Studios

Alternative to Big Box Yoga Studios Opens in Mount Pleasant

Alternative to Big Box Yoga Studios Opens in Mount Pleasant

Vancouver, BC –Good karma is headed to Mount Pleasant with the opening of Yogācāra’s third boutique yoga studio, and first franchise, on September 15. Unlike big-box yoga centers, this community-centered studio focuses on small class sizes and personal attention from yoga teachers in order to help practitioners achieve true mind, body, and soul balance. Yogācāra offers a variety of classical yoga styles including Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yoga Nidra and Pilates.

“We are so excited to open our newest location here in Mount Pleasant,” says Camellia Rumball, studio owner of Yogācāra Mount Pleasant. “We provide a wellness-based approach to practicing yoga that encourages all people to incorporate yoga into their lives. At Yogācāra, we have something for everyone and we are looking forward to connecting with both lifelong practitioners and new yogis in the community.”

Yogācāra’s classes are deliberately small (limit of 14 students per class) and intimate, enabling teachers to provide more care and attention to each student. The warm setting, combined with after class tea and snacks creates an attractive and much needed sense of community.

As part of its Grow Yoga, Build Community vision, Yogācāra is deeply committed to making yoga accessible to everyone while also supporting social causes. The company offers a Karma Yoga Program, which allows students to attend yoga classes simply by making a donation of a canned good. Yogācāra donates $3 for every student who attends the class to a local charity.

Yogācāra already has two popular studios located in Kitsilano (read our review here) and Riley Park, and plans to continue expanding to grow yoga and build community throughout the Metro Vancouver.

For more information on Yogācāra, visit www.yogacarastudios.com, connect with them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Thanks to www.jivecommunications.ca

Fall in Love with Flying at che baba’s Yogasilks!

Fall in Love with Flying at che baba’s Yogasilks!

Recently, I had the outstanding pleasure of attending a 2hr Sunday session of “Yogasilks” at che baba, yoga and cantina, 603 Kinsgway in Vancouver. It was the most fun I have had in a yoga class since I tried my first partner yoga class last year and got the taste for “flying” poses.

And fly you will! Led by the uber-talented kiwi-born Vancouver teacher, Yogasilks founder and long-time yogi, Ross Howatson, this class hosted 10 fresh-faced and excited beginners to Yogasilks and we had an absolute blast.

Suspended from “silks” – think: long, stretchy, silky sheets tied at two corners –  suspended from the ceiling, students are led through a series of yoga poses ranging from Warrior 1, Trikonasana, hip openers, heart openers, core strengtheners to breathing exercises, relaxation and gentle inversions.

With an adventuresome group ready to take on the thrill of the silks, we were challenged with a few fun and crazy cirque-de-soleil-esque moves: fallen angel (sees you threading through and dropping out of the silks – safely though!), handstand (with legs threaded through the silks – what an amazing experience!) and a few more inversions (think Sukasana, easy pose, but upside down and dangling). Ending class coccooned sweetly in the silks with a guided relaxation, I left feeling settled and grounded. Not to mention, my hips, legs and back felt amazing all week!

Ross did a brilliant job of encouraging, humouring and challenging the Yogasilks students. I would strongly recommend this 2hr workshop to anyone who loves hanging around, playing, having fun and trying something new in your yoga practice.  I fully intend to be back on a regular basis!

After the workshop, the participants all enjoyed tapas at the attached cantina. The food is simply incredible. A sweet little spot, che baba was started by a young local couple, Allison and Stephan, who love sharing yoga, great food, and creating community.

Try Yogasilks. Seriously. Bring your friends. You will fall in love with Ross, the silks, che baba and the whole experience.

Che baba runs 2hr workshops on Sundays (first two weeks of August cancelled for trainings), which are a great introduction for beginners. The studio runs a regular Yogasilks drop-in class during the week, which will start back in the fall. In the meantime, che baba also touts a full drop-in schedule of other classes, which would be a great excuse to do some yoga before enjoying a meal at the cantina!

Love the idea and want to get teaching it? Yogasilks classes are currently in development at other studios and teachers will be needed! Che baba only has a few spots available for Yogasilks Teacher Training, Aug 11-12, 9am-5pm (delicious lunch provided by the cantina), $640+hst. For more information please contact Ross Howatson at yogasilksinfo@gmail.com.

Make time for Yogasilks in September and enjoy flying and hanging around! Please comment below if you have already attended a session and let me know about your experiences!

Vancouver’s Che Baba Cantina & Yoga Studio

Vancouver’s Che Baba Cantina & Yoga Studio

There’s a new yoga studio in Vancouver that combines yoga and food! Che Baba Cantina & Yoga Studio effortlessly marries southern French and Mediterranean-inspired fine dining with Hatha yoga:

Che Baba’s yoga studio opened where Kingsway and Fraser connect in November, its cantina, which is linked by a corridor, at the end of December. It’s meant to be a place for locals to socialize and indulge in a healthy way.

Che Baba’s studio hums with an early 1970s vibe complete with heated parquet floors, textured walls and cedar accents. The cozy 28-seat cantina features a stone bar built around an open kitchen.

Gagnon said the two businesses will support each other so there’ll be no pressure for the intimate yoga studio to expand or increase its fees. It offers classes for all levels with prices ranging from $10 to $15 per session […] via Vancouver Courier

Che Baba Cantina & Yoga Studio
603 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-558-1518 / 604-558-1519
Email: cantina@chebaba.cayoga@chebaba.ca
Web: www.chebaba.ca

Bhakti Dub and Jungle Love – Yoga, Bliss and Reggae with Sean O’Leary

Bhakti Dub and Jungle Love – Yoga, Bliss and Reggae with Sean O’Leary

Source: http://www.kushalayoga.com/about/our-instructors/sean-oleary/

This Friday and next Saturday, make plans to spend a heart-felt, spiritually-uniting, jamming practice with Sean O’Leary!

Sean will be sharing two joyous yoga sessions in the upcoming weeks: Jungle Love at Hari Om Yoga in Langley on Friday (Jan 20) and Bhakti Dub next Saturday (Jan 28) ay Kushala Yoga in Suter Brook, Port Moody.

 If you haven’t taken a class with Sean before, you’ll love him. His warmth and enthusiasm will brighten even the snowiest day, and the practice he leads always leaves you feeling buoyant and sweet. And yes, he is always that happy. Don’t miss out on these unique classes!

From Kushala Yoga:

My brother from another mother, my sister from a different mister, let us unite! Come for an afternoon of bliss (ananda), with me (Sean), and embrace the art of Bhakti. This all levels asana class will focus on building community, friendship, and unconditional love for your neighbor. The twist will be the funky rhythms of reggae and dub filling the room with good vibrations.

Visionaries like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh had a heartfelt belief that all hate, inequality, and racism in the world could be cured through music. This one love mentality will be magnified through a series of group asana (poses) and partner assists. Everyone has an inborn natural desire to love, embrace and radiate happiness. So come groove, laugh, connect, share, and amplify your love for all people in the universe.

Join Sean for the sweetness of a loving practice to warm the soul:

Jungle Love at Hari Om Yoga in Langley

Friday, Jan 20, 8pm-9:30pm, $10+hst drop-in

Bhakti Dub at Kushala Yoga at Suter Brook, Port Moody

Saturday, Jan 28, 3pm – 4:30pm
By donation to Hungry For Life International

10 Class Pass Savings At Yogacara Studios!

10 Class Pass Savings At Yogacara Studios!

Yogacara is currently offering a fantastic yoga deal! Today and tomorrow only (January 18th & 19th), purchase a 10 Class Pass and receive $20 credit on your account to use in the future. Best of all? The 10 Class Pass NEVER EXPIRES! The credit of $20 will be applied to your account within 24 hours of the purchase. FYI: May not be used in combination with any other coupon code. Click here to purchase the pass, and visit the Yogacara website for further details. Happy savings!

World’s First “Chopra Yoga Center” Opens In Vancouver

World’s First “Chopra Yoga Center” Opens In Vancouver

World’s First “Chopra Yoga Center” opens in Vancouver, BC, Canada – International chain of studios to offer yoga teachings inspired by Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Vancouver, BC (January 10, 2012) – Deepak Chopra, M.D. today announced the launch of the world’s first Chopra Yoga Center in Vancouver, Canada. The custom-designed 8,000-square-foot wellness studio is the first in a planned series of yoga centers that will be rooted in foundational teachings developed by mind-body healing pioneers Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D.“We’re excited to bring Chopra Yoga to Vancouver, a city that is emerging as a world class center for yoga,” said Dr. Chopra. “In our beautiful new studios, both beginners and advanced yogis will have an opportunity to explore the deepest principles of yoga and conscious living.”

The Chopra Yoga Center offers a wide variety of classes that range from meditation, hot hatha, and power vinyasa to Cho fit, Yoga Barre, and Pilates. There are also classes that focus specifically on the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – a practice developed by Dr. Chopra and Dr. Simon. The studio’s philosophy is inspired by the principles in Dr. Chopra’s best-selling book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and emphasizes the benefits of yoga for physical health, spiritual awakening, and inner calm and balance.

“In our modern electronic culture, so many people feel fragmented and overwhelmed with stress,” said Dr. Simon. “Our intention with Chopra Yoga is to help as many people as possible experience the balance, calm, and vitality that yoga naturally cultivates.”

The Chopra Yoga Center, located at 451 Granville Street, in Vancouver B.C., is now accepting new members. The programs are designed for both new and experienced yoga practitioners. Recognizing the importance of community, five per cent of all profits are donated to local charities. For more information, please visit www.choprayoga.com

About the Chopra Yoga Center

The Chopra Yoga Center is a full-service yoga, health, and wellness studio. Our approach integrates the timeless principles of Deepak Chopra’s “Seven Spiritual Laws of Success to any yoga style. Choose from a wide variety of yoga, Pilates, dance, and meditation classes in our custom-designed 8,000-square-foot studio in downtown Vancouver, BC. Learn more at www.choprayoga.com.

About the Chopra Center for Wellbeing

The Chopra Center for Wellbeing was founded by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D. in 1996. Located in Carlsbad, California, the Center offers a wide variety of programs, retreats, and teacher training programs that integrate the healing arts of the East with the best in modern Western medicine. The Chopra Center has helped millions of people around the world find peace of mind, physical balance, and emotional healing. The website www.chopra.com is your starting point on the path to wellness.

Transformation at Kushala Yoga

The yoga studio formally known as Kula Yoga has recently changed their name to Kushala (Kushala is Sanskrit for well-being). This change is perfect timing as they are celebrating the expansion and grand opening of their new Port Moody location in Suter Brook Village.

Along with an amazing view and masterful instructors, the new location has two studio spaces, a retail shop full of yoga goodies, a tea lounge and a wellness center! There are also rumors that another location will be opening in early 2012!

What I love about Kushala is that they offer a wide variety of classes, so there is definitely something to meet everyone’s needs. Some of their more unique offerings include: Sunrise Hatha at 6am, Wild Thing Wednesdays (a class designed for more advanced yogis), Yoga 101 (for the beginner yogi) and Pre-Natal Yoga.

Kushala Yoga also specializes in teaching the philosophical side of yoga with courses such as: Prana 101 (students learn meditation and breathing techniques) and the Dharma Series that takes a closer look at Eastern philosophies.

What I enjoy most about Kushala is the extremely warm and inviting atmosphere that only a great yoga studio can provide!

For more about Kushala, please visit:

http://www.kushalayoga.com/

 


YYoga Membership 15% Off Sale!

YYoga’s annual 15% Off Sale is coming soon! For one week only — October 17 – 24th — enjoy 15% off their 3, 6 & 12 month full pay memberships.

With a YYoga membership you receive unlimited access to all classes and use of our detoxifying infrared saunas. After practice you can enjoy all of our center amenities like showers and tea lounges. Members also receive 10% off retail, 15% off first wellness treatments and exclusive offers and incentives from YYoga friends and partners through the membership benefits program.

Never experienced YYoga before and want to see what these awesome studios are all about? Try their $35 two week introductory pass (which can be used at any of their six centres) to get started. Choose from a variety of classes and styles and discover what works best for you.

To take advantage of their annual 15% off sale, visit a YYoga location or purchase online starting October 17th, 2011 (mark it on your calendars!). For prices and further information, visit their website: YYoga.ca.

[source: yyoga.ca]

Renowned Yoga Teacher Returns To YYoga For Workshop

World renowned yoga teacher, Sadie Nardini, will return to Vancouver’s YYoga to conduct a workshop at the end of September. Unfamiliar with Sadie Nardini? Here’s some background details about this awesome instructor:

Her accessible teaching style, down-to-earth yoga tips and centered-living tools are regularly covered by the national media including Elle, Glamour, Self, the New York Times, CNN, Yoga Journal. She’s a regular blogger and columnist for national magazines like Yoga Journal, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Magazine, the Huffington Post and the Elephant Journal. Sadie is also the author of the life-shifting book, “The Road Trip Guide to the Soul” (Wiley, 2008) which is currently being produced as a TV show […]

For more information about Sadie, visit her website www.sadienardini.com. And for additional info regarding her upcoming workshop and to register for the event, visit YYoga.ca.

Mula Bandha Power Flow with Sadie Nardini
When: Sep. 30, 2011, 19:00 — 21:00
Where: YYoga South Granville
Price: $50

Jennifer – Steveston Village Yoga

If you are looking for a change from your chain yoga studios?  Try Steveston Village Yoga.  Tucked behind Alegria Cafe in the heart of Steveston Village is this lovely, quaint yoga studio.

I go for Jennifer’s Tuesday 7pm Yin class.  I am greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere.  The space has a real Zen feel.  I take my spot on a mat provided, which is decked out with all the props:  eye shade, 2 blocks, bolster, etc.  The candles are lit and the class begins.

Jennifer has a soothing voice that lulls you deeper and deeper into the poses.  I feel completely relaxed, even in the final moments of a 5 minute posture.  She is a natural Yin teacher, who exudes a friendly, nuruturing energy.  She is very personable and attentive.  I like the one on one instruction.

I highly recommend this class.  Just what is needed after a long, stressful day.  You will sleep like a baby afterward.

Namaste.

Like Chopra Yoga On Facebook For A Free Class!

Chopra Yoga Center Vancouver’s grand opening is rapidly approaching. Want to try the new studio for free? All you have to do is click the “like” Chopra Yoga Center button on Facebook here to load your free class form, which will grant you one complimentary yoga class. This offer is limited to the first 1,000 likes, so do it quickly and tell your friends! While you’re at it, don’t forgot to “like” Vancouver Yoga Review on Facebook as well.

Curious about the Chopra Yoga Center in Vancouver? Read more about the organization here, and watch their vision video here.

Teaching is Learning

Last week, I started my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training certification at Live Yoga in White Rock. Dan Clement is running the course, with guest speakers (Todd Caldecott!!) leading specialised components.

Today is Day 6 of the training. I am completely blown away by the amount and depth of information there is to soak in! With every day comes a huge and boisterous variety of new theory, practical applications and teaching methods to learn and apply.

Before coming in, I had no idea about the detailed philosophical and cultural trends in yoga’s history. I didn’t know about the joints and their movements. I had never heard of the acromion process or what it meant for movement in the shoulder. I knew how lovely physical adjustments were, but not how to do them. I knew what “Downward Facing Dog” looked like, but not how beautiful it sounds in Sanskrit.

With every day compounding more and more inquiries and explorations, the trainees are voraciously taking in as much information as our muscle memory and minds can contain. It is brilliant as a teacher-in-training to have the exposure to someone as amazing as Dan. He always seems to know the answer to every question and never gets impatient with our endless queries (he is teaching public classes at Live Yoga through July – check out their online schedule!).

I am realizing with every passing hour that teaching yoga is all about learning. Yesterday, Carol Wray came in to teach us Restorative Yoga and said, of learning, “it never ends.” She proceeded to lead us through a two-hour practice, before teaching us some of the ins and outs of Restorative Yoga. While I am very excited to learn more about the different styles and how to teach them, it was simply marvellous having an afternoon of supported poses, where my body and mind could relax and feel the simple sweetness of yoga. This practice has so much to give.

Dan Clement, Source: http://www.indigoyoga.ca/

One Yoga for the People

One Yoga for the People

Source www.yogaforthepeople.ca

Last night was the grand re-opening of Yoga for the People. It is now One Yoga for the People. You should go. Really, you should go now. What was a beautiful community is now even more awesome. Last night’s kickoff featured the funnest class I have ever that the pleasure of taking, plus great people, and fabulous food (Gorilla Food– check it out).

Food for all of me.

I’d like to dedicate this to all the creator’s righteous children.
I’ve got some food in my bag for you.
Not that edible food the kind you eat, no I’ve got some food for thought.
-Erykah Badu

Sometimes I get so hungry. Hungry for something that I’m not getting in my life– it has nothing to do with food. I feel hungry when I’m not whole. So guess what I do?

I dig deeper into my yoga practice to find what it is that I need to feel whole, to feed myself. Last night was a feast.

It’s this paradox. In yoga we feed ourselves and fill ourselves up to get empty. The intermediate practice is to be full (of love, compassion). The advanced practice is to be empty. But I’m not there– obviously. Because I’m still hungry. I have moments of fullness, and I have flashes where I can see that emptiness is possible. One Yoga for the People is a community of people who support each other on that journey.

When I’m not paying attention I get hungry. And I try to feed myself with things that I’m not really hungry for. So I’m working on identifying that hunger and what it means so I can get still, take a breath, go to my mat and fill myself up.

Thanks to Ryan and the gang I am full. Next time you’re hungry check it out.

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