Starting this Saturday I am going to be taking me, my new yoga mat and Yogitoes towel to a beginner’s yoga workshop at 889 Yonge.

For four Saturdays I will be going back to the basics of yoga and hopefully learning for the first time how to do things properly. I’m currently in the love stage of my love/hate relationship with yoga so am hoping these classes are going to finally put me on the right path.

Since I’m a big 889 Yonge fan I decided that taking the workshop here was probably the best bet for me – I love their urban tea sanctuary.

I have been curious about Fireflow Yoga for quite awhile now as it is in my neighbourhood. I have walked by the studio countless times and have even looked them up online to see what they offered. That said I just never managed to take the plunge and go to a class there or even go inside to have a look around. I think the main reason why neither of these things ever happened was because I didn’t like where the studio was located on Eglinton – upstairs and next to a psychic/tarot reader place. In my head I decided that this equalled something that wouldn’t appeal to me. 

This changed last night.

Throughout the 18 weeks of recent marathon training I really ignored my body’s need to do some stretching, so last night I decided to put my Passport to Prana to good use and try out Fireflow Yoga. 

Fireflow Yoga it turns out has a really nice studio space (with an awesome boutique section!). I discovered as I often do that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Upon arrival I was immediately welcomed to the studio and made to feel at ease. The teacher was accessible and throughout the class she demonstrated modifications which I really appreciated as I should definitely not have been in the Level 1/2 class that I was in! Thank you for this and for helping to give my limbs the stretch they needed. 

What I would go to this studio for:

Fireflow Yoga offers a 4 week absolute beginner workshop which I think would be great for someone like me who has never really been taught how to do anything from a sun salutation to tree poses properly. I think I would really benefit from being in a class with others who are probably as clueless as me.   Their next session starts on November 21st and is $80. Mmm, maybe this will be my next fitness challenge?

Be a ninja for an afternoon

Have you ever wanted to know what it takes to be a ninja? Well, now is your chance. On October 17, Casa Loma is offering a 3 hour Ninja Combat Workshop. In this session people will learn how to move, think and fight like a ninja. On their website they write that you will “discover how to use your shadow as a shield, walk without sound and win without fighting.”

I’m also guessing that this is going to be a pretty intense workout and would also  be the perfect gift for the guy or girl in your life who still remember and heart Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

All skill levels are welcome and people above the age of 14. To learn more all you have to do is email operations@casaloma.org. To register you need to call 416.923.1171 ext 205/215.

This Toronto workout tip is courtesy of my friend and former colleague who also happens to be doing some great work looking at past & present Toronto.