Michael Alex Yoga
Yoga, Movement & Meditation
for Teens & Adults
Private yoga led by a trained and experienced guide. Accessible, fun and knowledgable instruction, for beginners to semi-pros. Virtual or in-person, practice to improve your life, using mindful, interdisciplinary movement and stillness. I'll show you how!
Private Classes
Want to book a one-off class? No problem.Looking to grow your practice with a class-pack (5 or 10 sessions)? Even better (and cheaper)!Practice wherever life takes you: home, work or travel. All you need is a mat to roll out and a connection to the internet.New to yoga and need to borrow some "starter" props? I can help with that.Prefer to move on your own, but want the in-person experience? I can come to you (in Toronto) to observe and offer suggestions and modifications based on where you are - today.Classes are typically 60 minutes, but I'm happy to book shorter or longer sessions to suit whatever intention you might have. Sessions are typically $50/class, with discounts for class packs and a sliding scale for those experiencing economic need. Travel (mine) and borrowing props cost a bit extra.Want to workshop some new poses? Diversify your movement to add weight, cardio or other movement modalities to your asana? Now you're talkin'!I curate personalized classes that meet your unique interests and needs. This ain't no cookie cutter class - let me help you bring your yoga to life, marrying focused attention, breath and sweat equity (or chill if you prefer).
Teen & Group Classes
People of all ages and abilities can enjoy and benefit from yoga and meditation.Teens particularly can benefit - big time. Bust stress and learn ways to manage it. Play with balance, build strength, and learn to respect and love all the things your body-mind can do.If you are a teen (or know and love one), reach out about 1:1 guidance, or book me to teach a group of teens - where poses can take partner shapes, games and challenges join the party and fun, connection and laughter are encouraged.I am a former high school teacher with 25+ years of classroom experience. And I developed a high school yoga/being well course that I taught in Toronto schools for nearly a decade.Bottom line: there are plenty of classroom teachers, and plenty of yogis. Yoga teachers who know and understand teens, and are experienced in learning and moving with them? Those are tough to find.Mission accomplished - you've found one! I love working with teens, on and off the mat, to build healthy habits and mindsets to serve them in school, work and life.Reach out organize a regular teen class in your home, community or common space, park or school.Oh, and I teach parents and guardians too - what could be better than a two-fer? Group classes are available, at any age!
Why practice with Michael?
I have taught in Toronto yoga studios, in community service agencies such as Epilepsy Toronto, and in local schools. I'm also an experienced virtual yoga teacher, so I can help you to make the most of practicing independently, with confidence, safety and deep focus.I was trained in Hatha yoga, in a holistic, interdisciplinary approach which drew upon a number of different yoga lineages including Ashtanga and Vinyasa. While my practice can be solemn and serious, most often it is characterized by curiosity and joy - people who have practiced with me can attest that the long holds and challenging movements I lead are developed with a keen eye that makes yoga a learning practice without being didactic. I'll guide you with humour, compassion and a commitment to cutting through mysticism and ritual which can too often, in my experience devolve into inaccessible "yoga bullshit."I have undertaken more education and training than your average studio teacher. Many "teachers" learn scripts, or sequences that they don't own in their own bodies.Not this guy!I studied primarily with Pat Harada Linfoot, John Viega and Jesse Enright, completing Yoga Teacher Trainings at Octopus Garden Holistic Yoga Centre in Toronto. This includes YTT programs in Yoga Fundamentals (200 hours), Advanced Teacher Training (300 hours), Mindfulness (50 hours) & Restorative Yoga (50 hours). I have also been a faculty member in all of these programs - my practice and teaching is strong enough that I have been a teacher to other yoga teachers!I've also studied with meditation teacher Jeff Warren, Yoga Detour and a variety of noteworthy yoga and meditation teachers. But my training hardly stopped there - my own research into the biomechanics of healthy, accessible movement continues, as does my daily inquiries into mindfulness and cognitive science.Moreover, I'm more than a yoga-only mover. My practice - and importantly, my teaching - is influenced directly by Natural Movement practices, Functional Movement, Kinstretch, Parkour and more. I am also a multi-sport athlete, and these activities influence - and are influenced by, my yoga practice.If you have a specific question about my background, approach or qualifications, drop me a line.I am also CPR and First Aid training compliant (Red Cross) and fully insured as a yoga and meditation teacher.
Contact
Ready to book your class or want to learn more?Reach out using the form below. Tell me a little about what you're looking for and we can discuss it, book it or figure out, together!
right on!
You're on your way. I'll be in touch soon.I can't wait to move and breathe with you.Namas-yah!