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Toronto Fit City Guide Reviews Our Prenatal Massage

4/19/2018

After visiting us not long ago, Tabitha Vallierie Creator of Fit City Guide came back to the Toronto Yoga Mamas' studios to enjoy and review one of our Prenatal Massages and to discuss her views on self love.

Guest Written By Tabitha Vallierie From Fit City Guide

I’ll dive right to it, I am MIGHTY impressed with Toronto Yoga Mamas, which is apparent given the fact that I’m rating it FIVE PINEAPPLES! what what. I was delightfully surprised when I experienced the chic, bright, and {cool} modern space. The vibe that the staff have created is so confidently chill – it’s obvious they know what they’re talking about but with a ‘go-with-the-flow’ approach. Which I really appreciate, because this [prenatal] stuff can be overwhelming.

With a massive pre and postnatal wellness centre that includes everything from acupuncture, chiro, massage, holistic nutrition, pelvic floor physio and naturopathic medicine, to education classes to doula’s, this is more like an all-knowing, one-stop-shop, that’s-not-your-hospital-hub of mum and baby info. And they’ve thought of everything, from stroller parking to childcare to yoga mats being included so you don’t have to worry about bringing that too (bc that’s too hard when you’re about to pop and/or have a newborn. Honestly.) The 40+ women who run this amazing facility have got your back, and your belly, ha. 5 pineapples all. the. WAY.

In addition to fitness classes that I have reviewed here, Toronto Yoga Mamas provides a suite of other courses and services. From mama groups like Baby Sign Language (I know, this is adorable and I should defs sign-up for it) to access to doula services, to a full wellness centre that specializes in care for pre and postnatal chiro, massage, acupuncture, holistic nutrition, naturopathic medicine and even pelvic floor physio (which is a major thing you need PS). They have truly covered all bases to make sure this is a one-stop centre of education and support.

We were lucky enough to enjoy their prenatal massage services. If you haven’t had a massage so far in your pregnancy, DO IT, it will be a huge lifesaver because the extra stress your low back, feet, hips, and midback are under deserves the TLC. You can book prenatal, postnatal, deep tissue and aromatherapy massages in 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute sessions – which can all be claimed through your health coverage by the way. There are five registered massage therapists to book with and we had Melanie Gillians and she was faaaaantastic. She focused on improving my circulation, and relieving my headaches and hand and arm swelling bc apparently preggo carpal tunnel can be a thing (so fun) and this massage helped relieve this for days. The treatment rooms are on the first floor behind the sign-in desk and the vibe blends in perfectly with the rest of the bright yet calming decor, PLUS they finish your services giving you fresh lemon water and an orange. I mean, the details.

There's such a movement right now with self love and self care, isn't there and I LOVE that it's a conversation getting the attention it deserves. My philosophy is that it's a MUST. It's actually something I've been thinking about in terms of planning for my postnatal recovery. Already, my mind is miles ahead of my body. I want to be able to dive right back into life and not feel frustrated that I can't tick things off my to-do list as quickly as I could before, but there are SO many things going on with my body that I need need, need to listen to and slow it down. I think self-care is all about listening to my body, my mind and what I really need - whether that's taking 5 minutes to stretch, meditate, snack on snap peas instead of Pringles, decline some social requests, or put mascara on even if I'm at home all day because it makes me feel just a LITTLE put together, and I'll be a better wife, friend, mother, everything if I put self-care at the TOP of my priority list. I appreciate how much of a challenge that really is - but I believe to my core how important it is to my happiness.

So if you are looking to get in on a little self love, Yoga Mamas is truly a wonderful experience for anyone {Mama or not} and is unlike any other.

Read All About Tabitha's Prenatal Yoga Class Experience Here

A Fertility Detox: How To Do It Safely

4/9/2018

Last week Yoga Mamas' Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Shannon Vander Doelen wrote about the 5 best ways to naturally and safely detox the body if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. This week Dr. Shannon took to Facebook to further discuss the most commonly asked questions from women who are looking to start a family or are newly pregnant.

Is lemon water good for fertility?
How do I do a fertility cleanse or detox?
How can I detox safely in pregnancy?

Watch Dr. Shannon's recorded session to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Wondering If A Naturopathic Doctor Is Right For You?
Dr. Shannon focuses in fertility, pregnancy care and women’s health. Book a complimentary 20 minute meet and greet visit with Dr. Shannon to discuss your health concerns and find out how Naturopathic Medicine can help!

Book A Consultation Now

Fit City Guide Reviews Yoga Mamas

4/6/2018

Guest Written By Tabitha Vallierie, Creator of Fit City Guide

I’ll dive right to it, I am MIGHTY impressed with Toronto Yoga Mamas, which is apparent given the fact that I’m rating it FIVE PINEAPPLES! what what. I was delightfully surprised when I experienced the chic, bright, and {cool} modern space. Feeling a tad insecure that it would be obvious I was new, I was immediately greeted with so much kindness as the reception staff gave me the run-down and personal tour of the whole place. Which is a lot because there’s a lot happening here. The nuts of it is, Toronto Yoga Mamas isn’t just a specialized yoga studio, it’s an incredible source for trying, new and expecting mums (especially first timers that have no idea what they’re doing – exhibit A). With a massive pre and postnatal wellness centre that includes everything from acupuncture, chiro, massage, holistic nutrition, pelvic floor physio and naturopathic medicine, to education classes to doula’s, this is more like an all-knowing, one-stop-shop, that’s-not-your-hospital-hub of mum and baby info. And they’ve thought of everything, from stroller parking to childcare to yoga mats being included so you don’t have to worry about bringing that too (bc that’s too hard when you’re about to pop and/or have a newborn. Honestly.) The 40+ women who run this amazing facility have got your back, and your belly, ha. 5 pineapples all. the. WAY.

Classes at Yoga Mamas

Toronto Yoga Mamas specialises in yoga, pilates and barre for expecting and postnatal mama’s – but that’s new. Barre is a new addition and it’s an awesome one because they’ve added both pre and postnatal barre classes this last December due to popular demand. Way to listen to your tribe, guys. There are over nine styles of classes offered in total, some where you bring your baby with you, some without, some that specialize in family, but all that have been very carefully tailored to mums and what her body needs during a significant time of change. All classes include Fertility Yoga (4 week series), Prenatal Yoga, Yoga Babies (between 4 weeks and crawling), Crawlers Yoga (for you and your bub when they start to crawl), Family Yoga (4 week series), Vinyasa Yoga (Candlelight, Flow, and Energising Flow), Pilates Babies (between 6 weeks and crawling), Barre, and Barre Babies (between 4 weeks and crawling). It’s important to note that although 95% of this studio is heavily geared towards mama’s, many of the classes such as Yoga Babies and Crawlers Yoga are appropriate and encouraged for papa’s, nannies, and any caregiver looking after baby and it’s a great chance for, not only a workout, but bonding time. Awww.

As far as prices, TYM is on the top-end for what we’ve seen in Toronto for drop-in yoga prices, however with it being so specialized and the abundant extra services that are provided (including complimentary mats, towels and all gear), we think it’s well worth the extra pennies so we’re still giving full fruits. Also, if purchasing a monthly Mama Pass, per class rates drop to $13.50 if going a minimum of twice a week. Unlike many studios that have prenatal programs, it’s not necessary to lock-into a set term. You can just drop-in for classes whenever suits you, provided you sign-up online beforehand. That said, they have an awesome deal if you want to commit for a full nine months that includes unlimited yoga, Pilates and barre, 10% off the retail boutique, education, events and workshops, and you can pause the membership when your baby arrives. A couple catches in the fine print though, this pass is only available to purchase in the months of May, August, and December.

Drop-in: $24
10 Class Card: $189 ($18.90)
The 9 Month Pass: $66 per month = $699 (available May 2018)
Mama Pass: $108 per month
Family Yoga 4 week series: $129 a family (can include up to 5 members)
Fertility Yoga 4 week series: $99 per person

Instructors
Toronto Yoga Mamas was first founded by Jamie Kalynuik in 2012, as she wanted to create a community where women can learn, nurture and connect with each other through their birthing journeys and into motherhood. As a doula first, she feels strongly about creating a supportive, safe and confident environment throughout pregnancy and after birth. The extensive team that Jamie has created since opening TYM doors over five years ago, is one of the most impressive rosters of strong, powerful and supportive women that we’ve come across. With over 10 staff members in the Wellness Center, 12+ yoga, barre and Pilates instructors, 11+ doula’s, and a supporting staff of eight people to run it all smoothly, this massive team of 40+ is knowledgeable, nurturing and supportive in everything from fertility, pregnancy, birth, parenting, child care and mamma self-care. Every person we’ve interacted with are mothers themselves so they speak from personal experience, which can be incredibly helpful.

Joana Peixoto
I took Joana’s 8:15pm Wednesday pre-natal yoga class and I loved everything about her teaching style. She’s been teaching vinyasa yoga in Toronto for over six years and her background is in ashtanga, iyengar, restorative and pre and postnatal – this mama knows. Her approach is welcoming and approachable but very educational at the same time, which is a nice mix because I know I was soaking up literally everything she was saying about what our bodies go through during and after pregnancy but I didn’t feel like a dumb-ass for not knowing about it. This was actually my first specifically pre-natal fitness class and I could immediately tell the difference in the teaching methods and in the flow of the class, which I’ll get to later. Every movement Joana walked us through was catered to the eight of us and she explained why. She started with showing us how to massage our own feet in areas we need it most (arch of your foot gets crunchy because it represents your intestines that get super squished #reflexologyforthewin) and we focused mostly on hips and glutes because that’s the safest thing for all of us to challenge no matter what stage of pregnancy we’re in. Joana would demonstrate most exercises to start and then she would spend the rest of the time walking the room to adjust our form or the movements if people’s bumps were in the way. The entire class felt incredibly tailored, yet not easy. She still challenged us and found the fine balance of knowing when to push us further to maximize our strength and heart-rate but in a way that was completely safe.

Vibe

TYM studio space is very bright, feminine, and calming. The vibe that the staff have created is so confidently chill – it’s obvious they know what they’re talking about but with a ‘go-with-the-flow’ approach. Which I really appreciate, because this stuff can be overwhelming. I went in the evening so the tranquil atmosphere was turned to the max with the lights dimmed and the candles lit – which is pretty on-point considering how desperately most mamas really need a place to zen. When walking in the doors, there’s a sizeable shoe storage area/coat rack to your right and a chic lobby to your left. In the middle of the lobby is the sign-in desk that’s surrounded by their Mama Retail Boutique stacked with carefully curated feminine extras – everything from candles, to make-up bags, to scarves, cute mugs, books, you name it – you’ll want to buy it. Easy to drop a few bucks here. Past the main lobby is the Baby Boutique, which is an adoooooorable extension of the same beautifully curated selection of trendy products, and the entrance to their Wellness Centre which includes 4 treatment rooms.
The two large practice rooms are located upstairs and they’re made unique with their decor, which includes upside down balloons hanging from the ceiling and tassel draping. Right now anyway, they switch it up every now and again. Something I REALLY loved; our mats and yoga station were set up for us in the studio when we arrived – a considerate detail that was not overlooked – and with eight of us in the class, we felt nicely spaced out. Outside the practice rooms is a lemon water station, a herbal tea station and a library where you can borrow any book for a months time.

Read More Fitness Reviews At Fit City Guide

5 Safe & Healthy Ways To Detox If You're Pregnant or Trying To Conceive

4/5/2018

Written By Naturopathic Doctor

Now that spring has sprung, you will start to notice that people everywhere are talking about detoxing - and for good reason! According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, springtime is associated with the liver, our main organ of detoxification. Just like we spring clean our house, spring is a natural time to reset our habits and think about detoxing our body and our life. But, if you are currently pregnant or trying to conceive, you need to be cautious about detoxing! The last thing we want to do is inadvertently cause harm to your baby-to-be (or impact your ability to get pregnant). So, before you jump on the latest detox diet trend, order your detox supplement kit, or start a juice cleanse, consider the following to approach the spring detox safely!

Toronto Fit City Guide Reviews Our Prenatal Massage

A Fertility Detox: How To Do It Safely

Fit City Guide Reviews Yoga Mamas

Classes at Yoga Mamas

Vibe

5 Safe & Healthy Ways To Detox If You're Pregnant or Trying To Conceive

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