Class Descriptions

Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

We haven’t labeled our classes based on ability as each person judges their own ability differently. Hatha classes are typical performed at a slower pace than vinyasa, strength classes require more physical exertion, restorative yoga focuses more on stretching, and each instructor offers a different level of cuing and demonstration.

Just as our bodies are all different, so are our yoga preferences. We encourage you to try a few classes to find the best fit, as we are confident that there is a class for you!

Hatha vs Vinyāsa

We see these two words a lot in the yoga world, so what’s the difference? Hatha yoga includes all physical types of yoga and the term has been around since the 15th century, while Vinyāsa is one specific type of Hatha yoga, commonly called flow yoga! For most studios (including ours), these terms indicate how fast we flow through out various yoga poses. Vinyāsa is typically one-breath-one-movement, whereas in a Hatha classes we would hold the poses for a couple of breaths before moving to the next pose. If a class is labelled as Hatha that means that for most of that class you will be moving at a slower pace (with a little Vinyāsa here and there), whereas if a class is labelled Vinyāsa, the majority of that class will be spent moving at a one-breath-one-movement pace (with a little Hatha here and there). 

Class Descriptions

Vinyāsa

Go with the flow: In this class we incorporate a series of one-breath-one-movement choreographed flows. Vinyāsa classes build a lot of heat in the body, allowing you to stretch deeper and go a little further in your practice. There is a gentle warm up, lots of Vinyāsa yoga, followed by deep stretching and restorative poses. Jenn offers predictability in her classes, and incorporates a set of standard poses in each and every class, encouraging confidence and a deeper mind/body connection.

Hatha

Gentle Flow with Gail and Tina: The word Hatha can be translated in a number of ways, but for the purpose of our descriptions and classes we will use this translation: the sun (ha) and the moon (tha), the yoga of balance! We incorporate a choreographed flow into most of our classes, so that transitions are less awkward and more natural, but we follow the traditional slower pace of movements and focus on each individual yoga pose, including counter poses and deep stretching. In these classes, we hold the poses a little longer, taking time to check our alignment and to also take a few slow focused breaths during each pose. It should be noted that even in our hatha classes we may use a short vinyāsa-style (one-breath-one-movement) warm-up to build heat in the body.

Mobility/Beginner: This gentle yoga class places focus on increasing mobility and range of motion through movements that are slow and deliberate. Special attention is given to soft tissue stretching and joint stability. This class is suitable for beginners, those with limited mobility, injuries, arthritis, or those simply looking for a slower paced yoga class. Throughout the classes we will introduce yoga poses slowly, offering personal alignment tips to lower the risk of injury and allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of yoga. No experience required.

Strength

All of our strength classes are designed to build strength in various areas of the body. Each instructor has a different focus and style!

Fiercely Focused: Elevate and deepen your practice in this brand new strength class! Each class will include a 15 minute “sightless” flow that allows for more body awareness and mindfulness (and encourages focus and concentration). Classes will also include yoga poses that build strength in abdominal and arm/shoulder muscles, a 15 minute pose breakdown/practice, as well as new fun and challenging yoga poses! During the fall we will introduce arm balances, headstand/modified headstand, wheel, bow, bird of paradise, and lots of plank variations! You can pick which poses you want to work on throughout the session, as this class focuses on individual practice, not one-size-fits-all. Created to not only increase strength, this class will help with breath work, focus, and balance.

Swastha Strength: Swastha means to be firmly rooted and fully established in oneself, with optimally functioning and balanced health on all levels of our being. This strength class, led by Gail, focuses on alignment, efficiency, and the quality of our overall health. Swastha yoga has deep roots in improving the digestive and nervous system through specific physical poses that also increase strength and flexibility. Gail’s upbeat and positive personality helps create a judgement free, welcoming, and fun atmosphere where you can learn this beautiful style of yoga. Each class includes breath work, physical postures to build strength throughout the entire body, deep stretching, and a relaxing savasana to end your class.

More Core: A vinyāsa strength class targeting the entire body, but focusing on building core strength to increase stability, reduce back pain, and build overall strength – and you’ll gain some anatomy knowledge while you’re there! Expect to experience some elements of a typical vinyāsa class, while also holding some key poses to build deeper strength. Suitable for all abilities, this class is one you definitely want add to your yoga practice. Alternating instructors Kayla and Tina will leave you feeling rejuvenated!

Restorative

Align and Unwind: This Yin yoga class focuses on stretching and breathing. This is not a flow class, it will not get your heart rate up, it does not focus on strength. Instead the focus is on the breath and the body. It promotes mental wellness, and unlike most mainstream yoga classes which have a focus on fitness, this class focuses on peace of mind. Body awareness is a central theme in this class, and there is a lot of attention to our breath. You need to exhale in order to inhale. A great class if you struggle with stress and anxiety. 

Kids/Teens

Girls Empowerment Circle: Ages 9-12

“To empower a little girl is to empower the woman she will become” ~ Diane Von Furstenberg

Today’s children face tremendous pressure to achieve in a world that is often overwhelming. Starting yoga early can help not only build strength and flexibility, it can also promote a better self image, leading to stronger self-confidence. Yoga and mindfulness also offer proven methods of developing the inner resilience needed to navigate physical, mental and emotional stress. This 5 week program will teach techniques for coping with the unique issues young girls face every day, including insecurity about their changing bodies, the pressure to fit in, and stressful schedules. Together through yoga, art, and circle activities, we will create a safe space for girls to come together, uplift and empower each other. Each class will be broken down into three sections: 1) Circle Activity; 2) Art and Mindfulness Activity; 3) Yoga Strength/Balance/Flexibility Poses.

This class is taught by Jenn.

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The following is a list of class descriptions not currently on the schedule.These classes can be added if there is enough interest.

Parent/Child Classes

Young children naturally like to move and dance. This love of movement makes for an easy transition to various yoga poses. Have you ever looked at your child and wondered, how did they get their bodies into that position? Doesn’t that hurt? Children have a wonderful ability to twist and turn their bodies without injuring themselves. A child will not likely go into a position that causes pain, and if they do so accidentally they are quick to come out of it.

The parent/child classes are not as quiet as regular yoga classes. These classes are full of fun poses that allow your child’s imagination to take center stage. Your little one will roar like a lion, meow like a cat, and crawl through a bridge built by you. Together you will build partner poses with your child, creating mountains, airplanes, mirrors, and more! Each class includes yoga poses, songs, games and/or stories.

Prenatal Yoga

These classes are designed for those planning to become pregnant and those of any gestation 1 to 42 weeks, but is open to everyone! Enjoy a yoga flow that is safe for prenatal/postnatal bodies, and a gentle alternative to a standard vinyāsa class. Students are encouraged to bring pillows and blankets for comfort.

This class is taught by Kayla, our very own labour and delivery nurse and certified prenatal yoga instructor!

Sunrise Yoga

A beautiful mix of hatha and vinyāsa styled instruction! You will be carried through a gentle warm up, strength building and balance āsanas, an introduction to more challenging poses, deep stretching, restorative poses, and a final relaxation that will mentally prepare you for the day ahead. Non competitive, and focus is placed on individual progression.

Small class size, 4 – 8 people.

This class is taught by Jenn.

Individual Practice Classes

These classes are all about personal progress. If there are poses you are working towards, or if you want to deepen your practice by learning new poses, more physically challenging poses, and/or breathing and meditation techniques, this is a great class for you! With a small class size, you will be given one-on-one instruction and feedback. Would you like to learn an arm balance? How to start a meditation practice? Tips and breathing strategies to reduce anxiety?

This class is taught by Jenn.

Stability Yoga

This is not a flow class. Its purpose is to develop strength, mobility and stability through the holding of various yoga poses for longer periods of time. The benefits of holding poses a little longer is that you build significantly more strength, you give yourself time to properly adjust your alignment, you give space for your emotions, and you have an opportunity to stabilize your mind. Holding poses for a longer period of time is an extremely beneficial addition to your practice.

This class is taught by Jenn.

Balance Board Yoga

Challenge yourself by lifting your practice off the mat! Balance Board yoga (SUP Yoga) is a fun way to take poses to the next level. Requiring more focus, it strengthens the mind/body connection while challenging the body through a mix of hatha and vinyāsa. Suitable for all abilities, but knowledge of foundation poses is an asset.

Maximum class size: 8

This class is taught by Jenn.

Yoga for the senses

Each class is 90 minutes and incorporates various music and chimes, aromatherapy with high quality essential oils, and a surprise treat! Through vinyāsa styled instruction you will be carried through a gentle warm up, strength building and balance āsanas, with extra time in deep stretching, and a final relaxation that includes an optional neck massage to relieve any residual tension that has built throughout the day. *Not a regular weekly class, dates and prices will be announced.

*Maximum 15 students

Teen Yoga: Ages 13 and up

Yoga classes are inclusive and non-competitive. Students are encouraged to move at their own unique level and ability, whatever that may be. No prior yoga experience is required. Everyone can do yoga! Classes are 45 minutes and include standard yoga poses, focused breathing techniques, balance poses, deep stretching, and relaxation/meditation. Students will be introduced to over thirty individual yoga poses including balance and inversion poses. Classes follow a vinyāsa style in which students smoothly transition from one pose to the next. These classes also offer pose breakdown and partner poses if students are interested. These classes are currently being offered on a PAY WHAT YOU CAN (or nothing at all)basis once a month! Maximum accepted is $10, Minimum is $0. All proceeds from this class will be donated to Choices for Youth.

This class is taught by Jenn.

After School Children’s Program: Ages 6-10

Variety of yoga games and partner poses. Students learn over twenty individual yoga poses including four balance poses. This class focuses on following direction, breathing techniques, listening to our bodies, and thinking positively. No experience necessary. Mats provided.

*Announcement will be made in September detailing participating schools.

Yoga for Skaters/Swimmers: Ages 5 – 10, Ages 11 – 14

With a focus on strength, balance, endurance and flexibility, yoga is a great choice for skaters and swimming. Students will focus on safe body alignment and body awareness through age appropriate poses and games. Students ages 9-14 will also learn about major muscle groups and how understanding and listening to our bodies can affect performance.

No experience necessary. Mats provided.

*This program is contracted and you must register through your skating/swimming program.