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The Yoga Loft

yoga classes at

The Yoga Loft is located in Riverdale, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the heart of Edmonton. Nestled into a bend of the North Saskatchewan River and surrounded by high cliffs

Michelle practicing Vatayanasana from the Ashtanga Yoga Second Series

Sthira Sukham Asanam

(YS II.46)

most commonly translated, “posture (asana) [should be] stable (sthira) and comfortable (sukha)”

Sthira is the ability to find “steadiness” or “effort” in an asana, to hold body, energy, and mind in balance for an extended period.

Sukha, or “ease” in asana practice is the comfort that arises when the body is aligned in a comfortable position.

Michelle practicing Vatayanasana from the Ashtanga Yoga Second Series at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste
  • Yoga practice at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste

    Surrender

  • Michelle practicing prasarita padottanasana D (wide legged forward fold) at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste

    Persistence

  • Michelle practicing Marichyasana A at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste

    Discipline

  • Michelle practicing Uttananasa (forward fold) at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste

    Dream

Jam Sessions Handstand, Handstanding at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste

Michelle assisting Tiffany into a pressup handstand, Adho Mukha Vrksasana

Take your practice to the next level.

What does a JAM SESSION entail? 

This isn’t your typical all levels yoga class. This is a class that welcomes challenges, progression and recognizes where you are all at in life. This is an informal workshop-style class that invites a conversation and maybe even collaboration. Not just with Michelle, but your friend or person next to your mat. 

It will be a 75 minute class, starting off with a flow that will involve a warm up and sun salutations. The premise of each class will focus on a strong physical posture, likely handstands, backbends, transitions etc. While you do not actually need to know how to handstand, a strong foundation and understanding of chatarunga dandasana, four limbed staff pose or commonly known as a “low push up” is encouraged. You do not need to be an “advanced” practitioner but you do need high energy, willingness to try and be able to let go of your ego. This is a space where all practitioners are welcome.

Maybe you want to perfect your handstand, learn how to press up/float, try a headstand for the first time. This is your chance to get more one on one time than a regular yoga class. The class will provide the time for that as it will transition to a “workshop style” where we break down the posture(s), add in some drills and put it all together in the end. 

Michelle’s goal is to provide the opportunity for us to immerse together in the space of yoga, in the common ground of our breathing bodies, and to share that space consciously, while honing our abilities to share. This is also an opportunity to let go of the ego, encourage growth and and instill inspiration amongst us all in this journey of asana. 

If you’re still figuring out what you need and going to a regular yoga class isn't giving you insight, private yoga offers many benefits. Classes can be completely personalized for your needs, from preference of class style and level of practice. It can be a great way to deepen your understanding, refine your alignment, or build towards more advanced movements like inverting or hand balancing.  

This is an opportunity to connect with Michelle and guide you through a practice. To have her consistently checking in with you to see how your body is responding to the practice and offer modifications or alignment cues and ultimately to discover what your body needs and what feels good. This is a time where Michelle may provide verbal or hands on adjustments to help you gain more body awareness - only if you want. 

Don’t know what you want? Choose from a style that she is currently offering: Yin Yang, Hatha, Vinyasa flow or Arm Balances & Inversions.

 

One-on-one classes are great for individualized learning experiences

Private Yoga Class Adjustment at The Yoga Loft in Riverdale, Edmonton, Alberta - Yumaste

Michelle providing an adjustment to Leanne in a forward fold, paschimottanasana