As we embrace Mindful May, there’s no better time to focus on wellness practices that nurture both the body and mind. At Windy Hill Fitness Centre, one of our most loved group fitness classes, Yoga, takes centre stage this month.
Yoga offers more than just a good stretch. It’s a holistic practice that brings together movement, breath, and mindfulness, making it a powerful tool for physical and mental well-being. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, joining a class can be a transformative part of your weekly routine.
Our Tuesday night Windy Hill Yoga crew were in fine form – check them out below!
Spotlight on Swarnamai – Our Yoga Instructor at Windy Hill Fitness Centre
If you’ve ever joined a Tuesday evening or Saturday afternoon yoga session at Windy Hill, chances are you’ve met Swarnamai Gopidi-or Swarna, as many know her. With a warm presence and a wealth of knowledge, Swarna brings both passion and authenticity to every class she leads.
Having studied yoga in India and earned her Kapila Yoga Teacher Training Diploma, Swarna brings a deeply rooted understanding of yoga’s philosophy and physical practice. Her classes, held on Tuesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 1pm, offer more than just movement, they create a space for calm, connection, and self-awareness.
Swarna describes yoga as a way to unite the breath, body, and mind, helping students stay grounded and present. She believes in the power of yoga to nurture resilience, inner peace, and personal growth; values she shares openly with those in her classes.
“I love teaching yoga because it empowers others to find calm, strength, and balance,” she says. “To de-stress, I often recommend deep breathing, gentle stretching, and short meditations to help reset the body and calm the nervous system.”
Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, Swarna’s approach is inclusive, encouraging, and grounded in mindfulness. Her sessions offer the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and reconnect.
Thinking about joining a class? Below are 5 great reasons to give yoga a go at Windy Hill!
Five Powerful Benefits of Yoga: Here’s why incorporating yoga into your fitness journey can be such a game changer…
1. Relieves Stress and Promotes Calm
Modern life is busy and sometimes overwhelming. Yoga encourages you to slow down, connect with your breath, and be present. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest-and-digest mode), lowering stress levels and promoting a sense of calm and clarity.
2. Builds Strength and Improves Flexibility
While yoga might seem gentle, it’s incredibly effective for building strength in key muscle groups especially your core, legs, and upper body. Regular practice improves flexibility and mobility, making everyday movements easier and reducing the risk of injury.
3. Enhances Focus and Mental Clarity
The mindful nature of yoga, focusing on breath and posture, can improve your attention span and concentration. Many find they leave class with a clearer mind and renewed perspective, making it a great antidote to screen fatigue or mental fog.
4. Supports Better Sleep
Yoga can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle by calming your mind and body before bedtime. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and gentle movement prepare your body for a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
5. Boosts Overall Mood and Emotional Balance
Yoga helps improve your mood by encouraging mindfulness and emotional awareness. Plus, moving your body and connecting with others in a group setting can be a great mental health boost.
Join us for a class!
Our April-June group fitness timetable offers six opportunities each week to get your flow on:
- Tuesdays at 7:00pm – 7:45pm (Swarna)
- Wednesdays 10:30am – 11:15am
- Thursdays 10:30am – 11:15am and 7:00pm – 7:45pm
- Saturdays at 1:00pm – 1:45pm (Swarna)
- Sundays 10:00am – 11:00am
View our current Group Fitness Timetable Here or ask our friendly front desk staff for more info.
Whether you're looking to unwind after a busy day or start your journey toward greater mindfulness and flexibility, our yoga classes are suitable for all levels and led by experienced instructors ready to guide you every step of the way.
