The Yoga Spot

06/18/2024

I came accross a Rembrant quote that said... Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know. I like this quote as it humbles me, even though I can feel my continued progress.
Here's your one-minute workout to maintain your practice...:)

06/12/2024

Here's a short '1-min' clip to keep you guys 'moving'. Don't forget that you can use a strap where the "wrap" might be a challenge.

06/08/2024

Hey Guys... This is a '15-min' excerpt from a class we did, that I hope you can make some time to try out. It's not difficult by any means, and it's more about being in continuous motion throughout. It's about finding a rhythm in the practice as one moves through the asanas, knowing when you are in the pose, moving through a safe transition to the next, and controlling your breathing throughout. Needless to say... the room might have been a bit warm also...:).
A shout-out to my yogi counterpart for their shared energy and inspiration!
Of course, if anyone is interested in joining our 'in-person' classes, be sure to reach out and let's do it!
As always, Stay Strong!

06/01/2024

On the path of 'progress not perfection', I am grateful and encouraged by where my practice is.

05/21/2024

Hey Guys...

Here's a 3.5 minute sequence to practice. For me, I've been getting back into my practice...so progress not perfection...:). Enjoy!

04/30/2024

Hey guys... Anyone up for a Yoga class on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm? I am re-starting my Yoga classes with an 'in-person' experience, at a new location in Scarborough, ON. This location is at Sheppard Ave and Warden Ave. More details to follow.

Two things about this class: 1) Small group: 5 -6 persons. 2) It's going to be a workout.

Shout me if you might be interested in trying it out. See you guys on the floor!

04/15/2024

Hey guys... Here's some extracts for a much earlier post in our group, that bears recall...

Yoga Practice is intended for integrating the movements with the breath and focusing the mind on both of those actions.

Physical practice was originally a vehicle that carried the body to a level of agility that enabled the practitioner to sit in meditative posture for extended periods of time …which is essentially the definition of ‘asana’ – to be established in a particular position.

Asanas, by their nature, are expressions of the inner self and they take deep inquiry and immersion to make it our own.

Breath is the source by which movement is initiated and steadiness is sustained.

Our nervous-system and our breathing are intricately connected with one another and deeply affect one another’s condition.

As one of the most often quoted phrases from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras translates: “Yoga is the secession of movements in the consciousness” ….or otherwise quoted “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”

Let me know your thoughts on how your practice speaks to any of these.

01/10/2021

Hi Guys,

Thanks to those who came out to our Saturday class...:) I think some of us will be in some physical discomfort for the next few days, not having done my class in a while :( ...and, just in case it matters to anyone, I had lots of fun! :)

Afterwards, there was a consensus to keep this Saturday class going. So, given this, I am excited to re-start the Saturday classes, ongoing.

So... for the months of January and February, my intent is to leave this class open to anyone, whether new or existing, or maybe you want to invite someone to try out our classes ...all at no cost.

Feel free to drop me a line or DM me, letting me know you will be attending. Otherwise, I will see you at class on next Saturday.

Kindly register in advance for this series:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApc-yhpjMvE9KHii8mGVKlbrGd4Aci4AP2

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining.

Stay Strong!,
Charles

01/06/2021

Hey Guys...
Join us for a Yoga class on this Saturday morning at 12:00pm. Feel free to extend the invite to anyone who might also be interested. The link is as below.

See you then...
Charles.

Topic: Yoga Class - Saturday midday.
Time: Jan 9, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84445988596...
Meeting ID: 844 4598 8596
Passcode: 917956
Meeting ID: 844 4598 8596
Passcode: 917956
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keerTiZctz

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

11/21/2020

Hey guys... here's 10 mins of my Saturday morning practice. No, it's not yoga, it Tracey's Cardio Kickboxing class. Like a lot of you guys, when it comes to a healthy body, we mix it up a bit, don't we...:)

Here's an invitation to try this out. It'll fun for some of you, and challenge for some, but try it anyway...:)

https://youtu.be/LT-SVWyroSw

08/06/2020

Hey Guys,

In an effort to reach out to anyone who might also be interested in joining our Yoga classes, I am assigning next week as a "Free Trial" week of Yoga.
If you or anyone you might know, might in interested in trying out our classes, feel free to reach out with this info. Below is the invitation for this Free Trial, for you choose to use/share it.

Topic: YogaSamata Free Trial Week
Aug 10, 2020 06:30 PM - Vinyasa
Aug 12, 2020 06:30 PM - Bikram Routine
Aug 14, 2020 06:30 PM - Ashtanga Routine

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88440850693?pwd=SWtWZHJHWHlKSE5JcXo3dFZ5OStzZz09

Meeting ID: 884 4085 0693
Passcode: 137515

If you have not participated in a Zoom Video yet, and are are not sure about this, drop me a note, and I will do what i can to help set up.
Some points to note:
- The classes are for everyone - All ages, Beginner to Intermediate. The idea is that we all work to the limit of where we are, and no further ...wherever that it.
- You only need yourself, a yoga mat, and a strap (or towel)
- When in the class, if you are uncomfortable with anyone seeing you, you have to option to disable your video, while still participating in the class.
- You can sign in to Zoom from your phone or your computer (Computer preferred, since bigger screen)
- Plan from before-hand, where in your home you will be taking your class; where your mat will be; where your laptop will be positioned - so can see and be seen (be-seen is optional) clearly.

Take the Yoga challenge guys, and I hope to see you at the classes next week.

Stay Strong,
Charles.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

07/21/2020

Hey Guys,

Happy Tuesday...:)
Question for you.... Are you one of those who always wanted to do a headstand, but maybe you were nervous or afraid that you weren't strong enough, or that you might hurt yourself?

At this Saturday's Yoga class, we are going to demystify the Headstand, by walking through the basics on how to do the headstand properly.

Join us on this Saturday, at no cost. Simply reply back here indicating you are interested, and i will send you the link to the class.

For those who would be interested, remember there are no observers here...:). This is a participatory class. You will need your yoga mat and a wall you can do your headstand against. So start thinking about selecting an appropriate wall in your home, the position your mat, and how you would set-up your camera (phone or laptop), so we can see each other.
..and let me say this now, you do not have to be in any particular state of fitness to do this class. I guarantee you, as with all Yoga classes... this class with meet you where you are, and invite you to take the journey with the rest of us.

It's going to be fun, so reply below expressing you interest and let do it!!

Be Strong,
Charles

07/03/2020

Hey Guys...

Updating you guys on our current online Yoga classes and schedule.

Time really flies as it's now almost three months since we've been online with our classes. Teaching online has been a new learning experience and I have to say I totally love the experience. It is definitely more challenging, since I rely so much on both Student and Teacher skills at the same time.

I dare say... I believe we've got a good groove now: better structure of classes, better internet and recording space, and a totally hard-working and motivating group of students, who inspire each other and myself with every class.

Here's our schedule:
Mondays 6:30pm: Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesdays 6:30pm: Bikram Yoga sequences
Fridays 6:30pm: Astanga Yoga (Primary Series 1-hour sequence)
Saturdays 12:00pm: Learn and practice how to do specific Yoga asanas, generally done during the week.

Remember, Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, or if anyone is interesting in joining us... Post a note below, or contact me privately.

Stay Strong now!
Charles.

06/19/2020

Hey Guys... Hope you've recovered from the Bikram Yoga class on Wednesday... and ready for our Ashtanga Yoga class this evening at 6:30pm.
Don't forget your straps and blocks - whether purchased or your substitutes...:)

Stay Strong,
Charles.

05/20/2020

See you guys at Yoga class today... 6:30pm. Hope you are rested-up over the holiday on Monday...:)