Modo Voices: Journey to Grounded Confidence

How did Maddie McDonald, a devoted mother and aspiring yoga teacher, transform her life through yoga?   From overcoming childhood bullying to finding her true self, Maddie shares how the practice of yoga helped her embrace her inner strength and connect with others on a deeper level.

Modo Yoga Columbus Opens Their Second Location in Clintonville, Ohio!

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new Modo Yoga studio in Clintonville, Ohio, on October 6, 2024!

Modo Voices: “What do you have to Lose?" Yoga for Obesity and Addiction

When Bob began doing yoga he could hardly put weight on his knees.  At 592 pounds he was considered morbidly obese.  In this edition of Modo Voices, Bob shares how he lost 365 pounds, shedding not only weight but also addictions, shame and a sense of hopelessness.    

Modo Voices shares stories from participants at their Modo Yoga Teacher Training, aiming to inspire the belief that while we each have our own unique journey, we’re never alone in facing our challenges.

What Is Modo Yoga?

Whether you've had curious minds asking why your outlook is so positive or why you’re always glowing (the people must know!), OR—you’re new to Modo and are wondering the same thing yourself, this Journal entry explores the simple question: "What is Modo Yoga."

Game Changer: CFL Player Uses Yoga For Cross Training

In full transparency I know nothing about football.  So these insightful interview responses with Canadian Football League player, Drew Wolitarsky, shed light not only on the challenges of being a professional athlete but reminded me how the mind-body connection, and the quiet of the yoga room can be transformative in myriad ways.

Why Am I So Tired? Hydration Tips For Summertime Modis

If you feel like you’re doing all the right stuff—logging a full night's sleep, slowing down, taking breaks and you STILL feel tired, hydration may be a contributing factor.  Or if it’s, say, the week after the 4th of July weekend and—hypothetically—some consumption of non-water has left you feeling particularly dehydrated… our most recent article in the Modo Journal is for you.  Dive into water infusion ideas from our co-founder @jessrobertsonyoga ...

Juneteenth - Reaching In Reaching Out

Juneteenth is a celebration of the official end of slavery in the US on June 19th 1865.  To commemorate the day we chatted with Shewit Kalat, the Executive Director of the New Leaf Foundation.  Shewit shares her thoughts on Reaching In and Reaching Out and how to continue to learn about how to create more inclusive, trauma informed wellness spaces.

Leading With Pride (Part 3: Katarina Wittkamp)

Whether you’ve been following along with this 3 part entry, or you’re just jumping in now, join Modo Co-Founder, Jess Robertson, as she interviews the lovely and inspiring Katarina Wittkamp.  Katarina shares her thoughts on leadership and celebrating Pride Month in this final installation of  Leading with Pride, which centers leaders in the Modo and LGBTQIA2+ Communities.

Leading With Pride (Part 2: Linda & Belinda)

For Pride Month 2024 we’re celebrating leaders in the LGBTQIA2+ Communities with a 3 part series entitled Leading with Pride.  In Part 2, we speak with Belinda and Linda—Modo Yoga studio owners for 15 years (and counting), and a loving couple for even longer!

Leading With Pride (Part 1: Jase Cannon)

Every year Pride is celebrated, new ways of recognizing this important month emerge.   We wanted to kick this year’s Pride month  off with a celebration of a 3 part series on 4  wonderful Leaders from the Modo LGBTQIA2+ community.  Part 1 is with the incredible Modo teacher, thought leader and Founder of Satchel Productions -  Jase Cannon.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Community?

Does it seem like everywhere you turn these days you see the word community?  Digital apps abound to “create community.”  Health coaches ask about your community engagement to begin a wellness journey.  Even big corps are starting to use the word internally. Community has been one of Modo’s Pillars since our inception 2004.  So although we’re still learning, we do have our thoughts on the idea.  If you’ve asked yourself in passing “Why is Everyone talking about Community” this Modo Journal entry is for you. 

Is Yoga Meditation?

Whether yoga and meditation are seen as two sides of the same coin or entirely distinct is a question that often arises on retreats, at teacher trainings, or after an impactful class with a wonderful teacher over a cup of tea. There may be no right answer.  But as Modo Yoga Co Founder, Jess Robertson, shares - we do love the question and consider it worthy of discussion.

What's So Great About A Regular Practice?

Sometimes life feels like a race without a finish line.  When this is the case, developing consistency in your practice can be a balm for your body-mind and spirit.  This journal entry aims to act as inspiration for you to invest time in yourself through explorating the why behind curating a regular practice.

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

With natural disasters in the news daily - every day seems to be a reminder of the dangerous state of our environment.  Earth Day can feel daunting.  What can we possibly do in one day that will make a difference?  In this Journal post Modo’s Co Founder and Community Documentarian Jess Robertson explores some possibilities for a different take on Earth Day.

What Are Those Things on the Ceiling? The Myriad Benefits of Radiant Heat

Ever wonder what those white things are on the ceiling in the Modo Yoga hot rooms?  Or—are you curious about why the heated rooms at your Modo studio feel somehow soothing to your muscles, or why the floors feel warm?  Modo Yoga Co Founder, Jess Robertson, in her new role as Community Documentarian dishes on all things radiant heat...

Repetition as a Practice in Presence

As a yoga teacher that guides a series of postures that involve repetition, I’m often asked: “don’t you get bored?” and "isn’t it repetitive after all of these years?" But, repetition is inherent to our daily lives...

Harnessing Heart Coherence Through Breathwork Meditation

There are many organs whose functions in our bodies are not commonly known.  What does the spleen do anyway?  But we all know that without our heart pumping blood, bringing life-giving oxygen to our cells, life ceases to exist. 

* includes a 15 minute breathwork meditation practice *

The Benefits of Practicing With a Friend

As we evolve as humans, although our options for experiences are ever expanding, it seems increasingly difficult to fit everything in.  And often times, the thing left on the proverbial chopping block is spending time with friends.  And yet there is more and more research pointing to the fact that we live longer, feel better, and even fight off disease better when we have regular interactions with friends.

Embarking on an (Online) Journey of Self-Discovery:  The Underestimated and Profound Benefits of Online Yoga Teacher Training

If you are at a point in your Yoga practice where you are reading articles about teacher trainings, you already know that Yoga is not merely a physical exercise, but a holistic journey that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit and the mystery of it all! 

Gut health: Where the Microcosm Becomes the Macrocosm of Health

In the wild and wonderful tapestry of our existence, there exists a complex ecosystem as intricate and diverse as any rainforest: the human gut. This enigmatic world, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, yes trillions, plays a pivotal role in our overall health and well-being.  Let’s explore the surprising health benefits of a healthy gut.

Download our new app and book your classes with ease!

We’re so excited to say that starting now, Modo Yoga studios are using a new and improved booking platform and App! Get ready for a more user-friendly interface, less clicks, and less time spent at the front desk. Here are the steps to get started...

Modo Community Plants More Than 9,000 Trees For Sweat For Sustainability

From September 1st – 30th, Modo Yoga studios across the community hosted weekly karma classes where 100% of the funds raised were donated directly to One Tree Planted. The coolest part? The impact of these donations is easy to see since one tree is planted for every $1 donated!

Planting Seeds of Inner Peace: Exploring the Benefits of Supine Breathwork Meditation

Finding moments of deep inner calm can truly feel like a luxury these days.  The constant barrage of notifications from our phones from apps that were built to be addictive, family life, work demands, social pulls - even when all categories of life are amazing - life can be - a lot!

Breathwork Meditation for the Pineal Gland

You may have had an experience at a studio in savasana where you feel like you’ve left your body, or you have memories from random moments, or you even see different colours, shapes or images.  When you rise from an experience like this there is often a residing calm throughout the body.  When these sorts of experiences take place physiologically the pineal gland is one of the forces at play.

Yoga is for everyone! Here's how to start

There are so many great reasons to practice yoga, but, sadly, I often hear people’s reasons for not doing it.  Sometimes they come from people who have never tried yoga, yet somehow “know it’s not their thing.” Sometimes I hear them from people who want to try yoga, but who are intimidated by that first class. Sometimes it’s people who have practiced yoga before, but don’t feel comfortable in a studio setting, because they are self-conscious about the way they look.

Modo Voices: Milena makes peace with her mother after a lifetime of pain

"One day, during class, I had this idea that maybe I could try to befriend my mom’s second personality. I wasn’t giving up on her. It was not easy, but I was persistent and came back to my mat to find my sense of calm and my strength."

Modo Voices: After a hockey injury, Brent discovers yoga

"Yoga gave me the opportunity to explore my authentic self in a way that hockey didn’t. Every day that I step on my mat, it helps me be who I am. It’s like your mat is your soul and that’s where you go to connect with who you are.  I remember feeling nervous that I wouldn’t be accepted by the yoga community, but I experienced the opposite. Modo Yoga defines what 'supportive community' means."

Modo Voices: Karl learns to love all his colours

"I think shame diminishes who we are and so, we find other ways of creating value in ourselves, of filling our void, and those ways aren’t always healthy -- sexual behaviours, drug abuse and addictions. These quick fixes turn into destructive habits and they don’t work. But we can nourish those vulnerable parts of ourselves through yoga, meditation, being in nature, connecting to good people and doing what we love."