Right in the heart of Elliot Lake at 126 Ontario Street, Uniting Movement and Yoga Studio is making waves in the community with its diverse offerings tailored to a wide range of participants. Owned by Nadia Carriere, the studio opened its doors to the public on Sept. 5, marking the fulfillment of a long-held dream. With classes available seven days a week, Uniting Movement caters to beginners, seniors, and seasoned yogis alike.
“Opening a yoga studio in Northern Ontario has always been a dream of mine,” Carriere shared. “Elliot Lake made the most sense as it is now our home base.”
After years of teaching yoga around the globe, Carriere realized the need for specialized classes that cater to various demographics.
“After several years of teaching here, it became abundantly clear that specialized yoga classes for everyone, from kids to seniors, are in serious demand in our city,” she said.
The studio’s inaugural class set the tone for many more to come, with a multitude of classes scheduled for the following weeks. Interested attendees are encouraged to visit the studio’s website for a complete schedule. For those unable to attend in person, Carriere emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “We also have online classes for those who can’t make it in person.”
Carriere’s journey in yoga is deeply personal. “I was raised in a Bhakti Yoga household; yoga has been part of my life since I was born,” she explained.
This upbringing instilled in her a philosophy that continues to shape her daily life.
“Yoga is transformative, and it’s always been my goal to share it with everyone.”
With the establishment of Uniting Movement, she has transitioned from teaching worldwide to creating a home base for her community.
The studio stands out not only for its commitment to inclusivity but also for its unique offerings.
“There are no other yoga studios in our area,” Carriere noted, highlighting that they are the only yoga studio in Algoma Country that offers Yoga Therapy, a specialized program requiring over 800 hours of training over three to four years.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We have an incredible and diverse group of students of all ages and stages that have come together in the most beautiful way during our classes, workshops, and events,” Carriere said.
The sense of camaraderie and support among students, particularly during chair yoga sessions, has been a source of joy for the studio owner.
In addition to the studio, Carriere runs the Universal School of Yoga, which is Yoga Alliance Accredited. Aspiring instructors undergo an application process to ensure they align with the school’s vision and standards.
“I’ve taught many teachers throughout Sudbury, Espanola, Blind River, and Sault Ste. Marie, as well as around the United States,” she said.
Despite currently having a limited number of instructors, Carriere emphasizes quality over quantity. “We don’t have a lot of teachers at the moment, but the two we do have are well educated, professional, and well respected in our area,” she stated.
Research continues to underscore the mental health benefits of yoga.
“Yoga can help with stress reduction, improving mood, enhancing self-awareness, emotional regulation, better sleep, and increased resilience,” Carriere explained. These benefits contribute to a community atmosphere that fosters connection and growth.
Giving back remains a cornerstone of Carriere’s mission. “I’ve provided full and partial scholarships for my teacher training to low-income communities and individuals,” she shared.
Recent initiatives include a Hand to Heart Fundraising Event that raised $1,600 for Maplegate House for Women, demonstrating the studio’s commitment to supporting local causes.
As Uniting Movement and Yoga begins its journey, Carriere is optimistic about the future.
“We’ve experienced incredible support in our first month open, and as it continues, it will allow me to make my future dreams and goals for the studio come to life.”
With plans for expansion and additional offerings on the horizon, she encourages others to embark on their own journeys.
“My advice would be to always and forever be a student,” she said. “Remember, it is a journey, not a destination.”
With her extensive experience and over 4,500 teaching hours, Nadia Carriere is not just building a studio; she is nurturing a community, a place where yoga becomes a shared journey of transformation and connection.