DROP-IN AND SPECIALTY CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
The classes at Yogaspace are appropriate for a wide range of physical abilities and levels of practice. Participants are always encouraged to listen closely to their bodies, and taught how to modify the postures and movements to make them accessible to their unique needs and circumstances. Not every pose or movement is for every body. No postures or movements should ever cause pain. A good yoga teacher is a knowledgable and supportive guide who see’s you, and is able to attend to your unique needs. Nobody knows your body better than you.
LEVELS
All Levels – All levels classes are for everyone from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Some all levels classes provide more detailed instruction while others encourage students to explore and make their own discoveries about moving in time and space. Teachers will often provide modifications to individuals for the sake of comfort, safety, and/or accessibility.
Level 1-2 – These classes are for students who are familiar with yoga and movement practices. They often include more advanced postures, longer holds, and/or increased pace. Students who are coming to level 1-2 classes for the first time are encouraged to be patient, take ample breaks, and develop strength and endurance over time.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
In Studio Specialty Classes
Therapeutic Yoga – All – In Studio
Kathryn Beet
Rachel Pfau
Thursdays 7:30-8:45
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Limited Capacity
Sink into a thick, plush mat, supported by an abundance of props, draped in cozy blankets as you journey through a grounding restorative sequence punctuated by generous massage, aromatherapy and soothing music.
- Soothes the nervous system – Improves sleep – Enhances energy & well being – Reduces stress, muscle soreness & tension
*Please wear warm, loose, comfortable clothes, (including socks) – and take off all jewelry. A yoga mat is not required.
DROP-IN CLASSES: IN STUDIO AND ONLINE (Register through the Schedule)
Vinyasa Flow – All – In Studio and Online
YuMee Chung - Monday 12-1pm
Fiona Walker - Monday 4:30pm, Wednesday 6pm, Friday 4:30pm
Jessica Ullathorne - Tuesday 6pm
Nicky Poole - Saturday 10am
Vinyasa means ‘to place in a sacred way’. In this flowing, dance-like practice, we begin with a warm up and then move into Sun Salutations, Standing Poses, Standing Balances, Core Work, Backbends, Forward Folds and Twists. Sometimes Inversions are also practiced. The transitions between postures are linked by the breath and the postures themselves are held for 3-5 steady breaths. With emphasis on the breath, core engagement, pacing and alignment, students are encouraged to move with care from posture to posture. As new postures are introduced, they are systematically broken down with modifications to make them more accessible to beginners and/or, more challenging for advanced students. Vinyasa classes are fun, and accompanied by inspiring and gently rhythmic music to set the pace. Vinyasa yoga provides cardio conditioning while challenging endurance, strength, stability, mobility and balance.
Vinyasa Flow All – (Prenatal Friendly) – In Studio
Leasa Wright - Sunday 9:30am
A fun, breath driven, flowing Vinyasa class for everyone. *This class is Prenatal accessible.
Classical Hatha Flow – 1-2 – In Studio
Yosh Maeda - Monday 6pm
The Classical Hatha yoga system is comprised of the asana, pranayama and meditation exercises found in the ancient texts of Hatha yoga. The practice begins with several rounds of the original version of Surya Namaskar ~ a series of dynamic sun salutations devised to stretch and strengthen the front and back lines of the body in preparation for practice. The sequence continues with a series of asana to awaken the spine and create stability, mobility, strength and balance. As this practice evolves, more advanced postures are introduced and the postures are held for increasing lengths of time. Once the postures are completed, we move into a short pranayama, (breathing), and meditation practices to consciously connect with our peaceful selves before coming to rest in Savasana. Level 1-2 classes provide cardio conditioning as well as a focus on stability, mobility, and balance. They are appropriate for experienced practitioners and adventurous beginners.
CORE EXPLORE – In Studio
Nicky Poole - Friday 1pm
This accessible class introduces students to a deeper understanding of their core through targeted movements taken from the complementary modalities of pilates and yoga.
When we talk about the ‘core’ we are referring to the abdominals, back muscles, pelvic floor and breathing muscles. Deepening the connection and awareness of our ‘inner unit’ will provide support and stability for the rest of the body and more ease in all other areas of your life.
This class is ideal for:
• folks looking for a deeper understanding of the workings of their body
• people curious about how mat pilates can support their yoga practice
• people recovering from illness and injury, and working to rebuild strength
• postnatal students
• new students venturing back into movement practice after some time away
• people who want to feel strong and empowered
A mat based class, with most movements down seated or reclining and minimal pressure on the wrists, light toning weights, inflatable core balls and other props are used to enhance the experience and add load depending on individual needs and preferences.
Flowyoga – All – In Studio and Online
Bibi Rahim-Hahn - Wednesday 11am, Friday 6pm, Sunday 4pm
The Flow always begins with a guided meditation that goes deep and sets the tone for for a series of postures to open the body for inward exploration. This class moves slowly and deliberately, encouraging participants to explore their individual edges while letting go of externally imposed expectations and limitations. The Flowyoga sequence is designed to stimulate each chakra and promote health in the associated glands of the endocrine system. A slow moving class focused on developing and maintaining mental and physical stability, mobility and balance.
Chakra Flow – 1-2 – In Studio
Hali Schwartz - Wednesday 1pm
This unique practice, (sādhana) will explore some of the most important elements of the traditional hatha yoga system. Our weekly sequence will remain the same for three month cycles until it is cultivated and honed. It will include āsana, prānāyām and the practices of chakra kriya. In its classical setting, hatha yoga’s principal aim is to bring awareness to the channels of energy (chakra) that lie dormant within the body so that they may be accessed. This is a dynamic and exciting practice that culminates in the stillness of meditation. An intermediate class, ideal for yoga practitioners with some prior experience.
Restorative Yoga – All – In Studio
Yosh Maeda - Monday 7:15pm
Restorative yoga is a practice aimed at recovering wellness, ease and harmony in a system that has become overloaded and hyper stimulated. The restorative practice adapts many of the fundamental postures of the hatha yoga system, bringing about their healing properties by cultivating our ability to yield to the force of gravity. Practiced predominantly in reclined, prone or a sitting positions with the support of props to achieve varying effects, restorative yoga aims to transport the practitioner into a state of deep rest and inner quiet where the body and the mind can release accumulated tension.
Yin & Restore + Soundbath – All – In Studio
Nikki Gauci - Wednesday 7:30pm
An evening ritual that perfectly balances the stretch and release of Yin yoga and the nourishment and support of a Restorative practice. Enhanced by a live Soundbath and all done on the floor with the support of blankets, bolsters and blocks. Expect a luxurious guided savasana and float home in a state of bliss.
Prenatal Yoga – All – In Studio and Online
Leasa Wright - Thursday 6pm
A whole body flow focused on stretching and strengthening important muscle groups in support of your changing, pregnant body. Connect breath and movement to unravel common pregnancy discomforts. Gentle and effective yoga sequences support you in developing the endurance required for coping during labour. – All
Slow Flow and Restore – All – In Studio
Kathryn Beet - Tuesday 7:15pm
Ease into the rhythm of a decidedly slow and fluid yoga experience aimed at inviting an unbridled and spontaneous connection to the relationship between movement and breath. Let go of preconceived idea’s of “correct” as you embody the living shapes of yoga within the physical, mental and spiritual structures you inhabit today. Conclude in a couple of passive restorative shapes to ground and calm. 10 minute warm up. 20 minute active practice. 20 minute passive practice. Modifications invited and encouraged throughout the journey. Everyone welcome including beginners and those returning to yoga practice after a hiatus or an injury.
Community Classes – ALL – In Studio
Taught by graduates of the Yogaspace 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program
Taught in the styles of Vinyasa or Classical Hatha Flow by graduates of our 200 hour yoga teacher training program, these classes have served as the breeding ground for many of Toronto’s most talented yoga teachers for twenty two years. (All)