OM Yoga Space

Also on this page: Special Instruction Tips Etiquette

            CLASS DESCRIPTIONS            
4 elements
 

 
Elements, like exercise, are natural, vital, and expressions of energy. We often incorporate this idea into our classes as a way to symbolize intended actions/results, and to pay respect to these life-sustaining substances. The studio commonly offers these classes:

Air / Meditation All Level / Elements Yoga Air / Chanting & Meditation
Earth / Discover Yoga Fire / Vinyasa Yoga Gaia / Prenatal Yoga
Kundalini Yoga Men's Yoga Partner Yoga
Water / Gentle Yoga Yoga Training Intensives  
For private or corporate yoga, see Special Instruction  

 

 
Air:
Exploring the Essence

for everyone

This is an introduction to the grace of meditation. Air enables human life from birth; without it, we cease to exist. Meditation and pranayama (breath) classes teach you how to receive more life force and inner quiet to promote growth.

All Level:
All Elements

for anyone - beginner to seasoned yogi, young or old
Come to enjoy and share the common power of yoga. Combinations of energizing and strengthening postures are practised, with special emphasis placed on use of breath. Modifications to poses are provided to challenge all levels without intimidating any. All Level classes reinforce that yoga is for all.
Air:
Chanting &
Meditation

for all
This yoga practice directs our emotions to instill gratitude, joy, love and peace in our hearts. It is followed with 20 minutes of meditation to carry those feelings with us to create abundance in the coming week.
Earth:
Discover Yoga

for beginners and to refresh in basics
In order to grow and flourish, one needs to feel rooted, grounded and stable. This class focuses on developing a solid foundation through postures, breathing, and awareness, to prepare students for a lifelong yoga practice.
Fire:
Vinyasa Yoga

for those knowing Sun Salutations A & B
Vinyasa summons you to work through a sequence of postures linked by the breath, inducing rhythmic, fluid combinations of asana (posture) to lubricate the joints and spine and combat stiffness of the mind!
Gaia:
Prenatal Yoga

for pregnant women; trimesters vary seasonally
Gaia personifies the earth and relates to perpetuation, evolution and survivability. Pregnancy challenges women to maintain fitness and spirit. Prenatal yoga tones muscles, improves balance, circulation, and flexibility with little or no impact on your joints. This class facilitates breath and relaxation, which helps prepare for the physical demands of labour, birth, and motherhood. Skills learned/practised can help increase oxygen supply to the fetus and increase your energy level.

Prenatal classes also provide a great mental boost, as you bond with other pregnant women. OM Yoga Space offers a positive, tranquil, and healthy environment where you'll receive emotional support and remain motivated to continue exercising.

Kundalini Yoga
for anyone, especially busy people

Sequence, rhythm, and sound scientifically work together on every aspect of your body, mind, and soul. No previous experience in yoga or related disciplines is required for you to begin to achieve undeniable benefits almost immediately. Kundalini yoga provides a plan that is perfect for the new millennium. Over time, this practice provides physiological and psychological prerequisites for total health, including a balanced glandular system, strong nervous system, expanded lung capacity, and the clearing of emotional blocks.

For a more detailed description/explanation, please read "What to Expect at a Kundalini Yoga Class".

Men's Yoga
for active men
Keep your body balanced and strong with classes designed for male athletes of all types: runners, skiers, snowboarders, hockey players, golfers, tennis players, etc. In addition to focus on breath control, stretching, strength and alignment, classes target common areas of tension for athletes such as the hips, hamstrings, lower back and shoulders.
Partner Yoga
for friends, partners, relatives of any age or size

Connection and trust are vital components for our well-being. In partner yoga, two people share concentration, intention and touch to perform codependent poses. They assist, support and energize each other.

Partners needn't be of similar size, age, ability, nor physical structure. Skills heightened during this class can also improve relationships within a household and at work.
   Dates pending: email or telephone 705-662-1359 to be placed on waiting list.
Water:
Gentle Yoga

for every BODY
Water connects us with our feelings, bringing us fluidity, grace, depth, and adaptability. This class focuses upon flowing, gentle breathing/postures which energize the body.
Yoga Training Intensives
for advanced practitioners and yoga instructors

We offer weekend, 4-day, and 1-week intensive sessions.
   Email or telephone 705-662-1359 for more information.

            SPECIAL INSTRUCTION            
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Private
Yoga
  • develops a highly personalized, customized practice
  • addresses specific injuries, special needs, pregnancy, chronic pain and/or illness
  • explores finer points of breathing techniques, asana, relaxation, and meditation
  • enhances personal and spiritual development
crow

standing mudra

Corporate Yoga
  • boosts morale and productivity
  • improves health and wellbeing of employees
  • empowers employees to create relief right at their desks via Stress Resolution seminars
  • NOVEL IDEA: treat your clients to a corporate/private yoga session instead of dinner!

            TIPS            
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Practise yoga on an empty stomach... approximately 3 hours after a meal, 2 hours after a snack. If not possible, eat very lightly (eg. a piece of fruit or a few almonds) to boost your energy and curb hunger.
Wear... loose, comfortable clothes and have bare feet.
Drink... plenty of water throughout the day and after class.
Keep in mind... that yoga is non-competitive and suitable for anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Don't worry about what the person next to you is doing; instead focus on your breathing.
Embark safely... if you're new to yoga or have been away from your normal workout routine: take it easy and start with Yoga for Beginners. New students should study with a certified teacher before practising alone.
If you are over 40, haven't exercised for a long time or have a pre-existing medical condition, consult your doctor before starting any regular exercise routine.
Listen to your body... to develop an awareness of your limits; keep within them while working gently and consistently to extend them. Never pull strenuously, bounce, strain or force yourself into or out of a pose. An asana should never cause pain. Move slowly into and out of postures, working at the edge of stretches and backing off if you feel any pain. If you experience fatigue or agitation, cautiously come out of the pose and rest on your mat.
Learn from your teacher... as s/he is there to assist you with proper alignment and posture. Instructors should carefully guide and observe you. Ask for modifications to lighten postures or deepen stretches.
To avoid risk of injury, receive proper instruction on alignment.
If you have a question, please ask. Other students may also benefit from your interest.
Respect limitations... and let your teacher know of any health conditions, recent surgery or physical limitations that may affect your practice (eg. high blood pressure, ulcers, chronic pain, osteopathic conditions, injuries or pregnancy). Some theories suggest that women should not do inverted postures during the first three days of their menstrual cycle. Know your body and perform what feels right for you.
Be in the moment... since mastering yoga takes time. Relax and enjoy each breath. Yoga changes your life and the benefits are wonderful, but this requires patience.

            ETIQUETTE            
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We want you to experience the full benefits of Yoga when you attend class. Please follow these few guidelines to allow everyone maximum concentration and enjoyment:
  •  Be on time.
  •  If you are late, please do not enter class until meditation or chanting is finished.
  •  Please turn off your cell phone or leave it elsewhere prior to entering the building.
  •  Do not wear perfume or loud scents that may distract others.
  •  Upon entering, take off footwear and lower your voice when speaking.
  •  Please keep talking low and minimal.
  •  For your safety, don't chew gum.
  •  If you must leave early, kindly inform your teacher prior to class. Position yourself near the door and leave quietly.
  •  Be aware and respectful of your neighbours.

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