For me yoga has become the ultimate practice of self-love. Everything else gets shut out and I’m left alone in the quiet of my mind with just me, myself and I. The time I set aside for myself on my mat has helped to really fall in love with myself again and find the strong and happy women I thought was lost. Through my practice I’ve learned how to be a true friend to myself and be a lighter, brighter person. I believe yoga has made all the difference in my life and has helped me to live my most authentic self.

Yoga is the place where I come home to after a long day's work. It's the actively calming yin to my hectic work life yang. As someone who has always had a busy schedule and many dreams on the go, I used to struggle with stress, anxiety and depression. Until I made time for myself to unwind, I found it difficult to practice positivity and peace of mind through my day-to-day tasks. It has become so much more than a way to cleanse my body, and after leaving sweat and frustration behind in the hot room, it helps make me that much better at everything else I do.

If I were to encounter myself 5 years ago and told myself that yoga would help transform and empower me, change the way I approach the world and my every day surroundings, I'd have a hard time believing it. Yoga presented itself to me right as I needed it and just as I was falling. A few years back, I found myself in a very dark place unable to cope with even the most mundane tasks and decisions. I felt extreme guilt living with sadness and anger as I'm blessed with a pretty charmed life, an amazingly supportive husband and 3 beautiful kids. My therapist suggested integrating yoga into my therapy and healing of depression and anxiety. In just a few short months I learnt so much about myself from simply dedicating myself to showing up to my mat. I feel so fortunate that the Yogatown community embraced me when I needed it and continues to do so. We can't always be certain what path our life will take us,...

I began exploring yoga off and on about 8 years ago, but it wasn't until an injury forced me to temporarily kick off my running shoes and get on the mat regularly that I really fell in love with yoga – for what it did for my body, mind, and soul. Yoga has helped me become physically and emotionally balanced, in and out of the hot room, and I'm always learning how to bring more peace from my practice into my day-to-day life. Yoga was something I didn't realize I needed until I found it, and even though my running injury has long since healed, I can't imagine a life without my mat.

After moving to Ottawa in 2009 I felt lost, I didn't feel tied to the community and I definitely wasn't living my healthiest life. I found yoga, at Yogatown, and since then I can honestly say my life has completely turned upside down. Not only has my yoga practice evolved and shaped me into a physically stronger woman, but it's shown me that I'm so much braver than I thought, I can move through the challenges life throws at me with grace and that despite my fears, I AM capable of anything. I feel rooted, I've grown and thrived in a community that I now so proudly call my hOMe and I couldn't possibly ask for more.

My life is very go, go, go. For me, yoga is really about that time I make for myself to hit the reset button. When I first started practicing at Yogatown, I was only interested in the physical practice. I didn't get why movement and breath were linked, and I actually spent a lot of time fighting it. Fast forward a few years and I now meditate daily, and use my practice as a way to disconnect from my week and reconnect with myself.

There is something so divine about yoga, I can't quite explain it. It brings out good vibrations in all facets of my life. The empathy it allows me, has transformed my views and has connected me fully and completely with the world around me. Practicing allows me to be more in tune with others and with myself. My mind has never been more clear and relaxed for which I'm forever grateful. Managing life's stress comes with a natural grace that wasn't there before. Flowing through my days and riding a constant wave of positivity makes me feel like I'm truly living the dream. Honestly there is nothing that gets me where I need to be better than yoga.

I had practiced yoga on and off for about 6 or 7 years, but didn't quite feel “hooked” until I found Yogatown a couple years ago. The warmth of the hot room, the relaxed ambiance of the studio, and the sense of community gave me an instant feeling that I was in the right place. Recently I've realized that when life feels overwhelming and confusing, keeping a regular yoga practice is something I never have to question. If I neglect my practice, I feel the negative effects physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes, it really is that simple. Now that I've joined the admin team, I love seeing new yogis going into their first class often feeling hesitant and nervous, and leaving with a huge smile and knowing look that they've found something special and life-changing. It's a beautiful thing to witness.

Yoga impacts my life on and off the mat. I love how every practice is a new experience and no two classes will ever feel the same. It helps me connect with, and balance, my body & mind. Through yoga I have learned to practice patience, kindness, acceptance and gentleness to myself as well as the world around me and because of that I am able to live more peacefully. I love Yogatown for so many reasons - the classes, the teachers, the students & the heat! I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community.

Yoga is constantly challenging me to stay present. I'm the type of person who is always looking forward at what is to come, and sometimes that causes me to miss what is right in front of me. Through my practice I have learned to stay present in the moment and grounded, appreciating all I have and not becoming overly worried about what is to come. What started as a curiosity has manifested its way into something I now could not picture my life without. The lessons and reminders gained in yoga have allowed me to achieve a level of self-awareness I would have never had without it.

Thankfully, I found yoga during a difficult first year in university and it was the perfect complement to academic life. Shortly thereafter, Yogatown became a home for me in Ottawa and I was fortunate to become a part of this wonderful community. The yoga practice, teachers, and studio space allow me to be open, stay grounded, and maintain a positive attitude about the challenges and achievements that surface in my life. My favourite thing about Yogatown is the Energy Exchange Program! I first started out as an EE and have since made many friends. Now, I am coordinating the whole team and I love it! It is so nice to plan events for our volunteers and see how many friendships have been made because of this studio.

My first yoga class wasn't exactly love at first savasana. I was a competitive dancer with a stubborn knee injury and my physiotherapist recommended yoga to maintain my flexibility while I was recovering. Fast forward more than ten years and I can't imagine my life without my yoga practice. Not only has yoga helped me through physical injuries, it has also gotten me through crippling anxiety, loss, stress, disappointment, you name it. Whether I am feeling rooted and powerful, or falling all over the place, my mat gives me a space to leave everything else behind, and focus on what's happening right in front of me. But all of that wouldn't be true without Yogatown. I was in a bit of a rut when the new hot yoga studio opened in Stittsville. After the small studio I had loved shut down, I had bounced around a bit and hadn't been able to find a suitable replacement. Although I was skeptical about hot yoga (and going to a power flow for...

In every breath, every movement, and every pause - we are connected. It is this connection to all that inspires my yoga practice. I am inspired by all of life: the winds, the standing ones, the four-legged ones and the incredible community of yogis that show up to practice. If I were to consider the most powerful thing about Yogatown, it would undoubtedly be the community of students and teachers. And we all embody both. I am so amazed by the connections, friendships and heartfelt moments shared at this studio. Thank you. It is said that a yogi is unaffected by a pair of opposites. In each moment, because of my practice I have the choice to be present to the continuous shifting of sensations, emotions, thoughts and every once in awhile I can simply observe, compassionately present to life. Just. As. It. Is. Heart full, feet on the earth, ever-present, ever-grateful, always learning, remembering humility, equality, simplicity. Namaste ✌️

Yoga was my introduction to peace. It was through yoga that I discovered how to find bliss in the ordinary, strength in the ease, and the joy of the everyday journey. It has given me a perspective that life is completely yours to shape, and yoga is the shape that I practice every moment. Yogatown has been my hOMe away from home from a while now. I started seriously practicing yoga when doing my intro month at Yogatown years ago, and continued on to completing my 200 hour certification in 2015. Needless to say, this community inspires me to continue sharing my passion for yoga, and more importantly continue to practice and trust the practice.

I found yoga after almost 25 years of pushing my body through the world of competitive/professional dance. I was injured, exhausted and depleted. Yoga offered the same physicality as dance, but encouraged me to treat my body with loving acceptance and compassion, instead of hating my body for its limitations and imperfections. I have discovered a sense of peace that started on the mat, but quickly rippled into the rest of my life. I feel so grateful to spend my time sharing this practice with so many incredible people. The very first classes I taught were at Yogatown many years ago! The studio has been a home for me to learn, grow and connect. The community is amazing and I am so proud to be a part of it!

Yoga has redefined the word strength. Initially approaching yoga from an athletic background where the motto harder, better, faster, stronger governed my practice, eventually transitioning into a way in which I approach my life. Yoga has allowed me to shift from a constant and endless search of what's next, to abiding and finding happiness in the right now. Most of all, I love that yoga is a practice constantly offering the opportunity to step into the highest version of myself and I am so grateful to step into the teaching role and share that practice with others.

I started yoga for the physical benefits of the practice, and ended up staying for the sense of ease that trickled into all aspects of my life. When we learn to observe our tendencies and reactions on our mat, we develop a more comprehensive understanding of why we behave the way we do. When we understand why we do what we do, we have the power to alter our behaviour. First comes awareness; then the opportunity to build resilience, change, or acceptance. The way we shift gears on our mats is echoed in how we navigate change in our lives. I love practicing and teaching with the amazing yogis at Yogatown and feel privileged to be part of this community.

After the birth of my second child, my friend took me to my first yoga class. It was hard, sweaty, I wanted to throw up…I loved it. I was an instant addict with a voracious appetite. While I was first drawn to the physical benefits, I soon began to realize the balancing affects yoga had on me mentally. For an hour or so I could step outside of my role as a teacher, mother and householder and just be my authentic self. Through my yoga practice I have learned to live in the moment. I’ve learned that life, like yoga, is a practice. Do your best and if you fall, get up, take a breath and try again.

My yoga practice began over 15 years ago when I was told it would help heal my lower back issues. Since then, not only did I feel stronger physically, but mentally as well. Yoga has opened my mind along with heart and has had a calming effect in my daily life. It has taught me so much about myself, about life and about the people around me and has made me more aware of the choices I make. These days, the true gift of yoga has given me the ability to listen and not always react. Being a full-time mom, yoga has helped me maintain a balanced attitude in my day-to-day life.

My journey to yoga came 20 years ago when I was suffering from chronic illness and overall chaos in my mind. I needed to find something that would give me a sense of peace. It was yin yoga. I fell in love during my first class. Even though I had no idea what the practice was about, it resonated with me on every level, even into my cells. Every single time I got on my mat, I felt more free from disease and in touch with myself. To me, yin yoga had become a tool that gave me the strength I needed to tackle my challenges, the comfort I needed to manage when life got sticky but most importantly, it connected me to my authentic, true self. I am so grateful for the community at Yogatown who have accepted me with open arms and hearts.

Yoga is my prayer in motion. Every time I step on the mat is a new chance to learn something about myself and to quietly observe my inner strength. Through practice I have acquired tools which have helped me live a more balanced, healthy and fulfilled life. I have overcome shame/self doubt after recovering from addiction and believe yoga has changed my brain chemistry from "scattered and shattered" to "whole and at peace". I am here to help guide you on your own journey of self discovery through the power of movement and breath. See you in the hot room!

Yoga has taught me to get out of my head and back into my heart. It challenges me every day, encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone, and feels like a coming home each time I step back onto my yoga mat. The first time I walked into Yogatown, I instantly knew this would become my favourite place to practice. The community is so warm and welcoming, each teacher has something completely different to offer and the space feels like a sanctuary. I never knew how much I valued a silent hot room until I stepped into this one. Each student shows up to practice for different reasons...My aim as a teacher is to provide a space where each student can find what they need out of their own practice. See you on the mat!

My journey with yoga began after the birth of my second daughter. At first, it was merely a workout and a chance to escape the demands of parenting and a high-stress career. But I quickly realized the mental and spiritual benefits of my practice - for the first time in years, I felt connected to my true Self. Yoga has helped me shift from overdrive to neutral, from the future to the now. Yogatown holds a special place in my heart - from the strong sense of community to the positive energy that radiates through the space, stepping into the studio feels just like coming home. I'm blessed to have gained a second "family" at Yogatown! Anything is possible when you live a mindful and authentic life, and I'm grateful to step into the teaching role to help others discover this magic!

Genevieve’s teaching is heavily influenced by her upbringing of being raised on a sailboat on the ocean. Her creative sequencing encourages you to let go of expectation and assumptions- as you are taken on a journey through the waves of the breath. Infused with soulful purpose and intention, expect to laugh, learn, play and explore the depths of your whole self. Genevieve is a Yoga Ambassador for Lole Ottawa as well as Ottawa based Free Soul Malas. She is the founder of Upeksha Yoga Teacher Training, where she holds yearly Training's in South Goa, India.

Yoga has changed how I see myself, and everyone else. It's where I learned presence, focus and letting go. It's taught me to breathe through hard things and be continuously grateful for all I have even when things are hard. I love Yogatown because of the people! I am so lifted each week by my smiling yogis who breathe through my challenging flows with focus and determination! My biggest yoga achievement was when I learned that I didn't need to compete with everyone in the room. As a major type A (who's competed at quite a few sports over the years) I used to attend only power classes and no matter what was going on I had to "win" at every class. When I finally learned that it was ok to be wherever I was and that my presence and breath were what mattered more than anything - that's when I really started doing yoga. Since I train hard in the gym as well as hit 5-6 yoga classes a...

I think the goal in life is to be happy, which is a lot easier said than done. For over 10 years I have been using my yoga practice to remind me of this and to find the perfect balance in my lifestyle to achieve this goal! I look forward to interacting with people on the mat and in the Ottawa community! I'm not shy! Come say hi! A retired Energy Exchanger, I've been teaching yoga for two years full time after completing my 200HR certification in Ashtanga Vinyasa under Kamal Singh and Sunil Sharma from Tattvaa Yogashala in Rishikesh India. Working towards my next trip back to complete my 500hr certification and always biking or running around the city! Cheers and namaste!

Yoga is essential to keeping my life in balance. Whenever I’m going through a rough time, getting on my mat is like taking a breath of fresh air. For me, nothing can match the clarity that comes from taking the time to pause, tune in, reflect, and reset. No matter what issues I have going on or what thoughts are dominating my mind, I always feel better after practicing yoga. It’s powerful to know that I have created that feeling of calm on my own, and I can access it whenever I need – even off of the mat. I've been practicing at Yogatown since 2011. I've gained so much from the wonderful teachers and the calming atmosphere of the studio. I'm honoured to be able to give back and share my love for yoga! My favourite yoga classes are fun, a bit of a challenge, with space for rest and relaxation.

Yoga’s gifts to me are manifold: this system of philosophy, self-care and spirituality has given me wellness, my calling, and my community. The convivial nature of Yogatown makes it a joy as a yoga teacher. I am perpetually impressed by the genuine care that students, teachers, and staff have for one another. What is my favourite yoga experience? The one I’m having right now.

Quite simply, yoga saved my life. I often refer to this practice as the greatest bait and switch of all times. So many of us {myself included} arrive on the mat for one reason, but stay for another. Peace, love, joy, awareness, presence, possibility. Healing from a traumatic brain injury, yoga first helped restore my physical movement. Then, unexpectedly, yoga helped restore my cognitive, mental and emotional well-being, as well as became a catalyst for truly finding ME. This is a gift I cherish, cultivate, share, and practice daily … from vinyasa flow, to yin, restorative, meditation, and therapeutic yoga.

I came to yoga about 10 years ago as a way to stay physically active after retiring from competitive gymnastics. I found creativity in movement again, and a way to challenge myself and test boundaries in my body. While the physical practice of asana initially brought me to yoga, it was the mental and the spiritual aspects of the practice that led me to stay... and to ultimately make a career in the teachings of yoga. Yoga is an ongoing practice that evolves as we do... we never step onto our mat the same person, and that's what keeps it interesting!

Yoga has brought so many positives to my life. It challenges me to check in on a regular basis, and encourages me to listen to my heart and embrace my true self. What draws me to Yogatown is the great sense of community. I feel welcome every time I walk through the doors, and energized and alive when I leave. I am proud to be both a teacher and student at this amazing studio. I feel so fortunate to have found yoga and be able to share it with my family. It’s pretty cool watching my young children practice at home. I look forward to witnessing the impact that yoga will undoubtedly have on all of our lives.

What I love about yoga is how it's ever evolving, and always provides something new to experience. It can never be beaten, there's always more to learn. I especially love the exhilaration of practicing and teaching inversions. I love watching my own practice and the practice of students grow. Seemingly impossible actions one day become effortless. Yogatown provides a space where you can explore at your own pace. Where it's ok to fall and to fail as long as you're enjoying the process.

Yoga has had such a profound impact on my life. Initially it helped my over active, out of control mind find steadiness + equanimity. Over time it has helped me flow through different stages of life with grace + clarity. I can proudly say I am a more hopeful, compassionate, patient version of myself (most days) thanks to my daily practice. I really don't know how people parent without it. If I have to choose one thing that I love most about Yogatown it's the tribe. I love the students, the staff, and the teachers! I practice where I teach. I think that says it all.

I started to practice yoga for the physical benefits and overtime I realized I was not only getting stronger physically but mentally. Yoga has taught me that I am enough! Just being Jackie is enough! I truly believe that the sky is the limit and we can do or have what ever it is we are looking for. Yoga reminds me that I am a free person, more powerful than I think. When I teach I try and challenge my students physically and mentally. Get out of your head and use your body to create the life you want to live!! Yoga is the tool to unlocking your full potential to live your truth. It's up to you to do the work and make the magic happen!

Yoga came into my life as an enjoyable way to work out – an alternative to thinking physical activity had to leave me feeling destroyed to be effective. I've always loved dance, and yoga offered me the same feeling of liberation and self-expression. When I'm asked about why I do yoga one word always comes up for me - connection. Through yoga I've connected more with myself, with those around me and become part of an awesome community. One of my favourite moments at Yogatown was during a Justin Bieber themed Flow Jam class when “Baby” came on and everyone was singing so loud it drowned out my teaching. We all ended up on our backs kicking our legs in the air and singing. It was pure joy <3

My journey into yoga began many moons ago... being a young mom and a military wife... on the day of 9/11 when my husband left our home, with the drop of a hat.... I came to realize the reality of my life. I became struck with anxiety... and to my doctor's orders was prescribed medication I never imagined I'd be on. I changed... it made me someone I was not... quiet...shy... it hindered my personality and I was not myself. Thankfully I found yoga, and thus a beautiful marriage was made! Fast forward and I am an E-RYT 200, with an additional 300 hours in advanced therapeutic training to add to my repertoire of offerings!! I love teaching the most powerful of ashtanga classes to the most therapeutic of yin classes, sharing my love with all students! I love Yogatown, and the beautiful family I have made here. It is such a warm home to come to every Sunday! Yogatown is not just a place of business for me, the...

Yoga was the light I needed when I was in a dark place. After a string of health problems, my doctors found that my yoga practice was helping by correcting my heart's rhythm through deep breathing and de-stressing. Today, I try to take my yoga off the mat and into other aspects of my life by slowing down and taking a few deep breaths. The result is a more calm, kind, patient me. My yoga practice taught me to slow down and start listening to my instincts. Those instincts lead me to a rewarding career here at Yogatown. Every day I get to work with an incredible group of people who inspire others to live their best lives. It's truly a gift to witness how our clients transform and I'm humbled to be a part of their journey. Whenever I'm down, I think of my mantra: "I am light". It serves as my reminder to approach life with a sunny disposition and bring a little brightness to everyone I meet....

I was hooked on yoga after my very first class. It's not the same experience for everyone, but I can vividly remember it. It felt stifling hot, I couldn't do half of what the teacher was instructing us to do and I wanted to bolt out halfway through, but I stuck it out. I remember walking home, down that same street I had walked thousands of times before, only this time the trees looked different. Everything looked brighter. More alive. More vivid. It felt like I was walking down that street for the very first time. I felt relaxed, and not in a sleepy sense, but in an "I know that everything is going to be ok" kind of way. That was huge for me. As someone who has dealt with depression on and off for so many years, I was over the moon to find something that made me feel alive and comfortable in my own skin. Little by little as I continued to practice I could feel myself...

I was first introduced to meditation at 12 years old and then yoga in my late teens. They’ve both been a part of my life ever since and have influenced me in more ways than I can explain. When I first began to practice it was with curiosity, then over time I practiced with dedication, and now after 30+ years I practice with a sense an increasing sense of ease. I no longer measure my practice by poses I can hold or how few thoughts I have during my meditation, but instead I practice based on my intuition, listening to my body and breath for guidance to create space and balance in my life. Blah! Cheesy I know, but it’s true. :-) One of the the greatest inspirations for my practice came while watching my children as babies. They would naturally move into positions that we’d call pigeon, or bow, or… you guessed it… child’s pose. Or they'd simply sit and "be", with no agenda or goal. It was then...