Toronto, April 2025.
Beneath the bustling energy of a city always on the move, there are unexpected places and even more surprising practices. Hidden among the skyscrapers, a new, exclusive phenomenon has emerged: Toronto’s secret rooftops, where CEOs and industry leaders gather not just for Zoom meetings, but for nude yoga sessions aimed at “reconnecting the body and mind.” A concept that blends wellness, extravagance, and a touch of secrecy.
I decided to infiltrate.
Nude Yoga: A Practice Loved by the Elite
Yoga, already popular worldwide, is now experiencing a new form that is attracting curiosity and debate: nude yoga. While this practice has roots in ancient traditions, it has skyrocketed in popularity among entrepreneurs, investors, and CEOs in Toronto. Far from the typical traditional yoga studio, these sessions take place outside of office hours, often in the mornings or late afternoons, in unconventional places such as hidden rooftops.
“It’s a way to free yourself from the mental and physical constraints of a workday. And honestly, there’s nothing more liberating than being in harmony with nature while doing yoga in its purest form,” explains Eric Johnson, a tech company CEO, while adjusting his sunglasses on a hidden rooftop in Toronto’s financial district.
How to Access These Secret Rooftops?
The secret rooftops where these sessions are held are anything but ordinary. No famous instructors, no open invitations. Access to these places is mainly through word of mouth and private networks, often reserved for the city’s business elite.
After weeks of research, behind-the-scenes conversations, and discreet recommendations, I managed to secure a spot for a session on one of the most coveted rooftops in the city, the Paragon Tower rooftop. Entry is through a hidden door located in a nearby café, and once inside, a private elevator takes you straight to the top.
The admission process is simple yet exclusive: a monthly invitation code, and a careful selection of participants based on their reputation in the business world. These sessions are primarily attended by CEOs, venture capitalists, and successful entrepreneurs.
A Typical Session: From Zoom Meetings to Nude Yoga
During my visit, I witnessed a scene that was nothing short of unusual. Just minutes before the session began, some CEOs in suits and ties closed their laptops after hours of Zoom meetings and swapped them for leggings or minimalist yoga outfits. A few even chose to practice completely nude, emphasizing the liberating and natural aspect of the session.
The nude yoga session lasts about an hour and is led by a private instructor, often a business professional or health expert in high demand. What’s striking about this practice is the absence of judgment. Participants find themselves on mats, surrounded by plants, in a serene environment, fully connected with the wind and the sky. The goal? To clear the mind of work-related stress while reconnecting with oneself.
Why Nude Yoga on Toronto’s Rooftops?
Some might consider this practice merely a fad, but for those who engage in it, it’s a genuine way to combat the stress of professional life. After intense meetings, nude yoga becomes a means of resetting the mind and learning to let go in an urban environment where anxiety and productivity often dictate the pace.
Amanda Wong, a serial entrepreneur, explains:
“It’s a way to reset my mind. Between Zoom meetings and constant emails, these sessions allow me to refocus and find a balance between my body and mind. It’s not just a trend; it’s become a necessity.”
Some participants even go as far as to hold informal meetings after the yoga session, taking advantage of the peaceful rooftop setting. These high-level meetups often revolve around topics like mental health, well-being, and how to better manage the challenges of modern leadership.
The Controversy: Why Is This Practice Hidden?
However, this phenomenon is not without its controversy. Some argue that it represents an exclusive privilege for the business elite. Access to these sessions is expensive and reserved for a small group of individuals, often seen as disconnected from the realities of the majority of workers.
Julie Tremblay, a psychologist specializing in workplace well-being, is skeptical:
“This type of practice reinforces the image of an elitist business world that is out of touch with the real struggles of employees. If we truly want to improve mental health in the workplace, we need to think about solutions that are accessible to everyone.”
Conclusion: Yoga, Relaxation, and Exclusion?
In the end, these secret rooftops and their nude yoga practices represent a unique way to live professional success in a setting that blends relaxation and performance. Yet, these initiatives remain a privilege reserved for those who can afford it, further fueling the divide between the elite and the masses in a city where ambition and competition are ever-present.
