Greenhouse yoga back in flow
Beginners encouraged to join yoga classes
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, August 18, 2016
INUVIK
The days are getting cooler, children are headed back to school, and along with fall comes the announcement of the latest Northern Arts and Cultural Centre season lineup.
Janet Boxwell, left, Natasha Kulikowski, Corrine Bullock, and Terrance Allen taking the front row at yoga in the greenhouse led by Kim Herle, front right, on Aug. 15. - Kaila Jefferd-Moore/NNSL photo
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"It's the perfect setting for it," said Kim Herle, who leads seasoned and beginner yogis through flows on Monday nights.
Yoga got off to a slow start this summer, only starting Aug. 4, due to limited availability of instructors earlier in the season. It has heated up quickly, with last year's "greenhouse flow" instructor Kat Scarf teamed up with the new instructor, Herle.
"The greenhouse is just a really nice space for yoga. It draws people out," said Scarf.
"It's got a really nice energy. It's the next best thing to being outside."
Scarf instructed twice a week for 10 weeks in the greenhouse last summer and said people showed up even when the weather wasn't great. The turnout this season is the same, with each class squeezing their mats in close to make space for everyone.
"It's exciting to see so many people coming out and practicing," said Sarah Beattie, first-time greenhouse yogi.
"The atmosphere was very positive and the music was great."
Herle estimates that on average about 15 people show up to each class.
Both instructors teach dynamic yoga practices that challenge yogis, get their blood pumping and give them the flexibility to listen to their bodies and practice at a pace that works for the individual.
Described as a "fiery flow" class, Herle started teaching for the first time this summer and has enjoyed the experience so far, especially the added benefit of teaching in a green space.
"It's the perfect setting for yoga," said Herle.
Scarf teaches a vinyasa flow on Thursday nights.
"It's a power based practice which focuses on connecting the breath with movement," she said.
Practising yoga has physical and mental well-being benefits, such as strengthening muscles, relieving tension, and improving focus and mental clarity.
"It's good balance for our busy lives," said Scarf.
She said yoga is also a great complimentary exercise for athletes, including runners, hockey players and weight lifters.
"A big benefit is you get to hang out with sweet people for 60 minutes," said Herle.
Both Scarf and Herle stress that they teach beginner friendly classes. They like to create a safe space for their students to feel comfortable and safe in.
"It's called a 'yoga practice' not a perfection," said Herle emphasizing that the class is open to people new to yoga and inviting anyone interested to come out and try a class. There are even extra mats available to borrow.
"I try to make it for people new to yoga and make them feel welcome," said Scarf.
Yoga in the greenhouse will be offered on Monday and Thursday nights from 7 to 8 p.m for a $6 drop-in fee.
The greenhouse is naturally lit and heated. Scarf and Herle both hope that the weather stays warm enough to keep the green space comfortable enough to continue the classes through to the end of September.
