. I really had to focus on my balance and also relax into the moves even though the intensity made me want to do the opposite. With that being said, Natasha, encourages you to do whatever feels comfortable for you but at the same time encourages you to go for it.
I also attended a yoga class taught by Lisa. This was very cool. Again, since I was on the board, it really made me focus on my balance and control in the poses. Lisa was a wonderful teacher and made the class fun.
Surf Studio offers 30 different classes throughout the week at various times during the day. Some additional classes they offer are Booty Blast, Core Sizzler, the Shred, Arms & Abs, Circuit Training and Family Shred where you can bring your kids. I thought that was cool. If you want to drop in and check it out, you can do so for $ 17.85. It is worth the try. I will be coming back for more!

Love this place! She put out a promo for try your first class free which I took advantage of. I tried the burn/​build class which was awesome. It was a new fun way to do the same type of workout I would at a gym class with the added difficulty of the boards. I felt a great burn mostly in the legs and core but wasn’t so sore I couldn’t function the next day. I came back with my boyfriend a week later and he really enjoyed it. His legs are stronger than mine but he loved the core aspect and cardio.
The studio was easy to find but if you’re coming from the west on 51^st you have to drop down a block early to take the left around the median to access it. And watch for potholes in the parking lot. You enter the studio through what looks like the entrance to a spa but take a right as soon as you enter with the little wave sign. Its a beautiful space with open cubbies for your things and changing stalls. Only one bathroom. The studio has only 8 boards so the classes are smaller. you can book your board easily online to reserve your spot. But make sure you’re going or there is a no show fee. Natasha is great. She has so much energy and encouragement during her classes. She always offers different modifications for all the moves if they are too difficult. I would encourage everyone to try this out. Me and the boyfriend are going to sign up for the two week intro for $ 40 to try all the classes and I will hopefully be making this a weekly routine.

The Surf Studio is a small space with a beachy Hawaiian theme on the inside. The walls are painted an ocean blue and there are a total of 7 surfboards in the studio. The cool thing about the surfboards are that they stay in one place on the ground, but they move from side to side like the real thing. It was hard for me to find my balance at first but I got used to it.
I attended the surf yoga class. Yoga on a surfboard is not as easy as you’d think! Surf yoga focused a lot on core, especially during particular poses. The room was dimly lit for the yoga class. I really enjoyed it and would love to come back for an hour long class! It was definitely different from your average yoga class. The instructor was great because although I haven’t taken a yoga class in a while, I didn’t feel lost at all. It was a fun way to change up my workouts and I’m sure the other classes are awesome as well.
There are a variety of class types offered here including one designed for families so kids can attend as well. Classes are 45 minutes or an express time of 30 minutes. Since the studio is a bit smaller, they only offer change rooms and no lockers so keep that in mind. Like many other places around the city, there’s a 2 week unlimited pass for newbies at $ 40.
I’m hoping that there will be another location opened that isn’t so far south.

This has got to be one of the more unusual fitness classes out there. But it certainly isn’t a bad one. My first experience was only a 30 minute class and my board was on the easiest setting for difficulty — that that was enough! A great core workout — I was exhausted even days later! I don’t often do workouts of this nature. Our instructor provided excellent instruction and some variation in the moves depending on how skilled one might already be. I liked the fact that she provided some alternative moves for me when I requested them because my wrists simply cannot handle some of the regular positions. It was a great balance and core workout. My fitness level was appropriate for the class and I was happy to learn that they have classes for kids and mothers with their babies and more!
Classes are quite small as the studio has limited space, but this is a good thing because it means more attention and more likelihood that the instructor can help you with form and technique. The classes are easily accessible by transit and there is good parking as well.

Surf’s up, Edmonton! Whether you’re looking for a new fitness endeavour, or keeping up your sea legs for the next time you can hit the waves, you should be stopping in for a class at The Surf Studio!
This is their new space on 51^st Avenue, and it’s a great location! The area is well appointed with cubes to store your gym bag in, three curtained off change rooms and a small washroom. If you have any valuable items with you, there’s also space on the wall to put your things in the actual studio. The studio is equipped with 10 Surf Set boards, a full sized surf board, elevated approximately 1′ off the floor on a stand and three small balance balls. The equipment can be adjusted with more or less stability straps, depending on your stability or experience, so the exercises can grow with you! When the group in front of us was done, we were invited by Natasha, the owner and instructor, to familiarize ourselves and try standing on the boards before the class started.
The class itself moves fast, but it’s not hard to keep up! The board is easy to get under you, and even easier to wobble. Core activation and leg control keep you and the board stable. Regardless of the movement, focussing on posture, core, cardio, and muscles tone, you are always working on something. Easy in class, but you feel it later!
With drop in classes through the day, there’s something for everyone! Check them out!

Whoot! Whoot! Visited The Surf Studio again for a mini class.
This time I tried the mini yoga surf class and holy cow! Talk about a new challenge for positions like dancer or tree!
LOVED loved LOVED the class and the ambiance of overhead lights off and led rope around the floor boards to give just enough light.
I wasn’t sure how relaxing on a surf board would go but it was great!
I only wish I lived closer!

This was such a blast!
I was super fortunate to be able to try a Surf Set class, and I was super excited about it.
Located in Southeast Edmonton, the studio was relatively easy to find, with ample parking. In the front entry of the Surf Studio, there is a beautiful reception area with clothing items, water bottles, and change rooms. The ladies at Surf Studio were super friendly and outgoing, and seemingly wanted us to have the best experience possible.
Inside the studio were the surfboards! They’re mounted on what it looked like was bosu balls, with bands to increase or reduce motion.
Believe it or not, it looks easier than it is. It was quite apparent to me that I need to work on my core. But it’s not mandatory. This is for fun!
Throughout the class, we touched on a few different exercises for our bodies. While challenging, it didn’t seem like work. It was a lot more fun than just a basic workout. I didn’t fall off, which was a huge bonus for me, and I left feeling completely satisfied that I had a great full body workout.
Surfing in Alberta doesn’t seem like the norm, but I think we all need to Hang 10 dudes!

Oh my gosh, SO MUCH FUN.
I came yesterday with Unilocal Fit, not really knowing what to expect (I didn’t really look at reviews ahead of time so I had no idea how they incorporated surf boards into a workout).
We ended up doing a yoga class (and I have also never done Yoga before. crazy, I know) and I loved it. The boards definitely made it way more fun for me (I’ve never done yoga before because stretching on a mat sounds kind of… boring?) — it’s a real challenge to stay balanced and to do the poses on the board. I might have fall off a couple of times.
It was just a short intro into their classes, but I really really enjoyed it. If the studio was closer to me I would definitely consider purchasing a pass. The owners were also super duper friendly — even in my ‘just got off work for the week’ haze of non-​socialness.

I went to a balance class as part of Unilocal fit week. It would be a good class for a little strength training via body weight and balance exercises. I’m generally a HIIT attendee so the pace wasn’t quite fast enough for me but I’d probably come back if I didn’t want an intense workout. I’d be interested to see what the other classes are like.
I found the instructor cheerful with encouragement but vague («you guys are awesome!») and there wasn’t any other interaction in terms of correcting form etc. More verbal instruction on movements would also have been appreciated.

Love the Surf Studio. Natasha is a bad-​ass and it is nice to switch up the workout and do something fun and unique. Classes available for all fitness levels.

Now that I have over 10 Surfset classes under my belt, I’ll update my review with more info about the different types of classes and other things I like about the studio. Yes, I still love it and it hasn’t gotten boring yet!
Types of classes:
* BLEND — my favourite type of class, it incorporates elements of all the other classes (cardio, strength training, balance, core work, AND has a «surf series» at the end, where you simulate real surf moves (paddling, popping up to standing, duck dives). The strength training in this class does not incorporate extra equipment as in a build class, though.
* BUILD — I like these classes because they incorporate 2kg medicine balls or resistance bands (3 different strengths) into upper body, lower body and total body intervals. At the end, there is a tiny bit of cardio too. Even though the focus isn’t on cardio, it still gets my heart pumping!
* BURN — cardio-​based interval training. There are multiple sets of 4 exercises, all done for around 30 seconds, then repeated. There is a bit of core work at the end too. You definitely work up a big sweat in this one.
* BALANCE — there are still full body exercises that will get your heart pumping in this one, but it’s a bit more gentle than the others. It’s a great choice to bring a beginner to (I’ve brought my mom!).
* Others — I also really like the Burn/​Build classes too, because they have the cardio intervals with the medicine ball or resistance band type strength exercises. There are also Core Power and Booty Blast classes– I haven’t taken these as they are typically only 30 minutes (instead of the regular 45) and are scheduled in the middle of the day.
Other awesome things/​tips:
* The owner and instructor, Natasha, is great — very upbeat, gives you tips to help with your form, and suggests modifications if needed (not making you feel bad about it!).
* There are little sweat towels provided that you can use to wipe your face during the workout.
* In the summer, there are a few weekends of Surfset in the Park — where you’re doing surfset overlooking the river valley, Muttart and Hotel MacDonald!
* They have kid-​friendly classes where moms can bring their babies along with them as they work out.
* There are junior and family surfset classes too for your kids to partake in.
* They now offer yoga classes in the studio as well.
* Don’t forget to bring a waterbottle! (They sell bottled water in studio if you forget yours).
* Students are 15% off (ask Natasha for the online password)
* If you buy a 5 or 10-​class pass, you get 1 class free (making it essentially a 6 or 11 class pass).
See you on the boards!

It was good! I did the blend class which is a combo of strength, cardio & core. She said it burnt between 300 – 400 cals but my guess is 200 – 250 max. The instructor was great — it definitely worked muscles that aren’t used to being worked like that (ankle stabilizers), and I felt that the workout was decent without feeling like I was dying (ok maybe I was dying during core ;)), but I definitely broke a sweat.
At $ 17 for drop in, it’s a little steep, but it’s definitely different than anything you’ll get elsewhere and I’ll definitely be back!

Oh! Wow… this is WAY harder then I thought it would be, but such a novel and really neat way to work out and get in shape. At first I thought this would just be a easy and fun way to get a little workout in, but after doing it a few times I am really blown away by how this is a complete, full body work out that you really work hard at — but not in that «I hate this» kind of way.
The studio itself is really beautiful and gives you that «I just rolled into Southern California» vibe. With cool blues and Hawaii/​Cali chic décor. And then there is not enough amazing things I can say about the owner, Natasha. She is cool, fun, positive and amazing at Surf Set fitness.
I caught the tail end of one of the kids classes; amazing! Kids from 3 — 10 were woking out and having a blast — this is definitely a wonderful way for children to work out in a small class setting.
Time to Hang 10 Edmonton!

This was a refreshing reprieve from the dreary Edmonton weather today. You get a great work out in on a mini surf board while training your core muscles. The best way to describe it is like doing yoga on a surface that moves.
The owner/​instructor who taught our class was awesome. Super encouraging and created a really positive environment. She always had different modifications for the moves that would rather make it a little easier if you were struggling or harder if you were killing it.
There is total variety in the kinds of workouts offered. She mentioned core, high interval training, mom and baby classes, and tons of others.
I thought it was really cool too that she had done some working with autistic kids in helping them to burn off some energy and really focus in on the necessary balancing.
This new location just opened so I highly recommend checking it out!

Surf’s Up in Edmonton?
Actually kind of. Yes, even though we’re in a landlocked province about 1000 km from the ocean you can get a little taste of surfing here in Edmonton. The Surf Studio is a fitness studio that does surf fitness classes, and I got to check out and try a 30 minute class thanks to the Unilocal Fit Event. Sure it might sound kind of funny, going to workout on a surfboard. How hard can it be?
Well after the class before ours finished up we were told to into the room and get used to standing on the surfboards. I should point out, before anyone gets confused, that the surfboards aren’t just resting flat on the ground. They’re elevated about a foot or so up, and they’re on these rubber things, so basically they can move from side to side like a surfboard. I stepped on one and almost lost my balance, and my legs started shaking right away. Sounds scary, but I’m really not the most coordinated person. This is a workout where you use your balance and your core muscles a lot. I could feel muscles moving where I didn’t even realize there were muscles there.
Since this wasn’t a full class (I think they’re 45 minutes) we got a just a taste of the surfset workout, a combination of their yoga inspired balance workout and the surfing inspired blend workout. Just getting used to the surfbboard took me some time, but I think I was getting better as the class improved. I stuck to the beginner poses and movements, but the instructor Natasha (also the owner) showed us more advance moves for those who wanted to try something more challenging. The room itself isn’t very big, I think there was may 10 surfboards, which is nice because its easy to see the demonstrations for the poses and moves.
The workout was fun, and challenging, but not too intimidating even for a nonsurfer like me. I can’t swim, and I’ve never surfed before, so this was my first time doing anything like this at all. I might not be ready to hang ten in the ocean, but I’d certainly come back for another workout at The Surf Studio again.

Unique fun class. Surfing with a painting of waves on the wall. nice.
I attended a class prior to opening with Unilocal.Plenty of parking to be found here. Once inside theres 3 changerooms and little cubbies for your belongings.
In the surf room. Theres 9 surf boards and a nice little painting of the oceans waves to get you in the mood. The classes start off with a nice warmup to get used to the board. U basically stand on a surfboard which is balanced on 3 balance balls. You can remove ropes to make it harder too.
This class is all about coordination and balance. Using those core muscles its a different exercise than what any other club can offer. So if you need to switch it up this is a good way to do it.
The class for me was built mainly for moderate and up levels of fitness. I did find this class exceptionally challenging as my wrist gave out mid class. (Lots of weight bearing exercises). I have a previous injury and i found the modified exercises still too painful for my wrist. So for this i minused a star. If i didnt have this injury. Im sure i would of had enjoyed it much more. Ive exercised at lots of places and modifications were easily incorporated in the class. I felt the owner just went on with the class instead of correcting other peoples technique. Which would of been nice.
Overall the class was alot of fun. Its a nice way to try surfing if you dont get a real chance to try the real thing. My favourite exercise was the paddling. It felt so very awkward and liberating at the same time. lol

Got to check out a class as part of Unilocal Fit at the new location, which officially opens June 1.
This is a very unique and fun concept to work out your core and balance, mixing it in with some aerobics and yoga on a surf board stimulated like it’s in the water.
I won’t lie, I probably have one of the worst coordination, but the classes can accommodate anyone from a beginner to the more experienced. Most of the moves provide a level of easy to more challenging, so you can do it at whatever you feel more comfortable with. It did take a while for me to get use to balancing on the board. Had to laugh that after the first 10 minutes I thought it was pretty challenging already, but then found out it was just the warm up.
The workout area is nice and air conditioned with 9 boards, so it is not crowded and everyone has more than enough space between them. There are 3 change stalls, no lockers but there are cubby holes to put your stuff in, or if you feel more comfortable, take them with you into the workout are.
The instructor is also the owner and you can tell she loves what she does and enjoys doing the classes.
If you want a break from doing the same type of workout, definitely give Surfset Fitness a try. For some of us this may be the closest thing we get to seeing how it feels to surf!

First of all, I LOVE this idea for a fitness class. It’s so unique. The novelty alone is a reason to try. Our instructor, Natasha was incredible and gave many variations for all skill levels. This was fun, challenging, and the class sizes are small (only 8 boards). For someone who wants to have a ready-​made, time efficient, full body work out, this is for you! We only did a trial class of 30 minutes (most are 45); I consider myself a relatively fit person but I can tell you with out a doubt this was the most challenging of the 4 Fit Club events I have been to. I feel (happily) exhausted in my legs, shoulders, and core. I’m sold. This is without a doubt one of my favourite fitness studios in the city.