Traditional yoga can make me yawn and the whole hot yoga craze just made my blood boil to the point where I got so mad at myself for agreeing to take part in such hellish torture (three strikes and I was out). Thankfully, there are now two alternative yoga classes to keep me both zen and interested. Not to mention…fit! Curious? Well let me tell you what YogaVeda and Snowga are all about.
YOGAVEDA
Get a dose of Hindu wisdom before downward dogging it to the sounds of one of Montreal’s hottest DJs. Karla Gomez de la Peña is an Ayurvedic practitioner and she kicks off the weekly class with some tips and tricks from Ayurveda (the traditional Hindu system of healing based on the idea of balanced diet, herbal treatments and yoga breathing). After the 15-minute Ayurveda session, a guest yoga instructor takes it to the mat while DJ Jojo Flores spins some soothing sounds. Top off the class with some healthy homemade eats and hot tea made with love by Karla and you have a winning Tuesday-night combo.
Where: Peopl lounge
390, Notre-Dame West
When: Every Tuesday this winter
What not to forget: Your yoga mat and a hoodie to keep you warm during Savasana
Price: $25/class or $120 for 5 weeks
For more info, Follow Karla’s Facebook page or call: 514-513-6899
SNOWGA
So I thought hot yoga was insane, but now there’s Snowga! Yes, you guessed it, yoga in the snow. Marie-Ève Bertrand won’t have you making snow angels, but she will get your heart rate up with yoga postures in the gardens beside Bota Bota. Your reward? Following up the one-hour class with a hot drink and hitting the spa-circuit at Bota. If that doesn’t get your circulation going, then I don’t know what will. Note: the class is en français!
Old Montreal (corner of McGill and de la Commune West)
When: The following Sundays from 12pm to 1pm:
February 10, 17 and 24
$70 per person, by reservation (includes: 1 hour yoga session, access to the water circuit and a hot beverage)
What not to forget: Warm sportswear, toque and gloves (mats are provided)
Note: if outdoor yoga in the winter is really not your cup of tea, check out the other yoga classes offered at Bota Bota
