“Vini” means to start from where you are, and gradually, intelligently, progress toward your goals at your own pace. This tradition teaches that Your yoga, is Your experience of working with Your Body and Mind toward your goals of health and well-being based on the general principles and guidelines of asana (postures), pranayama (breath), and dhyana (a gathering in of awareness/the capacity to be present/meditation).
You will not be forced into any “ideal” posture but encouraged to strengthen and release at your own pace. This make this yoga highly adaptable: Viniyoga is used with Olympic athletes in Europe to give them that last “edge”; for times of change and transition such as pregnancy, illness or accident recovery; and to assist with progress toward life goals as diverse as stress reduction, weight loss, increase in fitness and flexibility, experience of greater inner peace, and re-alignment with life purpose.
In general classes, you may find students of all sizes, shapes and levels of physical ability. In specialized classes, you may find great variation within the commonality. “Yoga” as only the mastery of a set of postures is a North American perversion of this hugely practical art. Yoga is not what you look like. It is the sum of your mastery of the tools and techniques whose purpose is to make it easier and easier to become more and more… Your Self!
***Click here for more information about the Viniyoga tradition.
At the end of each class, you will take home a practice sheet that reminds you of what you did in class and how to breath it – a tool that allows you to begin doing something for yourself each day, adapted to your unique schedule and current life situation, if you so choose.
All classes are progressive, that is over the weeks of your session, you will gradually increase your knowledge of postures, breath techniques, relaxation and meditation methods, and yoga as Life Philosophy with practical, everyday applications.
Practices are original. This tradition does not rely on generic (often trademarked) sequences which may or may not suit their application. Viniyoga teachers receive extensive training in constructing appropriate practice sessions for particular clients, needs, and context.
That’s why this tradition does not lend its self to drop-ins, unless you're coming from out of town and know what you're doing! The goal of the weekly class is to send you home with more knowledge and techniques that you can begin integrating for you. A Viniyoga teacher’s job is to make you more and more independent, and able to take care of your self any time any where, whether or not s/he is there…
Yoga Basics:
Learn to move with your own breath as your guide to adapting your yoga for you. A balanced practice of posture, breathwork, relaxation & meditation & philosophy. Expand your knowledge of yoga’s applications in daily life as you progress. Increase flexibility, strength, energy, release tension, Re-centre. The class is progressive, that is we will apply what you learn each week to develop your practice and understanding further each week. At the end of the Beginner Session, you will have learned: 25+ Basic Postures; 4 Core Breath Techniques; the mechanics of the “relaxation/repair response; practical, everyday ways this ancient philosophy can provide solutions to our modern life challenges. This is an excellent choice for those seeking positive lifestyle changes like getting back into shape, losing weight, recovering from physical challenges, or learning how to reduce stress.
Intermediate:
A theme-based progressive session which explores some aspect of the vast yoga tradition in depth: body, mind and spirit. The theme changes each session, as on-going students deepen their own understanding of the philosophical tradition and the practice. Continue to learn more about the postures, breath technique, relaxation/meditation methods based on the sessional theme. Home practices provided.
The class is suitable for anyone with a Yoga Basics introduction. I will be introducing an "advanced" layer to the practices for those who have been working on their individual practices for some time. For those who have completed their 200 hour teacher/advanced training, this class counts as 12.5 hours continuing education credits towards 500 hour certification.
NOTE: The following four courses: Restorative, Out of Shape/Overweight, and Autoimmune Support, may not be offered all terms. They are variations on Yoga Basics which is a good alternative or you may like to begin with a few private sessions developed for your unique needs- both good starting places whatever your challenges and goals!
Restorative:
for those 50+ and/or needing to slow it down due to accident or illness recovery, or the normal wear and tear of aging. Same programs as above but with more emphasis on individual adaptation and assistance. For more information about 50+ Yoga and Adapted Yoga, click here. If you are unsure whether your level of wellness or mobility is better suited to an adapted class or private consultation (individually-assessed practices for therapeutic purposes), please consult the instructor before the first class. For more information about Yoga Therapy and Private Consultations, click here. (Not offered all terms. Yoga Basics may also be appropriate for you - but please consult Kathryn regarding your specific circumstances.)
Yoga for the Out of Shape or Overweight:
A tongue-in-cheek admission of our starting place, and so what?! We’re all of us “works in progress”, going through this Life at our own pace in our own way. We’ll adapt the basic beginner program to the needs of class members, setting a realistic pace for change, and perhaps learning to be a bit more gentle and compassionate with ourselves, along the way. Kathryn’s pet peeve: some notion we’ve already got to be the “After” picture…! (Like I learned how to play the piano by already knowing how to play the piano?) (Not offered all terms.)
Autoimmune Support:
Autoimmune diseases affect 1 in 9 women and 1 in 12 men, higher than heart disease or cancer rates. Usually, the immune system protects the body from harm but sometimes the body mistakes friend for foe and turns on its own cells & tissues. Autoimmune diseases are poorly understood, chronic & worsening, controlled not cured & medicated at long-term cost to other systems. Autoimmune Diseases include: asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Chrohn’s, colitis, Type1 diabetes, lupus, thyroid & adrenal disorders, chronic fatigue.
- Learn about environmental triggers and the role of stress & lifestyle
- Be guided through body/mind practices to help “re-program” the immune system
- Take home a session of gentle movement, breath & relaxation you can do for yourself.
- (currently offered in private sessions only)
Pre-and Post-natal Yoga Programs:
- Pregnancy Yoga and Couple's Workshop Package...
- Yoga for Pregnancy information
- the Couple's Workshop information
- YogaBaby (3 wks to 6 mo's) description
1. Enjoy the benefits of Pregnancy Yoga and the Couple's Workshop in one time & money saving package. I know that Moms-to-be are really busy, that sometimes they have a hard time getting to a weekly class, that soon-to-be parents are often stretched financially and reluctantly end up choosing one program or the other.With that in mind I'd like to offer a new approach, a "every other week" program at my studio. including: 5 weeks for "her" learning & experiencing the essentials of pregnancy yoga (relaxation/stress reduction, back care, strengthen/prepare, pain control, post-Labour & beyond) PLUS the Labour Workshop for Couples.Cost for 5 learning/practice sessions PLUS the workshop: $170. (your savings - $20) Couple's Labour Workshop ONLY - $90.
SPRING 10 - COUPLE'S LABOUR WORKSHOP ONLY. Next workshop: Sunday Apr 25th. (Next pregnancy yoga class Sept/10).
2. Yoga for Pregnancy:
Safe, gentle & fun! Prepare for labour & beyond, connect with baby, share with others. No yoga experience necessary. All sizes, shapes and levels of physical ability and all three trimesters are welcome. The more comfortable the clothes, the better! Please contact the instructor regarding any special health concerns or questions.
Kathryn is Fredericton's longest-standing and most experienced pregnancy yoga instructor! With her experience as a doula and the practical, informative structure of the program, class members are often coming for a 2nd or 3rd time, or on the advice of a friend or relative who told them how useful these techniques are during pregnancy and labour and after. Obviously, the earlier you start, the better, but you're welcome to join right up to the last. You'll still learn the breath, posture and relaxation techniques most appropriate for you and how to adapt to where you're at now. The atmosphere is fun and accepting, and we learn a lot from each other. Many classes form a Moms group, and some of the classes are still meeting with kids going on 6 and 7 years old! If you're joining at the very end of your pregnancy, your course will be pro-rated to your due date subject to space availability.
SPRING 10 - COUPLE'S LABOUR WORKSHOP ONLY. Next workshop: Sunday Apr 25th. (Next pregnancy yoga class Sept/10).
3. Couple's Preparation for Labour Workshop (or the Guy's Guide to Labour)
Inspired by the partners of women taking prenatal yoga who kept asking, "What's MY role? What can I practically DO? How can I help!"
- In the workshop, we explore:
what to expect during each of the birth stages, and how to provide appropriate physical, mental and emotional support
- specific relaxation and comfort techniques, including massage
- how the partner can help the mother conserve energy, anticipate her needs, and provide concrete hands-on assistance
- how the couple can best work together as a team to achieve their goals
The workshop is offered at least once per session or can be booked on an individual basis by request. It usually takes place on a weekday evening or a weekend morning or afternoon and takes between 3 and 4 hours. Cost without pregnancy yoga registration, $90 and subject to space availability.
SPRING 10 - COUPLE'S LABOUR WORKSHOP ONLY. Next workshop: Sunday Apr 25th. (Next pregnancy yoga class Sept/10).
4. YogaBaby:
Learn simple infant massage techniques and a simple stretching/play routine for baby that we add to each week. Discover healing movement and energy-balancing breath and relaxation for you. Enjoy fun and connection time with one another and other moms & babies. Babies: 3 weeks to 6 months. No yoga experience necessary for Mom.
***For more information about Yoga for Pregnancy, click here.
***See also: Birth Services including Birth Coaching (Doula) and Prep for Labour for Couples Workshops
