Yoga Classes
At our yoga studio, we offer a wide variety of yoga classes to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned yoga practice looking for a challenge, we have a class for you. We also offer a variety of specialized yoga classes, such as yoga for back pain relief and yoga for athletes. No matter what your level of experience or practice, we have a yoga class that’s perfect for you. So come on in and check us out today!
When it comes to yoga, Pilates and movement we believe in teaching what we know and revering the teachers that came before us. Class types honour the rich history of movement while nodding to the brilliance of modern movement modalities. Come for any class in Hatha, Hatha Flow, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Restorative movement, Flow + Restore or Pilates mat, Springboard or Barre. You’ll enjoy classes that feel both classic as well as updated and that will compel your mind, body, and spirit.
Prenatal Yoga (Pilates Fusion)
Yoga Fusion Is a combination of Pilates and Yoga. In pregnancy, it is important to gently stretch the body due to the hormone relaxin that causes tendons and ligaments to stretch in order to prepare and enable the baby to descend through the birth canal. Deep stretching is not recommended for pregnancy. Pilates is used to strengthen the muscles and keep them strong during pregnancy and into postpartum.
Hatha Yoga is combined with Pilates exercises done with small apparatus and the Pilates Springboard in order to facilitate a strengthening and lengthening combination for pregnancy.
Postnatal Yoga (Pilates Fusion)
As the hormone relaxin lasts well into the postpartum period, these classes are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor, glutes, and abdominals and lengthen hamstrings, and quads and release hips and sacrum. Special care in postpartum classes is taken for those who have abdominal separation or “diastasis recti” and/or c-section.
Class is a combination of Pilates mat work for abdominal conditioning and Hatha Yoga for stretching and relaxation.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the Mama of yoga or the classical form of yoga. It is a movement that embodies Ha the sun and Tha the moon. In the classical yoga tradition asanas (postures) are represented as the male and female energies of the body that are balanced through the practice of yoga asana (postures) with the goal of mindful movement combined with functional alignment and intentional breathing. A class includes meditation, relaxation and pranayama (breathing) exercises.
Ashtanga/Power Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a form of yoga based on the teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya is responsible for bringing the tradition of Yoga to the West and for teaching women yoga, as in previous times yoga was only taught to men. Krishnamacharya taught that the movements between each asana should be considered just as significant as the postures themselves. Ashtanga is a vigorous practice; an athletic style of yoga with a set series of postures that increase in difficulty as the practitioner advances.Ujjayi Breath is the breathing technique used. It is done by inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic manner through the nose, linking the postures and breath together like a seamless dance.
After this vigorous practice the overall sensation is one of relaxation.
Ashtanga/Power Yoga is not a recommended practice for fertility/pregnancy or anyone sustaining injuries.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is a flowing form of yoga. It stems from the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. The breath and the asanas or postures flow together to create a more vigorous form of yoga . Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing asanas or postures together so that you move seamlessly with the breath from one posture to another. Commonly referred to as “flow” yoga, it is sometimes confused with “Ashtanga/power yoga” due to the use of Ujjayi Breath.
Vinyasa classes offer a variety of postures and no two classes are the same.
The Sanskrit word Vinyasa comes from a prefix vi, which means variation, and a suffix, nyasa, which means ”‘within prescribed parameters”. Vinyasa is derived from nyasa, meaning “to place,” and vi, meaning “in a special way.” This indicates that we are moving mindfully, bringing consciousness to each movement in each moment linking it with the breath.
Slow/Hatha Flow Yoga
Slow Flow Yoga or Hatha Flow takes the best of both Hatha and Vinyasa and builds on it. Classes are designed in such a way that they gradually warm up muscles and joints. It encourages one to stay in the moment while improving your attention span. Learning how to move, breathe, and stretch between poses is the primary focus. You have time to learn the poses, and how they can be modified, as per your own physical limitations. Suitable for all age groups
Yin Yoga
Yin is considered a cooling form of yoga and is a more modern style of yoga based on martial arts traditions. It is a series of varying slow, deep stretching postures held for long periods of time. The long-held holds can create quite a bit of intensity! Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga generate heat in the body internally along with the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. Great practice for people who are extremely tight from playing sports or from sitting for long periods of time.
Restorative Yoga
A more modern style of Yoga was more recently popularized by American psychologist and physical therapist Judith Hanson Lasater. Restorative Yoga is a passive form of asana sequencing that includes floor-based postures and props to support the body, completely enabling the practitioner to effectively relax without any effort. Poses are generally maintained for 3–10 minutes. This form of Yoga is considered “passive stretching”, the body’s physical patterns are released by holding positions in a passive way, gently stretching with effects being felt for several days after the practice. In addition to this, the body’s nervous system is brought into balance through the posture sequences, length of time postures are held and deep breathing.
Restorative Yoga uses guided meditation combined with sequences of pranayama ( breathing) exercises that relax the autonomic nervous system and deeply restore the body. This is an excellent therapeutic style of yoga practice for anyone recovering from physical or emotional injury or to de-stress.
Pilates Classes
Pilates is a fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. This form of exercise promotes core strength, flexibility, and mind-body awareness. Pilates also provides injury rehabilitation and prevention. The Benefits of Pilates classes include a focus on core stability, postural and balance awareness. It also promotes a full range of the musculoskeletal system and joint stability. Pilates is a great form of movement for the following conditions such as chronic neck and back pain, plantar fasciitis, joint injuries, whiplash and spine injuries.
Equipment includes small apparatus including weights, balls, straps and rollers and the Pilates Springboard.
Pilates Mat work :
This is Pilates original work of 34 floor exercises focussing on core strengthening.
Joseph Pilates presents his method as the art of controlled movements, which should look and feel like a workout (not a therapy) when properly manifested. If practiced with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. The core, consisting of the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and hips, is often called the “powerhouse” and is thought to be the key to a person’s stability. Pilates’ system allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced or to any other level, and also in terms of the instructor and practitioner’s specific goals and/or limitations. Intensity can be increased over time as the body adapts itself to the exercises.
The Pilates Springboard
The Pilates Springboard is a full-body workout system that uses weighted springs and your body weight. It improves mobility and flexibility, builds lean muscle, and develops functional strength. The Pilates Springboard is a resistance cord system that creates an imbalance to develop core strength. It aims to increase functional strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Hypnobirthing Classes
HypnoBirthing® – The Mongan Method
Mongan Method HypnoBirthing® offers women and their partner’s opportunities to explore their choices and develop the decision-making skill necessary to achieve their birthing goals. A birth preparation method was created by Marie Mongan, an American childbirth educator and hypnotist.
This method includes natural childbirth education, physiology, physical postures and the daily practice of self-hypnosis or meditation techniques to prepare for labour and birth. This method is to teach and foster women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier, more comfortable birth experience. HypnoBirthing® classes provide complete labour and childbirth preparation for women and their birth companions. These popular birth preparation classes are used throughout the world.
Wellness Therapy Services Offered in Our Toronto Wellness Centre
Here at our wellness center, we offer a great set of wellness therapy services. Our wellness therapies are designed to help you achieve a state of optimal health and well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including acupuncture, osteopathy, physiotherapy, and reflexology.
Our team of experts will work with you to develop a personalized wellness plan that fits your unique needs. We also offer a variety of wellness classes, workshops, and events. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or just want to learn more about wellness, we can help you find what you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more about our wellness therapy services.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a part of the traditional Chinese medicine-based approach to treating a variety of conditions by triggering specific points in the body through the insertion of very thin needles. It is a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, glands, organs, and various functions of the body.
An acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site that causes little to no discomfort, it’s enough of a signal to let the body know it needs to respond. This response stimulates the immune system, promoting circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation. Acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions.
Numerous scientific clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.
NADA Protocol (Ear Acupuncture)
Popularized in the South Bronx in the 1970s ( originated in Quebec via France and Dr. Nogier in the 1920s) and widely used by the Black Panthers and the New Lords in the South Bronx for the treatment of many common drug addictions as an alternative to methadone.
NADA is a five-point ear acupuncture protocol for recovery from addictions, mental health, trauma and community healing and a barrier-free approach to behavioural health.
Dozens of studies have documented the effectiveness of the NADA protocol. Among the benefits reported by patients and health care providers are improved retention in drug treatment programs; more optimistic attitudes about detoxification and post-traumatic stress recovery; reductions in cravings and anxiety; fewer episodes of sleep disturbance; and reduced need for pharmaceuticals.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary health therapy, its origins date back to Ancient Egypt, India and China. Used both in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as a form of massage therapy. Reflexology is a hands-on touch therapy that is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears are a microcosm of the different organs of the body.
Reflexology can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and well-being. Evidence-based studies around the world indicate possible benefits of reflexology, specifically for reducing pain, enhancing relaxation, and reducing psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Massage Therapy
A form of manual therapy that manipulates the soft tissues of the body — muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin. This therapy is practiced by using hands-on touch techniques with varying degrees of pressure and movement. Techniques include holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine that can be used as a treatment for both acute and chronic conditions.
The benefits of massage include stress reduction, pain relief, muscle tension, improved circulation and aids in relaxation. It also assists in lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
Our massage services include:
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a natural therapy and treatment philosophy. It looks at the body as a whole, not just its individual parts. Osteopathic treatment seeks to achieve optimal function of the body’s systems using a gentle hands-on approach to restore mobility, and proper biomechanical and physiological function to joints, muscles, fascia, and the vascular, digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems.
The osteopathic manual practice uses a variety of hands-on techniques including; massage, stretching, pressure, mobilization and manipulation through a variety of specific techniques, all aimed at restoring your normal function. It is suitable for all ages, from birth onwards.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a therapy based on physical treatment exercises to restore, maintain, and make the most of the body’s mobility, function, and well-being. Often used for physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, as well as health and fitness.
Pelvic Physiotherapy
Pelvic physiotherapy is used for a wide range of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, diastasis recti, and more. These disorders are very common in women and men, seldom discussed and often assumed to be something that you ‘just have to live with’. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help reduce or eliminate pelvic dysfunction, help to relieve chronic pelvic pain caused by prostatitis and improve the quality of your life.
Workshops
Beginner Pilates
Pilates Mat work taught with an emphasis on focus and precision is a full-body workout. The classical mat series as taught includes a specific set of 36 mat Pilates exercises in a particular order.
Learn the beginner Pilates breath work and PIlates Pillar technique for core activation. Beginner and advanced exercises are included in the Classical protocol, allowing a progression to occur as the body gains balance, strength, and flexibility.
However, even an advanced student can still return to beginner exercises on any given day for a reboot of basic skills or to focus with a new understanding for a vigorously challenging workout.
The matwork is the fundamental classical mat Pilates postures and understanding them is mandatory for small apparatus and Pilates Springboard classes.
Beginner Yoga
The beginner yoga class series introduces the history of yoga, fundamental principles of alignment, and breath work. Introduction to yoga asanas (postures) through step-by-step verbal instruction, demonstration and hands-on adjustments.
Learn the appropriate alignment for yoga postures and appropriate modifications for your body. Emphasis is placed on student understanding, safety, and stability with each pose. Learn about yogic breath or prana, how to align the breath with the postures, strengthen the body, reduce stress and calm the mind.
Meditation for Absolute Beginners
Meditation is a grounding practice which helps one to understand the self and thus be able to become more compassionate to others. When we meditate, we inject far-reaching and long-lasting benefits in our lives. Science has proven that regular meditation can have powerful effects. Meditation helps to activate our rest-and-digest system and begins the process of returning our body to a more natural and calm state.
The course includes a variety of styles of meditation for beginners; incorporating breathwork, mindfulness and guided practices. Information about the benefits of each practice will help you to learn how to meditate and incorporate meditation into daily life.
Through meditation one begins to notice the subtle changes of mind and body, letting go of daily challenges that are stressful. Our body begins to heal; grows stronger and more resilient. Feel calmer. Focus clearly. Be more creative. Bring balance into life. Experience the beauty a meditative practice can bring
Prenatal Partner Yoga Workshop
The prenatal yoga with your partner workshop prepares with physical exercises that you can practice with your partner prior to labour to prepare for birth!
During birth, babies descend through the pelvis by turning to fit each passage along the way of its descent. A Baby’s turns and movements are considered fetal rotation. If a fetal rotation can be guided, birth is easier for anybody. Tight muscles or poorly chosen birth positions can make labour harder and longer.
In the prenatal partner yoga workshop expectant parents and partners learn how the baby and Mom can find optimal positions for labour, and understand the stages of labour and what occurs physiologically in labour and birth.
This course is based on prenatal education theory, yoga positions for birth and labour along with some basic fetal rotation techniques. Daily exercises can be learned in class and practiced in preparation for birth and labour This course educates and enables parents to feel confident in their approach to their birth experience.
Thera-Restorative Yoga
Balance the energy in the body and the autonomic nervous system by combining the practice of restorative yoga with various forms of therapeutic body work, massage, acupuncture, reflexology, and deep tissue release.
Thera-Restorative Yoga is designed to re-establish a connection with the natural rhythms of the body and each workshop is based on a theme ie: hormone balance, detoxification, and immunity building.
The body is draped over soft bolsters in gentle sequences, while aromatherapy or essential oils are used to deepen the senses to rest the mind and body completely. acupuncture, reflexology and massage treatments maximize the benefit of the restorative postures and induce a therapeutic effect throughout the major organs and structures of the body.
Relaxation is enabled by guided breathing and meditation. This relaxing journey will restore you all the way down to your subconscious layers.
Yogapals®
Created by Eloisa Slimmon a Canadian Yoga and movement teacher. Yogapals® Is a fun yoga program for children ages 4+ including tweens and teens. It consists of animated poses, literature and stories, games, group activities, partner/acro yoga, simple craft projects, breathing, meditation and visualizations.
Yogapals® Kids Yoga
Teach your children! Yoga and mindfulness can transform children’s experience of school and life. Classes introduce a wide range of yoga classes for kids, in a fun relaxed way. Movement Games, introduction to breathwork and meditation.
Yogapals® tweens & teens Yoga
Being a tween or teen can be a confusing time. Having a community is essential to navigating all the changes in youth. These classes are designed for teens or tweens and interweave yoga practise with meditation and tools for anxiety and stress.
Yogapals® Family Yoga
These family yoga classes can be done with kids, older siblings, parents, and grandparents. It is a great way to get the family together and have fun too! Every class is different and constantly has positive messages to build your child’s confidence. These classes can be enjoyed by all ages.
Birth Doula Services
Doulas act as the mother’s advocate through pregnancy and help empower the mother to make informed decisions about their personal pregnancy journey that will best suit them and their body. Doulas offer practical and emotional support to the whole family. Doulas support different kinds of births and different parenting choices.
Birth doulas will often meet with the mother and families prior to birth, helping to prepare the perfect birth plan. As the birth approaches, normally around 38 weeks, the doula will go on call 24/7 to make sure they are available for the birth.
During birth, a doula provides emotional, practical support to their client and is constantly adapting. The doula can offer help and assistance with breathing, relaxing, movement and positioning. They do not take a clinical role but work alongside midwives and doctors either in hospitals, homes or birth centers.
Doulas will work with the midwives and doctors to ensure a comforting, nurturing and assuring presence within the birthplace ensuring that all goes smoothly with the birth.
There is good evidence that doula support improves the experience and birthing outcomes for both the woman and the baby.
Yoga Teacher Training
The 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Our Yoga Alliance certified 200-hour teacher training is designed to provide you with the groundwork, knowledge and skills to begin teaching yoga. Our mission is to create an immersive experience of learning and self-inquiry that encourages you to show up confidently as the best teacher you can become.
The comprehensive curriculum covers anatomy, asana/postures, functional alignment, yoga history and philosophy, pranayama, meditation, intuitive vinyasa sequencing, hands-on assisting, teaching methodology, ethics and the business of yoga.
Our program is both teacher training and life training. You will learn how to navigate the totality of your human experience – physical, mental and emotional – with skillful awareness and curiosity. In getting to know yourself better, you will develop authentic ways to share the teachings of yoga with others.
300-Hour Teacher Training Certification
Liberty Movement’s 300-hour advanced teacher training is designed to take both your personal practice and teaching to new levels of depth, clarity and focus. Geared towards existing yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners, our program will deep dive into key areas of study to unlock your potential as an inspired and knowledgeable guide for your students.
If you are ready to refine, specialize and expand your current Teaching repertoire, develop the skills to lead with confidence and become a more senior teacher or discover your core purpose as a teacher – this training is for you. Our aim is to illuminate your strengths, meet you where you are and support your unique direction and growth.
Prenatal Yoga Specialist Certification
This Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Certification is for yoga teachers and trainees, pregnant Moms to be, as well as anyone who works with pregnancy and women ie; massage/shiatsu therapists or acupuncturists, chiropractors, osteopaths, doctors, reiki practitioners, doulas, midwives, nurses, therapists etc.
This training will give you the knowledge and skills required to support and help pregnant women make informed choices. Help you assess a pregnant student physiologically, and be able to use the proper props, modifications and hands-on corrections for yoga. It will also give you a solid foundation of techniques used to help women and couples during labour
Postnatal Yoga Specialist Certification
This postnatal yoga teacher training certification is for yoga teachers as part of the Women’s Specialist Yoga Teacher Training or as a stand-alone course for all trainees as well as acupuncturists, childbirth educators, chiropractors, doctors, doulas, craniosacral/massage/shiatsu therapists, midwives, nurses, therapists and of course pregnant women! It is also Yoga Alliance applicable for the RPYT ( registered Pre /Postnatal Yoga teacher certification.)
This training will enable you to teach postnatal parents and their babies. Learn techniques for teaching a class that incorporates exercises for baby and parent. Understand the physiological and psychological changes of a new parent. Exercises and modifications for c-sections and diastasis will be covered.
Women’s Yoga Specialist Certification I
Women’s Yoga Specialist (WYS) Teacher Training I is a comprehensive and inspirational program that will transform your practice and deepen your understanding of yoga for women. Designed by women for women, this course is appropriate for aspiring teachers, yoga practitioners, health professionals, doulas, midwives, nurses, social workers, educators or anyone interested in providing and fostering in-depth support for women in Yoga and Women’s health.
Prerequisite: 200 RYT
Please note to be certified as a Women’s Yoga Specialist the full course is 80 hours; this includes the following courses:
- Prenatal /fertility certification ( 20 hrs )
- Post natal certification (20hrs)
- Women’s Yoga Specialist I (20hrs)
- Women’s Yoga specialist II (20 hrs ) for a total of 80 hours.
Courses can be taken in any order although we do recommend taking WYS I & II in order if possible. Courses can also be taken individually as part of RYT 300 or 500
Course content will cover the following:
- Women’s Anatomy
- Understanding our Menstrual cycles
- Women’s pelvic health issues
- Nutrition for your cycle
- Guidelines for yoga practice for Women
- The W practice-Yoga for healthy menstruation, balance for menstrual anomalies
- Yoga sequencing for each stage of your cycle; aligning with the moon
- Meditation, pranayama(breathing) and visualizations for women
- Practices to awaken divine feminine
- Marketing for a woman-centered business
- Practice teaching; Sequencing – designing a sequence for a Case Study
Women’s Yoga Specialist Certification II
Women’s Yoga Specialist (WYS) Teacher Training II is a continuation of WYS I but can also be taken as a stand-alone course. A comprehensive training certification on Women & hormones. This course covers the endocrine system to better understand the functions of hormones as well as the physical and psychological changes. Pathophysiology of Hormones: depletion issues ie autoimmune, chronic fatigue, adrenal depletion. Nutrition & Health for Women’s Hormones for balance.
- The H practice -Yoga sequencing for perimenopause and Menopause and beyond to balance hormones
- Self-care practices for women: Inner limb practices to support hormonal changes
- Meditation, pranayama(breathing) and visualizations for women’s general health and wellbeing
- Marketing for a woman-centred business
- Practice teaching; Sequencing and designing a sequence for a Case Study.
Yoga Retreats
You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, and the conversations you engage in. You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of the fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. You are every single second of every day. So allow yourself to reconnect, and rekindle your inner fire in a Yoga retreat this year!
We offer yearly retreats in Italy and Mexico please see below for a sample itinerary.
Retreat Includes:
- 2 movement classes per day
- Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative Yoga and Pilates
- Hands-On Body Work
- Restorative Yoga, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture and massage
- Breathwork/Pranayama to expand the vitality of the body
- Yoga Nidra/Guided Meditation to unlock your natural healing intelligence
- 2 Healthy Plant-based, freshly prepared, locally sourced meals per day
- Free time to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean or see the many sites