sari

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Handstand. I feel a sense of fear, strength and exhilaration all at the same time
FAVOURITE SONG: Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: That you can make a living doing what you are crazy about!
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Anywhere in France and NYC
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  Imagine a Cure for Leukemia
WHO INSPIRES YOU? The amazing people that I am lucky enough to meet every day, artists, and individuals who dare to choose the life they want and make no apologies for it.
COFFEE OR TEA? Hmmm. Toss up. Both are necessary daily!
FAVOURITE SCENT: Jasmine & fresh roasted coffee beans
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE:  Sonic Yoga Teacher Training in NYC that I did for the fun of it!
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: There are a few - Sister, Husband & my own heart
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

casey

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Sprinting in third & adho mukha svanasana
FAVOURITE SONG:  the first time by U2
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: my wedding dress
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Agamim Resort, Eilat
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  Imagine a cure for Leukemia
WHO INSPIRES YOU? so many people inspire me daily, always my husband, my son, S, T, my mother & believe it yes, my mother in-law!
COFFEE OR TEA? coffee misto with soy
FAVOURITE SCENT: cacharel
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: life experience & my partner in crime.
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: living, Mark, passed on, Aunt L.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: 'when fear is replaced by hope, it becomes a trampoline for progress'

tracey

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Utttanasana
FAVOURITE SONG: hmmm.....this is hard.....The Battle by: Bim
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Deep breathing, toe stretchers
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Argentina
FAVOURITE CHARITY: Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture: www.ccvt.org
WHO INSPIRES YOU? Children, animals, survivors, students, my husband
COFFEE OR TEA? Both
FAVOURITE SCENT: Vanilla, then lavender, then bergamot
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: Wow great question - Jivamukti Teacher Training acted as the catalyst and I am thrilled to be surrounded by a wealth of inspiring teachers everyday since.
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My husband all the way.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves: Buddha
 

tamar

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION:  CLIMBING IN 3RD
FAVOURITE SONG: FOR SPINNING: TODAY – I LIKE THAT BY RICHARD VISSION BUT EMBARASSINGLY I ALSO LOVE SPINNING TO TIK TOK BY KEISHA (SHE’S SO TRASHY) AND IT GETS ME PUMPED.
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: THAT I LOVE SPINNING
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: ON A SKI HILL IN THE SUNSHINE...ANYWHERE
FAVOURITE CHARITY: IMAGINE A CURE
WHO INSPIRES YOU?  TO MANY PEOPLE TO NAME...
COFFEE OR TEA? DECAF COFFEE
FAVOURITE SCENT: CHOCOLATE
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: CASEY SOER
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: MY HUSBAND, JORDAN....AND MY MOM
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY:  “WHAT THE *&%$ HAVE I GOT TO LOSE?” 

toni

FAVOURITE YOGA/CYCLE POSE..... ANY WARRIOR POSE , VERY ENTERTAINING AS THEY COMBINE GREAT FANTASY WITH STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE
FAVORITE SONG... 'THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, I KNOW THE LYRICS AND IT STILL MOVES ME'
FAVORITE DISCOVERY... 'HOW TO FINALLY USE THE TV REMOTE'
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD....'ANYWHERE WITH WITH MY CHILDREN AND THE PEOPLE I LOVE GATHERED TOGETHER ..IS BLISS,  ALTHOUGH,  NYC IS NICE'
FAVORITE CHARITY.... 'RE -THINK BREAST CANCER'  and  'THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL'
WHO INSPIRES YOU.. 'ANYONE WHO IS AUTHENTIC AND POSSESES PHYSICAL AND MORAL COURAGE'
COFFEE... 'NESPRESSO'
FAVORITE SCENT.. 'SANTA MARIA NOVELLA POMEGRANATE'
PIVITOAL TRAINING/TEACHER WHO BROUGHT ME HERE...AGE AND WISDOM FINALLY DELIVERED ME HERE!
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE..'IF YOU DO THINGS WELL, DO THEM BETTER. BE BRAVE, BE DARING, BE BOLD, BE JUST.
QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY..... 'CHARACTER IS YOU, MINUS YOUR POSSESSIONS'

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE:  currently excited about the spontaneous vinyasa and pranayama practice I affectionately call "my life".
FAVOURITE SONG:  I wake up to Mimizan by Beirut every morning.  it's a love/hate relationship.
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY:  that yoga existed in infinite possibilities just outside the borders of my yoga mat.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Toronto
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  Acorn Fund: supporting local, yoga projects for those outside of studio culture WHO INSPIRES YOU? my students COFFEE OR TEA? espresso. short. black.
FAVOURITE SCENT: thawing soil in springtime carried on a warm breeze, damp wool in front of a fire in a pine forest, or suntan lotion, hot sand and ocean.
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: Julian Jaynes, "The breakdown of the bicameral mind and rise of consciousness" or Mark Singleton, "Yoga Body".
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: matthew remski, my dear friend and external frontal lobe.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: Breathe, stretch and remember that we're all in this together.

 

meredith

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: 
Ardha Chandrasana - Half Moon Pose & 3rd- out of the saddle (Casey is this correct lingo?)
FAVOURITE SONG: Now - Shine by Shimshai & Always - Rockin' in a Free World  by Neil Young
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: The Ancient Practice of Yoga and Meditation
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Oaxaca, Mexico
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture - Sri Ram Foundation - Amnesty International- Compassion First - WWF
WHO INSPIRES YOU? Everyone, and anyone, who has ever defied the odds against them
COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee or Chai
FAVOURITE SCENT: Rosewood
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: 
Baba Hari Dass and all my teachers at the Mount Madonna Centre in California 
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE:
Muladhara - my Root Chakra 
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY:  
"Paths are many. Truth is one." and   "Work honestly, meditate every day and play."  Baba Hari Dass
 

jeannine

INSPIRATION: My daughter
FAVOURITE YOGA POSE: Any one that brings me steadiness and joy
FAVOURITE SONG: Amelia by Joni Mitchell
DISCOVERY: The importance of love
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Big Sur, California
CHARITY: Plan International Canada (sponsors children throughout the world)
WHO INSPIRES ME: His Holiness The Dalai Lama
COFFEE OR TEA?: Both
SCENT: Frankinsence
TEACHER: David Life
VOICE OF REASON: My mother
QUOTE: "What is essential to the heart is invisible to the eye." - Antoine De Saint Exupery

kacey

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION:  Yoga = Pigeon (worst = crow or standing split in case you were wondering), love all the positions on the bike (and let’s be real – there aren’t that many to choose from)!
FAVOURITE SONG:  VERY difficult question.  If I must say just one - Southern Cross – Crosby Stills Nash and Young
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY:  Haagen Dazs Rocky Road Ice Cream
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Big Sur California (or my bed at the end of a long day)
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  Sick Children’s Hospital
WHO INSPIRES YOU?  My family - each and every one of them – from my children (3 and 6) to my grandmother (91) and everyone in between
COFFEE OR TEA?  Coffee
FAVOURITE SCENT:  My husband’s neck
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE:  I never worked out a day in my life before coming to Spynga so I can honestly say that all the wonderful Spynga teachers (my own personal village) have been a huge driving force in getting me to this place – physically and emotionally. 
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: Too hard to choose – I use different voices for different reasons.  I am lucky enough to have the most incredible friends, family and husband – all of who bring truth and love with their reason.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY:  Nurture and protect the Spirit within
 

lisa

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Urdhva Dhanurasana, Full Wheel. A delicious heart opener that also strengthens and stretches the arms, wrists, legs, abdomen and spine.
FAVOURITE SONG: Don’t Give Up, by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY:  How yoga has the ability to bring more calmness, focus and balance to my life. Discovering how yoga has the power to enabled me to be more comfortable with letting things go.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Anywhere on the water where I can spend time with my family and friends.
FAVOURITE CHARITY: Sick Kids Hospital
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My students, my teachers, my children, my family and my friends.
COFFEE OR TEA? Definitely tea
FAVOURITE SCENT: Lavender
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: My first 200 hr YTT that I took at Spynga has been the most pivotal in bringing me to the wonderful place I am today. Sari and Tracey poured their hearts into teaching us anatomy, alignment, physiology, philosophy and sequencing but they gave us so much more than knowledge. They provided us with the confidence to discover our authentic voices and the courage to share our passion with others.
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My voice of reason is my intuition. Listening to that inner voice will usually provide me with a solution or the decision I am seeking however if my sixth sense fails me my husband is always there to set me straight.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: I have two both by Mahatma Gandhi. “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviours. Keep your behaviours positive because your behaviours become your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny”.
"Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning."

liz

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Natarajasana.  There’s something about opening your heart and still keeping balanced with one foot grounded that just feels amazing to me.  Can’t explain why…
FAVOURITE SONG: So hard to answer…Gotta name a few:  Smile (Michael Jackson version), Aquele Abraco, I Won’t Mind (Audra Mcdonald), Closer to my Dreams (Goapele), Colorblind (Counting Crows)
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: leg warmers...I’m always so cold!
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Milano (but Crna Gora was a very close 2nd)
FAVOURITE CHARITY: Habitat for Humanity
WHO INSPIRES YOU?  Mikhail Baryshnikov, Mandela, Obama, Oprah and Dr. Maya Angelou.  Those who refused to allow fear to cage them down.
COFFEE OR TEA? I actually really love drinking a plain cup of hot water. But when I need a kick, “grande vanilla soy latte please”
FAVOURITE SCENT: cocoa butter and just plain old butter.  Mmmmm
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: it’s a combination of Ingrid Gayle (life coach), Spynga 200hr RYTT program and various Alvin Ailey teachers
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My sister…basically my families.  The one I was born into and the ones who’ve entered my life over the years (friends)
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. (Maya Angelou)

 

hayley

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION:  Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)
FAVOURITE SONG: Love Generation by Bob Sinclar & Gary Pine
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Making the conscious decision to turn a negative into a positive
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Africa
FAVOURITE CHARITY: Unexpected charity/kindness on a daily basis 
WHO INSPIRES YOU?  My mom
COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee
FAVOURITE SCENT: The smell of roasted nuts when walking the streets of New York
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE:  Spynga’s Yoga Teacher Training.  It changed my life forever!!!
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE:  The little voice in my head
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY:  Go confidently into the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you imagined!!!!

Joanna

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: sprinting in third
FAVOURITE SONG:  Feelin' Alright - Joe Cocker, Airbag - Radiohead, I've Just Seen a Face - The Beatles
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY:  teaching, Chuck
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD:  Barcelona, New York City, Vienna, London, The Bahamas, Montreal, my swimming pool, and of course, my bed
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
WHO INSPIRES YOU?  children
COFFEE OR TEA?  bold coffee with espresso shot
FAVOURITE SCENT: my babies
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE:  the beautiful Casey Soer
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: my mom
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY:   "it's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice" and "look both ways before you cross the street"
 

erin

charlene

jodi

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION:  Yoga: Downward facing dog, it seems to allow me to reach my full stretch potential, soothing and satisfying, but then there is ‘child’s pose’ which brings back only good memories; Spinning: hard climb in third and flushing it out in first, double time, which just gets my “grrrr on!”.
FAVOURITE SONG:  Anything that moves me to sing or to cry...so stand clear regardless!
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Finding pleasure within (further explanation on request)
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD:  White sandy beach, preferably on the Italian Riviera, or so I’m told
FAVOURITE CHARITY:  Sheena’s Place, and my husband’s charitable foundation which provided free medicine to children all around the world
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My children and all of my Spynga-mates who have encouraged me to take this challenge
COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee in the morning tea in the evening
FAVOURITE SCENT: Joe Malone
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: Watching Casey on the bike and Sari on the mat....and of course my former boot camp partner Jaimie
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My husband
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: You are only as deep as your greatest pain and you can only grow by finding your greatest depth.....dig deep

danielle

ella

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Love the focus and challenge of arm balances, and the blissfulness after Savasana
FAVOURITE SONG: “Breathe Me” Sia, “One Love” M.J.B. and U2
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Being present and aware at each moment....being grateful for all that’s around me (thank you yoga!)
FAVOURITE PLACE(S) IN THE WORLD: Japan, Spain, anywhere in SE Asia
FAVOURITE CHARITY: Off the Mat, Into the World, Step Up Sponsor
WHO INSPIRES YOU? Dear friends, Children, students, mother Theresa, Wayne Dyer,.....so many more
COFFEE OR TEA? Soooo enjoy my morning java....mmmm
FAVOURITE SCENT: Jasmine, the fresh scent from a flower garden or the ocean breeze
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: Ron Reid and Downward Dog Yoga Centre and Paul Dallaghan(Yoga Thailand), Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy....many wonderful people brought me to this place. I am forever a student along this beautiful path we call life
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My inner knowing
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: “Live your truth”, “the more you give...the more you get”

jonny

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: kapotasana
FAVOURITE SONG: Nick Drake - Pink Moon FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Life.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Mysore, India FAVOURITE CHARITY: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My Wife, Juliana
COFFEE OR TEA? coffee
FAVOURITE SCENT: pine
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: Sharath Jois and David Robson
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My Wife, Juliana
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: show up, no expectations, lots of appreciation.
 

alanna

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: My favorite cycling position would be in 3rd position and “rocking it out”.
FAVOURITE SONG: “Pump-it” by the Black Eyed Peas.  It has such an uplifting beat that naturally motivates me.
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Would have to be my passion for spinning and a love for music.
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: I would definitely say California.  My family and I have shared many memorable vacations there over the years.   
FAVOURITE CHARITY: The Canadian Breast-Cancer Foundation. 
WHO INSPIRES YOU?  My children and my husband definitely inspire me every day. 
COFFEE OR TEA?  I love my Second-Cup continental dark coffee every morning! 
FAVOURITE SCENT: Anything with a citrus smell I find very refreshing.
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE:  Several years ago, I attended Casey Soer and Sari Nisker’s spinning and yoga classes and they inspired me to become a spinning instructor.  The training and ongoing support I received from both Casey and Sari was incredible and it gave me the confidence to teach and motivate others.
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My husband Zev.  He is very logical and has good common sense and judgement.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY:  What ever the mind can conceive one can achieve.
 

charlotte

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Queen's Pose
FAVOURITE SONG: Sigur Ros, Track 4
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: Yoga, allergy friendly foods :)
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: anywhere near an ocean with plenty of sunshine
FAVOURITE CHARITY: Off the Mat, Sistering
WHO INSPIRES YOU? My Mom mostly, but at different times friends, family even strangers
COFFEE OR TEA? Tea (almond milk tea latte preferably!)
FAVOURITE SCENT: Rose oil
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: Every yoga teacher I have trained under has helped me to get to where I am today.  Every day in class my students teach me something new.  I learn from myself when I listen to my body.
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: My yoga practice.
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.


 

FAVOURITE YOGA POSE OR CYCLING POSITION: Pavritta Trikonasana simply because it’s beautiful and graceful & Adho Mukha Vrksasana because it inspires, challenges and demands courage
FAVOURITE SONG: Easy like Sunday Morning 
FAVOURITE DISCOVERY: true love for oneself 
FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD:  Barcelona, New York and probably Buenos Aires once I get there ;) 
FAVOURITE CHARITY: New Leaf Foundation 
WHO INSPIRES YOU? my mother - and my heart 
COFFEE OR TEA? Chai Masala Tea
FAVOURITE SCENT: don’t have one in particular - but I know when I like the smell of something or someone
PIVOTAL TRAINING OR TEACHER THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS PLACE: There has been so many, each stage of my life has had one in order to move me to the next.  I am filled with gratitude :) 
THE VOICE OF REASON IN YOUR LIFE: my heart but my close friends and family remind me in case I forget 
A QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY: “And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin