Hatha Yoga – Wildwood Community Association

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha Yoga refers to a general category of Yoga whereby students practice various asanas (postures) in combination with pranayama (breathing techniques) in order to improve flexibility, focus the mind and body, and aid relaxation.

Unlike some other branches of yoga, Hatha Yoga is generally characterised by a slower and gentler practice, and is therefore a great introduction for newcomers or beginners. However, teachers will take into account the abilities of each student, and can adapt the intensity of each asana to accommodate intermediate and advanced students as well.

Is Hatha Yoga for me?

Yes! The Wildwood Community Association’s Hatha Yoga classes are open to both members and non-members (see pricing below), as well as all abilities. The class is aimed at adults, but seniors are also welcome!

Hatha Yoga may be particularly beneficial if you sit at a desk all day, work a stressful job, or are recovering from a recent injury or operation (provided that your doctor has given you the go-ahead to restart gentle exercise), as yoga aims to reconnect you with your body and expand your range of movement.

When are classes held?

For the 2023 season, there is a choice of two classes (10 sessions), held in the large hall of the community centre:

TUESDAYS 2023 – January 10 – March 16th (10 classes) @ 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.; Cost $110 with a WCA membership
THURSDAYS 2023 – January 10 – March 16th (10 classes) @ 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Cost $110 with a WCA membership

How much does it cost?

The fees for a 10 week term are $110.00 per term. Registration and payment can be completed online

You will need a valid Wildwood Community Association (WCA) membership to register. WCA memberships are $25 per family and can be purchased online

What should I bring with me?

Students should bring their own yoga mats and a bottle of water. Students may also benefit from bringing bolsters and/or straps to improve comfort and posture during certain asanas.

It is recommended that you wear loose and stretchy clothing, and to dress in layers so that you can stay comfortable throughout the class. You may also want to bring a blanket and a sleepmask for the relaxation at the end of the class.

Meet the Instructors

Deanna Mae (Teaching Tuesdays April – May):

My yoga journey began in 2008 and I had no idea it would lead me to where I am now – a lifelong yoga practice. It made me stronger and more present in my other sports and in my life. I just felt better. I felt more aware.

I began to be more interested in the spiritual side of yoga, meditation, and breathing so I completed the 200 hour Teacher Training at Yoga Passage and then took advanced training in Yin, Restorative and Yoga Nidra. I was still thirsty for more knowledge so I followed my heart to Peru to complete another 200 hour training, delving into the mysticism and shamanism of Peru and Sivananda yoga. My learning continued as I have now completed a 300 hour yoga teacher training, Qi Gong level 1, Therapeutic Drumming Certification and the trauma informed Cancer patient & survivor Thrive Yoga Teacher Training. I also have a diploma in Holistic Nutrition and have achieved Master levels in Usui/Tibetan Reiki and Karuna Reiki.

Besides yoga, I love being outside, snowboarding, biking, hiking, and golfing. I love mantras as much as I love punk rock. I have a giant rescue dog who saves and challenges me as much as I do him. Grateful for this journey always!

Rachel (Teaching Thursdays April – May)

Rachel is an experienced full-time yoga instructor in Calgary, AB. She has been teaching yoga for over 10 years and has taught a wide range of students, including young professional athletes at the National Sports School at WinSport and police officers at the Calgary Police Service. She has helped thousands of Canadians move their bodies to release stress, tension, prepare and recover from surgery, quiet the mind, and much more. Rachel Ann’s permissive approach makes everyone feel safe and welcome regardless of age or ability levels. Learn more about her: www.rachelannyoga.com

Jackie Kitella (Teaching Tuesdays from January to March 2023)

After many years of competitive sports, yoga called to Jackie to help heal her injuries and restore her body. The moment she arrived on her yoga mat, she discovered what it meant to be challenged and humbled by a practice that focuses on the harmony of breath with movement, mindfulness, and more importantly, letting go of ego.

Jackie has her 200 hour YTT certificate with Yoga Santosha in Calgary and her style includes bringing a playful and lighthearted energy to teaching, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. It has become a passion of hers to share her journey and practice with others as a community of learners and considers it an honour to guide others through their practice sharing space and energy. When she is not inside being a teacher, she enjoys getting kissed by the sun and spending as much time as she can outside in nature’s wonderland.

Naomi Keene (Teaching Thursdays)

Naomi was born and raised in Victoria, BC. She is the owner of OranjFitness in Airdrie and has been teaching fitness for over 17 years and has a deep passion for sharing her love of group fitness with her communities. Naomi has a background in education, dance, fitness and nutrition. Over her years of teaching, she has had the honour of teaching 1000s of participants and she has learned that community and accountability can make or break your results. She strives to cultivate an empowering, supportive, and inclusive community everywhere she goes. She takes a stand for a daily routine that incorporates movement, self growth, and passion.

Leslee Watt (Teaching Thursdays)

Born and raised in Winnipeg, where she was the sole proprietor of her own Physiotherapy practice Prana Physiotherapy and Therapeutic Yoga, Leslee also earned a degree in Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Manitoba.

After receiving her first yoga certification through Moksha (Modo) Yoga in India in 2009, she quickly realized the demand for an intelligent, informed, and accessible therapeutic approach to yoga and, by combining her various backgrounds, founded The Physiologic Therapeutic Yoga Method.

On a mission to redefine what it means to ‘do yoga’, Leslee’s offerings marry the science of physiology with the art of yoga. By acknowledging the roll that stress, mental health, and spirituality play on our physical healing journeys, the Physiologic Yoga approach delivers the best of what both Eastern and Western medicine have to offer.

Truly a teacher at heart, she has worked as a professor at Camosun College in the Department of Massage Therapy and loves to infuse all of her classes with education on the inner workings of health, anatomy, and physiology.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the Yoga program, please email yoga@mywildwood.ca