Our lives have all changed drastically over the past several weeks. And, if you’re like me, those kinds of sudden changes result in feelings of stress, which manifest themselves physically. I catch myself clenching my teeth until my jaw aches. My shoulders rise slowly until they’re hunched up below my ears. Sitting to work for long stretches at the kitchen table causes my hip flexors to tighten. Thankfully, many yoga studios across the world are offering free or donation-based online classes using Zoom, Twitch, Instagram Live, and Facebook Live in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. So stay at hOMe, find a quiet spot and link up to reduce your stress, take care of your body, and find some peace during this difficult time.
1. Metta Yoga Edmonton
Check out this studio, physically located in Alberta, on Facebook or Instagram for class types ranging from “rocket” to “metta” then join via Facebook or Instagram Live (and if you’re a parent cooped up with your littles, they also offer the occasional class for kids).
Connect with these ladies on Instagram for posts about their weekly offerings such as yin, restorative, and even yoga nidra. Right now, they’re also offering a 10 minute meditation each morning at 6:00 a.m. To access their Zoom sanctuary space to virtually attend a class, use the link in their Instagram bio (you’ll need the Zoom app downloaded to your smartphone for access). All times are listed in GMT.
Body positive yoga teacher Natalia Tabilo offers classes in English and Spanish. With offerings that include “Yin and Roll” (melt away tension using tennis balls) and “Yoga for All Bodies” (an accessible practice no matter your size, shape, or ability) you can connect with her on Instagram or follow her Twitch channel where she live streams classes. Donations are accepted, but not required. Natalia is located in San Francisco, so all times are listed in PDT.
Billed as Toronto’s, “modern meditation studio,” Hoame’s physical location is closed, but they still have a daily offering of classes like “Grow” and “Chill” online. Follow them on Instagram for classes on Instagram Live, and where they’re running a daily meditation challenge until April 21. All times are listed in EDT.
Kirsten Clark is a high school English and Social Studies teacher, a reader, a runner, a writer, a lover of good food, and most importantly, a new mom. Kirsten lives in Vermilion, Alberta with her husband, and since welcoming a baby boy last December, she is embracing the new adventure of motherhood with all of its ups and downs. She occasionally blogs at shelooksforadventure.com, and posts regularly on Instagram @kirstenlanae. Find her on Twitter also.
Leave a Reply