Robyn Cunningham can still remember her first yoga experience. She was at university and decided she would try out a yoga video at her house. “I didn’t enjoy it. At that time in my life I was more driven by looking good, not anything to do with how I felt on the inside,” said Cunningham who was working out two hours per day. “I was putting in as much output as I could, but not feeling good about myself,” she said. “That totally burnt me out.”Cunningham started searching for a fitness activity that was more “holistic.”“I wanted to get away from always trying to look better. That’s important, but mental and spiritual health were lacking in my life,” said Cunningham, owner and head instructor of Moose Jaw’s newest yoga studio, the Yoga Loft.
Then something happened. Cunningham and her husband Kyle decided to travel for two years to South Korea to teach English. Upon the invitation of a friend, she decided to give yoga another try. Attending initially for the physical benefits, Cunningham received something unexpected. “I had a real fantastic teacher. His wisdom helped me to find a spiritual connection — not religion, but just having well-being and feeling alive.”
After two years of yoga practice, Cunningham said she felt fantastic. “I was less concerned about physical appearance and more tuned into myself.”The combination of her yoga experience and a subsequent nine months of travel through Asia gave Cunningham a totally different perspective on life. “We witnessed people who were dirt poor, but vibrant and energized,” she said. “Many had nothing but were relaxed, grateful and helpful.”While the people she encountered may have never encountered yoga, Cunningham said they embodied a value system that was quite countercultural to Western society.
“(For them life) is more about people and just doing good because that’s the right thing to do. (Life is) not about beating other people to the top. It’s about the Golden Rule.”Receiving her 200-hour Yoga Alliance registered teaching certificate in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, Cunningham carried her travel experiences into her practice. While the physical elements are important she desired her teaching to touch on the whole person. “My hope is to teach a more holistic yoga rather than just focusing on physical stretches. I hope that people can go back into their day strengthened and focused.”Cunningham said people have a lot of misconceptions about yoga.
“Yoga is not a religion. It’s about becoming a better person (flexibility, relaxation included).”And its about more than just proper breathing. “Some people think it’s not hard work. Each class is challenging whether mentally or physically.”Another misconception is that yoga is just for women. “I think men feel they aren’t flexible. You don’t have to be flexible to come to yoga. Most of us are not flexible because we don’t work on it.”One man giving yoga a try is Giles Nicholl, a Moose Jaw native and Canadian Pacific Railway conductor. “It’s sort of a maintenance thing for me,” said Nicholl with a chuckle. “I’d like to walk when I’m 60 or 70 years old.”
Starting yoga last fall, Nicholl said he was a bit intimidated at first, but then really got into it. “It’s a nice inviting atmosphere and everyone is so chilled out,” said Nicholl, 27. “Robyn is very personable. She makes an effort to get to know you and what special needs you may have.”Nicholl said he has reaped great rewards from yoga.
“It allows me to be more active and prevent injuries. Now I can even touch my toes,” he said with a smile.
On Aug. 16 and Aug. 30 the Yoga Loft will be offering two free classes from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Crescent Park amphitheatre. With flexible payment options the Yoga Loft offers yin yoga for deep stretching, vinyasa flow for strengthening, power vinyasa for increased intensity, guided meditation for breathing techniques, pregnancy yoga and a new beginners yoga class starting this September.
“If you’re shy or nervous don’t worry and come on out,” said Cunningham.