As I shared with you in the last Coach’s Corner I decided to try a little different version of my usual Summer Feast. I accepted the 30 Day Challenge from Open Space Yoga in Ladner to commit to yoga 6 times/week, meditation 7 times/week and cardio 3 times/week for 30 days. It is important for you to note that I did not forgo my usual summer feast of chips and beer on the patio or yummy barbeques with friends but simply added to it with this challenge. I feel the need to stress this point as whenever I tell people about the crazy schedule of yoga and fitness they undoubtedly look me over and seem somewhat underwhelmed by my appearance. No, I have not miraculously shrunk to a size two. That would require putting down the blue cheese burger and Shiraz. However, I can tell you when I run up our stairs I don’t feel like my Auntie Trudy’s jello mold is wrapped around my midsection anymore. But I’m getting ahead of myself, first let me share a few of my favourite moments during the challenge before revealing the shocking results.

• First day of meditation: Why didn’t I do this in the morning like everyone said to? It’s 8pm and I haven’t started dinner. OK, let’s just get this done, I need a quiet place…the only spot in the house is behind my office door. I set my phone alarm for 15 minutes, settle in with a foam cushion and put my mid finger and thumb together and rest them gently on my knees. Why do I feel so weird like this? I put palms down and feel more relaxed. Time for my mind to go blank. 60 seconds in and I hear my husband coming down the hall and am convinced he’ll crank open the door on my head. As quickly as possible I grab a sticky and scrawl “Do NOT Disturb- Meditation in Progress” and slap outside door. It works! He quietly walks by and goes into the kitchen…I hope he starts dinner…STOP thinking! I inhale deeply and feel my breath slowly exhale, I do this again. I visualize the thoughts in my mind spilling out the top of my head. This is working, I’m feeling so calm. Until, “…SHAKE IT LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE…” My husband has Outkast blaring from the stereo. Seriously?!! Is this even “allowed” during meditation? This better still count. I try to drown it out with my powerful meditative state and then “beep, beep, beep” the alarm goes off. I promise myself I’ll do this in the morning tomorrow.

• For cardio I’m going to Muscle Memory in Tsawwassen 3 times/week. I can’t believe how much I love being told what to do (too easy friends…let it go?). I have been a “gym girl” for 20+ years (doing the same routines, waiting for equipment, dealing with the big boys hogging the free weights,etc) and being able to just show up and have one of the trainers lead me through a great workout for an hour is perfect. Although there was that one class after my debaucherous weekend at the Gorge with Kings of Leon. Really, seriously, no lie I thought I was going to barf on my treadmill. I think the only thing that stopped me was the thought of my adorable 25yr old trainer leaning over me saying “ma’am…maybe you should try the Fit at Fifty class.”

• So, obviously with my Yoga classes I needed some new workout clothes. Duh! I indulged in a little shopping spree at Lululemon (again…duh!) and somehow felt more inspired to bend and pose. Although (why is there always an “although”?), during one of my first classes I was feeling like my pants were pulling up a little high in the front and upset that I’d worn them so couldn’t return. When I got home I realized that I had indeed been wearing them backwards with the deep yoke dipping down my backside. I’m sure my Downward Dog was a real treat for whoever was behind me.

• The one place you are allowed to pass wind without judgement…Yoga. I did not do this…swear! But, I can tell you that many do and the rest of us live in fear that we will.

• I’m not sure about the partner work we sometimes do in our yoga classes. I can tell you that the possibility of that happening is what has kept my sister FAR from yoga. I told her that I’ve only been in two classes that we are partnered up and asked to either massage or stretch our yoga-mate but she shudders at the thought. For one of these classes I was asked by Michael (OSY owner and Yogi-extraordinaire) to demonstrate the partner work that would be done. He is ridiculously lovely (and adored by everyone that goes to OSY…maybe even everyone everywhere) and obviously doesn’t know about my somewhat debilitating stage fright. OK, I may be exaggerating a touch but the sweating and blotchy blushing that occurs is not pretty, and definitely not Zen. Thankfully after the demonstration was over I actually relaxed and truly enjoyed the experience. As I explained this to my sister I think she started to come around…until I told her we all held each others feet.

The Shocking Results

OK, I shamelessly tried to hook you as I am hooked every time I hear “The Most Shocking Rose Ceremony Ever”. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. I can tell you that I absolutely loved my 30 Day Challenge. Here’s the results:

• My husband and son have said that I seem calmer and less stressed. Wow! That alone is worth price of admission I would say.

• I am definitely more flexible and my headaches and muscle aches have been reduced by about 90%.

• Balance did not get ANY better. What’s with that? I think I must suffer from some inner ear disorder. I can’t even do tree pose with my foot on my ankle.

• As previously mentioned, jello mold belly is a little firmer. Also, I don’t feel the need to dress in the dark.

• Meditation was my biggest struggle and I feel my biggest failure. I just felt annoyed every time I had to close my office door and sit on my block. I think I felt like when I was at yoga I gave myself permission to shut off my brain and breath. I didn’t need to do this too.

• This may fall into the category of too much information but I do feel it’s worth my humiliation if I can help even one fellow “crampy, bloaty, backed up” girlfriend. Regular exercise and regular morning protein smoothies have made me…regular. There, I said it!

Will I continue? Hells Ya! For the Fall I have signed up for 3 classes/week at Muscle Memory and bought an unlimited yoga pass at Open Space Yoga. I will win the battle against stress and jello.

The Urban Rack Website (being updated with Fall lines soon)
The Urban Rack Facebook Page
The Urban Rack Twitter Feed

How did you get interested in Yoga

Where did you get your training?
I received my initial training  with Maureen Frewer a local teacher and trainer. I then proceeded to get my 200 hrs training with Salt Spring Yoga Centre . I  have studied with Judith Lassater , Sarah Powers  ,and done Restorative Yoga  Training with Tikkun Yoga Center. But mostly my practice is based in Vijnana yoga that I have studied ongoing with  Gioia Irwin  and continued to practice with Deb Swan . I have also done Myofascial  work with Tom Myers and Mark Finch.

What are you reading right now?
I am reading “Meditation as Medicine” By Dharma Khalsa Singh M.D.

What are you listening to right now?
Right now, the quiet, but later I will probably listen to my new favorite Putumayo”Women of the World

What is your favourite Yoga book?
The best Yoga book I have read and one I refer to lots is “Yoga Mind  Body and Spirit” by Donna Farhi

What is your favourite Yoga CD?
I listen to lots of different music, changing regularily ,but  right now I am liking” The Medicine of Sound” Tibetian Healing music

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I think the fact that I used to teach  Emergency procedures and First Aid to Flight Attendants would be quit surprising!

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
For whatever  reason  people have  found themselves on our doorstep,  for whatever they are seeking.  I enjoy helping them to open the door to discover.

Maureen teaches at OSY on
Mondays 7pm Slow Flow Yoga (all levels)
Wednesdays 9:30am Hatha Flow Yoga (lev 2)

www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Thanks to Susan for emailing in.

Where did you get your training?
A year after I started taking yoga, in 2003, I completed the teacher training program offered by Maureen Frewer @ Delta Yoga Studio, I met Michael and we fell in love! I continue to take workshops when I can, I have had the privilege of learning from Shiva Rea who inspires the flow practice that I enjoy moving through

What are you reading right now?
Being that I teach dance and yoga I find any and all study of anatomy and physiology interesting, I read to educate and improve myself, my character, and my teaching.  I read many different books at once, I tend to focus on a particular area of interest for a period of time.

What are you listening to right now?
I enjoy music, I find any contemporary music inspires my practice, I currently love The Cinematic Orchestra.  I like to play around with current pop music as well.

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
I enjoy teaching at Open Space Yoga because it has always been based on community.  We have dedicated and supportive students.  I remember the very first year Michael created the Candlelight Yoga at Christmas, it was 1 class, 1 night; that event alone has done tremendous fundraising.  I recently experienced the graciousness of the community for the Delta Hospice Night Market as well as the many other events the studio is involved in.  There is so much care and love.  I have always been given the opportunity and freedom to instruct my classes and expolore who I am as an instructor.

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I’m not actually a model!  (note from Michael.. in reference to the fact that I use her picture a lot in our advertising lol)

Lindsay teaches Yoga Conditioning (all levels) this Fall on Fridays at 9:30am

www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Pilates

Where did you get your training?
My training started at Evolutions Studio in Langley & ended at the Pilates Den in Burnaby, training with a teacher who was educated by some of the “elders” who are still alive & who were trained under Joseph Pilates himself.

What are you reading right now?
Right now I am reading “ Me Talk Pretty One Day” my David Sedaris- very funny!

What are you listening to right now?
I listen to Michael Buble, Sarah McLachlan & Shore 104 FM radio!

Best  Pilates  book ?
The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler

Best Pilates music CD?
I like to use a CD by Lorenna McKennit

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I met my husband when I was 15, married him when I was 25. We have been married for 22 years but I have known him 32 years!

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
I love the energy at Open Space, & Michael is a doll!

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes?
I want students to walk out of my classes feeling energized yet calm, to be more aware of their posture & how they carry themselves. I can guarantee they will feel taller!

Lesley teaches early morning Mat Pilates on Wednesdays @ 7:30am this Fall
www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Yoga?

Where did you get your training?

Originally here in Delta with Maureen Frewer, a senior yoga instructor and teacher training instructor. I studied with her at first with the Ashtanga practice. I had no interest in teaching yoga and she convinced me to take the training to further my practice. I ended up apprenticing under her for a year. Since then I have gone on to study with many other world renowned instructors such as Shiva Rea, Donna Farhi, Tias Little,  Judith Hansen Lasater, & Orit Sen Gupta. But my biggest influence and main teacher in advancing my own studies has been Gioia Irwin, a teacher of teachers in the Vijnana Tradition. I studied yoga therapy for two years and also have my Thai Yoga massage & body rolling certifications. I continue to study with my dear friends Deb Swan (yoga) and Mark Finch (anatomy & myofascia master)

What are you reading right now?

Rowing The Atlantic – Roz Savage
Sh*t My Dad Says – Justin Halpern (not very yogic but makes me giggle)
Both digital ibooks on my phone

What are you listening to right now?

Ohhh I love music. I tend to listen to lots of things to death and then not listen to them for a long time. Currently:

Wait for Me – Moby
The Dance – Faithless

Bionic – Christina Aguilera
UN – Dan Black
Lungs – Florence + The Machine
Blue – Joni Mitchell

All time Favorite album: Ma Fleur – Cinematic Orchestra

Best Yoga Book?
Yoga, Mind, Body Spirt – Donna Farhi

Bringing Yoga to Life – Donna Farhi
Vijnana Practice Manual – Orit Sen Gupta
Stumbling Toward Enlightenment – Geri Larkin (a must read for everyone)
Good yoga books for people starting out in yoga are:
Moving Towards Balance: 8 Weeks of Yoga – Rodney Yee
Yoga: The Poetry of the Body – Rodney Yee

Best Yoga music CD

I make my own mixes on iTunes. I like buying individual songs to make a class mix.

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?

I am a complete and utter Mac/iPhone tech geek.
I also used to have a complete fear of public speaking… had to get over that one

Why do you like teaching at OSY?

Well what can I say… our Community. Our amazing students are what makes our little sanctuary in the village. I am also very proud of our instructors and how they care for our students and how they represent our studio.

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes?

I hope they leave feeling a little better than when they walked in the doors. I hope that they leave with a greater understanding of their bodies and minds in their daily lives and not just within the studio walls. I hope they walk out the doors being kinder to themselves and others and I hope they leave with a relaxed nervous system and better overall health and balance in their lives. I will never skimp on the importance of Savasana for that reason alone. Namaste.

Michael teaches this Fall:

Tues 7:30am – Yoga Conditioning, all levels
Tues 11am – Slow Flow Yoga, all levels
Tues 5:30pm – Yoga Conditioning, all levels
Wed 6pm – Hatha Flow Yoga, level 2
Thurs 6pm – Slow Flow Yoga, all levels
Sat 9am – Hatha Flow Yoga, level 2

www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Belly Dancing?

Where did you get your training?
Richmond, Vancouver, Seattle and Chile

What are you listening to right now?
Arabic belly dance music Mezdeke
Mezdeke – Yalla ya Habibi

Best Belly dancing book?
Every Shimmy in the Book With Bozenka – A Bellydancdcers’ complete guide to mastering Hip Perfection.

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I could really never dance before I learned Bellydancing and I gained my self confidence back.

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
It is a great location, safe, very clean, beautiful and offers a very good atmostphere to the students.

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes?
Confidence, self steem and to feel beautiful no matter what age or size they may be.

Fanny teaches Belly Dancing on
Friday Nights at 7pm this Fall

www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Yoga?

Where did you get your training?
I first trained with Maureen Frewer at Delta Yoga Centre and had a wonderful mentor experience with her

What are you reading right now?
“The Princes of Ireland” by Edward Rutherford. I love historical fiction.

What are you listening to right now?
Mainly the radio lately, as I haven’t put time into updating my ITunes.

Best Yoga  book ?
Donna Farhi’s books “The Breathing Book” and “Yoga – Mind, Body, and Spirit” are still my all time faves because their theory and practice suggestions clearly and practically lay out the principles of deeper, internal connection that yoga gives access to (versus just listing poses).

Best Yoga music CD?
Hmm, I just now got to love the Cinematic Orchestra Soundtrack – thanks Michael.

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I am happily married with a 2 year old… cat named Mikey.

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
I love being at Open Space because it is a beautiful place to connect with other people through the practice of yoga: It is more than a ‘place’ to me – the feeling I have there is created by the people who attend and teach there and I’m blessed to be a part of it. A safe, friendly, peaceful place where you can be yourself.

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes?
A gradually deepening sense of connection to their own body, mind, spirit. I think we all need that in our own way. It will strengthen and calm us from the inside to the outside.

Kristina teaches Hatha Yoga on Tuesdays @ 7pm this Fall
www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Yoga?

Where did you get your training?
Dan Clement, Open Source School of Yoga, Vancouver BC. Way back, I actually took aerobic dance training with Jane Fonda in Los Angeles.

What are you reading right now?
Committed, Elizabeth Gilbert

What are you listening to right now?
Sirius Satellite Radio: The Coffeehouse

Best Yoga book?
The Art Of Yoga, Sharon Gannon & David Life

Best Yoga music CD?
Snatam Kuar, Liberation’s Door

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I worked for an airline for 20 years but I am actually terrified of flying!

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
The students who attend Open Space have open minds and open hearts!

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes?
One hour and 15 minutes of profound release, peace and relaxation. With consistent practice, amazing posture and a little less jiggle in the wiggle.

Karin teaches:
Thursday 7:30pm Yin/Restorative Yoga
www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Yoga?
I first started taking yoga when living in Vancouver 18 years ago.  The class was at Dunbar community Center and focused on gentle stretching and pranayama.  I knew I was hooked after laughing hysterically when practising Happy baby pose.  What a great release!!

Where did you get your training?
My training started with the Delta Yoga Center(Maureen Frewer) and then progressed to include Yoga Therapy with Leila Stuart.  I then went on to become a Clinical Ayurveda Specialist with training from the California College of Ayurveda.  The practise of yoga is a continual exploration of new information and methods, so education will continue….

What are you reading right now?
‘Born under a thousand shadows’  By Andrea Busfield

What are you listening to right now?
My fingers typing the keyboard and in the distance the T.V. program my daughter is watching.

Best Yoga book?
Yoga as Medicine’ by Timothy McCall

Best Yoga music CD?
Very drawn to Brian Carson’s electronic tunes.

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I used to work in advertising in Vancouver and drank 4 cups of coffee before noon!!!

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
The people!!!!! Lots to learn from the staff and students-humble, sweet and welcoming.

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes?
A closer connection to Self!!

Wendy teaches:
Beginner 101 Yoga Wednesdays 7:30pm
Slow Flow Yoga Thursdays at 9:30am

And she is teaching a Living With Ayurveda Series at OSY this Fall
More details

www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

How did you get interested in Pilates?
I had various repetitive injuries from teaching group aerobic sessions and didn’t think I could carry on teaching for much longer so I decided to take a Pilates workshop and new right away it was for me!

Where did you get your training?
Originally in the UK with Modern Pilates and then in Canada with STOTT.

What are you reading right now?
I am an avid reader and normally have read 3 or 4 books at a time currently:
The Power is You – Louise Hay
The Overlook – Michael Connelly
Oprah – Kitty Kelly

What are you listening to right now?
Frontiers – Jesse Cook

Best Pilates book
Not an actual “Pilates book” but follows the same principals called Abdominal Training – Christopher M. Norris.

Best Pilates music CD?
For Pilates I like to use gentle background music without words that doesn’t interfere with relaxation and the mind body connection.

Tell us something that people might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I love WWE!

Why do you like teaching at OSY?
The space is quiet and serene – perfect for teaching and the people are great.

What do you hope that your students get out of your classes
A good basic understanding of the Pilates principals that they can apply to all aspects of their active life whether its gardening or going for a jog/walk.

Janine teaches all level Mat Pilates:
Mat Pilates Mondays 5:30pm
Mat Pilates Mondays 5:45pm
Mat Pilates Saturdays 10:45am
www.OpenSpaceYoga.com

There will be no classes running between August 30th & September 12th.

We will re-open for the Fall classes on September 13th.

Registration will be ongoing during this closed period via online registration, telephone and in person. To make arrangements to meet in person at the studio call 778-858-9642.

www.OpenSpaceYoga.com