Yoga is the connection of the body, mind and breath through a series of guided poses and sequences. Yoga encourages increased body awareness while also improving strength, flexibility and balance. There are many types of yoga, each with different focuses and benefits, however most revolve around the central idea of connecting the body, mind and breath.

Absolutely! In fact, you are the perfect candidate for yoga. Give it a try and over time you will notice that yoga helps you to become more flexible.

Everybody is different, so never feel the need to practice poses exactly like the teachers. They are only there as a guide and have years of practice. Listen to your body, don't force yourself and stay within your limits. Also, like any other exercise program, please consult your doctor before beginning to practice yoga at Cattleya Yoga Studio or even at home.

Some people wear baggy, loose-fitting bottoms or shorts and a t-shirt. Other people wear tight, stretchy leggings + tops. The only thing that matters is that you wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move and stretch in. It's good to have clothes that keep you cool when you are active in yoga. Some people also bring socks and a sweater (maybe even a small blanket) for the relaxation.

At Cattleya Yoga Studio, all the equipment, including mats, you need for class is provided. If you prefer to bring your own yoga mat that's fine too. If you want to also practice at home then having your own mat is a great idea, they are available for sale in the studio as well.

When it comes to food and digestion, each individual is different and needs to find out what works for them. In general, I do not recommend eating a large meal within 2 hours of a class - if you must eat within 2 hours of a class then a light meal or snack that is easily digested is best. Its recommended being hydrated before a class so drink some water.

It is a good idea to try different classes to get an idea of the style of yoga and see what you like and what is right for you. Ashtanga, Power Flow and Vinyasa classes tend to be the more physically demanding classes, while Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga classes are less physically challenging. We have created a range of classes for you to come in and try and find the best fit.

Here at Cattleya we also offer classes by level which can be amazing to not feel intimidated by others and not being suggested poses in which you may feel as though you are not prepared to do.

Practising yoga has loads of physical benefits: it creates a flexible, toned and strong body and improves breathing, energy and metabolism. Yoga improves circulatory and cardiac health, as well as fitness levels, pain and posture. It also has benefits for your mental health, making you happier, more balanced and emotionally calmer. It helps you relax so you can handle stress better. Yoga encourages self-confidence and helps you to focus your energy.

The spiritual benefits of yoga are also key: Yoga teaches you to be aware of what is going on inside and outside of you. Yoga teaches you to be present in your surroundings and open to what is all around – in other words, more mindful.

You will feel some benefits immediately, such as the release of physical tension, the body opening and muscle strengthening – the “feel good” factor that keeps people hooked on yoga. Other benefits depend on how much you practice and every person is different. But most people will feel a positive change after a few weeks, if not before.

Two simple reasons: Safety and Respect. The first 5-10 minutes of a class are designed to prepare the body and the mind for the practice. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. In addition, joining a class late can be very disturbing to those clients who are already present.

So please keep this in mind and try to arrive 10-15 minutes before class starts. Check out our schedule and if there is a class going on before you please wait on the stairs and the teacher will let you in as soon as the previous students leave.

It is always important to talk to the instructor about any existing physical conditions and concerns you have about them.

Yoga benefits many people with chronic pain by helping the body regain its balance between strength and flexibility, movement and awareness.

But if you are under a doctor’s care for an acute situation, please be sure to discuss taking yoga classes with the doctor beforehand.

Sometimes life gets in the way of practice and we get it! For that reason we offer a 12 hour cancellation window. We need you to cancel through the on-line system or by phone (613) 298 - 7695 at least 12 hours before the class start time to avoid any and all late/no-show charges. This Policy applies to students with memberships and with packages. Classes paid for and cancelled more than 12 hours before class begins will be credited back to your account.

A No Show/Late Cancellation charge occurs when you do not show up OR cancel within 3 hours of class starting and classes paid for with class passes will still be deducted. A $20 fee will automatically incur at the 3rd late/no-show cancellation.

We understand that things happen but we also want to be mindful of our community and don’t want to turn away other members that would like to attend class and then end up with empty spots. Thank you for your understanding.

As long as you are outside the 12 hour cancelation window you can reschedule to any class shown on the schedule, if you are within the 12 hours of no-show/late cancellation then cancellation policy fee of $20 will automatically apply if you have gone over your 2 freebies.