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

$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

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.

Open Play

Everyone is welcome to drop in during these hours for casual games. All skill levels welcome. Regularly scheduled open play is on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but please check the calendar at the top of this page as there are some exceptions.

Kids Drills & Games

Glenn and Ben will lead your kids through a series of fun drills and games to develop skills. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. All skill levels, including complete beginners, are welcome.

*NEW* Youth Open Play

Youth are invited to come play casual games with each other. All skill levels, including complete beginners, are welcome.

*LIMITED TERM* Advanced Skills Development

These sessions are for players interested in coaching or tournament play. Glenn will lead you through a series of drills to improve your coaching and tournament play skills.

*LIMITED TERM* Intro to Pickleball

This session is for people with zero or very limited pickleball experience.

Think you may be too old? No way!

Don’t consider yourself the athletic type? Who cares?

Don’t have any racquet sports or any other sports experience? Doesn’t matter! Worried that you can’t run for the ball? Don’t run.

Nina will show you the basics, you will practice hitting the ball, and then play pickleball with each other. All equipment provided.

Please register by emailing nina.nakajima@alumni.utoronto.ca (limited enrolment). 

*STARTING IN JANUARY* Beginner/Intermediate Drills

AIA Pickleball Membership is required to participate. Click here to buy your 2025/2026 membership.

If you are brand new to PB at the AIA, you can try out PB now and decide in December if you would like to purchase a 2026 PB membership.

Outdoor shoes must stay in the coatroom. Please bring indoor shoes so we can keep the floor clean.

Paddles are available to borrow. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email nina.nakajima@alumni.utoronto.ca

Drop-in Guest Pass (Guests must be accompanied by a AIA member) $20.00

Pickle Ball guest pass: Guest passes are valid for the day of purchase. Guests must be accompanied by a member when attending. Click here to purchase.