Frequently asked questions about Mother Nurture Yoga. If you don’t see your question, use our contact form or email kim@mothernurture.ca to ask!

What IS yoga?

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word, “yuj,” which means “to unify, to yoke, to join.” Carolyn Weatherson, E-RYT, succinctly defined it as “an art, a science, a discipline, and a way of being (that is) designed to lead individuals into a state of optimal health and harmony.” Yoga is not a religion and can be practised by all people, all ages and stages, and all walks of life. Yoga may include physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), energy, meditation, music, philosophy, props, chanting (mantras), and teachings.

Of the traditional types of yoga, Hatha yoga is the most commonly practiced in the Western world. Hatha yoga achieves union of mind, body, and spirit through physical fitness and discipline. Examples of popular styles of Hatha include Iyengar (precise alignment with extensive use of props and holding poses for long durations), Bikram (a strict set series of 26 poses in a heated room), Kundalini (invigorating, repetitive flowing movements with a focus on moving breath up the spine), Vinyasa (typically invigorating flowing movement synchronized with the breath), and Power Yoga (fast, invigorating, and challenging cardio workout that often omits breath work and deep relaxation).

Regardless of the type of yoga or the style of Hatha yoga practised, the objective is the same: to unify body, mind, and spirit. With true union, comes peace, contentment, and good health and wellness.

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What style of yoga is offered at Mother Nurture Yoga & Wellness?

Mother Nurture Yoga & Wellness yoga takes an interdisciplinary approach, teaching students a blend of Hatha yoga styles with Mantra yoga (using sound out loud or internally to still the mind), Raja Yoga (seeing yoga as a way of life towards self-realization, follows the classic 8-fold Path), and Karma Yoga (selfless service).

Mother Nurture also welcomes yoga teachers from other disciplines to teach on the MNYW schedule. Currently, Brian Groot, from Mindfulness Running, teaches his Moksha-inpsired yoga, once a week.

All classes at MNYW are non-competitive and may include physical postures (asanas), flow, breath work (pranayama), deep relaxation, music, and meditation. Props are available for all students to meet individual needs/abilities.

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Where do MNYW yoga classes take place? Where do I park?

MNYW yoga classes currently take place in the Moonglow Studio, the studio upstairs above Under the Moon at 89 Frank Street in Strathroy. Parking and studio entrance is out back behind Under the Moon.

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How do I know which class to take? What classes are currently being offered and when?

To find out which class is the best fit for you, check out MNYW yoga class descriptions under Yoga Classes - here, you’ll find details about each class and when the class takes place. You may also find it helpful to check out the Schedule for an at-a-glance look at classes that are currently being offered. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact me!

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I work shifts. I have an every-changing schedule. I am not sure when I will be available to take a class. Can I still take MNYW yoga classes?

Certainly! Mother Nurture Yoga & Wellness strives to be inclusive so morning and evening classes are offered to suit various lifestyles and schedules. MNYW offers a drop in fee if you want to drop in for one class to see if a class time/day fits into your schedule. MNYW also offers a 10-class pass for ANY 10 adult yoga classes that fit your changing schedule. For more information on the drop in fee and the 10-class pass, see Fees.

Please note that space is limited in all classes and to guarantee your spot, it is best to register in advance when you can. All classes will be filled first through registration (first come, first served) and any remaining spaces are open to students wishing to drop in, again based on first come, first served. If you do know your schedule in advance, feel free to contact me at your nearest convenience to try and register for a particular time/day to secure a spot for you in the desired class.

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How do I guarantee that I can attend the class I want on the day and time that works best for me?

Space is limited in all classes so if you want to guarantee your spot, register in advance. Spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. Once you receive confirmation, your spot is secured.

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What payment options are available? What fee options does MNYW offer?

At this time, Mother Nurture Yoga & Wellness accepts cash payments only and is working toward online payments via credit card or paypal. Currently, MNYW offers students the option of paying a drop in fee per class OR purchasing a 10-class pass. Taxes are included in fees. Arrive 5-10 minutes before class to make your payment. Fees are subject to change and payment is non-refundable. Read Fees for more details.

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How do I register and pay online? (under construction)

After you have read the descriptions for MNYW Yoga Classes and chosen the class you want, click on “Buy Now” by that desired class day/time and follow the rest of the steps outlined by paypal. You will receive confirmation via email that your payment has been received and that your spot has been secured.

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Are there any forms that I need to fill out?

Yes. Each student must complete a health history/consent form, which is valid for 1 year. This form should be signed and submitted before participating in your very first class. You can either get the form in advance by emailing me to request a copy or you can arrive 5-10 minutes early to your first class to make your payment and complete the form.

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What should I do to prepare for a class?

If there are ANY changes in your health history, you are responsible for notifying your teacher in advance. This can be done by phone, text, email, or in person (provided you arrive early to do so).

Wear clothing that is breathable, flexible, and comfortable.

Yoga cleanses and detoxifies the body and mind. As such, avoid eating heavy meals 2 hours before practicing, yet don’t go hungry! If you are feeling hungry closer to class starting, try to eat something light/easy to digest such as a piece of fruit. To further facilitate the cleansing process drink some water before class, drink water as needed during class, and drink plenty of water after class.

Please make sure you turn your cellphone ringer off before class begins to reduce distractions and interruptions.

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What should I bring to class?

All students are asked to please bring bottled water to class. All students are invited to bring their own mats to be able to surrender in their own space and for hygienic reasons; however, if needed, mats are available for use.

Prenatal yoga students are invited to bring in their own body pillows for their own comfort, however, for convenience, body pillows are available for use.

Mommy & Baby Yoga students may bring a few of their little one’s toys, if desired. Nursing pillows and stability balls are available for use.

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I am out of shape. I am not that strong. I am not very flexible. My balance is poor. Can I still do yoga?

ABSOLUTELY! In fact, yoga will help you ease your way back into shape. Yoga builds strength, increases flexibility, and improves balance. For some of the many physical and mental benefits of yoga, go to The Benefits of Yoga.

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I don’t have a lot of experience. I don’t want to push myself too far. I am worried about how I will look compared to others.

Yoga students are encouraged to practise non-violence (ahimsa). Be kind to your body – if it doesn’t feel right or comfortable, honour that feeling, release out of the posture, and stop what you are doing immediately. Listen to your body and what it can and cannot do in each given moment – respect your body, your inner voice, and your wisdom, and progress at your own pace.

Yoga is non-competitive. Students are encouraged to let go of ego and turn your attention inward to help you connect with the true self. When attention is outward, we concentrate on others and what they can/cannot do, we lose touch of the true self, and we compare our selves to others. Focusing inward allows us to listen to our bodies, helps us develop body awareness, and assists in detaching from ego. Detachment facilitates the practice of ahimsa – students who let go of ego are less likely to push themselves too far and engage in self-injurious behaviour.

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How will I know if class has changed or has been cancelled?

All classes and the schedule are subject to change. As much advance notice as possible will be given via the Mother Nurture Yoga facebook page and mothernurture.ca.

On the rare occasion that a class needs to be cancelled (e.g., due to severe weather, family emergency, illness), I will let you know of the cancellation as far in advance as possible by posting it on the Mother Nurture Yoga facebook page or the mothernurture.ca website, and I will look forward to seeing you out to the next class.

Please check Facebook and mothernurture.ca regularly for updates on classes.

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