If you're looking for a nice, relaxing yoga class that's really accessible for beginners, Kaija's Kripalu classes are just perfect.
I started going to Kaija's classes about two years ago after being told by my physiotherapist that I had to take up yoga. I'd done yoga years and years ago, but had pretty much spent the last three years sitting around on my ass in front of the computer for 16 hours a day. I was not used to physical activity and I wasn't exactly fit, so the prospect of going to a yoga class was kind of intimidating.
I started out by going to a week of free yoga classes that Kaija was running during a Hearts in the Park event. Hearts in the Park is geared toward older folks, so I figured if there was any place for me to start, it was this (if it's relaxed enough for the seniors surely I could manage.) I had a great experience here, so I signed up for a once a week class with Kaija.
She's a great instructor - she just exudes positivity and good energy, is very pleasant and relaxing to be around and really makes yoga accessible to anyone.
Class sizes are small - the room can accommodate maybe... 12 people? but the class I was in generally ranged from 4 - 6, sometimes as many as 8, but rarely more than that. The class I was in was almost all women, mostly in their 40s and 50s, of all different experience levels, plus a scattering of younger people, so it was never intimidating.
The class is a low impact, very relaxing class. Lots of soft, relaxing music, a good amount of meditation, easy warm up and it's all very flexible and easy going. Kaija will often tailor the class to what everyone feels like doing that day (everyone want a 20 minute final relaxation? Sure, no problem!) Kaija also incorporates some qigong into her classes on occasion. Lots of focus on integrating body, mind and spirit.
The studio is really pleasant and comfortable. As I mentioned, it's small - one room, with a storage room across the hall for coats & equipment. Laminate flooring, large windows, spring green walls and nice artwork (paintings of nature, chakra posters, paintings of Om, crystal bowls, stuff like that.) It has a very comfortable community feel to it.
While Kaija's classes are a great place for beginners to start, they're also suitable for more experienced people. You can push yourself as far as you want and there's no lack of benefit for those who have been doing yoga for a while.
Best to bring your own mat, but the studio does provide mats, blankets, cushions, blocks, eye pillows, exercise balls, water and cups for no additional charge if you show up without your own stuff.
Bathrooms are shared with the rest of the building and are clean and well maintained. read more
