Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar from Pune, India. It places emphasis on alignment of the body and engagement of the mind. Instructions are specific and sometimes props (blocks, belts, blankets, bolsters, chairs) are used to access poses or emphasize actions. It is not competitive, nor are any special physical traits required. All it takes is desire, patience and perseverance.

Yoga builds strength, increases flexibility, improves posture, decreases stress and anxiety, develops concentration and self-awareness, and contributes to an overall sense of well-being. Each class is unique – asanas (poses) include standing asanas, seated asanas, forward extensions, back extensions and a monthly supported/restorative class with some pranayama. Yoga is for everybody, though practice does change with age.

I have practiced and studied yoga for over twenty years, am certified as a Level 2 Iyengar teacher, and continue to take classes through RIMYI, the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India.

AIA WEEKLY CLASSES:

Mondays – 5:15–6:30 pm – Beginner / Level 1

Tuesdays – 6:00-7:30 pm – Level 1 / 2

Wednesday – 6:35-7:50 am – early morning – All Levels

$120 for 6 classes with a recommended 8-week expiry, or $25 drop in. 

Bring a mat if you have one (I do have a few extras). Dress in shorts or leggings (outline of leg should be visible) and a t-shirt.

Please contact me before coming to your first class as the schedule has occasional changes. Questions? More info? Please email me.

Karen  karenmckinnell@gmail.com

Strength and Stretch

Led by Tony Farebrother, group fitness instructor at the YMCA. The class consists of warm up, followed by 40 minutes of choreographed exercises using your dumbbells and mat along with other props provided (such as mini bands and a stepper).  This is followed by 15 minutes of stretching and cool-down. The class is open to all levels, as you can use your weights or no weights and take breaks as needed.

The 40 minute weight-training session is broken down into segments by muscle group. with a short break between segments. The class is set to music and focuses on functional training (strengthening the muscles used in day-to-day life). 

Questions? email Tony, Island islandcyclist@hotmail.com.

Please bring your own weights and water. Wednesdays at 5:30. Suggested donation $10 to cover costs.

Pilates Classes

Mat Pilates: This beginner-level mat Pilates class will guide you through Joseph Pilates' classical sequence. By focusing on core strength and stability, the class will help you become more in tune with your body and learn to move with control.

Pilates Flow: This class will draw from the classic mat Pilates sequence, featuring the familiar poses as well as more dynamic movements like stretching, balancing, and other strengthening exercises.

These classes are excellent for complete beginners, as mat Pilates is low-impact and gentle on the joints. But they also provide a challenge for those with Pilates experience!

The instructor:  Classes led by Sierra Day, yogini of 15 years. Trained in India, the Canary Islands and Toronto, she holds over 500 hours of teacher training in both yoga and pilates. Her practice emphasizes methodical, breath-controlled movements that cultivate alignment and strength. 

What to bring: Comfortable exercise attire, water bottle and a yoga mat.

Weekly Schedule: Mat Pilates - Tuesdays @5pm, Pilates Flow -Sundays @ 11:00am. 

Cost: Classes are $20. Please register one day in advance via email.

Please reach out with any questions, thoughts or concerns.

Looking forward to seeing you on the mat! :)

Sierra Day sierraday@gmail.com

Shadowland

Stilts & Stories, Shadowland’s youth program.

Every Monday evening, except holidays, 7pm to 9pm.  A free, theatre arts program for all Island young people aged 10 and up, with active games, improvisations, skits, art, and fun. We create an annual Mummers play that is performed at the Island Wassail and Kensington Market, and run a stilt-walking program in the summer.

Anne Barber shadow@shadowlandtheatre.ca