The next 30 Day Challenge is on! October 24-November 22

Even if you have never tried this yoga before, you CAN do a yoga challenge!  It will change your life in just 30 days!  You won't believe the benefits!  Go ahead, sign up and feel for yourself!!!

***If you have any health concerns or questions, feel free to come in a talk to us about it, we want to help you!

The details:

• Participants will be allowed 2 days grace in this challenge. Challengers have 2 days that they don't have to come, for times when they absolutely can't make class. No doubles (doing 2 class in one day to make up for a missed class) are not allowed .
• Challenge is $100 plus tax , $90 plus tax for students PLUS a $50 cash only deposit to reserve your space. The deposit will be returned upon successful completion of the challenge.
• Space is limited - Maximum 30 people may sign up for challenge.

*BONUS - all challengers also get to savour and enjoy 1 ayurvedic remedy every Sunday with Kalee Mund.  These remedies will enhance sensations of healing throughout your body.  Kalee is an Apprentice Herbalist at Hollow Reed Holistic. She studied Eastern religions, Vedic philosophy, History and Yoga at the University of Manitoba and then went on to training in Ayurveda through the Kerala Ayurveda Academy. We are thrilled to have Kalee sharing her passion for holistic healing with our challengers!

Ayurvedic Remedies will be available for purchase to non challengers at Ume's Kitchen on Sundays as well. Get more details about Kaylee and her healing here.

Any questions, you know where to find us... (front desk, info@staffordstreethotyoga.com, 204.452.7412, Facebook)

Miranda...

Miranda in locust pose...our lovely guest teacher from Quebec is leaving mid October. Her last class is Oct. 14th.  If you haven't caught her class already, make sure you do!

She is truly a very gifted and special teacher who's positive and informative teaching has made an impact in many people's Bikram practices.   Thank you for making Miranda feel a warm Winnipeg welcome, she already hopes to return again soon!

Ivanka...

...is returning in October! YEAH!

Leah Sommerfield...

...will be in town to teach one exclusive class Thursday, October 20th at 7pm.

Leah taught with SSHY right from the very beginning. Those of you who have been with us a while are sure to remember her. A very well liked, and powerful teacher indeed! She moved to Ottawa to do her dietary internship - but she's back for a visit and one very special class. Don't miss it!

There's a new registered massage therapist in the Stafford Street house!

We are pleased to welcome Billie Fontaine to the SSHY healing team.

She is available for massage appointments Tuesday - Saturday at the studio. Please call her at 204-688-3754 to book your appointment, or visit her website: www.billiefontaine.com

Billie is one talented lady. In addition to your standard (and by standard we mean divine!) massages, Billie can also help you out with...

• Trigger point therapy
• Myofascial release and deep-tissue massage
• Relaxation massage
• Prenatal massage
• Gua Sha and Cupping
• Laser therapy (coming soon!)

We're so glad to have you on board Billie!

For Thanksgiving weekend, a few adjustments to our class schedule...

October 7-9

No change. All classes are on as usual.

October 10 (Monday)

Classes at 9:30am & 4pm only! 6am, 6pm & 8pm are cancelled.

Happy feasting! The hot room will be ready and waiting to help you deal with the turkey hangover.

And we'd like to give thanks to all of you for your support, committment and energy :)

Image source: Jeff Ratcliff / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image source: Bikram's Yoga College of IndiaThe awkward pose in the Bikram yoga set is great for toning and shaping the legs, while stimulating the liver, spleen, intestines and pancreas. It helps to relieve rheumatism and arthritis in the legs, cure slipped discs and tackle other problems in the lower spine by re-aligning the legs.

Our visiting teacher from Montreal, Miranda, shares her tips for making the most of this Bikram pose.

First part

Make sure your heels stay behind your toes invisible in the front mirror for the entire duration of the posture. There's a tendency for the heels to try to turn in or out so pay attention. Think of it! Keep your feet in alignment.

Start with a straight spine and sit down like your sitting in a chair too far behind you. This takes pressure off the knees.

Then begin to backward bend, your entire spine weight always on the heels. Keep your abdominal muscles nice and tight - this contraction supports and protects the spine.

Second part

Heels invisible behind the toes! You are leaning against the wall!

In the set up pay close attention and really stretch your whole spine, chest, and head up towards the ceiling. You align yourself for the posture in the set up. This is how you get proper form.

With spine straight, sit down on the chair. Lift the knees up. Sitting down with the hips while simultaneously lifting the spine, chest, head and knees up creates balance in this posture.

Third part

The key to all the Bikram asanas is the breath. You must breathe going down and coming up from this posture.

Make sure you start with your heels invisible behind your toes! Suck your stomach in the whole time to support your spine. Same principle as the second part -  the stretching up with the spine and chest creates the counter balance for sitting down. Go as far as you can keeping your knees together.

On the way up try to keep your spine straight and maintain control, looking only at one point. Take a deep breath on the way up. This extends and opens the ribcage, supporting the chest, straightening the spine.

Enjoy! ~ Miranda (visiting Bikram teacher extraordinaire)