Research shows that the number of people taking medication to treat anxiety and depression has steadily increased. Studies have also shown that prescription medication can negatively impact sex drive, energy levels, weight, and even potentially play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, kidney damage, and more. As North Americans, we are blessed with the opportunity of enjoying the benefits of both modern western science and ancient healing traditions. I

One of the questions I receive most often from students is, "What yoga can I do from home?" Without hesitation, my answer is always one of two things: 1) Do what you love. Practice what feels good. Whatever will get you to the mat, that's what you should do. When you climb out of bed in the morning and raise your arms overhead with a deep breath in, that counts! Add a stretch to the right and to the left, then bend over towards your toes (Uttanasana) and you have a yourself a

Published in Sweat Equity Magazine August/September 2016 Last Friday a student in my seniors’ class asked if yoga could help prevent osteoporosis. I’d researched this subject before, so I didn’t hesitate to respond: The answer is both yes and no. Let me explain. Osteoporosis Defined Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bone tissue to deteriorate, resulting in brittle and fragile bones (not to be confused with osteoarthritis, which affects the surrounding joints and

I didn’t drive home for Christmas this year; 2017 was a remarkably challenging year, and when December 23 arrived and I was faced with a six-hour trek past Toronto, coupled with daunting weather watches and snow squalls, I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t an easy choice; staying in Ottawa would mean disappointing family and disrupting some cherished traditions. But it would also mean a handful of desperately needed, sinfully antiquated, schedule-free days of rest. The lure of t

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan 2018 As challenging and refreshing as it is to enjoy classes offered at a studio, the benefits of establishing a home practice are unmatched. For me, what strengthened the spiritual bent of this ancient art form was rolling out the mat at home. That’s not to say it doesn’t come without effort! Even as a seasoned student and teacher, mustering up the energy to get moving can be easier said than done. In this article, I hope to inspire y

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan 2017 Cold and flu season (if you want to call it a season) is here. But don’t surrender just yet! You have your own personal defense team, designed to protect you against external and environmental attacks, such as colds and flus: Your immune system. The stronger your immune system is, the less likely you are to get sick. As the colder months roll in (and settle in, unfortunately), it’s important to support our body’s innate healing ca

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine December / January 2018 She’s not what you expect to see on the cover of a fitness and lifestyle magazine. In today’s world, heavy black women fall far on the spectrum of cover models. I did an Internet search using the phrase, “women in fitness,” and of the 160 images that came up (that’s where I stopped counting), two were black. Two! That is a gross misrepresentation of a nation with over 14.5% people of colour! The vast majority of the fem

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine October/November Issue I’ve been through a slew of non-optimal (that’s yogic for ‘failed’ or ‘bad’) relationships, so when I finally stumbled across one that fit (at 39 years old), I was blown away by the expectations this crush exceeded. Had I made a vision board of my “dream guy,” I would have missed out on the most endearing and adorable traits that he has to offer. Those gifts weren’t even on my “dream guy” radar. Simply put, had I been in