This week I did some yoga at a place where I am a bit of ‘newbie’ – only been there once before. It was my first class with this teacher and right away I didn’t feel right in the class. There just seemed something too rushed about it. By the end I just wanted to get out of there.

What happened?

Not being the most flexible person I am not able to do this pose without bending my knee. My hamstrings just don’t seem to allow it. While get into the pose the teacher just came and started to yank my leg up into the position where she thought I should be. My issue with this is:

1. She didn’t ask if that was ok.

2. Since I have never been in her class before she doesn’t  know me and I don’t  know her which to me means she doesn’t know my limits yet. 

So, if you are a yoga teacher that does this please don’t. Approach people like me gently and don’t try to force us into positions. Maybe in time we will be able to get there, but not the first class.

In an earlier entry I wrote about Quad Spin’s 3 hour spinning class for Haiti. A great initiative and just after finding out about this I discovered that even more studios were organizing events in support of Haiti. Many of them a part of the Toronto Fitness for Haiti effort – something I just happened to stumble upon.

This morning I attended one of these classes at Core Studio and in just that one hour class over $900 was raised and will be donated to Doctors without Borders. Amazing. Just think of what would happen if even more studios offered their time and space. 

To find out more on events happening go to Fitness for Haiti’s Facebook page (or if you own a studio think about how you can help!)

Iam may make you feel like you are somewhere hot - Flickr credit: austinevan

I recently had the opportunity to check out the core flow class at iam yoga. Perhaps it was because I was just getting back into the swing of things after my recent holiday, but this Pilates inspired class was definitely challenging. Thankfully the class I took was only 60 minutes as I don’t know if I would have made it through a full 90 minute one. This class is a definite must for those looking to whip their abs into shape.

The studio’s classes are all done in a heated environment. They also offer some classes at a reduced heat for those that are not looking for too much heat. Having experienced both Moksha and Bikram classes I would say that the heat at iam is much more doable than Bikram. The teaching style was also much more hands on and soothing that what I experienced at Bikram. 

Clientele was a nice mix of regulars and newbies (could New Year’s resolutions be responsible?) and what was particularly nice was that the studio owner who also taught the class really took the time to explain the studio’s philosophy to my friends and I. 

Decor was nice as were the women’s changerooms. Loved the choice of turquoise – made me think of this photographer for some reason.

iam yoga is located just south of Bloor on Yonge.

Credit: stock.xchng

This week I had my first beginner’s yoga class at 889 Yonge and I loved it. The studio was welcoming as was the teacher and I also had some personal “Aha” moments for the first time in a yoga class – I actually know now what it feels like to have all parts of your hands on the ground if that makes any sense. I loved the non-competitive atmosphere and being with others who were learning with me. I’m also proud of myself for trying something new.

I’m actually really glad that I have waited this long to take a beginner’s workshop. I think if I had tried to do this at any other point in my life I would not have been ready. Now, I feel that I am ready to take this step and at least try to embrace what yoga has to offer. The other main reason that I’m happy that I have waited this long is that I have found the right studio and teacher for me. I’m looking forward to what the next three classes in this workshop bring.

Some people have asked me why I chose to do enroll in a beginner’s yoga when I have done at least 100+ hours of yoga. You see I think sometimes it is not a bad idea to take a step back and learn the foundations of something and in my case…I truly needed to learn the right way to do these poses.

Dolphin Pose (Credit: Yoga Journal)

Last night I went to a Detox Flow class at 889 Yonge. This class is classified as level two in their schedule. Technically the fact that I am in a level 2 yoga class four days before I start a beginner’s yoga workshop could be considered somewhat ironic. I bumped into the beginner’s workshop teacher at the class as well and she looked a little concerned for me.

The main reason that I wanted to go to this class, though, is it was their form of hot yoga and I wanted to see what it was like. Nothing beats  little warmth especially in the winter months.

Verdict? Class was definitely harder for me, but there were ways to do it at my own level. The dolphin pose was the hardest thing for me as I had never done this before. Teacher as is usual at 889 was fantastic. Heat? Warm but not crazy, so if you are looking for alternative to Moksha or Bikram this may be the class for you.