When it comes to regular exercise, where do you see yourself on a scale of 1 to 5? ( 1 = little to none; 5 = consistent to plenty ) Listen, you don't have to tell anyone else because this is a question to you, about you and for you! But thinking and talking about it are the first steps. Are you making time for regular exercise? What do you turn to when things get hectic or stressful? Do you feel confident in your ability to support yourself in this area of your life? 

These are really big questions! Usually our Hotsheets are more fun and bubbles! Well - without good health daily life can be a struggle. As we all aware, life is already very challenging at times. Guarding our health is wise and will put us in a position of greater strength if we suddenly do face illness, loss of a loved one, prolonged recovery, unemployment....even when we do 'all the right things' and take good care of ourselves, there can still be setbacks such as accidents, or events that we perceive as setbacks.

Yoga is a personal practice. For some it's about grounding and calming, a touchstone to return to health and slow everything down. For some it is regular time for exercise. For some it is all about healing the body and maintaining a good level of balance and flexibility. With regular practice in rigorous hot yoga and flow yoga, we get our body moving and lungs working optimally. If you are working with weights, yoga will sustain and improve your recovery time, flexibility and power.

You are a source of energy and power, capable of creating abundance in your life in whatever form desired. You are capable of setting personal fitness goals and, day by day, week by week, achieving them. We see your tenacity and will power during the practice. It is an honour to be part of your self-care process. Ask us if you need more support, information, encouragement - we all benefit by supporting each other in mental and physical wellness!

Thanks for taking a couple of minutes to check out May Hot Sheet. We have a Yoga Posture Clinic this month, a 30 Day Challenge update, Victoria Day Weekend schedule changes and other events to share!

Best wishes from John, Jacqueline and all of us at Yoga Loft!

Namaste.

 




 Yoga
Posture Clinic
 
Interactive clinic with gentle hands on adjustments.   

$39 + GST

(10% Discount for Members)

Sunday May 28th 
1:30pm to 3:30pm

Bring your questions to this interactive posture clinic. Would you like to have more confidence / strength / options in your Flow Class? Do you wonder how Downward Dog is considered as "resting pose" option?!

Join us for a fun and informative 2 hour workshop. Strengthen your transitions and refine technique and alignment. Do you have an injury that you are healing? Enjoy working personally with Nicole, and connecting to others in the workshop while gaining knowledge inversion preps. set ups, and more. 
Bring your questions!

This is a great opportunity to gain confidence and greater awareness of your body, yoga asanas and yoga flows.





Facilitator: Nicole Schulz  

Internationally Certified BodyBalance/BodyFlow™  
RYT-500 Wholistic Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher
RYT-200 Yoga Instructor 
Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider 
iRest® Yoga Nidra Level I training (Integrative Restoration)  
 
A Gift For



 

Bring your Mom / Grandmom as our guest to any class on Mother's Day, Sunday May 14th.

Give her the gift of yoga. Both of you will be entered into a draw for the Mom's Day Yoga Basket - Value $200 Good luck Yogis!

 



Visit our website for Class Descriptions,
Interactive Schedule and to Shop Online

Click Here for the Online Schedule
 

Arrive hydrated and 10 minutes early if possible. Bring an extra towel and change of clothes if you wish to have a shower after class (recommended). Reclaim mobility, flexibility and strength. Balance, tone and detox your body. Naturally support every system in your body.  

 




May Teacher Spotlight: Madison Thompson



When did you start yoga, and why
?

I first started yoga four years ago at a hot yoga studio in Calgary. I was (and am) an avid fan of fitness and wanted to try something new - little did I know it would become the best way for me to find mental clarity as well as my favourite form of exercise!
 

How long have you been teaching yoga and what motivated you to become a yoga teacher
?

I have been teaching yoga for two years. I love the way yoga makes me feel and wanted to learn more about this incredibly beautiful, ancient practice. After traveling to India and doing my yoga teacher training it felt natural to me and I knew I wanted to teach in order to share what I love so much with others!

How have you benefited through practicing yoga?

 
I think the benefits are really innumerable as it has affected every area of my life, but I'll mention a couple here. First off, I have become significantly better at dealing with stressful situations. An easy example is road rage. Whereas I used to have a fair amount, it has now greatly diminished due to changes in perspective and slow, controlled breathing. I have become a calmer person, more in control of my emotions and actions, which just goes to show that yoga truly is a practice both on and off the mat! Secondly, I have become physically stronger and more flexible. The third benefit I'll mention is the wonderful people I have befriended through yoga who enrich my life in so many ways!

What is your favourite part of teaching?

My favourite part about teaching is getting to know the students and watching them progress. Whether it is physically, such as when students become stronger, more flexible, or simply more confident with moving their bodies, or when they progress mentally with meditation, breath work, and savasana, it is an amazing thing to watch and be a part of. I love the community that yoga creates and I am really grateful to be included in it.

Have there been any hurdles, with practicing and/or teaching and if so what?

The great thing about yoga is that there will always be a hurdle, no matter how long you have been practicing. There will always be a pose to humble you and put your ego in its place. When I first began yoga I couldn't even touch my toes, but now that I can do hanumanasana (the splits) my challenge is to get my hips properly aligned. There are many other examples with the physical practice, but I think for most people, at times myself included, the greatest struggle can be the mental aspect. Stillness, being present, allowing the breath to do its work; this can all be very challenging. However, regardless of the current hurdle, it is important to remember that there will always be one and it will always change. There is always something to improve upon and work towards; yoga is truly a never ending journey.

What is your favourite yoga pose right now?

Ah, so many to choose from! One of my absolute favourites right now though is upavishta konasana (seated wide leg forward fold). It gives the juiciest stretch in the hamstrings and adductors, I love it!

What keeps you coming back to yoga always?


I have moved a lot in my life and I travel frequently, often for long periods of time and often solo, so yoga is a home for me no matter where I am in the world. But I come back to yoga not only because it is a home, but because of the way it makes me feel: challenged, content, strong, balanced, focused. Ultimately, it makes me feel good, and I think that regardless of the many different reasons people go to yoga, everyone returns because it makes them feel good.
 

IMPORTANT - MAY SCHEDULE 

We are excited to tell you that we are increasing the number of Flow and Yin Yoga classes! More variety and still the same number of Original Hot classes.

Effective May 1st   

Original Hot
There is nothing that compares to this class! Long term practitioners describe this class as a 90 minute moving meditation, but it can certainly take some time to get there. The poses come from the Bishnu Ghosh lineage. This is a 90 minute class consisting of 26 hatha yoga asanas practiced in a specific sequence inside a hot studio. Known as Bikram Yoga worldwide it is designed for all levels and is very beginner friendly. For millions of people around the world is has proven effective in the prevention of and recovery from injury. It is also a general performance enhancement for athletes and fit minded people, and an excellent class to increase general flexibility and balance. It is a recommended part of many physical therapy programs. Ensure that you are well hydrated and avoid eating 2-3 hours prior to class.

Hot 60
A shorter and faster paced version of the Original Hot class, this is a 60 minute with the same sequence of asanas as the Original Hot class. We recommend that you try a few of the 90 minute classes first if possible as it is easier to learn the postures with more time and practicing each one twice. Everyone is welcome. Ensure that you are well hydrated and avoid eating 2 hours prior to class. Suitable for all levels. 
 
Warm Yin
Yin Yoga directs the stimulation that is normally created in the asanas deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues. This 60 minute class is practiced to soothing music in a warm (not hot) studio. It is designed to release deep tension residing in the connective tissue (ligaments, bones, and joints of the body) and provides opportunity to explore a deep release of the shoulders, hips, pelvis and spine. Suitable for all levels, this class is a perfect compliment to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat as well as the lengthening and contracting of muscles. Please bring bolsters OR pillows, blocks and straps if desired. Suitable for all levels.

Warm Flow 
Vinyasa means "breath-synchronized movement," and Vinyasa Flow is a yoga class that literally moves you through the power of inhaling and exhaling. There is no set series of postures and the class is different each time. Vinyasa movements are smoothly flowing and almost dance-like, which explains why it is sometimes referred to as Vinyasa Flow or just 'Flow'. This is a beginner friendly 60 minute class with music. This class is for you if you prefer a little less heat sometimes and/or if you are new to Flow. The focus is on improving mobility, developing core strength and regaining lost spinal flexibility. Sun Salutations and Vinyasa flows combined with Hatha poses create a dynamic and energizing class which is always different.  

Hot Power Flow   
A rigorous Hot Flow class consisting of Vinyasa (flow style) active asanas. There is no 'set series' of asanas however after taking several classes you can expect to become familiar with more and more flows. Expect to play in this class, to learn inversions, binds and more advanced postures requiring more strength and flexibility. Practiced to music and in a heated studio this is a challenging class and you will build upper body strength and balance especially through consistent practice.

Hip & Core Flow
This 1 hour class has a very clear aim...to strengthen firm and tone and increase flexibility in the glutes, inner thighs, lower back, hips and entire lower core. Strengthening and toning this region of your body improves digestion, overall posture and helps prevent back injuries. Practiced to music in a heated studio, this class is suitable for beginners and is a great class for all levels. It is not recommended if you have a current injury. An ideal practice for those who play a lot of sports, gymnasts, dancers, athletes and to help with overall strength and flexibility.

Hot Pilates  
This 60 minute class includes carefully selected traditional Pilates mat repertoire and will challenge and energize your mind and body. Get ready to sculpt and tone your entire body, strengthen your core, improve your cardiovascular system and your endurance. Enjoy some upbeat music during this highly invigorating workout! Please bring one large towel to place on your mat and a folded blanket. Arrive well hydrated and prepare to work hard and sweat!



30 DAY SPRING CLEAN CHALLENGE UPDATE

You guys are rocking this 30 day challenge! We are impressed and inspired by what we are seeing. Keep up the fantastic effort and have fun completing 30 in 30! Come and see us at the desk because we'd like to organise a big 'End of Challenge' Dinner out with you and need to choose a date and place to CELEBRATE!

Because you are coming to class daily we expect that you will all be meeting Alejandro (Ale) and Madison very soon! Madison has joined our team and teaches 11am Hot Power Flow class on Sundays. Her training is in Ashtanga yoga and she has extensive experience with Ashtanga and Baron Baptiste style. Ale is visiting us for a few weeks to share his love of travel and teaching the Original Hot yoga. He has been teaching all over the world. Together they are sure to heat up your end of challenge experience!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF OUR 30 DAY CHALLENGERS!


 
 
 

YOGA LOFT
Victoria Day Weekend Schedule
  



Friday May 19th 
9:30am Original Hot  
4pm Original Hot

Saturday May 20th 
10am Original Hot 
4pm Original Hot

Sunday May 21st 
9am Original Hot 
4pm Original Hot 
5:45pm Warm Yin

Monday May 22nd - Victoria Day 
9:30am Original Hot - No Child Minding 
5pm Original Hot 
7pm Warm Yin

 

May Silent Class  
Sunday May 28th  
4pm - 5:30pm



This is the Original Hot class without formal instruction. The start and end of postures is indicated. Focus on your breath while deepening your inner awareness. Enjoy the group synergy in a different and powerful way.