Community Yoga at CrossFit Stratford

I always feel grateful whenever I get to share yoga with young people.

Whether I’m teaching yoga as a volunteer in my sons’ classrooms, or leading nightly stretches to a gym-full of kids as part of the EatFit Project in Nunavut, or helping high school students practice mindful and creative movement, I love working with my “young yoginis.”

I also practice yoga with lots of adults every week, including Seniors classes at OneCare.

I can confirm without a doubt: Yoga spans the generations.

A few years ago I was inspired by this fact to create a monthly opportunity for people of all ages to share a fun yoga experience together.

In my family, everyone (which includes my folks, my husband, and our two boys) knows what the last Sunday of the month means: Community Yoga!

As always, a great mix of people joined us at CrossFit Stratford this past Sunday (February 23, 2020) for the usual 3:30pm start. Participants ranged in age from a 6 year old to a 70-something, and included CrossFit members stretching after a week of workouts, some families who attend every month, and curious community members who were trying it out for the very first time. 

I usually bring the group together in a circle for some collaborative poses.

It’s amazing how much longer you can hold a Tree Pose when you have a neighbour to lean on when you need support!

Everyone gets to spread out and have all the space they want at CrossFit Stratford’s exercise studio, which makes it the ideal spot for Community Yoga. 

CrossFit Stratford also happens to be where you can usually find me during the week working out at 6am!

I started CrossFit three years ago to build my core strength and endurance, and it’s become a major part of my fitness and strength training routine.

I’ve always found yoga and CrossFit to be a good match – the rigorous workouts we put ourselves through in CrossFit are balanced by yoga’s relaxing effects.

The CrossFit Stratford community has always been super supportive, pushing me to achieve my physical goals and also giving me the chance to host Community Yoga in their awesome space every month. 

And on top of all that, this coming Saturday (Feb. 29, 2020) CrossFit is raising funds for Wellspring Stratford (the cancer support centre I manage) through its Team Marathon Row!

Community Yoga usually happens on the last Sunday of every month, but please check the Suntwine Yoga class calendar to confirm each month’s date.

I want everyone to be part of the Suntwine Community!

Have you ever attended a yoga session that brought together people of all ages?

I’d love to hear about it, please share your story in the comments!