Your first question might be “what is yoga”?
Yoga is different for everyone. It is often described as an ancient system to balance the mind, body and spirit. For some, it is simply a form of physical exercise and for others a more spiritual practice of meditation and self awareness. Yoga is not a religion but for some, simply a way of life that can have the same core values such as love, contentment, truth and non-harming of others.
Dating back more than 5000 years, yoga was traditionally a meditation practice. However, sitting for long periods of time required physical movement to allow for lengthier meditation. Once asanas were added, it was discovered that there were numerous benefits, which are constantly being studied today.
Hatha uses movement/postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) to bring balance and unity to the mind, body and spirit. Ha-tha literally means sun & moon. Generally this refers to the balance of opposing energies in the body - sun which is Yang, energetic, warm, masculine, right-side, and moon, which is Yin, calm, cool, feminine, left-side.
Most "styles" of yoga, are Hatha based (ie. Hot Yoga, Bikram, Ashtanga, Yin, etc.)
~ The quality of your breath affects the quality of your life ~
Hatha Yoga
My classes emphasize proper alignment using props such as blocks and straps to accommodate any special needs, prevent injury and assure maximum benefit. My interest is more therapeutic based. Therefore, at the beginning of a class, I may spend time with a new student so that I can find ways to best assist their practice.
Classes are designed for beginner and intermediate students and encompass a variety of styles with a strong emphasis on pranayama. I often tailor my classes to suit the general mood or energy of the students. On a full moon we may play with moon-salutations or end a Flow class with restorative poses!
Bliss Yoga
I created Bliss Yoga several years ago which combines Restorative Yoga and Massage. Imagine a nurturing class incorporating gentle movements to calm the nervous system, and therapeutic poses to produce a deep state of relaxation, while receiving the healing benefits of touch through simple massage.
Suitable for ALL levels. Beneficial for conditions related to stress and illness
Prenatal Yoga
I encourage postures and breathwork that facilitate a healthy, happy pregnancy and labour. During a typical session, I may offer partner yoga where the expectant mother can bring her companion to practice the breath-work, postures as well as simple massage techniques that can be beneficial during labour.
Parent/Baby Yoga
As a mom, I know the importance of being part of a group of other parents who can offer support, advice and their own “mommy moments”!
Classes are designed to gently stretch, strengthen and relax areas of the body affected by parenthood, meet other parents & share experiences plus bond with your baby using songs, physical movements and simple infant massage all while in our poses!
Core Flow Yoga
The class is designed for all levels, including anyone wanting to safely rebuild their core (ie. post pregnancy, surgery etc). I offer many variations, so the student can choose what is best for them. With my training and own issues with diastasis recti (ab separation), we work from inside out (deep core muscles and pelvic floor) to proper breathing and posture - all of which are crucial for proper core function. If it's been 1 year or 25 years, you can still rebuild your core!
Class ends with restorative poses by the fireplace to relax and unwind and prepare for the week ahead!
Children's Yoga
Designed for children to enjoy the many benefits of yoga through simple postures, breath work, creative play, games, song and dance. By practicing yoga even just once a week, a child can build self confidence and self-esteem plus increase focus & concentration. Parents are encouraged (but not required) to join in on the fun!
Flow Yoga
Hatha Flow links the postures with movements that "flow" with the breath. It incorporates a variety of postures to challenge, invigorate,build strength, stamina and focus. The physical practice will create heat in the body, helping to detoxify and improve the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
The class begins with warm ups and ends with relaxing poses such as in Yin or Restorative yoga to relax and unwind.
Warm/Hot Yoga
A warm/hot class is a detoxifying practice consisting of yoga postures that help to build strength, flexibility and stamina. The room is heated between 90-105F. This class is appropriate for beginners and experienced students as postures can be modified to suit the individual.
Restorative Yoga – For many of us, we are always on the go, doing something and surrounded by stimuli that can wreak havoc on the nervous system, putting us in a constant state of “fight or flight”, without even realizing it. When the body is able to fully relax, healing begins, both physically and emotionally.
Contrary to Yin where you “stretch", Restorative poses use many props (bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks) to allow the body to relax and open in a way that you won’t feel it. Receive the benefits of a complete practice that incorporates all movements (forward and backbends, inversions and twists) and ends with Svasana.
This class is suitable for all levels, and is beneficial for all ages, stages of mobility and/or illness. In the case of illness, please consult your health care provider and let me know so that I may be better able to assist you in your practice.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is often referred to as a quiet practice. It utilizes floor postures typically held for 3-5 minutes. It is considered “passive stretching” as opposed to contracting muscles, and is designed to gently stretch the connective tissues. This practice helps open and release the body and compliments the more active or muscular styles of Yoga (Yang).
A Yin practice helps relax the body, release physical and emotional tension and quiets the mind, making it a great way to prepare for meditation.
Yang & Yin Yoga
For me, this is the often the perfect practice! Its combines yang - a more active, flowing and strengthening practice, with Yin - which is more calming, stretching and releasing.
Each class finishes with restorative poses to allow for complete integration and relaxation. What could be better than that!
Partner Yoga – The word yoga literally means “union" or “to yoke” – and what better way to experience that than with a partner! Classes are designed to be fun and incorporates the more familiar poses that can be done together (2 trees are better than 1) and not so familiar (airplane anyone?). Bring your spouse, a friend, a parent, even your child!
