keep calm and tree pose
First introduced to yoga as a full time athlete in the late 90’s, I dismissed it as ‘too slow.’ After all, I was an ice hockey player, the change in pace was obvious. Then, I met Kundalini yoga in the 00’s, and thought that was what yoga was until I moved to London as a student and started taking the community classes at Lululemon. I would find it hard to concentrate in meditation and shavasana and still thought it wasn’t really for me. I continued, because ‘motion changes emotion,’ met some teachers I really liked who fed my competitive sporty spirit with strong physical practices and started to get me thinking about paying attention to the mind too. Later, I realised economically it would make more sense to spend the time and money getting certified. How little did I know the impact yoga would have… its not about chanting om, its not about the poses, or posting them on Instagram (I don’t).. its not even about the snazzy gear. Its about being in the present and with that letting go of the past and being open to the future.
200 Hour Yoga Alliance teacher training with Chris Chavez
300 Hour teacher training in progress
400+ teaching hours; 2000+ students instructed
Specialities - see more details below
Beginners
Vinyasa flow
Pre and post natal
Restorative/yin
Meditation and pranayama (breathing)
Private (including VIP/celebrity) classes. Hey, I’ve signed NDA’s so don’t ask me who ;)
Yoga for athletes
and the sweetest shavasana’s :)
Beginners
There is a lot of bad yoga out there and a lot of it stems from poor beginnings. We’ll set the foundation here, with little tips that even the most advanced yogi can benefit from.
Vinyasa flow
Recommended for those with yoga experience. Based on traditional hatha yoga, these classes running 60-90 minutes will make you sweat. Be prepared to be challenged. Remember we grow when we experience discomfort, not from working on the things we’re already good at.
Prenatal
Recommended for expecting mama’s. A gentler practice, though still challenging for flexi yoga mama's and mama’s to be, beginning as soon as you’re ready. Around week 24, a lot of mama’s begin to experience pain in their sacroiliac joint (tailbone region) as the hips and joints begin to expand to accommodate baby. The weight of the belly puts a lot of pressure on the back which of course can create discomfort. Moving the body can bring relief as well as helping to maintain the flexibility during pregnancy.
Post natal
Once you have sign off from your medical practitioner (usually after 6 weeks), mamas are invited to bring along their little ones to this class. Hilarity often ensues. Another gentle practice to build a safe strong core (closure of diastasis recti - the separating of the abdominal wall during pregnancy), stretch out those weary shoulder, neck and back muscles that can tighten while holding your baby, breastfeeding and so on.
Restorative/yin
These are sweet sweet classes running from 45-90 minutes made up of longer holds ranging from 1-4 minutes. This class is great for those looking to deepen stretches, let go of stress and even for those who find it hard to sit still. If you’re looking to tune out, quieten the mind the drift into a wakeful sleep, this class is for you.
Meditation and Pranayama
Are a part of every class and can be accessed after a physical practice. However for those looking to deepen practice in these areas, separate, shorter classes can be offered.
Private
On request and catered to the needs of the client
Yoga for athletes
As a former athlete (in ice hockey), I would have been a much stronger player had I discovered yoga back when I was competing. Injury is what too often side lines or can end a sporting career. While accidents happen, prevention is always better than cure. Yoga contributes to mobility and flexibility, two key components for strong muscles and healthy joints.