Yoga, Yoga Classes
For Pickering, Ajax, Whitby And Durham, Ontario

Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years. The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." Yoga is about the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

Ancient Yogis had a belief that in order for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he has to integrate the body, the mind, and the spirit. For these three to be integrated, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance. The Yogis formulated a way to achieve and maintain this balance. This balance and is achieved through exercise, breathing, and Meditation - the three main Yoga structures

Yoga and Yoga Therapy can be used to assist with Stress, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Yoga therapy is effective for paediatric issues including Autism, ADD & ADHD, Cardiovascular recovery i.e. recovery from strokes, as well as work-place injuries, physical disabilities can improve and benefit from Yoga.

Yoga Classes are a great addition to regular physical exercise. Santé Group offers several styles of yoga including Hatha, Restorative and Ashtanga Yoga.

Santé offers private lessons for beginner students (Yoga 101) and all students who are interested in pursuing a practice that brings them enlightenment. We offer Private and Semi Private (Group) Classes for both those beginning on their journey and those wishing to explore a deeper practice.

The History of Yoga is well documented; in our present time Yoga is a way to change one’s life and find one's purpose (Dharma); many historians have written about and documented Yoga but only those who live it, experience it’s true purpose. At Santé Group we invite you to come and work with our experienced, registered and certified Yoga teachers. Each teacher offers a variety of Yoga Styles to suit your needs. Our practitioners can educate you on the total health benefits of Yoga and it’s complementary modalities.

Yoga Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yoga?

The best way to describe yoga is probably to say that it is a way of life. The yoga we are most familiar with in the West is called "Hatha Yoga" or the "Yoga of movement". However, there are seven other yogic pathways, all of which deal primarily with the spiritual, emotional, and mental realms.

Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago (a lot longer than any fitness trend!). The word "yoga" means "union", or simply put, the union of mind, body and spirit. All of the eight yogic paths have this union as their goal.

Is yoga a religion?

No. Yoga is not a religion. It has no bible or other doctrine that its students follow. Instead, it is a practical system for healthy living, which includes movement, diet and a set of ethical principles.

Must I be fit or flexible to practice yoga?

No! YOGA Today offers classes for all ages, levels of fitness and flexibility. Secondly, yoga is not a competitive sport. Instead, yoga helps us to look at our bodies and ourselves from the inside out. So, whoever you are, however old you are, however long it has been since you stretched or moved, yoga is for YOU!

Do I need any past yoga experience to attend class?

No! Every class is taught at every level. Every pose has its modifications to benefit every person's fitness level. YOGA Today encourages every participant to "listen" to their bodies and only work at that level.

I have a previous injury, can I still try yoga?

Yes! If you suffer from back or neck pain, reptitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome), arthritis, bursitis, or osteoporosis, you can not only try yoga, you're bound to benefit from it. Do let your instructor know of your health concerns prior to class.

PLEASE NOTE: If you suffer from any severe or unusual medical conditions (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, a previous head/neurological injury, a high-risk pregnancy etc), it is YOUR responsibility to get permission from your personal physicians before embarking on any new exercise program.

What should I wear/bring to class?

Wear stretchy clothing (think spandex!), such as snug (not tight!) t-shirt, sports bra top, and shorts or leggings. Be ready to practice with bare feet. This is the traditional (and safest) way to practice. The sticky mats we use in class (you can bring your own or use the ones we provide) are further insurance that you don't slip while you practice.

Santé Group's Yoga Instructors specialize in Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Yogalates and Yoga for Athletes, Classical Pilates, Pilates with Props and Meditation.

Call Santé Group at 905.250.1322 or email info@santegroup.ca for more details.