MOONSTONE YOGA & PILATES
I am Lianne Hughes, owner and operator of Moonstone Yoga & Pilates Studio in Cornwall, Ontario. I have been an educator since I was 15. I started in my teens as a water safety instructor and synchronized swimming coach, and then I added water aerobics instructor to my skills. As an Elementary Teacher (now Principal), I have spent over 27 years teaching children and helping families. Yoga has been a part of my life on and off for many years. Like many people, I would practice faithfully for a while, and then life would happen, and my mat would be pushed to the back of my closet to collect dust.
In my late 40s, when I began experiencing unwanted weight gain and sore joints, I changed up my fitness routine. In 2022, I decided to deepen my understanding of Yoga and participated in a Yoga Instructor Course. My initial goal was to improve and deepen my practice; however, I grew more committed to my practice and wanted to share the benefits of Yoga with others.
Now in my early 50s, I understand the need to maintain balance, flexibility, and strength. I am in awe of our bodies—they are remarkable!
I have also taken up a long-lost passion of mine, Pilates. Currently, I have my mat certification and offer Pilates classes for women in the studio alongside our Yoga classes.
Safe Space for Women
Moonstone Yoga offers a safe space for women to connect and feel secure in their practice. Being a trauma-informed public educator, I understand the need to create a safe space for the learner. This ladies-only yoga studio allows women to practice, gain self-confidence, develop strength, balance and flexibility and set personal goals.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are certified in many types of Yoga and offer a fusion of these in their classes, including Yin, Restorative, and Chair Yoga.
FRANNIE
Hi, I’m Franny. I first discovered yoga in 2007 when I was looking for an activity to help calm my mind and help me learn how to relax during a very busy and stressful period in my life. I’ll never forget that first class. It felt like the first full-body breath I had taken in my entire life. The peace and connection I found within myself were magical. The movement was slow and gentle and left me feeling relaxed, calm, and present. I left the studio wanting more…
Over the years, I visited many different yoga classes, always enjoying the different vibes and styles of the varying teachers and studios. I developed a home practice for when life would get busy, and I couldn’t make it to classes, and I attended many workshops, always interested in learning more about the yoga postures and traditions.
I have learned that I always feel better when practicing yoga regularly, so 15 years into my practice, I decided to deepen my understanding of yoga and share my love of yoga with others. In 2023, I completed my 200 RYT with Yoga Alliance. Completing this course was a life-changing experience for me. I learned that there is so much more to yoga than just the postures and movement. In October 2023, I completed my Restorative Yoga certification.
I believe that now, more than ever, the Western world needs yoga to help people better manage their physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Come and join me on the mat as we explore the 8 limbs of yoga together through breath work, movement, and meditation!
LOUISE
I am a retired Educational Assistant, and thanks to yoga, I am in the best physical and mental health of my life. My first goal in retirement was to start practicing yoga. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to become an instructor and share its benefits with others. Yoga has improved my balance, coordination, and confidence; it is now part of my everyday life.
At 58, I now believe yoga is for all age groups. Many yoga styles may allow people with injuries, past surgeries, and medical conditions to practice with a doctor's approval. I live with epilepsy, and it has improved my overall health.
I welcome you to join me on the mat and "listen to your body" as we connect our breath, practice our poses, and calm our minds.