No, it’s not a pretzel shop. But the opening of Creston Valley Yoga Studio has added a new twist to Creston’s downtown core.
Proprietor Sam Nevalainen, one of the area’s newest and youngest yoga instructors, has worked to bring the ancient practice to a central location. And she has done it with the co-operation of several well-known and experienced yoga teachers.
“Among the instructors who will be offering classes in the studio are Gary Smith, Gail Thompson, Cathleen McCarthy — my mentor — Yana and Rachel Searle — and myself, of course,” she said.
Nevalainen hopes to bring others into the fold as well, and plans to invite guests to Creston to present specialized workshops.
Inside the building at 1017A Canyon Street (between Club Café and Nadan Nessie Gear), brightly coloured wall hangings help create an atmosphere of calm and quiet. The sounds of traffic outside are muted and it is easy to picture 20 students practicing intently as they focus on instructions from one of a local or visiting guest instructor.
Nevalainen is a relative newcomer to yoga.
“I started about three years ago when a friend convinced me to sign up for one of Cathleen’s classes,” she said. “She truly inspired me.”
Finding a close and intense connection with yoga, she began her teaching studies through the South Okanagan Yoga Academy, with McCarthy serving as her mentor.
“Becoming a yoga teacher helps you go further into the practice,” she said.
Now, she teaches a variety of Hatha yoga classes and has developed a particular interest in pre-natal yoga instruction.
“I am excited to offer a space with an ambience dedicated for yoga practice,” Nevalainen said. “Yoga has been proven in science and is now being used in hospitals and recommended by doctors.
“Yoga is not a religion, but a practice of mind and body awareness with postures designed to exercise and stretch muscles and joints throughout the body.”
The practice is especially suited to today’s stressful lifestyles.
“Relaxation and meditation techniques help ease our busy minds from the day’s to-do list,” she said. “Breathing exercises benefit the lungs and organs, supplying them with sufficient supplies of oxygen and nutrients.”
The new studio has a large room for group instruction on the north side and also includes a separate equipment storage room, washroom, lockers, lounge area and smaller space that will be dedicated to one-on-one instruction and meditation.
“We encourage students to enter through the back (Cook Street side), where there is plenty of parking,” Nevalainen said. “There is an area inside the rear entrance where they can sit and have a cup of tea and relax before beginning classes.”
Nevalainen is new to the world of business, but she didn’t just jump in feet first. She credits Community Futures with helping her prepare, teaching her everything from creating a business plan to small business bookkeeping.
“Community Futures has been very helpful and I appreciate what skills the course helped me learn,” she said.
A grand opening is planned for next month, Nevalainen said. It will feature an opportunity to meet instructors, see demonstrations and see displays of vendors who sell products that tie in to yoga.
“Our yoga studio will, hopefully, promote a healthy community and help maintain well-being throughout your lifestyle,” she said.
A website, www.crestonvalleyyogastudio.com, is expected to be up and running soon, and Nevalainen can be reached at 250-428-8848. A list of class schedules will be posted on the studio doors.