To someone who has only ever seen pictures of yoga it probably looks like it’s all hand stands, pretzeled legs, or a combination of the two. It probably seems as approachable as playing hockey with the Vancouver Canucks, when it’s really more like cheering them on.
“The media suggests yoga is for one type of person, but that’s really not true,” says Mandy Lawson, the owner of Costa Yoga School in Prince Rupert. “It’s accessible for all ages and a huge range of abilities. And it’s really fun.”
Breaking down those stereotypes is one of the reasons she was so excited to be part of the inaugural Northern Savings Unplug & Play event. The week of free programming was organized by the City of Prince Rupert’s Recreation and Community Services, with financial support from Northern Savings Credit Union. Coinciding with Family Literacy Week, the goal was to encourage more physical literacy throughout the community, says Nicole Beauregard, the City’s Director of Recreation & Community Services.
“When you can try new things without the cost barriers it opens the door,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to use recreation as a catalyst to pull everyone together.”
Throughout a week in January, the City and 12 partner organizations, including Costa Yoga, offered a schedule of free classes. Families and individuals could drop in to try everything from aquafit to family yoga, spin classes to sword play. The City provided free access to the swimming pool and skating rink.
The week encouraged the community to put down digital devices and move their bodies, says Beuregard. Sometimes in ways they never had before, which can be life-changing.
“If you never learn to skate, then the chances of you getting invited to a skating party are slim to none,” she says. “That child sits out for life.”
In total, nearly 300 people attended 23 events. The hope is that it kickstarts something far longer lasting. The recreation centre felt busier after the event. Partners said they gained new clients. And the community gained a deeper appreciation of the value of movement.
That is particularly relevant for seniors, says Beauregard. Daily exercise helps preserve the ability to get dressed, have a shower, avoid falls, and ultimately maintain independence.
“Once in the door, they realize they can do this,” she says.
To keep the momentum going, Northern Savings is sponsoring more free programming throughout the year, including for low-income families. And the credit union has committed to sponsoring Unplug & Play for two more years.
Mandy Lawson is ready to do it again. The benefits of taking part in the event extend beyond the potential of finding new yoga clients, she says. She values being part of anything that encourages people to be active, and she thinks Unplug & Play built love and appreciation for Prince Rupert.
“Especially in a smaller town, it may not seem like there is a lot of opportunities to try different things, but really, there is so much going on,” she says. “[Unplug & Play] was an opportunity to learn about what’s out there.”
That’s certainly true for the families that came to her free class. They discovered that anyone can do yoga. No handstand required.
–Written by Ryan Stuart.