One good thing about taking a 30 day challenge at Exhale is if you absolutely can’t make it one day, you can double up on classes the next day to make up for it. Although I had to miss a couple classes when I went out of town, however, I have tried my best to go to class every day if I am physically able. Taking a class every day has reminded me that the days I don’t feel like going are often the days I feel the most rewarded when I leave, and also that I can always make time for a class if I put my mind to it. The motivation I have mustered for this challenge has encouraged me to do the same with other resolutions I made for the New Year, as I am reminded of how satisfying it is to accomplish what you set out to do. This realization, coupled with the tools I learned at the goal-setting seminar that kicked off the challenge, should arm me with all I need for a successful 2012!

Miss Kula – Exhale Studio, Yaletown, Vancouver

Journal Entry #28 – February 4th,  2012.

One routine I have been able to maintain, at least this last week, is attending the studio daily. The 30-class challenge I am doing motivates me to go to classes, and it all began with a goal-setting seminar. The tools I learned in the seminar prompted me to make a new set of resolutions for the Lunar New Year, as they reminded me how to set goals while inviting the greatest chance of success. The workshop was led by Coco, whose yoga and pilates classes I have taken at Exhale. The positive energy and leadership she brings to her classes translated to her seminar, and I felt powerful and motivated when I left.

Coco taught us to visualize our lives in ten years: one image, but with specifics – smells, sounds, temperature, people there etc. From that vision, we set a goal for health, for career, and for our personal life ten years from now. Then we worked backward, setting five year goals and finally one year goals. Seeing my goals laid out like that made them seem much more attainable. Coco asked us to write down our goals using positive, auspicious language in the present tense, being simple yet specific. She also suggested we share these goals with friends to help motivate us further, and to reach for the stars – if we are not afraid of failure and set our sights high, even if we fail half the time we are still succeeding half the time. These were powerful words for me, because often I find I am the only person holding me back.

Although you can set goals any time of year, it’s often more motivating to have a milestone from which to start out. So this Lunar New Year take this opportunity to set some goals for yourself – be them health, career, personal or otherwise. You have a clean slate and a world of positive energy to push you toward your dreams. Embrace your inner dragon and soar!

Miss Kula – Exhale Studio, Yaletown, Vancouver

Journal Entry #27 – January 24th,  2012.

All this considered, I am beyond excited that Exhale Studio is offering a 30-class challenge to kick off the New Year. I have completed this challenge with Exhale before, and felt amazing while doing it, and finished looking and feeling even better! The challenge taught me that the days I went to class when I didn’t feel like going were the most rewarding of all. I learned that when I stick to a goal I set it gives me a wonderful sense of accomplishment, and once I finished the challenge I found I still wanted to take a class every day. I can’t wait to do another one so close to the start of the year, therefore, because not only will it help me shed those holiday pounds and motivate me to keep my New Year’s resolutions, but it will set the tone for the rest of the year.

I have attempted challenges at other yoga studios in the past, and failed. Previously I have successfully completed the 30-class challenge at Exhale Studio. Why was I successful here? Because this challenge is designed to help you succeed, not set you up for failure.

First of all, the challenge requires that you complete 30 classes in 35 days, so you have a five day buffer zone in case you can’t make a class one day. You can also double up and do two classes in one day if you miss one the day before. A month is a long time, and thank goodness someone understands that regardless of how good your intentions are, sometimes life interferes with a goal (maybe you are sick for a day or two or need to take off on a business trip). Moreover, having this buffer zone makes the challenge appear less daunting, which is important because starting the challenge can sometimes be more difficult than finishing it (take it from me, it is – the first step is getting off the couch).

Secondly, Exhale makes this challenge much easier by offering a much wider variety of classes. I think I failed in the past because I was trying to do 30 yoga classes in a row, but at Exhale you can mix up the classes and do yoga one day, pilates the next, and a dance class the day after that. In addition, there are different styles of yoga, different styles of pilates, and different styles of dance to choose from. If you wanted to, you could take a different class every day for 30 days and still have a few left over.

Last but not least, Exhale Studio is a supportive, non-competitive environment where the students are as friendly as the teachers. Seeing others’ progress on the board at the reception motivated me to keep going, and knowing other students who were doing the challenge helped as well.

The 30-class challenge kicks off this Sunday January 15th with a goal-setting workshop (2:30-4:00pm )with Coco where you will also be able to meet other Exhale members who are doing the challenge, and learn about setting and achieving goals, which will help us with the challenge and our other resolutions. This seminar is a $49 value but FREE for challengers. Also included in the price of the challenge (the same price as a regular unlimited month at the studio): unlimited yoga, pilates and dance classes, an extra 5 days of classes FREE, a recommended class schedule designed to maximize fitness benefits for YOU, a FREE holistic nutritional plan designed by Exhale’s registered nutritionist, and the opportunity to purchase Vega whole food health products at wholesale prices.

This challenge is a great way to kick off 2012 and prioritize your health and wellness, so if you have been thinking about making a change for the better, now is the time! Achieving your fitness goals will encourage you to achieve ALL your goals, and you will be able to do this while looking and feeling great!

Miss Kula – Exhale Studio, Yaletown, Vancouver

Journal Entry #26 – January 11th,  2012.

Our “New Year, New You Challenge” encourages members to get fit while having fun with the support of the Exhale community of students and teachers!  Participants will benefit from the encouragement and guidance of our professional staff, as well as detailed fitness & nutrition plans to help you reach your health & wellness goals.  Joining the challenge is a great way to meet people, make friends, feel inspired and of course see your goal results!

NEW YEAR CHALLENGE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• UNLIMITED MONTH OF YOGA, PILATES AND DANCE CLASSES
     
•  ~ 5 Extra Days for FREE – 35 Days of Classes

~ Includes Recommended Class Schedule to maximize fitness benefits

• HOLISTIC NUTRITIONAL MONTHLY DIET PLAN

~  Comprehensive plan includes bonus features such as:

~ Detox tips

~ Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diet Options

~ Food Diary

• DISCOUNTED RETAIL PRODUCTS

~  25-50% off whole food health products

• GOAL SETTING SEMINAR & COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

~  Sunday January 15th 2:30-4:00pm

    ~ Goal Setting Seminar

~ Meet & Greet with Exhale instructors

VALUE OF THE “SPRING CHALLENGE” PACKAGE   ~  $400

OUR OFFER TO YOU… ONLY $150!!

*If you already have unlimited pass you may join challenge for FREE!

*If you recently bought a class card and want to join challenge, then purchase

1-month unlimited for $150 and you can use your class card after challenge.

Must register & pay by e-mailing info@exhalestudio.com by Friday January 13^th!

Please note that we are offering a SPECIAL VINYASA YOGA CLASS with YEVA this Saturday December 31st from 12:00-1:30pm!! 

All other classes will be cancelled this weekend (Sat Dec 31st & Sun Jan 1st).  The regular schedule resumes on Monday January 2nd!  Have a safe and happy new year!

Taking a yoga or pilates class, whether it starts or ends your day, or is a welcome break in the middle, can help you focus and energize you for the tasks at hand. A regular routine also shows you what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it, and for myself it gives me a lesson in motivation; each time I don’t feel like taking a class but go anyway, I always leave grateful that I went. Dance classes can give you an even bigger sense of accomplishment – after learning a combo and moves you may never had pictured yourself able to do, it can boost your self-esteem and perhaps make goals you have set in other areas of life seem more reachable.

In light of the time I have spent this week reflecting on the year gone by and planning for the one to come, I am especially excited that Exhale is offering a special New Year’s Eve Vinyasa yoga class with Yeva, one of my all-time favourite instructors. Taking place at noon instead of the usual 2:30 time, this class will be perfect because it will still give me ample time to get ready for the night’s festivities. Not only am I counting on this yoga class to energize me and relieve some of that holiday bloating so I can fit into my party dress, I am hoping it will get me in a mindset to begin 2012 the right way. My priorities have changed so much over the last year, and I hope to continue down that path.  I hope this yoga class will help me focus on what those priorities are, and I will use it to put forth positive energy towards achieving the goals I have set for myself in 2012.

Miss Kula – Exhale Studio, Yaletown, Vancouver

Journal Entry #25 – December 29th, 2011.

Sat Dec 24th – Christmas Eve Day – all classes CANCELLED

Sun Dec 25th – Christmas Day – all classes CANCELLED

Mon Dec 26th – Boxing Day – all classes CANCELLED

*EXCEPT 12:00-1:30pm Vinyasa Yoga with Chris is ON!

Sat Dec 31st – New Years Eve Day – all classes CANCELLED

*EXCEPT 12:00-1:30pm Vinyasa Yoga with Yeva is ON!

Sun Jan 1st – New Years Day – all classes CANCELLED

***PLEASE NOTE ALL 4:15 Weekday Classes are CANCELLED between Mon Dec 19^th – Fri Dec 30^th!***

All other dates/classes in December will remain the same.

The exhale website will always have the current class schedule, so please take a peek before coming to class!

In the midst of the holiday craziness, I decided to take Thara’s hatha yoga class on Sunday at 10am. I am more a Vinyasa girl, and Sunday mornings are not my thing either, but this class made me want to get out of bed for it the following week, feeling as grounded as I did when I left.

Thara began by teaching us about the seven chakras and we chanted to hone in on each of them. She led us through more standing postures than say, Jolene’s hatha yoga class, which was perfect for a class that begins the day rather than ends it, as Jolene’s usually does. Because this yoga class is Hatha, therefore less intense (in my opinion) than Vinyasa yoga, it is perfect for beginners, but also for those who, like me, wish to decompress for an hour or so and come back to Earth. I had taken Yeva’s yoga class the day before so this class was a perfect yin to Yeva’s yang – stretching out all those muscles I had worked the day before. Thara even showed us some postures I had never done before, such as one that stretched the top of the toes. I left invigorated, centered, and ready to take on the tasks that invariably add up during the season.

This year, give yourself the gift of health and happiness, whether it’s signing up with a membership at Exhale or simply taking the time to exhale by devoting an hour out of your busy day to a dance, yoga or pilates class – you deserve it! Happy Holidays everyone!!

Miss Kula – Exhale Studio, Yaletown, Vancouver

Journal Entry #24 – December 20th, 2011.

 Saturday December 17th ONLY!!

5:30-6:30pm

WORKSHOP

$20 CASH ONLY

*** OR bring a friend and SAVE pay ONLY $10 cash each!! ***

JODI will be  in Vancouver offering our very popular dancehall class exclusively for Exhale students! 

 Stemming from Reggae, Dancehall is the fast-paced rhythm music originating from Jamaica. This signature Caribbean dance style will have you moving your waist to the fun, fast, gyrating music, while learning authentic moves as seen on stage and music videos.  Groove to the sweet sounds and get a great workout your body will love!

Bring water bottle & towel

Check out Jodi’s Dancehall style in any of the videos below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nz_UvPwIV0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI3sFaJcezc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTP-hqctsPo

StilletoFit could be called a fitness class, but in truth it is a dance class for all levels, although I must say it whips you into shape better than most fitness classes I have taken.  Chantal began by leading us through a warm-up comprised of sexy moves we referred to when we learned a combo later on. She blasts amazing music, and as we are all in heels the moves became much more fun than if we were not. We then went through a series of fitness moves – crunches, squats and lunges to name a few – and here is where I realized the stiletto boots I was wearing were not just for show. My legs burned from ankle to glutes but in a good way – I felt like I was getting results. Chantal’s combo followed and while it was challenging, I am not a dancer and still managed to get most of the moves down. She is a wonderful teacher and welcomes as many questions as possible. She caters to all levels thus tries to ensure that everyone is challenged and also comfortable, regardless of the dance experience they may or may not have. We danced to a Rihanna song, and I felt confident, sexy and pretty proud that I had managed to make it through a class taught by such an accomplished dancer as Chantal.

Chantal has been teaching and dancing professionally for years all over North America, and is eager to share her passion with others. One of the reasons I love Exhale so much is its propensity for hiring teachers with such amazing energy, and Chantal is no exception: hers is contagious and even if you enter the class feeling a little low, you will leave ready to take on the world. I started taking Chantal’s class on a weekly basis – at least whenever I could – and the results I felt immediately following class soon turned into results I could see. StilletoFit will tone muscles you didn’t know you had; if you want the body and confidence of a dancer, this class will help you achieve that. I may not be a dancer, but in Chantal’s class I feel like one – not only do I feel fit, I’m ready to take these moves to the club!

Miss Kula – Exhale Studio, Yaletown, Vancouver

Journal Entry #23 – December 9th, 2011.