A St. Albert yoga instructor is paring the traditional practice down to its original link with nature.
Helmi McHenry is leading outdoor yoga classes at the St. Albert Botanic Park every Sunday up until Sept. 6.
Yoga means “union” and when practised outdoors, McHenry feels the confluence of nature, humanity and the universe. So why stay within the confines of a studio asks the certified hatha yoga instructor?
“It’s not fast paced. It builds strength and improves flexibility. By focusing on your breath, it’s very meditative and relaxing,” says McHenry.
She first experimented with outdoor yoga while relaxing on a warm beach in Maui and discovered it intensified the experience of achieving harmony, clarity and peace of mind.
“I enjoyed how beautiful it was to take in nature while doing poses. It certainly helps people who want to get grounded with nature and it helps to relax in a quiet environment. My breath would co-ordinate with the waves. Here we don’t have waves, but there are birds.”
Yes, being outdoors in the botanic park offers participants another level of focus – the woody smell of trees, the scent of flowers, the graceful wingspan of flying birds or just the warm summer breeze.
McHenry finds there are two types of individuals attracted to yoga.
“I teach athletes, people in sport. Active people need to stretch their muscle groups. It’s injury prevention. And there are people looking for stress management. They are usually less active but discover yoga gives them more flexibility. They focus on breathing and it takes the clutter out of their head.”
The one-hour drop-in yoga classes are an opportunity to receive a gentle all-body workout to improve flexibility, core strength and balance.
Classes are open to anyone from beginners to the more advanced. They start at 9 a.m. and are $10 per session. Plan ahead and bring a yoga mat or towel, sunscreen, bug spray and water. A block and belt are optional.
Namaste!
