$120+hst Standard Rate | $145+hst Community Supporter
Subsidized Rate: 20% off the Standard Rate (for more information on how to access the subsidized rate, visit our Sliding Scale Pricing webpage)
Build strength, stability, and confidence in your arms, shoulders, chest, and back.
This 6-week course is designed to help you feel more capable and confident using your upper body—whether that means lifting groceries, carrying a kid, pushing a heavy door, pulling a big suitcase, or generally having good posture.
With a beginner-friendly approach, you’ll learn how to use bodyweight, resistance bands, and free weights to strengthen the shoulders, arms, chest, and back. Clear instruction and steady progression make this an ideal entry point for anyone new to strength training or looking to rebuild consistency.
This course will also discuss and offer tips for the full range of physical activity types recommended by the Canadian Medical Association. You’ll explore yoga-based stretches and simple movements to support safe warm-ups and cool-downs, building a well-rounded routine you can continue at home or in our drop-in strength classes. This course pairs well with Strength Training Foundations: Lower Body and is a great stepping stone into our Strength Essentials Drop-In Classes, offered seven times a week.
Beginners of all ages are welcome, including those with physical limitations. Our small group size allows for individualized attention and thoughtful adaptations. Please note: participants must be able to climb two flights of stairs to access our studio.
This course is taught by Linda Collins, a yoga teacher and certified personal trainer who’s in her 70s. Linda brings not only professional expertise but lived experience of how yoga and strength training can transform physical ability, ease of movement, and everyday life. She loves sharing how she has much better mobility and less pain than when she retired 15 years ago. She’s passionate about helping others discover what’s possible through movement — no matter their age or starting point.
Course Format: This course includes 6 in-person, weekly sessions at our studio location. Course participants will also receive access to a virtual Course Portal that includes a set of on-demand video practices specially selected to complement the course. To allow plenty of time to explore these offerings, all participants will have access to the Course Portal for 90 days.
Courses scheduled on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will not meet during holiday long weekends.