Class Descriptions
YOGA FLOW (1 hour) ∙ $5 DROP-IN
A fun Yoga flow to gently tone the body while providing a full body stretch to reduce tension and improve flexibility. Various breath techniques are practiced along with postures to improve balance. This class is ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of Yoga. Please bring your own yoga mat. Various equipment is provided such as resistance bands, blocks, a chair and a stick to improve range of motion in interesting ways. Both floor and standing poses are practiced. The room opens 20 minutes early. Class begins promptly at 10 am.
YOGA FLOW WITH ROLLER (1 hour) ∙ $5 DROP-IN
A multi-level slow Yoga flow using a foam massage roller to relieve tension, tone the body and improve balance in interesting ways. Various breathing and meditation techniques are explored. Please bring a Yoga mat and a 36 inch smooth foam massage roller. Both floor and standing poses are practiced. The room opens 20 minutes early. Class begins promptly at 10 am. Beginners are welcome!
Classes at Transfiguration Parish
- Transfiguration of our Lord Parish is at 11775 Filion, H4J 1T4 at the corner of Dudemaine
- Free parking on street. Please read the street parking signs
- Enter by side door along Filion marked Church Hall (look for the white shelter in winter).
- You will need your own Yoga mat and a 36 inch foam massage roller.
- Wear comfortable clothing and remove your shoes before entering the Yoga space. Yoga is practiced barefoot.
- At your first class, please arrive 15 minutes early. You’ll be asked to sign a waiver form. If you have any injuries or health issues, please let me know so that I can offer pose modifications
- For any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me at kathleen_yamasaki@yahoo.com
YOGA CLASS ETIQUETTE
Arrive early to prepare mind and body. Arrive with enough time to change, find a space and arrange your mat and props. 10 to 15 minutes early is ideal. Keep conversations to a minimum. Your time before class should be spent in mindful breath, gentle stretching and internal focus—a late arrival means you miss out on these benefits.
Unclutter the Yoga space. Personal belongings should be placed away from the yoga space, keeping just your class equipment or water nearby. Less clutter means less distraction and more space to move freely.
Honor your body. During your practice, pay attention to signs of discomfort and modify your postures or ease off accordingly. Don’t compare yourself to others as every BODY looks different in every pose.
Plan to stay for the whole class. If you must leave early, please inform the teacher before class and leave before the start of Savasana to minimize any disturbance.
Turn off your cellphone. Allow yourself time to disconnect from the world and give your body and mind the gift of complete presence.
Inform the teacher of any injuries or health issues that may affect your practice as different options can be offered during the class.
Students should set their mats up in 3 or 4 straight rows. This will allow you to see the teacher more easily. The teacher, in turn, is better equipped to quickly verify student pose alignment.
Beginners should position themselves in the first or second row. This will give you a better view of the teacher’s demonstration and a view of the other students around you. Don’t be shy about your inexperience. Everyone is at a different level of experience, from beginner to intermediate.
TIPS FOR YOUR PRACTISE
Follow these tips to achieve a more effective and meaningful practice
Breathe. Breathwork is an essential part of your practice to oxygenate your muscles, improve your mood and focus your concentration–especially in more challenging poses.
Feel. Focus on the bodily sensations of every pose to cultivate a strong mind-body connection. Be accepting of emotions that may present themselves as you move your body in different ways and as you rest in Savasana.
Honor and listen to your body. Customize poses to suit your unique body and feel free to skip a pose altogether, resting in Mountain Pose, Child’s Pose or Knees to Chest instead.
Let go of negative self-talk and judgement. Imposing limiting thoughts on your abilities weakens the body. Instead, approach your practice with curiosity. Focus on the joy and discovery of movement.
Set aside expectations. Focus on the preferences and needs of your present-day body. A pose that was accessible last week may not feel comfortable today. Also, your approach to a pose may vary from one side of the body to the other.
It’s not a competition. Don’t let your ego or sense of perfectionism lead you into strain or discomfort. Comparing yourself to others is not productive as we’re all at different levels in our practice.
Stay present with yourself. As thoughts of the past or the future pull your focus away, let your breathwork serve as an anchor, grounding you to the experience of the moment.