MISFITSTUDIO: July 2011

Jul 31, 2011

schedule and stuff and things

im in love with this right now. . . . . .

(this is from an amazing shoot in Harper's Bazaar Indonesia, thanks Patricia for the sweet sweet words!)
SOOOO, the summer is just swingin by, lots of excitement and thrills!
A note about the schedule,
Saturday 9am's w/Justin will start up again in the Fall
and
MISFITSTUDIO will be CLOSED Friday August 12, back up and runnin Monday August 15
(goin fishin Cottage Retreat Styles)

hope everyone is living life to its fullest, soaking up the sunshine and remembering to read and stretch and breathe and swim and love big time

Jul 25, 2011

feelin it

Our lives are made up of complex systems and pathways that we use to move from one phase of life to the next. For some of us, our paths are shiny, smooth, and clear.
For others it can be a tough path, a rough and dark ride.
Many people find that they have a difficult time figuring out where they need to go.
Determining what step or direction to take could help put you on the most direct route to fulfillment

There are many ways to discover what the next step on your life path should be. If you are someone who seeks to satisfy your soul, it is vital that you make this inquiry. Often, your inner voice will counsel you that it’s time for a change, and it is important to trust yourself because only you know what is best for you. Personal growth always results when you let yourself expand beyond the borders of what your life has been so far. When figuring out what your next step will be, you may want to review your life experiences. The choices you’ve made and the dreams you’ve held onto can give you an idea of what you don’t want to do anymore and what you might like to do next.
A sort of process of elimination to see some clarity.
It is also a good idea to think about creative ways you can use your skills and satisfy your passions.
Visualizing your future, meditation, journal writing, taking a class, and other creative activities may inspire you and provide insight for the next step in life that will bring you the most satisfaction.

It is when you are REAllY willing to listen to yourself and be FEARLESS, that figuring out your next step becomes achievable. Beneath the fear and hesitation and uncertainty lies your inner knowing that always knows which step you need to take next. Easier said than done, i know, believe me, i know, but put a little faith in, open up and watch what happens

may you rest in peace Amy

Jul 24, 2011

BlogTo Neighbourhood Maps

OOOOOH FANCY

CHECK OUT THE NEW
BLOGTO NEIGHBOURHOOD MAPS
HERE, AND HERE
OR PICK ONE UP, THEY'RE FANCY

Jul 17, 2011

wellll. . . . . gone

its hot and sweaty and im cottage dreaming,
as im sure you alll are
so im off, this weekend!
The lovely Justin will be subbing in for my
Saturday Fusion Class
whynot do a double bill with his freedom flow at 9am, and then a mashup at 10am

Hope you are all staying hydrated, having silly sweaty summer times!
xoxo

Jul 15, 2011

ONE YEAR

WOW ITS BEEN A YEAR
TIME REALLY MOVES. . . . .

I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO ALLLLLLLLLL OF YOU WHO MADE THIS YEAR SO MEMORABLE, SO POSITIVE AND ACTUALLY HAPPEN
I COULDN'T HAVE DONE ANY OF THIS WITH OUT YOU AND YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE STUDENTS WHO CONTINUE TO INSPIRE, TO MY AMAZING SUPPORT TEAM OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY, TO ALL OF MY TEACHERS, PAST AND PRESENT TO THE SPECIAL LITTLE SPARKLES IN MY LIFE, AND EVERYONE WHO HAS INSPIRED

I am forever grateful for all of you!!! MISFITSTUDIO is such a success and joy and it is only because of you!

So much love and energy
xo

By choosing to believe in my capabilities and committing myself to achieving my goals, I am here. Every day I look for inspiration, work on overcoming challenges however they may arise, and practice being in the moment and living with light
It is that, that has allowed me to be right here, right now, enjoying what a year feels like. Who knows where this journey will lead, we don't get to know the ending, but I encourage you to jump into life, enjoy the ride, and let your unshakable resolve carry you through
TO HELP CELEBRATE, KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR GROUPON NOW!

MISFITSTUDIO and some group classes will be goin for a bargin!!!
check out the link, explore the new GroupOn
http://www.groupon.com/greater-toronto-area/

thanky'all!!

LASTNITE WAS ROCKIN
THANKS TO ALL 150 OF Y'ALL
WHO CAME OUT TO ROCK YOUR PRACTICE

A special thank you to DJ Dirty Dino for big chunes, Big V for alll of your amazing organization, Justin and all the other amazing adjusters, Lululemon and The Thompson Hotel!

Until the next big event!
xo

Jul 13, 2011

SUMMER EVENT

SOOO JUST A LITTLE REMINDER THAT
TOMORROW AT 7:30
ROCK YOGA
IS HAPPENING
AT THE THOMPSON HOTEL
BE FREE! PRACTISE YOGA IN THE SUNSHINE! LISTEN TO ROCK N ROLL

Be sure to get there early to set up a spot
Also, due to the amazing event, which and snacks provided by the Thompson Hotel and Lululemon, the regular classes and private sessions are cancelled tomorrow
Hope to see y'all there

Jul 7, 2011

ROCKYOGA

THURSDAY JULY 14TH, 7.3O
THOMPSON HOTEL
COME ROCK YOUR PRACTICE WITH ME
ROCK YOGA
DO IT
WHY NOT!!??

FREE YOGA CLASS(thank you lululemon),AMAZING TUNES BY DJ DIRTY DINO, ROOFTOP BOUNTIFULNESS, TORONTO SKYLINE,LOUD MUSIC
UMMMMMMMMMMMMM YES

come out! experience an outdoor class, feel the breeze on your skin, surrounded by TORONTO, many wonderful adjusters, including Justin Helaey. .. .. .. .be ready to sweat!!!!

Jul 6, 2011

Cy Twombly

thank you Cy for your

romantic symbolism
poetry on paper
and pure inspiration

Jul 1, 2011

CanadaDay

Retreating from responsibilities for a while can bring a sense of peace and comfort in times of stress. We have the opportunity to restore ourselves to a peaceful and quiet state when we put some distance between us and our tasks and obligations. Even if the retreat only lasts for a few moments, find freedom in that time to feel alive, alert, and serene. This time away from responsibilities is a chance to reconnect with ourselves a connection we can sometimes lose sight of during busy times.

On this CANADA DAY, allow yourself to retreat from your duties for a while, perhaps you will find peace in the middle of the storm. Have a wonderful long weekend, sit back, go to a park, read books, have a waterfight, whatever makes you smile!

testimonials

Some shamless self promotion! I have taught around the city of toronto for ten years now! 10 years in some form or another, and it is just a pure pleasure and joy to continute to teach,classes, private clients, Corporate classes and mega events, its always an adventure, a ride and humbling hour or so where I learn more and more and more and am blessed to share time with so many amazing, inspiring people!
here are a few new testimonials from clients, student and teachers themselves!

"Amber brings a huge amount of energy and warmth to the classes she runs. She is one of those wonderful people that lights up a room when she enters. These wonderful traits she brings to class are part of the reason they are so popular, you couldn't leave her class not feeling happier. Her classes are amazing by themselves though, the movement style and creativity especially during Fusion classes keep things fresh and if you want, they can push you to your limits. In short she is one of the best and most motivating teachers I have ever had."
-Jason deCoursy

Amber offers a workout that builds strength, core stability, and flexibility. Don’t be fooled by her charmingly gentle demeanor – come ready to work hard! Each and every week, Amber will push you to the limits of your potential with humour, grace, and intelligence, while always respecting the individuality of your body.
Kristie Painting

For 3 years running I have been attending a yoga/pilates fusion class led by Amber. Every Monday evening she has me sweating, stretching, groaning and walking away feeling like I’ve just done something spectacular both mentally and physically. Amber’s enthusiasm for the practice and her passion to share that enthusiasm is just one of the things that makes her such a fantastic instructor. Her focus on the individual and one’s overall well-being makes her standout amongst her peers. The combination of Amber’s smooth style and gentle demeanor along with her ability to push you to places you didn’t think you could go, will keep you coming back for more!
-Theresa Smith

I have been doing yoga for years and Amber is by far the best yoga/pilates instructor I have ever had! I always come out of the class feeling like I got an amazing work out, but her focus on deep stretching and meditation also allow me to walk out of the class feeling amazingly zen and positive.
-Karen Wang

Amber encourages each student to maximize his/her individual potential in all areas of the mind, body and soul. She’s great!

-Chris Salvatore

Each week is a new adventure! Amber caters each class to our requests while still maintaining consistency and building on progress from week to week. She walks us through the poses, exercises and stretches with patience and encouragement. I have definitely noticed an improvement in my core strength and overall fitness. My best runs are on Tuesdays after our Monday class when I am stretched out and energized from our practice.

Thank you very much for all of your help in whipping our butts in to shape Amber!!

Cheers,Rob Beach
Amber’s sessions have had a major impact on my overall wellness. I am eternally grateful. I am a competitive skier and volleyball player who’s been troubled by debilitating back pain for years. Her core strengthening focus and smooth delivery style have allowed me to (safely) gain much needed stability and strength in my core. I have much less pain day to day in my back and my strength has improved a great deal. My ability to perform in ski racing and volleyball has been improving ever since I adopted her program and attend the classes regularly. She’s a remarkable guide to wellness and her ability to bring focus and inner peace during the course of a hectic day is second to none. I HIGHLY recommend her.

~Andy Durnford

I have done Yoga and Pilates classes before separately but have never imagine that they could be integrated. Well, Amber has made the integration so smoothly and seamlessly that her Yoga/Pilate routines “make sense”. Amber knows how to build us up from the start. During my first few weeks with Amber, I was sweating and shaking a lot doing less advanced poses as I am doing now. Now, I just perspire a bit and feel great after each class. Amber also tailors the class to how we feel that day to help us relieve our stress and pain. She explains to us most of the moves that she was asking/showing us to do, of course, with lots of laughs and giggles !!! Never a dull moment !
~Amy Tam

Amber's fusion of pilates and yoga have been a godsend. I've had scar tissue in my left aductor that's plagued me for 2 years. After 2 months of weekly classes, I have more mobility than I had before my injury. Every breath, movement, sequence, and class builds on the next. I've never felt stronger or more flexible. She raises your confidence and lifts your spirit. For that, I can't thank Amber enough.

Nick Lijoi

I am not a Yoga or Pilates person, but I knew that it was good for me. Previously we had an instructor and I dreaded the classes. Then we got Amber, I love it. I schedule my meetings around attending her classes. She makes it fun, even when we are in pain. My back is stronger and I am more flexible as result of attending her classes. I looked forward them every week.AMP – Burn! You get amped and then you burn! Get amped while you burn. AmberBURN??
~Sharleen Moodie

Movement Tip

a little blurb

MISFITSTUDIO is a unique studio hidden in the depths of parkdale. Blending elements of Pilates, Yoga and Dance, this studio focuses on the experience of movement
Group Classes and Private sessions are individualized and created based on students needs and desires, as most bodies need different and varying attention
With her many years of Dance and personal Yoga and Pilates practise, Amber nurtures her students, creating a warm environment in which comfort and lightness can be felt
laughter, joy and celebration are encouraged at MISFITSTUDIO

As winter sets in for the long haul, and the days seem shorter, the light disapperas earlier and motivation fades. . . . .dont fret
allow this time to relesh in all of your yoga teachings, breathe, stand tall and allow warmth to circulate thruough the body
and mostly, keep healthy
its during these dark nites cold, flu and illness can sneak up on you. . . . .so drink fluids, eat balanced meals and get pleanty of rest, and if you still need some assistance, check out this link for lots of healthy tips!!!

Brian Kest, Power Yoga

http://www.poweryoga.com/

BACK PAIN

With just a few moves, you can bring your legs, hips and spine into proper alignment, release tension and gain supportive strength. The following asanas provide traction for your spinal muscles, as you root through the hips and let a gentle pull or gravity make space between the spinal bones. Over repetition and time, you’ll start to enjoy a body that’s no longer stopping you, but rather serving you to live, move and play!!!

1- forward bend, slight bend at the knee and feet hip distance apart, deep fold at the hips and hang out! let gravity take over, breathe slow and deeeep, shift weight forward and fight the urge to crank yourself out, go slow and reset your spine as you stand

2- downward dog, If done properly, this tried-and true asana can be excellent for spinal traction and back health

3- childs pose, knees wide, big toes closer,if your head doesn’t touch the floor, place a block or fists under your forehead so you can relax completely

In all asanas, take time to connect to your breath, breathe slowly into your back body, consciously expanding the back and creating space on the inhale, and on the exhales, let ever more tension dissolve

WRIST Support
If you are practicing vigorously and adding lots of arm balances, chaturanga, side-plank, full plank, wild thing, you get the picture....if using a thick mat isn't available,
try doubling up on your mat!!

Hydration in the HEAT!
The summer is here, full on, so drink fluids all day long to ensure you are well hydrated. This is useful for your day, any outings, but especially during exercise!
Water is best, as we all k now, but try adding a squeeze of lemon, or grapefruit into your water, refreshing with a touch of zing!!!!