therapeutic yoga & movement

Therapeutic Yoga programs are currently offered on Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Friday mornings. Please check our registration page for more details.

Returning students are welcome to register for their regular class.

New to Therapeutic Yoga?  To provide you with the utmost level of care, we now ask all new students to undergo a comprehensive assessment prior to attending their first class. During this consultation, which includes Ayurvedic, breath and movement analysis, we will develop your compete life-style program to use in the conjunction with your weekly group classes for maximum benefit. Schedule your one-on-one consultation on-line or contact Julia at 780.512.7673

Therapeutic Yoga in 2 words? It Rocks!

Seriously now. If, a couple of years ago, you had asked me or any of my students what it is we do in a therapeutic yoga class, we all would have shrugged our shoulders, looked at each other, and probably made a few unidentifiable “UMM, WELL, UMMM” sounds.

Indeed, it is not easy to describe a practice that is so dynamic and evolving.

Let me try nonetheless.

The very basis of this class lies in developing awareness. What does that mean?
Did you tense your shoulders when you picked up your cup of coffee this morning? You probably didn’t even notice…
Right now, as you are reading this, how aware are you of the way you sit? Is your posture always the same when you pay attention?  Do you hold your breath or squint your eyes when you focus?

Chronic tension has its way of hiding itself in your breath; in the silent hum of your organs, in your walk, the tilt of your head, the movement of your arms. You probably don’t feel it, but it is there when you are relaxed, even asleep. Betraying your senses, chronic tension quietly whispers to your mind “ you are stressed, you can’t cope”. Like a proverbial monkey on your back, it is with you day in, day out, affecting every movement, gesture or pose you take.

Therapeutic yoga is a practice of un-learning. Underneath the tension-bound movement patterns is your fluid, graceful body, waiting to emerge. So at the therapeutic yoga class we invite our bodies to unravel. We ask our joints and muscles to move in a healthier, more balanced way. We find true stability – without tension, strain or stress. And that’s just the technical side of things. But there’s more, much more.

A weekly therapeutic class meets every student exactly where they are – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Often, we talk and share. Sometimes we chant. Sometimes tears come, sometimes laughter. Every class is like a blanket of supportive community wrapped around you as a reminder that you are safe, accepted and loved.

Don’t believe that yoga class can do all of that? Here are some comments I’ve collected over the years – or just ask those who’ve been to a therapeutic class, they’ll be happy to share.

“  Since starting private lessons with you, I feel I’m finally learning what Feldenkrais practitioners mean when they talk about “awareness through movement”. Exciting stuff!”

“I am rebuilding my body! We should turn that into a Satori Yoga T-Shirt! ”

“Last night at yoga I accomplished what I thought was the impossible and woke this morning with no side effects. I can’t wipe the grin off my face. It’s amazing what you can do with positive energy and the right mindset. Thanks Julia”

“Julia,

We are looking for someone to accept us, listen and care for who we are – don’t we – you provide that for many people.”

How does therapeutic class work? In 3 simple steps:

Step 1 | Unwind the Tension
Unwind old holding and movement patterns to create pain-free movement through hips and shoulders. Learn to relax!

Step 2 |Stability and Strength
Explore the structure of your inner core – strong, deep muscles of our torso to improve stability, coordination and balance. No sit – ups required!

Step 3  Grace and Ease – Movement Integration
Use your newly acquired body awareness to play ( who needs hard work?) with the building blocks of yoga postures – forward and back bends, twists and standing postures.