We know that stress gets in the way of families being able to connect, have healthy relationships, and build life skills.  That’s why we offer yoga workshops for parents, grandparents and caregivers that are different. Our workshops are focused on reducing stress and calming the nervous system, building mind body awareness, and strengthening emotional regulation skills.  Our body positive smaller classes are led by teachers who not only gently guide you through the moves, but they also ensure you are supported throughout the entire class so that you leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated.

Classes for Parents, Grandparents, & Caregivers

Led by Missi Chenier of Santosha Yoga Therapy

Gentle Yoga

Muscle pains, aching joints, weight gain, and unhealed injuries can prevent us from getting through our day to day routines or engaging with our families in the ways we want to. As we age we tend to experience more of these movement and mobility issues too.

Movement actually allows us to improve our mobility and decrease our aches and pains! When we move, we improve balance, build our core, strengthen the back, and reconnect with the breath. 
This small group practice based on principles of yoga therapy use different methods to restore your movement and mobility, at your own pace, in a positive environment that allows you to start where you are.  All body shapes and sizes are welcome.

Chair Yoga

Improve stability and strength with chair yoga. Adding a chair to your practice can provide a new level of accessibility and comfort that my not be available during other kinds of yoga. Whether you have physical restrictions due to age, pregnancy, a health condition, or just limited space, chair yoga gives each student the capability to explore yoga in a safe and supportive way.

Beginners Yoga

Have you always wanted to try yoga and didn’t know where to start? Going to a studio class when you are new can be intimidating, not knowing the names of the poses, and not sure if you can even do them. This class is specifically for you.
This is for those who have never stepped on a yoga mat, are returning after a yoga break, or those looking to refine their skills.  You don’t have to be flexible to practice yoga, don’t need any ‘yoga clothes’, and can be any age, shape or size.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga enables deep relaxation as you holding poses for longer periods of time with the help of props to completely support you.

The main focus of Restorative Yoga is that by relaxing in poses, with the aid of props, without strain or pain, we can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation.Restorative yoga classes are very relaxing and slow paced. Props, like blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps are used so that you are supported in your pose comfortably. You will then hold the pose for an extended period of time. This practice is great to balance an active yoga schedule or to give yourself a break.Our parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated when we relax into poses, which promotes a relaxation response and reduces stress in our bodies. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing your heart rate and breath and increasing blood flow to your vital organs, among other things.

Gentle Yin

Yin yoga is a slow-paced, passive type of yoga that incorporates long holds and deep breaths for a stretch that gets right into the muscle fibers.

Yin yoga involves a series of seated and supine postures, typically held for 3-5 minutes at a time. During these prolonged periods of stillness, the yogi experiences a surrendering sensory awakening that melts away residual tension and stress. Long Yin yoga holds are also known to release repressed or stored emotions, leaving the yogi feeling lighter, clearer and completely relaxed.

Yin yoga is an excellent practice for beginners. It gives them plenty of time to uncover the unique benefits of individual poses without worrying about tricky transitions. It’s also a tried and true technique for yogis of all levels to experience full body release. Those recovering from an injury or looking to lengthen versus strengthen will feel right at home in a Yin yoga class.

Registration is required for all classes due to limited class sizes.  For registration or questions, please contact Missi Chenier at:

Email: missi@santoshayogatherapy.ca

Telephone: 519-995-1875

Website: https://www.santoshayogatherapy.ca/