Of the Oaks

Michelle is an excellent teacher/instructor. She is extrememly knowledgeable and patient. She puts a lot of thought into tailoring my sessions to address my particular issues. Her follow-up is first rate.

I felt it was an interesting approach, and enjoyed the introduction to the background of yoga. I enjoyed my time with it. It made me want to be able to do more.

Loved it, please do this again! I found my mind was very curious about how the sounds were being made. I had a hard time not looking to see what was happening. My favourite was Clearing my mind and relaxing my body.

Action packed - had to book my snack time as an activity (lol) Loved all the attention to details ie Photo booth, snacks for dance (like we needed them). Food was great; cabin was very comfortable.

Love Michelle’s easy going personality. It comes across right away her love for what she is doing. Has a knowledge of her subject matter and a lot was learnt by us in a very short time.
Love the combination of information and movement. Also, love the exercises to take away with us to continue at home. Well done!

Michelle's class is for EVERYONE. Her classes are for both the beginner, and the experienced yogi. She constantly says that this is OUR own practice, and that reminds all of us that we are there for ourselves! I always leave without the stress I may have came in with. I take away with me a feeling of accomplishment, no matter how many times I fall out and restart. Thank you Michelle!🙏

Beautiful weekend. Lots of food, fun, friends, and fresh air. Lots and lots of choices. Something for everyone. The weather this weekend really made this weekend very pleasurable. Thank you again for ALL the work you put into this. The staff at the Lodge are very pleasant and hard working as well.

The series provided just the right amount of information to keep me interested without it becoming information overload. I really liked the email follow-ups so I could do further research if I wished. Michelle was an excellent instructor, helping to ensure we had the proper positioning and gently reminding us to breath, etc. She was not overbearing or too intense and made it a very enjoyable experience. I look forward to taking additional classes with Michelle.

I would love for one to be for women and another to be for couples. There’s nothing for couples and I think my husband would have enjoyed this as much as I did :)

I really enjoyed learning all the basics of yoga. Yoga is something that I never thought that I would enjoy. Michelle made the class fun and explained all the moves so that you don’t hurt yourself. I will definitely be taking another series in person or virtually.

My favourite was the combination of yoga and sound bath. Thoroughly immersive. More please. 10 stars!

Loved the drumming, pelvic health instructor was excellent as well as crystal bowl sound. Timing of crystal bowl sound meditation was excellent. The venue was amazing. Great selection of activities.

Beginner series was great, educational and physical, enjoyed the series. Overall I really enjoyed the course.

My movement has improved significantly.
I felt Michelle listened to my health concerns and offered suggestions. I never felt rushed.

Although I had limitations due to hip, I really appreciated you finding alternate ways to do poses. After doing a workout, I really did feel the benefits. Michelle, I really enjoyed the beginners class to yoga. I had no idea it would be that challenging! It was a great way to learn and I really did feel better after.
This series was excellent for beginners. I didn’t know there was so much to learn!

Really great timing for me. I definitely needed back into my body and slow down for a moment.

Rated 10/10 ~ Would highly recommend Health Gains to others.
Enjoyed most about my sessions: Learning to become more aware of movements and the impact of doing painful things.

If someone was considering a workplace wellness session with Michelle, what would you tell them?

100% ~ DO IT!

The series provided an excellent overview. The series provided just the right amount of information to keep me interested without it becoming information overload. I really liked the email follow-ups so I could do further research if I wished. Michelle was an excellent instructor, helping to ensure we had the proper positioning and gently reminding us to breath, etc. She was not overbearing or too intense and made it a very enjoyable experience. I look forward to taking additional classes with Michelle.

My movement has improved significantly.
The techniques have helped me significantly reduce pain and feel more comfortable.
I wish I had tried this many many years ago. I believe it would have been so beneficial to my body as it's aging.

I have very low self-esteem and these sessions remind me that I matter.

Rated overall experience Excellent. Very knowledgable, caring, professional, approachable.
What I enjoyed most was the sessions were very personalized to my needs.

Thought it was excellent. Would recommend it to anyone who would like to start yoga. She’s very informative.

Come find your centre in a community of women brought together under beautiful colours & spaces. Feed your body with wholesome food, fill your soul with smiles & laughter, find your mantra & learn to quiet your mind in a busy, noisy world.

Having a personal instructor who provided a program to suit my needs was very helpful. Michelle Didn't pressure me to perform. She encouraged me to slow down my movements to prevent pain from surfacing.

She's knowledgeable, calming, willing to work with you for a program. Overall experience 5/5 excellent.

I felt welcomed by everyone, many who I only met that day. I felt safe enough to let go to the practice being taught. The food was great! The scenery was even better. Happy that I did something for myself.

Was there something from today's discussion, mindful movement or Yoga Nidra that gave you a new insight about yourself, your nervous system, or how you'd like to move into autumn?

Just more relaxed. At your sessions, it’s like going through a revolving door…..stress was with me when I arrived, then when I went through the revolving door to leave, a different me. Thank you very much for having these sessions. Many blessings to you💐❤️🙋‍♀️

It was incredible, always such a positive and relaxed vibe with OTO and all the other people who attend are so amazing

I thought it was a great introduction to yoga especially the info printouts as well as the poses sequencing. I thought your presentations were excellent, Michelle. As an online participant I found your directions to be clear and concise and your knowledge of the history and development of yoga bottomless. The printouts were very helpful as well. I particularly enjoyed the meditation at the end of each session! You have a very calming voice.

If you have the opportunity to attend any of Michelle’s classes or retreats you won’t be disappointed. Her sessions are more than just movement and breath work. If you’re wanting to go deeper, Michelle is an excellent guide. Do it for yourself.

One word description: Re-engergized!
Enjoyed most: The challenge of focusing on various body parts being heavy or light as well as how the concepts from the QiGong warm-up flow through the yoga practice.

Whole experience: It was a welcoming group (it was my first retreat) and every detail was expertly planned so the day flowed seamlessly.

Picture yourself in a gorgeous log lodge beside a tranquil lake, gentle, calming yoga, a delectable chef curated meal...bliss! You'll leave rejuvenated!

I always look forward to attending the Of The Oaks annual retreats. They provide valuable self-care time with a group of lovely women. Laurentian Lodge is a beautiful location and the food is extraordinary.

Michelle has a way with herself that I’m find relaxing when she is teaching, & demonstrating. She makes everyone feel comfortable.

The camaraderie was special! The overall feeling of well-being!.Such a positive experience!

Unforgettable event. A must for the mind body and spirit amongst a beautiful atmosphere.

One word description: FABULOUS!

Feeling heading into the season afterwards: Beneficial for accessing parasympathetic nervous system through intentional movement.

Michelle is a fantastic instructor and her program brought alot to the work day. Felt more at ease, able to handle stress better and gave me a more sunny disposition on the yoga days.

Key takeaways:
important stretches, breathing techniques, great to do an activity with other employees

You should have come, you missed a fantastic time with some pretty awesome woman!! Even going solo for the first time was a really great experience

A weekend for women's wellness where you can connect with women of all ages. A good variety of workshops to attend or just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

A beautiful weekend away with a bunch of great women. You can do as much or as little as you like you get to choose all of your activities based on your own interests which is truly amazing

It was amazing! Super fun, educational and empowering!

the entire day was great - left floating on the clouds

You missed out! It was awesome! Make sure you get in on the next one! You won't be disappointed! I left feeling a bit spoiled and a lot rejuvenated!

Be sure to save the date! You won’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity of yoga and sound bath retreat!