Is Yoga Better On The West Coast?
It is no secret that Vancouver, especially Kitsilano is yoga heaven. The birthplace of Lululemon has studios on every block, filled with highly experienced teachers and master teachers from around the world. My Vancouver friends are often surprised to learn that the other coast, particularly Halifax, also has a booming yoga scene. With a large population of buddhists and a long history of a deep connection to the land and it’s resources, the yogi lifestyle is a natural fit for many Hailgonians.
For a relatively small city, over 400,000 compared to Vancouver’s 2.2 million, there are a plethora of studios with well trained teachers in a variety of different styles. It is clear that yoga is on the rise here as there are more studios popping up annually. Yoga is getting so big here, that the Halifax Regional School Board has made it an elective in high school, Yoga 11. As a result, many school teachers are becoming certified yoga teachers to help facilitate this program.
While Halifax does not have the line up of yoga “rock stars” that Vancouver does, they do have their share of workshops with master teachers such as Michael Stone, Coeli Marsh, Ryan Leier, Hart Lazer, Nischala Joy Devi and David Swenson coming later this year!
If you do ever find yourself in Nova Scotia, check out some of my favorite studios:
All Yoga– Located in Dartmouth is a very inviting studio that has something for everyone!
Halifax Yoga– Offers many styles including Baptiste Flow!
The Yoga Shala– Traditional Ashtanga from highly trained teachers!
108 Yoga– All levels
If you are ever here I would love to see you at one of my classes, www.jessicahamiltonyoga.ca!
