Zander is an E-RYT 200 and YACEP, or Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider.
Below you'll find a list of some recent workshop offerings.
DEFYING GRAVITY
Mastering Handstands with Strength and Grace
SATURDAY March 23, 2 - 4 PM
ONE YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE
Join Krystina Simes and Zander Winther as we cultivate a stronger and more intentional handstand practice. Expect to sweat as we build a path towards the handstand press - the seamless transition from a forward fold into handstand.
*Power yoga experience required. Students should be able to hold plank, crow, extend arms straight in upward facing bow (wheel) and feel comfortable finding handstand against a wall.
Price: $35
*Power yoga experience required. Students should be able to hold plank, crow, extend arms straight in upward facing bow (wheel) and feel comfortable finding handstand against a wall.
Price: $35
THE SPACES IN BETWEEN
Exploring Arm Balances, Transitions and Pranayama
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
AT SEMPERVIVA - KITS BEACH STUDIO
By bringing a meditative focus to the movements between the postures, the Vinyasa tradition teaches us to treat the journey and destination as one. In this workshop we will dive into two different but complementary transitional spaces. First, we will break down the elusive floating arm balance transitions often called “jump backs” and “jump throughs.” Learn how to build the strength and integration to perform these transitions safely with control. We will then implement the same principles to explore several of the more challenging arm balances.
We will complement this through a meditative exploration of pranayama, yogic breathing exercises. The focus will be on the space between the breaths, known as the “kumbhaka" a gentle moment of stillness. When performed in a patient and safe fashion, this breathing practice leads to a unique mental clarity described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
Price: $55
We will complement this through a meditative exploration of pranayama, yogic breathing exercises. The focus will be on the space between the breaths, known as the “kumbhaka" a gentle moment of stillness. When performed in a patient and safe fashion, this breathing practice leads to a unique mental clarity described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
Price: $55
WHAT ARE WE REALLY DOING IN YOGA?
A History and Discussion - Free Members Workshop
SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
AT SEMPERVIVA - SUN STUDIO
Have you ever had that moment in the middle of your downward facing dog where you ask yourself: what exactly am I doing here? Is this a workout, a kind of physical therapy, a meditation practice or perhaps a form of art? What are these postures for?
Join Zander as we explore these questions together in a guided group discussion. We will begin by examining what exactly is happening in the postures (asanas) before moving onto the even larger question: what is Yoga? We will reflect on both of these questions from a personal perspective, sharing experiences and insights, and survey the evolution of historical answers to these two big questions.
Come prepared with your questions and experiences of yoga. Wear comfortable clothing as we will do some light postures, and bring a pen and journal or something to write on.
Price: $35 or Free for members of Semperviva
Join Zander as we explore these questions together in a guided group discussion. We will begin by examining what exactly is happening in the postures (asanas) before moving onto the even larger question: what is Yoga? We will reflect on both of these questions from a personal perspective, sharing experiences and insights, and survey the evolution of historical answers to these two big questions.
Come prepared with your questions and experiences of yoga. Wear comfortable clothing as we will do some light postures, and bring a pen and journal or something to write on.
Price: $35 or Free for members of Semperviva
HANDSTAND FOUNDATIONS
co-taught by Krystina Simes & Zander Winther
SATURDAY DEC 1, 2-4 PM
AT STRETCH
Join Krystina Simes and Zander Winther as we lay out a foundation for a safe and sustainable handstand practice. We’ll move through a strong flow to find the required engagement and embodied awareness before taking our time to breakdown and practice the various elements of his challenging inversion. Expect to get sweaty, and have fun.
All levels welcome; some experience with power vinyasa recommended.
Price: $40
All levels welcome; some experience with power vinyasa recommended.
Price: $40
CLASSICAL HATHA YOGA
A Practice and History
SATURDAY NOV 17, 1-30 PM
AT SEMPERVIVA SUN STUDIO
Where does the word “hatha” come from? What does it mean to practice hatha yoga? Join Zander for a classical Yoga experience as we explore these questions. We will examine some influential hatha yoga texts including the well known Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and lesser well known but profound Yoga Yajnavalkya. We will then move through a yoga practice built upon the framework of these texts, integrating asana, pranayama, kriya, mudra and meditation.
All levels welcome, dress comfortably for a practice and bring a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes.
Price: $35
All levels welcome, dress comfortably for a practice and bring a notebook and pen if you’d like to take notes.
Price: $35
THE INVERSION MASTERCLASS
co-taught by Krystina Simes & Zander Winther
SATURDAY NOV 3, 2-3:30 PM
AT ONE YOGA VANCOUVER
Join Zander and Krystina for a powerful masterclass structured around safe and sustainable inversion play. Expect to sweat and have fun as we move through arm balances, handstands, and advanced transitions.
*Power yoga experience required. Students should be able to hold plank, crow, extend arms straight in upward facing bow (wheel) and feel comfortable finding handstand against a wall.
Price: $20
*Power yoga experience required. Students should be able to hold plank, crow, extend arms straight in upward facing bow (wheel) and feel comfortable finding handstand against a wall.
Price: $20
LIVING THE YOGA SUTRAS
Integrating the teachings of Patañjali
SATURDAY OCT 27, 1:30 PM - 4 PM
AT SEMPERVIVA - KITS BEACH STUDIO
The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali are arguably the most influential and authoritative text on Yoga philosophy. In just under 200 lines, it provides a vision and methodology for investigating the very nature of the self. Join Zander as we explore this profound work, laying out its philosophical structure and uncovering how to integrate its practices into your daily life and yoga practice.
In this workshop you can expect to:
Dress comfortably and bring a pen and notebook.
Price: $35
In this workshop you can expect to:
- Understand the history and context of the Yoga Sūtras
- Explore its philosophical vision of the mind and the true Self
- Learn traditional practices for cultivating greater awareness
- See the role of postures (asanas) in the larger practice of yoga
- Understand the eight limbs (Ashtanga) of Patañjali’s yoga
Dress comfortably and bring a pen and notebook.
Price: $35
THE INVERSION MASTERCLASS
co-taught by Krystina Simes & Zander Winther
FRIDAY AUG 24, 7:30 - 9 PM
AT ONE YOGA VANCOUVER
Join Zander and Krystina for a powerful masterclass structured around safe and sustainable inversion play. Expect to sweat and have fun as we move through arm balances, handstands, and advanced transitions.
*Power yoga experience required. Students should be able to hold plank, crow, extend arms straight in upward facing bow (wheel) and feel comfortable finding handstand against a wall.
Price: $20
*Power yoga experience required. Students should be able to hold plank, crow, extend arms straight in upward facing bow (wheel) and feel comfortable finding handstand against a wall.
Price: $20
A HISTORY OF VINYASA YOGA
Free Members Workshop
SUNDAY AUG 19, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
AT SEMPERVIVA KITS BEACH STUDIO
Whenever we take a class described as “power” “vinyasa” or “flow”, we are practising in the Vinyasa tradition of Shri Krishnamacharya, a fascinating yet mysterious 20th century Yogi. Join Zander as we explore the original meaning behind the word “vinyasa” and review the history of this powerful yoga tradition. We will look at its ancient roots, survey its most important philosophical texts and explore its development all the way up to the 20th century.
Feel free to bring questions, and a notebook.
Price: $35 or Free for Semperviva Members
Inquiries: [email protected]
Feel free to bring questions, and a notebook.
Price: $35 or Free for Semperviva Members
Inquiries: [email protected]
THREADING THE MALA
A workshop on the Ashtanga Vinyasa Sanskrit Count
WEDNESDAY JUNE 27, 6 PM - 7:15 PM
AT ASHTANGA YOGA VANCOUVER
In this workshop we will be diving into the logic behind the Ashtanga Vinyasa Sanskrit count. Have you ever wondered why we jump through on sapta (seven) for the seated postures, or why we repeat ashtau (eight) or nava (nine) during the closing section?
We'll answer these questions and also cover:
Price: $15
Inquiries & Register:
email [email protected]
We'll answer these questions and also cover:
- The mystical history of the vinyasa count in the Yoga Korunta
- The evolution from "full" to "half" vinyasa systems
- How to begin counting in Sanskrit during practice
- The count's connection to the subtle energies of the breath
- The meditative and reverential intent of the count
- This workshop is geared towards Ashtanga Vinyasa practitioners but is open to all
Price: $15
Inquiries & Register:
email [email protected]
INTRODUCTION TO ASHTANGA VINYASA
A workshop on the Mysore Method
SATURDAY JUNE 16, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
AT ASHTANGA YOGA VANCOUVER
Join me at Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver for an introduction to this transformative style of practice. If you've been curious about the Mysore method (as the teaching style is called) but hesitated to get started, this is a great opportunity to get your bearings and ask any questions you may have.
The Ashtanga Vinyasa practice is for everyone and can be adapted to your unique history and needs. Open to brand new practitioners and experienced Yogis who are interested in exploring the Mysore tradition. You do not need to be able to jump through your arms or touch your toes or anything else to practice Ashtanga Yoga.
In this workshop we will cover:
Price: $80
Also included is four days of Mysore practice with authorized teachers at Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver (Mon-thurs the following week).
To register or ask any questions please send an email to: [email protected]
Or send questions to me directly: [email protected]
This workshop is registered for 2 continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance.
The Ashtanga Vinyasa practice is for everyone and can be adapted to your unique history and needs. Open to brand new practitioners and experienced Yogis who are interested in exploring the Mysore tradition. You do not need to be able to jump through your arms or touch your toes or anything else to practice Ashtanga Yoga.
In this workshop we will cover:
- The history and origins of the practice
- The differences between modern led classes and 'Mysore' style of practice
- The three pillars of the Ashtanga practice (breath, bandhas and drishti)
- An introduction to the Primary series
- A detailed look at Surya Namaskar A + B in the Ashtanga style
- An introduction to the Vinyasa (Sanskrit) count
- Also included: four days of Mysore style practice at Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver during the following week (Monday to Thursday).
Price: $80
Also included is four days of Mysore practice with authorized teachers at Ashtanga Yoga Vancouver (Mon-thurs the following week).
To register or ask any questions please send an email to: [email protected]
Or send questions to me directly: [email protected]
This workshop is registered for 2 continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance.
THE TEACHER WITHIN
Cultivating a self-practice through inner alignment
MAR 17, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
SEMPERVIVA - KITS BEACH STUDIO
Join Krystina Simes and Zander Winther for an exploration of the inner teacher. Our journey will involve three steps: first we will develop tools for carefully listening to the body, using our internal feedback to craft our alignment safely from within. By maintaining this clear inner dialogue with the language of sensation in the body, we can ensure a practice that lasts a lifetime. From there we will explore the subtle or energetic alignment that goes beyond the physical body’s external arrangement in space. This subtle alignment was the original language of Yoga, and it is a powerful tool for deepening our meditative experience of every posture. Lastly, we will tie this all together to map out how to create and maintain a self-practice for the days when you cannot get to the studio or need to craft something unique.
EXPLORING INVERSIONS WITH STRENGTH AND GRACE
APR 21, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
SEMPERVIVA - KITS BEACH STUDIO
Join Krystina Simes and Zander Winther as we layout a foundation for progressing intentionally and safely through challenging inversions, culminating in tools for building a graceful handstand. It is tempting to ‘muscle’ your way through these postures; instead we will explore an approach that maintains what the Yoga Sutras refer to as Sthira and Sukha. Sthira can be understood as ‘strength without tension’, Sukha is described as ‘relaxation without dullness.’ By maintaining these qualities in our postures we will find the balance of strength and grace even as we find ourselves upside down.
YOGA PHILOSOPHY 6-PART SERIES
JANUARY TO MARCH, 2018
ASHTANGA YOGA VANCOUVER
