Studio Policy Updates

Updated: October 24, 2021

Policy Update:
To all of our valued members, guests, friends + family,

As you know since the beginning of the pandemic we have striven to follow the guidelines as laid out by the Provincial Health Authorities to the best of our abilities while giving due consideration to the human rights of everyone involved as required by law. This has been an incredibly complex puzzle to solve and one that we will continue to work towards. Last week, despite following the provincial guidelines to the best of our understanding, we have been ordered by Northern Health, in no uncertain terms, to answer questions regarding compliance with the PHO, or personally face individual fines of up to $25000 each and/or up to 6 months in jail.

The PHO requires that as of October 24, everyone will need to show proof of full vaccination status in order to access Gyms, Exercise Studios and Recreation Facilities. If you would like your status to be recorded on your file so you do not need to show it each time, we can enter it into our system, however, your written consent for this is required. Either bring a note in, or send us an email stating that you give consent to record your status.

Masks are also required in all indoor spaces and common areas at this time. Please remember that medical exemptions are part of the order and that not all conditions are physically visible. If you are unable to wear a mask for health reasons, please let staff know upon entry. Masks are not required while exercising. We ask that you respectfully bring any questions or concerns you may have to the attention of management via email – Staff will not be handling any issues with regards to club policy.

We sincerely apologize to any members who are impacted by these orders – We are enacting this policy change under imminent personal threat. We will of course be waiving the 30 day notice policy to freeze or cancel and offer full refunds or credit for any pre-paid time that has been lost. We’d like to remind everyone of the importance of physical activity, good health and nutrition in maintaining your health and supporting your immune system whether it be inside or outside of our club. We remain committed to doing everything we can to keep our doors open for as long as we can for all of our members, because we believe providing a space for the development of your physical and mental well being is an essential service.

Sincerely,

Cornerstone Yoga Collective.

Turmeric Apple Cider

Turmeric Apple Cider

This Turmeric Apple Cider is quick and easy to make and bursting with health benefits! Oh, and it’s also super delicious.

Did You Know:

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory hero and helps to heal cold and flu symptoms (perfect for this time of year). It’s the first ingredient in our Turmeric Blend, along with organic cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and black pepper. Warm-up and boost your immune system with this healing, crowd-pleasing beverage.

Makes: 4 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

What you need:

• 4 cups unsweetened apple juice

• 1 tsp whole cloves

• 2 teaspoons of Blume Turmeric Blend

• ½ orange, thinly sliced with seeds removed

• ½ lemon, thinly sliced with seeds removed

• Drizzle of maple syrup if desired

What to do:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Strain and pour into a mug. Garnish with fresh apple slices. Sip and enjoy!

Yin Yoga - The Benefits

Yin Yoga

What is the first thing that comes to mind for you when you hear the words "Yin Yoga"? Perhaps it is "long holds" or "endless moments of silence" or something else. Chances are you have not been made aware of the many benefits of Yin Yoga.

Lets start with my journey to Yin. I had always lived a very Yang (fast paced) lifestyle. Busy-ness was my mantra. I didn't take time to slow down. About 6 years ago, I had stumbled onto Yoga. Initially practicing Bikram, and then finding Vinyasa, before eventually becoming a Vinyasa RYT-200 (teacher) in 2016.

When I was practicing I loved the moments of stillness while flowing. An opportunity to breath, and to let myself feel the poses. I enjoyed flowing from one pose to another, linking breath to the poses and movements. But I relished in the moments of stillness. I could almost feel my muscles, tendons, and ligaments microscopically lengthening. The stillness trickled into my teaching. What began as a one breath hold, lengthened to 8 breath holds.

Then a close friend and colleague recommended that I check out some of Bernie Clark's Yin Yoga classes. "You will laugh at how much he sounds like one of the other teachers in our studio" she said to me. So I tried out one of his classes on MyYogaOnline.com and loved it. I couldn't get enough. I enrolled in his teacher training so that I could share my love of this practice with others.

So what are the benefits? Well I believe, and have been taught that there are three main areas where benefits will be realized. The Physical body, the Energetic body, and within the Heart and Mind.

The Physical Body

This is where most of us will see the most benefits. At least initially.

Yin Yoga allows us to stress our muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints safety. This stress is achieved by coming into a pose to an appropriate depth, otherwise known as "playing your edge". By applying such a stress, you will eventually see an increased Range of Motion (or ROM for short), increased blood flow within the body, a loosening of muscle fascia, and increased hydration to your joints and muscles!

The Energetic Body

By resolving to stay still in the pose, we allow ourselves to find our breath. By breathing you increase the energetic flow throughout the body. This occurs by moving energy with breath and subtle body movements, sometimes called Pranayama or Chi. In these still moments, it is encouraged for students to imagine the breath moving to the areas of your body where you feel the stresses. By doing this you awaken, enhance, and balance the body's Prana, while slowing the thoughts whirling in your mind.

The Heart & Mind

Here is the magic ingredient. The part that I love the most. Time. Holding a posture for a period of time. While holding we are mindful of what is happening right now. Our stress begins to evaporate once we slow down and pay attention to our breath. This results in many different benefits such as lower blood pressure, slower heart rate, recharged immune system, recharged digestive system, and a decrease of any inflammation within the body.

"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self" - The Bhagavad Gita 

So now that you have an outline of the benefits found in a Yin Practice, will you try it?

Still searching for more information? Send me a message, or check out YinYoga.com for an in-depth dive with the teacher whom I look up to in this style of practice; Bernie Clark.