Sky’s the limit for local yoga instructor

Transcona studio offers yoga and more

By: Sheldon Birnie Posted: 10:56 AM CDT Friday, Aug. 16, 2019

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This article was published 16/08/2019 (2535 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Transcona mother with a passion for yoga has seen her practice expand beyond her wildest dreams.

“When you put your mind to something and you dream, big things can happen,” said Shannon Conan, owner of Yoga 4 Life Winnipeg, a studio which she operates out of her home on William Gibson Bay.

Fourteen years ago, when Conan was pregnant with her daughter, she first tried yoga as a means of getting exercise.

“Yoga was gentler on my body,” she said. “After my daughter was born I continued doing yoga and fell in love with it. I began to notice not only the physical benefits but also the emotional benefits you can receive as well. So I thought, why not try training?”

In 2012, she began her 200 hours of yoga instructor training. After completing her training in 2014, Conan started teaching at Exquisite Taste Global Tea and Coffee Shop on Plessis.

“I rented the space, tried doing one class and that went well,” Conan said. “People wanted two classes, so I started running two.”

When Exquisite Taste closed, Conan decided to bring her practice closer to home. After applying for permits, she began offering yoga classes out of her basement.

“My rec room used to have a couch down there, which I would slide over to the side for classes,” she recalled with a laugh. “Word got around a little more, so I increased my student number and lo and behold, last September I quit my day job.”

The decision to leave behind a stable job as an educational assistant after nearly 20 years wasn’t taken lightly.

“It was scary,” Conan admitted. “But my business has continued to grow. I’m teaching about eight or nine classes each week, with a reduced amount in the summer.”

Conan describes her studio as “nice and intimate.”

“My style is very inclusive,” she said. “I like to get to know my students. I’ve had several students who’ve come with injuries, and because of the smaller setting and my ability to get to know them, I’m able to offer modifications so they can still get their practice.”

Along with yoga, Conan also offers classes in pilates, TRX, and barre.

“I’m very calm and soothing when I teach yoga, but with barre I’ve had to wear a bit of a different hat,” she said. “My husband laughs, he thinks I sound like a drill sergeant.”

New this fall, Yoga 4 Life Winnipeg will also offer “pound” classes.

“Pound is inspired by drumming, using these lightly weighted rip sticks,” Conan explained. “You’re moving your arms the entire time, a full-body workout to the beat of music. You’re sweating, doing lunges, squats and core work, along with abdominal and glute work.”

Five years in, Conan hopes she can continue to grow her practice.

“I do teach elsewhere, to help supplement my income,” she said. “So my dream would be to be able to support myself with just my own business. The sky’s the limit. Dream big, and see what happens.”

For more information, visit www.yoga4lifewinnipeg.ca or call 204-990-3201.