By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – Two yogis have taken their passion for fitness out of the studio, and onto the water.
For the second year, instructors Lisa Beaupre-MacKinnon and Lisa McColl are transforming the Hybrid Marine in Summerstown into a classroom for SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Yoga.
Participants stretch and practice strength and balance on their hands and knees before standing on the paddleboard to do yoga poses, as it drifts in the current while tethered to an anchored spot.
“It’s a new challenge for yoga enthusiasts. It forces you to be more mindful and present,” said Beaupre-MacKinnon.
After teaching for close to 20 years at Physical Limits and Summit Fitness, she explored her craft in a totally new environment, replacing brightly coloured floor mats for a floating surface.
“At first it was a challenge, lots of trial and error. Then, I was hooked and decided to take my class to the water,” she said.
The idea materialized as Beaupre-MacKinnon and McColl travelled and trained together for a year at Ottawa’s Empower Me Yoga.
“When I asked her to join me, she was very excited to start this new adventure,” she said. “It’s an exciting partnership, because we challenge each other with different ideas and methods.”
Last summer, Beaupre-MacKinnon approached Hybrid Marine owners Blair and Chantal Bell about launching the trendy exercise at their venue.
“We reached an agreement and it was a real hit,” she said.
According to McColl, taking yoga off the mat is so much more fun, especially aince chirping birds and flowing water provide a natural soundtrack.
“There’s a real connection to nature. And at the close of the class, laying in savasana is the most relaxing feeling,” said McColl who is also a yoga instructor at Physical Limits in Cornwall.
SUP Yoga introductory classes will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. every Saturday (weather permitting) until August 29. Classes are $25 (includes board rental). Registration is required.
Hybrid Marine is located at 20198 County Road 2 (Exit 814 off Hwy. 401).
For more information, contact the venue at 613-360-6501 or search Facebook for SUP Yoga at Hybrid Marine.
