We are thankful to have been able to host Gert van Leeuwen from Amsterdam, NL for the last 4 years for Critical Alignment Therapy trainings and workshops. He brings such a powerful and knowledgeable insight into alignment, not only in relation to yoga but in relation to all movement of the human body.
This year was a great success with three of our yogadotcalm teachers receiving their certification in Critical Alignment Therapy. Congratulations to Monica Krock, Trish Breithaupt, and Jane Sponiar!
We are all looking forward to next year and the highly anticipated release of the English edition of his book, YOGA Critical Alignment. It is sure to have a huge impact in the yoga world.
A thank you must also go out to all the yogadotcalm students who attended our re-located classes at Lake Bonavista C.C. The ability to practice in different locations and remain connected to your breath and movement is a key building block in the yoga journey.
Watch for the 2011 CAT schedule coming soon!
The 2010 7 week registered class includes an initial assessment (booked at time of registration during the first class week) and six weeks of classes (1 class/week).
Tuesdays @ 5:15pm, July 13 to Aug. 24
$135
Saturday July 17th, 1-3:30pm
$60
Can't make it to a C.A.T. session?
Would you like to learn a few exercises that can release the tension/strain in your back, shoulders, neck and hips?
This afternoon workshop will introduce you to a many of the exercises and alignment principles of Critical Alignment Therapy.
An excellent workshop for every level of yoga student!
Information Sessions
If you are a massage therapist, fitness trainer, chiropractor, physiotherapist, or doctor looking for more information on this available therapy, contact Amber for more information.
Critical Alignment Therapy is a process that through initial passive (moving towards active) exercises begins to release the tension and strain (caused by injury or stress) that we hold in our surface, movement muscles. Once this begins to release the movement can then travel through into our centre line (mainly being our spine) where the postural muscles can be activated once again bringing ease and lightness into our practice, our movements, and our lives.
Critical Alignment Therapy was created and researched through Gert van Leeuwen and his Bharata Yoga Institute in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Click here to read an article written up at the European School of Physiotherapy regarding Critical Alignment Therapy vs. Physiotherapy when working with chronic non-specific lower back pain.
"Gert is a master at taking an abstract-hard-to-describe concept and putting it logically into a format that I could understand for myself and feel able to pass on to my students. Working slowly, and with intention, is what I have taken away from my training with Gert. The Critical Alignment Therapy that he has developed just makes sense. It gives access into deep areas of the body that have been neglected too long and strained through repetitive movements and lack of awareness. I look forward to taking this training further when he returns to Calgary next year."
-Tabatha
"The practice of this therapy completely changed my ashtanga practice, there is more flow, deeper central movement and less effort! It has also allowed me better awareness off my mat in sport and at my work desk." -Amber
"Critical Alignment classes have been amazing for me. Not only does this class make your back feel great, it brings a new awareness to comfortable, correct movement. Critical Alignment principles have also given me a more mindful and knowledgeable approach to my Astanga yoga practice. I’m hooked!"
-Trish
"I'd recommend Gert's Yoga Therapy class to any yoga teacher. Using the principles of alignment and very simple basic props made my classes more interesting and my students make positive comments about improved posture and feeling great after each class. They really appreciate the benefits of this practice."
-Jane