Greetings %FIRSTNAME%,

Happy Spring!  As I write this newsletter, I find myself looking out the window and enjoying seeing the sunshine and the blooms opening and I am looking forward to more time spent in nature.

Looking back, winter at Evolve has been fun! I am always excited to learn, grow and bring new offerings to our community.  This winter included a Restorative yoga with Yoga Nidra online class, a 4-week in person Meditation workshop and a full day self-care retreat at Crown Isle Resort.  All of these sessions were well received, and participants have asked for more of these types of offerings. This lights me up!  Evolve, along with my practitioner partners, will now be offering 1-day self care retreats at Crown Isle each Spring and Fall!  Our next offering will be Sunday, October 25th. 

In this newsletter, along with information on upcoming classes, I have written about the practice of Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra to give you further insight into why you might add this to your self-care routine.  In addition, this and future newsletters will include a spotlight pose or practice.  In this section I will expand on the physical and energetic benefits of the practice in hopes of giving you a deeper understanding as to when and why you might practice it.  We take a look at Warrior II below.

I am excited to offer you the following new classes and workshops this spring:

Somatic Strength & Self Care – Tuesdays @ 9am starting April 7th

Yogalates - a fusion of Yoga & Pilates – Sundays @ 11am starting April 26

Softening the Web, Awakening the Flow - 3-Hour Fascia Release & Lymphatic Flow Workshop May 9th

Read further for more information on the above and more!

As always, reach out if you have any questions, feedback, requests or if I can assist you in any way!

May you be healthy, may you be happy, may you be safe & may you know the joy of living with peace & ease,

Tina

Restorative Yoga with Yoga Nidra – what is it and why would you consider this practice?

Restorative yoga is designed to give you a period of complete mental and physical relaxation.  Rather than moving from one pose to the next as we would in a typical yoga class, restorative yoga sessions are built around fewer poses that you rest in for 5 or more minutes at a time. We use blankets and pillows to support the body to relax in a position of supreme comfort.  Throughout the class we move the spine in all directions for spinal health.  As you relax in a shape you are guided in breathing practices to calm the nervous system and release muscle tension.  Benefits of restorative yoga include stress relief, reduced heart rate and blood pressure, relief of chronic pain and reduced soreness after a workout.

Yoga Nidra is an ancient yogic meditative practice that uses a series of body, breath and awareness techniques designed to effortlessly guide you into a state of complete non-doing or conscious sleep.  The practice begins with setting yourself up in a supported resting position. You are then guided into a state of deep rest by following the instructions given by your Yoga Nidra guide.  Your brain waves slow and you experience a sense of peace and inner calm.   Yoga Nidra is a scientifically supported practice that promotes deep relaxation, better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, pain management, emotional balance and cognitive enhancement making it a powerful tool for holistic well-being.

I have combined these practices into one class as a powerful way to rejuvenate the body and mind.  Classes are online via Zoom in the evening so you can practice from the comfort of your home and seamlessly flow into a great night of rest.  

Testimonial:

Sunday night was amazing!  I started by thinking I couldn't relax fully because I always have chronic pain in my hips. I made the positions work for me and they were great.  In the beginning of the Yoga Nidra I was wondering how I could fully relax and was feeling a little discouraged. By the end though, I literally had NO pain.  That is EXTREMELY RARE!!  It lasted the rest of the evening!  I was so surprised and thrilled.  Thank you!!  Belinda Harris

Upcoming classes - April 12th, May 3rd & June 14th

Spotlight Pose - Warrior II

Warrior II is a powerful standing pose that enhances strength, focus and balance.

This pose helps to strengthen the legs by engaging the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. It promotes flexibility in the hip joints, stretches the chest and shoulders, improves balance, enhances body awareness, mental focus and helps develop stamina.

In Sanskrit, the language of yoga, this pose is known as Virabhadrasana II.

We have been working on this pose in our Hatha class on Wednesdays. While one can stand in this shape with relatively little effort, to gain the strengthening benefits you must consciously engage the legs, hips and arms. To do so we push forward with the front hip, being mindful of pressing equally into the 3 points of the front foot, at the same time press the thigh back toward the pinky toe side of the mat. We push forward with the back hip and root into the back foot. Once the legs are engaged, we turn the chest toward the long edge of your mat and extend arms to shoulder height, reaching and engaging from the shoulder blades out through the fingertips. Now we come back to the breath, slow it down and hold the pose for 3-10 breaths. When you approach Warrior II in this manner you will find it is a lot of work!

You don't need to wait for your next class to practice Warrior II, anytime is a good time to practice. Bring this pose into your day when you want to feel grounded, present and energized!

New class & new space on Tuesdays!

Somatic Strength & Self Care - starts April 7

This empowering class weaves together mindful strength-building, gentle stretching and nervous system–informed somatic practices to help you feel strong, steady and deeply connected to your body. Through slow, controlled strength sequences, guided tension awareness, and breath-led transitions, you’ll build muscular stability while learning to notice sensation and regulate your nervous system. The class balances activation with intentional rest, helping you cultivate resilience.

Expect:

• Functional strength-building movements being mindful of compensations

• Core stability and joint support work

• Somatic movements, stretches and self-massage to release areas worked

• Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation

Suitable for all levels, this class offers options to scale intensity up or down. You’ll leave feeling both empowered and nourished—strong in your body and supported in your nervous system.

Tuesdays 9-10am - 6 Weeks - April 7th - May 12th

Investment $129

Location - Gather Comox pictured above, a new beautiful bright space!

1761 Comox Ave. Unit E. Above Mill Coffee Shop

Softening the Web, Awakening the Flow

3-Hour Fascia Release & Lymphatic Flow Workshop

In this gentle, experiential workshop we explore the powerful connection between the lymphatic system, fascia and the nervous system. You’ll be led through fascia-release movement practices, self-lymphatic and facial drainage, and grounding meditation to support flow, emotional release and deep relaxation. Through a science-meets-soul lens, you’ll learn how stress and stored tension impact the body — and how softening creates space for healing and renewal. Designed to be accessible for all bodies, this nourishing experience invites you to rest, release what you’ve been carrying and reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom.

Guided by: Sabrina Hall, Lympatic Massage Therapist & Reiki Master and Tina Pringle, Yoga Therapist

May 9, 2026 - 1:30-4:30pm

Investment - $79

Location - Gather Comox - 1761 Comox Ave. Unit E, Above The Mill Coffee Shop

Restorative Yoga with Yoga Nidra

One Sunday evening a month join me online for a nourishing Restorative Yoga Class. This class blends restorative yoga—using supportive props and long-held, soothing poses—with Yoga Nidra, a meditative practice that invites profound relaxation for both body and mind. Sometimes described as 'peace beyond words'. Benefits of Yoga Nidra include stress & anxiety relief, improved sleep, awakened creativity, and enhanced self-awareness. In addition, Yoga Nidra has been proven beneficial for chronic pain and PTSD.

Expect slow movement, intentional breath, and extended stillness designed to release tension, calm the nervous system, and prepare you for restful sleep. No prior experience is needed; this class is accessible to all bodies and energy levels and can be practiced from the floor or on your bed.

Come as you are, leave feeling grounded, nourished, and deeply at ease.

Online via Zoom so you can skip the drive! Pajamas welcome!

Investment $15/class

Upcoming classes: April 12th, May 3rd & June 14th

NEW - Yogalates - a fusion of Yoga & Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are both mindful movement practices, Pilates is designed to build core awareness and strength while focusing on posture, alignment and moving with precision.  Yoga is a holistic practice that supports both physical and mental wellbeing.  Benefits include improved flexibility, strength, mental focus, body awareness and breath control. 

This class combines the core-strengthening and alignment principles of Pilates with the stretching, breathing, and relaxation techniques of yoga. Through controlled movements and flowing sequences, you’ll improve posture, stability, and body awareness while reducing stress.

Expect a gentle yet effective workout that targets the core, strengthens and lengthens muscles, enhances mobility and ends with a calming cool-down to leave you feeling centered and refreshed.

Suitable for all fitness levels, Yogalates offers modifications and progressions so everyone can move at their own pace while developing strength, balance, and flexibility.

Sundays 11am - 1 hour

6 classes - April 26-June 14 (no class May Long weekend or June 7)

Investment - $129

Location - Crown Isle Resort - Silver Room

Spring class offerings:

Registration is now open for classes starting in May. Classes that are currently full are only open to clients currently enrolled in those classes. If you are not currently in one of these classes and wish to join the waitlist, please email me at evolveyoga@shaw.ca.

Back Care - Mondays @ 9am - FULL

Somatic Strength & Self Care - Tuesdays @ 9am - Starts April 7

Gentle Hatha Yoga - Wednesdays @ 9am & 10:15am - FULL

Unwind - Online Gentle evening yoga - Thursdays @ 7:15pm

Mat Pilates - Fridays @ 8am - FULL

Fascia Repair Series - Fridays @ 9:15am

Yogalates - Sundays @11am at Crown Isle Resort - Starts April 26th

Restorative Yoga with Yoga Nidra - one Sunday a month @ 7:15-8:30pm

Reminders:

All classes are now available virtually via Zoom, if you wish to join a class series virtually, please email me.

If you miss a class for any reason, I am always happy to provide you with a recording or invite you into another in person class if space is available. Email me at evolveyoga@shaw.ca with your request.

Yoga Therapy & Reformer Pilates

My private Studio at Canopy Comox is bright and spacious overlooking Goose Spit

Services offered at Canopy Comox - 1761 Comox Avenue, Comox:

CANOPY

Private Yoga Therapy 1 Hour Sessions - $100 + GST

The yoga tradition views the human as a multidimensional system that includes all aspects of body, breath, mind, intellect and emotions and their mutual intersection.  Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being.  Your session will be tailored to meet your needs, goals and interests.   You will leave each session with resources to work on your practice at your own pace.  If you suffer from persistent pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, are recovering from injury or simply want to feel and move better, yoga therapy is a lovely way to honor your whole self through your journey.

Private Reformer Pilates 1 Hour Training Session - $75 + GST

What Is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is a form of Pilates performed on a specialized machine called the reformer. Using springs, straps, and a sliding carriage, the reformer provides adjustable resistance to support, challenge, and lengthen the body.

Why Choose Private Reformer Pilates?

Private sessions offer fully personalized instruction, ensuring each exercise is tailored to your body, goals, and experience level. With one-on-one guidance, you’ll move with greater confidence and maximize results.  Whether you’re new to Pilates, recovering from injury, or looking to enhance posture or core strength, private reformer training delivers safe and effective results.   Expect to leave each session feeling taller, stronger and empowered from your core. 

Clients registered in an ongoing class this spring save 20% on their first private session in April or May!

Yoga on the Beach returns this Summer!

Summer is just around the corner and when the weather cooperates, Beach Yoga @ Goose Spit will return! Follow me on Facebook for information on pop up classes in June. Facebook

Regular classes this summer will be Monday & Friday mornings at 6am starting in July.

Special classes:

Summer Solstice celebration class Sunday, June 21 @ 7am

Canada Day class Wednesday, July 1 @ 7am

Website - www.evolvemovementtherapy.ca

Email - evolveyoga@shaw.ca