A new boutique fitness studio, LSD°R, is making waves in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood, offering a unique low-impact Pilates experience that incorporates both breathwork and Reformer machines.
Founded by seasoned fitness entrepreneurs Tessa Bernier and Jackie Di Renzo, LSD°R aims to bring a sustainable, mindful workout to a growing wellness hub in the city. With a soft launch this week and a grand opening on March 3, the studio promises a fresh approach to fitness for those seeking long-term results without putting stress on the body.
LSD°R’s 1,700-square-foot space is designed to be intimate and functional, housing 14 Reformers and a variety of amenities such as lockers, restrooms, and a reception area. The studio is strategically located at 543 Richmond Street, positioned between Portland and King West—an area already home to several wellness businesses. Bernier and Di Renzo, both experienced in the boutique fitness scene, were drawn to the neighbourhood’s demographic and vibrant energy, making it the perfect spot for their first location.
The studio’s name, which stands for “Low, Slow, Deep Reform,” reflects the core philosophy of the practice. Participants are encouraged to move slowly on the Reformers while focusing on deep breathing to enhance both physical strength and mental clarity. While the primary demographic is women between 25 and 40, LSD°R is also attracting a growing number of men seeking a functional, low-impact workout that fosters overall wellness. With plans to expand to five locations throughout Toronto, LSD°R is poised to become a go-to destination for those looking to incorporate mindful movement into their fitness routines.
Bernier said the two owners have extensive experience in the boutique fitness industry. They’ve opened yoga and Pilates studios in the past in Toronto and other locations.
“We’ve also owned retreat centres together and run international retreats for many years. We’ve been involved in yoga, Pilates, and teacher training for a long time. We’re both movement instructors, specializing in yoga, Pilates, and breathwork training. All of this experience ultimately led us to LSD°R, where we focused on a Re°form Pilates modality,” she said.
“The location is perfect because it’s at the intersection of an emerging wellness hub in Toronto, with other wellness-oriented businesses nearby. We also know King West well, having owned studios in the area before, so it felt like coming home. We understand the neighbourhood demographic, which made it an easy choice for our first studio,” said Di Renzo.
“We’ve found that 1,500 to 2,000 square feet is the right size for what we need—enough to create an intimate, functional environment without any excess space. We’ve learned from previous experiences that less can be more. This sort of bespoke type of location that offers everything a client could possibly need is that sweet spot in and around 1,700 square feet,” added Di Renzo.
Bernier said the concept behind it is a low-impact workout where you move slowly, incorporate deep breathing, and engage deeply with the Reformer machine, focusing on getting into deep positions.
Di Renzo said they hope to open more studios.
“Our goal has always been to have a minimum of five locations here in Toronto. We wanted to create smaller, more intentional spaces that can fit into various neighbourhoods around the city. The design and offering allow us to cater to the specific needs of each neighbourhood, ensuring the concept works on a community level,” she said.
Bernier said the studio’s main demographic is women, particularly those between 25 and 40. That said, they’ve had a lot of men during its recent soft launch as well. The area around the studio has a dense population of people in that age range, so it’s a good fit.
“We put a lot of thought into the offering. Breathwork and modern Pilates are central to our program. Pilates on the Reformer allows for a low-impact, sustainable workout. People often want something new to add to their wellness routine, and we offer an option that stretches, lengthens, and strengthens without putting stress on the joints or deteriorating the body,” said Di Renzo.
“We also incorporate breathwork, which not only aids in the mind-body connection but offers mental health benefits. Breathwork helps people shift their mental state, feel grounded, and generally feel better in their own skin. Our target is someone who is familiar with wellness and looking for a long-term, functional practice that also nurtures their mental well-being.”
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Wow this looks amazing!!!!! Booking my class now