This weekend is one that I have looked forward to over the past 15+ years, the always exciting and energizing CanFitPro.

An lively weekend where fitness/wellness experts from around the world will show the newest, most effective workout moves, provide nutrition ideas, share tips for healthier living during a weekend of sweaty, heart pumping fun at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building.

With Wednesday being my only available day I scanned the very big, very heavy workshop schedule I decided to attend a pre conference session on Thai Yoga Massage by Navia, founded by Drew Hume and Daniela Goode. I was intrigued by this workshop as I’ve been wanting to learn more about hands on adjustments in yoga and had known Drew from the Toronto yoga community.

Thai massage incorporates many different soft tissue manipulation techniques (massage, fascial release, chopping, and many more) with assisted stretches and meditation in order to achieve a deep state of relaxation and believe me people were relaxed. Over the eight hours, we took turns practicing on each other and the saying of being “yoga stoned” was never more apparent. I wondered how we could possibly learn more theory after being so relaxed – it was bliss.

The Navina™ approach to Thai massage is to make this incredible practice relevant to the Western context. Through in person sessions, they focus on optimal biomechanics, the use of anatomy and creating a deeply relaxing client experience while still maintaining the heart-centred approach of this ancient art form.

What really impressed me with the work Drew and Daniela are doing is how relevant they made it for this particular (mainly fitness) audience. Daniela, coming from a group fitness background, was able to make connections that were authentic to the learners. Drew brought his deep knowledge of the body, and their jokes were continuous throughout the class which just flew by – until we were the receiver of the Thai stretch, then we never wanted time to move.

What also impressed me about Navina, was their amazing website full of online and in person professional learning opportunities. For a while I’ve had my eyes set on take a restorative teacher training, but with my schedule have found it challenging to find the time. Navina offer an extension online program, allowing their training to be accessible to anyone and anytime around the world.

This workshop was lovely, and these two make learning and movement fun. If you’ve considered Thai Yoga Massage or enhancing your yoga teaching practice or are simply looking for a place to go to learn more to enhance your own practice, definitely check out the programs and services offered by Navina.

CanFitPro Toronto runs August 10-14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. Registration is accepted on location and the trade show is well worth a visit with workshops and demonstrations happening all day long. For more information on CanFitPro click here.