As a teenager, I took occasional yoga classes to maintain flexibility as a young dancer. Coming into my 20s, I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and I didn't know how to cope. As my yoga practice grew, it became a very important part of my emotional well-being and spiritual life. Yoga has taught me how to breathe, be present, and to slow down. Most importantly, yoga has taught me how to let go, and to be grateful. Yoga has helped me grow so much, and bringing the concepts of yoga off the mat and into everyday life has changed my outlook and benefited my day to day life. I am always excited by every opportunity to practice, learn something new, and share yoga with others. Yogatown is my favourite place to sweat, the community here is so warm and welcoming, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it!

The most significant effects of yoga on my life have been on the connection of mind, body and spirit. In a world with so much disconnection and distraction, the physical practice of yoga keeps me connected to my body thereby allowing me to feel more connected to the world around me. With one deep inhale and exhale I can often bring myself back into the present moment - breath is magical that way! I love being physical and I also love meditation so the moving meditation of yoga is really a perfect blend.  Yoga calms me, gives me more energy and has facilitated my physical strength. Yoga is and will forever remain one of my greatest loves.

I was drawn yoga during a very stressful period in my life. I had taken a few classes here and there, but none of them resonated with me. The hot class that I had discovered was challenging and hot enough to distract me from my worries. Not to say that yoga is a distraction(!), but it gave me the time and space to decompress and reconnect. For me, yoga is about re-connection - to our bodies, to each other and to our breath. Our lives are busy and we have many obligations and we loose sight of our true selves. Do yoga, reconnect and think about the possibilities.

I've always been very active in sports and fitness, but it was only in my mid-twenties that I began to practice yoga. In the beginning, my interest was primarily Asana focused, however, three years ago I began to delve deeper into the philosophy of yoga and how it applies to life off of my mat. In 2015 I traveled to Rishikesh India, lived in an ashram and trained under a Himalayan yoga master to deepen my understanding of the practice, there I received my 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification. Since then I have been constantly developing my practice, this year I was able to travel back to India to assist in the 200-hour Upeksha Yoga class of 2017 and once again serve in the ashram of my teacher. With each class, I endeavour to lead my students through a practice that will simultaneously engage their body and mind. I strive to nurture and empower each student I teach to explore the depths within their practice so that they leave with...

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.

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,...

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 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.

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 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 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.

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

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...