After twenty-five years in the yoga and pilates business the Bodymind Centre is expanding their wellness offerings in response to Covid-19. “Our 25th anniversary was interrupted,” says the founder, Erin May, “we were closed for 4 months and started yoga in the park as soon as we could to help people relax and feel good again.” Since re-opening The BMC has welcomed back twenty-two of their staff including yoga and pilates instructors, massage therapists, a hypnotherapist , counsellor , acupuncturist and nutritionist. Everything is physically distanced and safe. Class sizes are smaller and there are many different styles to choose from like hot yoga, flow, yin, restorative, gentle, chair yoga, antigravity yoga, TRX, pilates mat and reformer. “We found that so many people wanted to get back to the reformer workouts. They missed the strengthening components of the machines.” says manager Stacie Furlonger.” Re-connecting as a community has been the best part. We really missed seeing our yoga family.”

Instead of doing their traditional 30 Day Yoga Challenge, the BMC started a Wellness Reset Program that will repeat in January which includes Tai Chi, meditation, mindset seminars, in-depth holistic nutrition classes, sound therapy, chair yoga, and meditation/yoga retreats. People can attend the program or enjoy individual classes. Private classes are also available with Sheila Sundell, R.M.T, she has been offering Broga for first responders and remedial movement classes to help rehabilitate injured folks and athletes. Sheila is developing a special movement class for mature bodies. Holistic Nutritionist Liv Dennhardt offers one to one consultations to help people get on track with their health in addition to her weekly classes. Erin offers Vagal Breathing which activates healing and relaxation. You can join her on facebook every morning at 8am. Hypnotherapist, Barb Davies, helps people clear their fears and addictions.

The BMC is excited to be partnering with Strong Girls United Foundation; a non-profit organization with the mission to empower girls to be strong, confident and resilient. The organization pairs girls with female athletic mentors to do workouts together and follow the tenants of the program which include mindset and helping girls to become future leaders. The BMC will be hosting events during P.A days and on holidays, everyone is welcome. The idea for the organization began as a vision to help under privileged girls have caring mentors that would help encourage them to succeed physically, mentally and emotionally. Erin’s daughter, Ocean, is paired up with Bailyn Prichett, a rower at Georgetown University and former competitive swimmer. More details can be found on the BMC website.

The BMC is really grateful for the people who choose to shop local and support small businesses. “ It’s the local support that keeps our doors open.” says manager Megan Leikkari. Their retail section includes a wonderful selection of lululemon athletic wear for workouts, running, spinning, dance, skating , yoga and other sweaty pursuits. The BMC supports local artisans by selling their paintings, prints, jewelry, knitwear, kombucha, books, candles and skin care. After 25 years they have truly developed a place where there is something for everyone.