By Kathleen Rake
Click Media Works
Laura Sigurdson, owner of Iron Lotus Yoga, started her business in December, 2010 after training at Prana Yoga Teacher College with Shakti Mhi and spending six months researching and business planning.
“You really have to know what you’re stepping into,” commented Sigurdson. “At least you do if you want to be successful.”
Iron Lotus Yoga is situated in a converted garage on Grand Street, a few steps up from First Avenue. The studio was constructed and finished with mostly recycled or “up-cycled” materials. For example, the doors were collected from a hotel on Granville Street, mouldings came from a construction toss-away bin and furniture was sourced from thrift stores. The bathroom has loose stones as its floor and the toilet takes advantage of a rooftop rain barrel and gravity for its daily operation.
The Iron Lotus Yoga rooftop hosts more than a rain barrel; Sigurdson converted it to accommodate yoga. She used old barn windows for railings and sewed drapes to create walls for privacy. To that she added pots filled with blueberries, grapes, and vegetables.
“One day it will be like a forest up there,” she said.
Yoga classes are designed so there is something for everybody: restorative and gentle sessions; beginner or advanced sessions; and, specialty yoga. The Saturday gentle yoga is free when you bring a non-perishable donation for the food bank and the hot yoga sessions are under new infrared lights.
“This hot yoga class is the one you want to take if weight loss is your goal,” said Sigurdson.
In addition to yoga, you’ll find massage therapy at Iron Lotus. Registered massage therapist Linda Sangwine specializes in myofascial massage and uses it to help clients through a “healing journey.”
Stop by the studio, visit IronLotusYoga.com or call 604-287-7282 for more information.