Ohana' means family or connections in Hawaii - nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
So Ohana Yoga offers a safe non competitive environment staffed by highly experienced, empathic and knowledgeable teachers.
Unlike some places it's not a circus here.
It's not about what you wear, how gymnastic or acrobatic you are. You won't find any goats, bouncy castles, dangling yogi's or sweaty naked men being vibrated by a giant fridge compressor. Nobody instagrams savasana because by the end of class they've found that special calm place.
But there might be really decadent cookies or brownies and tea after class and time to connect.
And this welcoming community does offer more than just exercise - education for health, wellness, strength and healing, with an emphasis on self care via inner focus and relaxation. This is the heart of yoga, where the practice came from. And it's so good.
Before discovering Ohana Yoga, I tried studios on the advice of my doctors to assist with chronic illness and injury. Some places made me feel like a loser, others were just all talk and didn't help. But speaking with Gena Kenny at Ohana I knew that I'd found a safe haven at her studio, with teachers who would respect the boundaries of my physical limitations and settle any related anxiety.
Gena's a former fire fighter who's been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She's published a book, videos and runs retreats here, in Fiji and Hawaii. Her knowledge of physiology and advanced development of Restorative Yoga has been miraculous to my recovery. Her Yoga Nidra and Yoga Nada meditation classes with Tibetan singing bowls have returned me to better sleeping habits too.
Ohana was the first studio in Melbourne to offer Yin Yoga classes with Jennifer Crescenzo, and I enjoy the variation that each teacher brings to it. Those long asanas seem to go deep into meditation. Classes fill up with a range of styles offered to suit beginner, active and advanced yogi; with age no barrier. There's Flow and Barre in the mix too and Feldenkrais is coming. If you can't get into a pose there are always options offered. I love that.
The studio's modern and well maintained. Use the Mind Body app to book online or walk in early. Mats, blankets and props are provided - come before start time to set yourself up with what you need. In Winter it's hard to leave the tropical Hawaiian comfort created by the infrared heating.
Regular workshops, teacher training and community events have created bonds of friendship and support networks amongst students and teachers, so there's an easy going and collaborative vibe in classes. I always leave feeling peaceful and grounded.
Perhaps you'll try Ohana Yoga too - especially if like me you have felt awkward at other studios. And if you're a yoga teacher, Gena offers a special low rate for you to drop in for a class. And did I mention the membership is really reasonable? Check out the Aloha Pass, and we'll chat over a brownie. read more