Take a Sunday morning stroll past the Kiwanis Bandshell at the North Bay waterfront, and you are likely to see people engaged in an outdoor yoga class.
When time allows, Brenda Quenneville makes it a point to take part in one of the sessions.
“It’s just such a lovely way to end a week, start a week because we’re at one of the most beautiful spots in North Bay. I’m enjoying being underneath this tree in the shade. There are people here that I haven’t met before, and it’s just such a lovely way to spend a morning,” said Quenneville.
She says stepping outside the four walls of a studio, is invigorating.
“That’s part of the joy of being outdoors in the summer, just being able to connect with all the energy of nature as well as doing yoga”
The one-hour free yoga session is open to men and women of all ages and skill sets.
Jennifer McConnell uses the class hosted by Grounded Studios to introduce her children to the overall health benefits of yoga.
“I definitely find that it helps physically, mentally and spiritually. I find it’s beneficial to them to not only be active and stretch their muscles but also work on patience with the movement of the exercises as well,” said McConnell.
For this young family, it is a time to reconnect.
“I find every time we do Savasana, the pose of rest at the end of a yoga practice, my daughter actually gravitates towards me which is a nice way to end the class.”
Thirteen-year-old Liam has only been to a couple of sessions with his mom this summer but has enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, each time.
“I like it, just being outside in the sun and stretching. At the end, I feel good but tired.”
Little sister Lauryn has joined her mother for most of the outdoor sessions.
“I like that you’re relaxed after, because of all the stuff you do. And it doesn’t matter about what you can do and what you can’t do. It just matters about you having a nice day.”
Lynn Boissonneault, an instructor at Grounded Studios, says the outdoor class is quite popular.
“You get to hear the birds, or the kids playing, so it just adds a different element to traditional yoga classes which are in a classroom with four walls. So, it’s very refreshing. It’s definitely something to try out.”
Boissonneault often hears people say they’re not flexible enough for yoga.
“They automatically say it’s not for them when in reality, yoga is to make them more flexible. But sometimes when we do it in public, people can see what it’s all about. They see the poses and see people doing it and they suddenly can see themselves doing it, and it encourages them to come and try it out.”
The class offers variations to the poses to suit everyone’s abilities whether it’s their first class, or they have years of experience.
Some people look to yoga for rest and relaxation, some are focused more on flexibility, while others want to build strength.
“Everyone does yoga for different reasons. When I started I was doing it because I wanted a good workout. I wanted to sweat and burn some calories, and I’ve transitioned from that to now. It’s more of a spiritual thing and the meditation aspect,” said Boissonneault.
The start of the school year can be stressful for students. Experts say they can gain from practicing yoga and doing meditation which will help them remain calm and focused.
“We talk about that during our kid’s classes all the time. They already know at a young age what yoga is and what it’s all about. For example, breathing exercises may help them when they’re getting ready for a test. I think it’s important for them just because it will help them release that energy from the stresses of school and friends, and drama,” said Boissonneault
The free one-hour Sunday sessions begin at 11 a.m. weather permitting.
