The negative impacts of stress and anxiety on our bodies and minds are both numerous and well-documented. With the right approach, they are also potentially very manageable.
Some of us have long recognized the importance of work/life balance and the vital role good health plays in the quality of our lives. As my grandmother used to say “If you don’t have your health you don’t have anything.” Others had their epiphany more recently during the pandemic.
Increasingly there is the recognition of Yoga as a self-care management tool, and not only for stress and anxiety. Perhaps you’d like to sleep more soundly, improve your posture, increase flexibility, or reduce pain. As a senior, you may be concerned about maintaining your strength and your balance.
For Daniela De Abreu, who has made Caledon home for the past five years, realization of the benefits of Yoga came early. And it is a reality that stayed with her and, in fact, became her life’s work.
“It all started when I was working for a Chiropractor when I was 18 years old” Daniela explains. “I had begun to get more responsibility with helping patients during their rehabilitation. The Chiropractor recommended I get some extra training. I saw a sign for Yoga Teacher Training and decided that would be it! I had never taken a class before; I walked in and applied for the course, and the rest is history!”
Daniela did 200 hours of Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and followed that up with 70 hours in Yin Yoga.
After a decade and a half of teaching Yoga classes in gym settings Daniela decided to march to her own drummer and opened BeForYou Women’s Yoga and Wellness on March 14th this year. Her studio is located at 26 Queen Street South in Bolton’s downtown core.
I ask where, as an entrepreneur, she finds her daily inspiration and motivation.
“From the women in our community and the amazing teachers I have surrounding me. Each and every student that has walked through these doors has a story to tell. Some share, some don’t. But the energy they bring into the space, the way they show up for themselves and for others, reminds me of the reason I opened these doors. I am so fortunate to have a small part in their personal healing and growth.”
BeForYou has a total of 14 instructors who are each generally in the studio at least twice a week. Classes are an hour in length.
I asked Daniela what she personally feels are the top benefits of Yoga. She answers with ease.
“Yoga is a practice for every body, it is a beautiful and accepting modality which allows people the opportunity to tap in to their deeper self without judgement. Yoga has a HUGE impact on improving mental health. And, among many other things, Yoga is also great for improving bone and muscle strength, and improves posture as well as body awareness.”
She continues “Our space is a women’s only studio, although I would like to one day expand and create a co-ed space. This studio was designed to be a safe space for women of all ages and stages of their life. To give them the opportunity to create time for themselves, to heal and grow. This is a space for any and every body, we do not discriminate, there is no such thing as being “bad” at yoga. We honor your practice and respect your journey.”
At time of writing BeForYou offers a 30-day unlimited Intro to Yoga for new students at a discounted price of $40 +tax. A one-year contract carries monthly payments of $115 +tax. A non-contract membership is $145 +tax per month. Clients also have the option of buying Class Passes if they just want to attend occasionally.
Classes are available Monday to Friday.
Website: BeForYou.ca
Phone: 416-270-3443 or hello@beforyou.ca
Instagram: @bforyou_yogawellness
