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Karma Class at Leslieville Yoga

My better half is studying for an exam, so I've been relegated to the computer in order to not be a distraction. Killing time online is something I am superbly good at - hence my next blog entry!

My company just completed their latest conference. I got back on Wednesday absolutely exhausted but was happy to know that I was going to be heading to Lesliville Yoga again after a two week hiatus. It was amazing how stiff I was for my private class on thursday night. None of the poses came easily. This, in turn, simply fueled my desire to get back on track now that work requirements were out of the way.

I joined the Saturday morning Yin Class and finally felt some flexibility return. What I wanted to share was that this class was actually called a Karma Class. 

A Karma Class as defined on Leslieville Yoga's site:

 "This is a pay what you can class. A $5 minimum is recommended. A percentage of the payments from this class will be donated to the Alzheimer's Society."

 

Not only is Anita providing services to those who may not be able to afford regular classes but she is also donating a portion to a wonderful cause. If that isn't a double-wammy of goodness, then I don't know what is. Just wanted to share this with you.

Namaste.

Missing My Yoga

So my yoga studio has been closed for a few classes, but it has worked out well considering I have a major company event right now and I wouldn't have been able to practice on any of my normal days anyway.

But wow, can I feel a difference. The physical benefits are fantastic but simply taking that time for myself and creating a small space of mental serenity is of an even greater benefit to me. 

Work has been insane. Everyone either wants to kill each other or cry a little, but this is the trench work building up to our big annual event and we make it happen - our pièce de résistance.

In the hopes of letting off some pent up work steam, I went for a ride with my guy this morning. He got himself a new bicycle for his birthday so he's completely immersed himself into cycling with all the gear. I, on the other hand, have an ancient bicycle build in the dark ages. It's the same bicycle I had as a teen and is covered in a patina of rust. Every time I pedal, it lets out a squeak... so as I move along the city streets, I am serenaded with "Squeakie-tee - Squeakie-tee - Squeakie-tee - Sqeak!"

By my bike description, you can conclude I am no cyclist. The weather was perfect and the roads not too busy. I was sailing along on the Squeak-mobile with my geared-up man in front of me - all aerodynamic. But about half way back I started to not feel well at all. Actually I thought I was going to throw up. I had to take a little rest and walk the bike a bit. Oh well... 

No tour de France for me anytime soon - but private yoga next Thursday! Hooray!

Saturday Mornings at Leslieville Yoga

I've finally lost count of how many yoga classes I've attended and it's now part of my weekly routine. They say it takes 28 days to make a habit. Let's hope it sticks. In a bid to continue to incorporate more healthy choices into my life, I decided I would ride my bike to Leslieville Yoga for my Saturday morning Yin/Yang class. I'm still getting used to riding my bike in the city. Although I've been in Toronto now for over twelve years, I've only recently started to ride my bike again. It was great! I flew down Coxwell. (The trip there is mostly downhill) The weather was perfect, the roads not too congested and I had opportunity to finally use a bike lane on Dundas.

Class was great as usual and I think I'm showing signs of improved flexibility. Half of the Saturday class is dedicated to Yin positions. Anita worked me through holding some deep tissue positions for long periods of time. I managed to hold the Diamond for 4 minutes and I requested that we do the Shoelace as I find it challenging as well as the Bridge. I've been able to sustain the Bridge position for two classes now, but it doesn't come easily.

The breathing has been beneficial. I know, you're thinking "who needs help breathing?" but when you take the time to slow your breathing down and focus in on taking deep inhalations, it can do wonders, especially to help foster a peaceful mind. I've used my new breathing technique to combat my periodic insomina and it's been successful each time. 

During our private class this past week, Anita introduced us to new balance poses. These poses  require extreme focus and they were very challenging. I will be working on the Tree position, but we marveled at the advanced poses discussed like the Crane and the Peacock or Swan. I can't remember which it was.

We have quite a way to go, and I am looking forward to it!

My Second Yin/Yang Yoga Drop-In Class

Just wanted to write this quickly before I forget. I had my second drop-in class - a Yin/Yang yoga class at Leslieville Yoga. I guess I thought there would be only one or two other people, like my first drop-in. But it was a full house. I don't exactly gravitate to groups of strangers, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that it was not distracting or uncomfortable. Everyone was focused on their postures, as was I.

I was able to do the Pigeon pose better this time, then last, but the Bridge remains a challenge. I also think my breathing is improving but I still hold my breath from time-to-time, but Anita always reminds us to breath when she sees us holding. Anita was attentive to all and was immediately aware that one of the students had a slight injury from a past unrelated event. She was quick to offer alterations to poses and kept an eye on the student to make sure they were carful not to strain themselves. 

This behaviour reaffirms my feeling that I am in skilled and experienced hands at Leslieville Yoga. I can't wait for my next class... frankly, I can't believe how much I am enjoying this. I'm already starting to think of where I can squeeze an additional class in... Can one become addicted to yoga?

Loving my Thursday Nights at Leslieville Yoga

We had, what is becoming, our regular Thursday night private yoga class at Leslieville Yoga. I felt a bit less flexible than usual but I think that's due to work stress at the moment. But even given that, I am still loving it! It is the only exercise that I'm not watching the clock with. 

My fiancee is really beginning to get into it too. He just bought his own mat - he calls it his "tough man mat". He's named it this because he picked a "rugged" black mat and there are so many girly coloured mats. He was also really proud due to his ability to pull off the Bow position last night, on his first try, while I flailed about on my tummy, managing to grab only one ankle. I am really glad there are no mirrors in the studio! 
But Anita Barnes, the Instructor, said my Diamond position was amazing as I could rest my head directly on my feet with my knees relatively flat on the floor. Ya... I roll like that. (Said with tough girl yoga attitude...) I am being facetious.  

I'm going to try to make it to the Yin/Yang drop-in class at Leslieville Yoga on Saturday again. Yin Yoga, in a nutshell, are positions that are held for several minutes to stretch connective tissue. Visit the link for a more thorough/accurate explanation. I have some nerve issues due to compression in my right hip area, so I am hoping this may help.

I heart yoga! Hooray! :)

Yoga in the beginning...

Who hasn't been aware of the popularity and trendiness of yoga today. Everywhere you turn in Toronto, you will see young and old toting their mats about the city. Personally, I watched many friends become engulfed by yoga starting about seven years ago, while I arrogantly dismissed it as fodder for the trend-loving, granola-eating, lululemon-wearing, wanna-be, zen-seeking masses. 

Well, now it appears I have some granola on my face.

All of my cynicism towards yoga was challenged a while back when a friend began to practice Ashtanga yoga. I was shocked at the change in his physique, as well as personality. He was toned, strong and he seemed fundamentally happier... or maybe peaceful is a better description. 
I couldn't dismiss these results. The yoga seed had been planted and I started trying some at home a year ago after hoping to find some way to bring peace and strength in my gelatinus form.

I started by following a few different yoga series on Youtube. I was looking for the cheapest way I could give this a try without committing to any studio or purchasing accessories. I had a bad experience with a rather expensive gym membership. You can fill in the rest. And let's face it, I was nervous about attending a class by myself. What if I looked ridiculous, all hunched over grunting, sweating, and belly bulging, as the tight-butted cutie-pie in front of me wrapped her ankles around her neck...Very cliché, I know.

Time passed and I gabbed to my fiancee about my desire to try yoga and the possibility of doing private classes. Then to my surprise, my fiancee suggested we try private yoga classes together. He'd heard a friend of his mention the benefits and it had peeked his interest. 

Private Yoga Class Take One

 In order to keep my fiancee interested and keep me motivated, I knew the studio had to be close to home and intimate. So we found a beautiful studio about 10 minutes away. The first class was good but I didn't feel we were a good fit with the instructor and it didn't help that they didn't to show up for our second private class.

Private Yoga Class Take Two

I sifted through Google, crossing my fingers that we might find a new studio to suit our needs. The map then lead me to Leslieville Yoga. I read the description and it was as if this was made for us:

"Leslieville Yoga promotes a gentle approach to the practice of yoga. The practice is focused on the individual and their capabilities. Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies and work at their comfort level. Competition and pushing oneself too much is discouraged. Leslieville Yoga is a small, cozy studio that is run out of my home. The classes are small which allows for individual attention."

 

We booked a private class with Anita Barnes, teacher and owner of Leslieville Yoga. After our first class we felt this was the fit we were seeking. 

It's now been over five classes, and I find myself making more time for yoga and have even attended my first drop-in class at Leslieville Yoga. The types of yoga offered are Beginner's Hatha, Gentle Hatha, Yin and Yin/Yang. I've tried Hatha and Yin/Yang and feel that Anita challenges me to try new positions but never forces me too far or beyond my abilities. I decide when I want to move deeper into a position. I leave each class feeling an immense sense of calm and overall well-being and am always ready to book my next session.

Check out the 5 Questions Article from The Leslieville Post to get to know more about Anita Barnes, owner of Leslieville Yoga.

To sum up, I am really glad I've finally started trying yoga and I wish I'd started sooner. I will keep updating you on our progress and if you're looking for a great place where you can start your yoga experience, I highly recommend Leslieville Yoga.