As a physician and former physical educator, I am impressed by Mike Chapman’s extensive knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics. He is also extremely proficient at applying this knowledge to his yoga students’ individual needs. In doing so, he provides an effective and safe exercise environment.
I have been personally astounded by how rapidly my chronic back pain and poor flexibility have improved after just a few classes at Breathe Into Motion Yoga Studios. I highly recommend his classes for anyone suffering with rehab issues or any athlete wanting to round out their training and help to decrease their likelihood of injuries.
Tracy Hughes
B.P.H.E., M.D., C.C.F.P.
Mike has been a help to me in many areas. When I first started yoga I was not sure what to expect, but since my first class with him he has helped me understand and enjoy yoga. Mike’s teaching techniques have helped me to improve my flexibility and overall body strength. It has also taught me to listen to my body to help prevent injury. Mike’s yoga is challenging and enjoyable. After each session with him I feel relaxed and energized, which has also helped the mental part of my game. I would recommend Mike’s yoga to any athlete looking to bring their strength and flexibility to a new level.
Shayne Campbell
Sarnia Sting, OHL
As a former Varsity athlete (hockey) for the University of Guelph, now in my thirties, I have finally found a fitness class that I can’t wait to get to every week. It inspires me, improves my strength, endurance and flexibility, and because of Mike’s philosophy and expertise, I don’t have to worry about injury.
What a workout you get from the Breathe Into Motion Level 4 class. After my first Saturday morning session my muscles were fatigued. Then by Sunday morning my whole body was a bit achy...but it was a good ache, like when you start training for a new season or new sport. Since my first session my muscles have quickly adapted, and each and every time I go I get better at the poses, and I find I can put more into the class and I work up even more sweat.
I wish that I had been doing a class like this when I was playing Varsity hockey every day. Not only could it have improved my game, but it also may have eliminated my long term muscle tightness as a result of spending so much time skating in the ‘hockey squat.’
The best part of taking Mike’s quick-paced yoga class is that while it obviously increases flexibility, it also incorporates cardio, strength and balance and even some plyometrics, which is overall doing wonders for my agility.
If you are looking for a great workout, Breathe Into Motion is the place for you. Some parting advice...always wear dark colours (the sweat shows less) and bring a water bottle.
Ingrid Macey
I have never been able, nor motivated, to commit to any fitness regime till Mike’s yoga program. Fifteen months along, my flexibility, strength and stride length have all increased dramatically. This program has allowed me to increase my cardio fitness with reduced risk of injury to my already injured back, ankle and feet. Because Mike’s curriculum starts with the basics and builds from there, it is easier to become physically self-aware and to design a routine that takes into consideration all the strengths and weaknesses of the individual.
Thanks again Mike.
Lisa McArthur
B.A., R.R.PR., Reflexologist, Cambridge Foot Clinic
Having been a long distance runner for many years, I have sustained many back and knee injuries over those years. I have seen many different kinds of professionals about exercises that would help. After doing yoga with Mike for the last six months, I have had no back or knee trouble at all and have been running longer distances.
Walter Winkler
I first met Mike Chapman when he was assisting me with providing a yoga program for the staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital Active Living Program in 2001-2004. He taught a class once a week for the staff during the lunch hour and it was always a popular class to de-stress during the work day and to improve our flexibility and strength.
His expert knowledge in anatomy and exercise principles allowed each participant to work at their own fitness level. He was very conscientious and attentive with regards to adapting each yoga move to each participant’s level of ability. Safety and body mechanics were always a top priority in his yoga class!
I later invited him to teach a class to a group of mental health patients that I was working with. Once again he didn’t disappoint me. He always displayed a positive attitude, outstanding enthusiasm and was always attentive to each individual. He emphasized a holistic approach to their recovery with his yoga program.
Today I have just resumed my interest in yoga and once again I was not disappointed. He continues to display stellar enthusiasm and continues to have a wide variety of content in his class. He is constantly tweaking his program at all levels so each participant stays motivated and challenged.
It has been a pleasure working with Mike in each different capacity over the last few years. I am looking forward to the Level 2 Yoga program this fall. Keep up the good work Mike!
Theresa Milani
Recreational Therapist, Cambridge Memorial Hospital
An excellent program with exceptional individual attention. Breathe Into Motion Yoga is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Mike is a well trained and capable instructor who provides a challenging and safe workout for all participants
Sarah Kolk
M.D., C.C.F.P.
It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of reference for Mike Chapman. I have had the pleasure of working with Mike as part of our school staff of Health and Physical Education instructors over the past several years. Mike has provided yoga instruction for boys, girls and coed PE classes from the grade 9 to 12 level. Finding yoga an integral part of my personal fitness program, I have also been a student in his adult yoga classes for the past six months.
Mike has demonstrated an incredible insight into the instruction of yoga. His care and understanding approach to the safe progression for every one of his students was seen consistently at the school level and at the adult level. His students quickly recognize him as a confident, competent and very empathetic teacher. He always works collaboratively with his students to determine the best methods and adaptations to achieve particular yoga movements, taking into account each student’s varied limitations, previous injuries and anatomical restrictions. He performs comfortably and confidently in front of high school students and adults, handling day to day questions effectively, with a keen sense of humour and a very relaxed manner.
Mike has established himself throughout Waterloo Region and I support being a professional reference for him. I know that he has a positive impact on the lives of our students and the adults he has come in contact with.
Robert A. P. Cardy
Health and Physical Education Program Head - St. Mary’s High School, Kitchener, Ontario
As a martial artist with 15 years of experience in Aikido I have found Mike's yoga program to be a very useful practice as an adjunct to my martial arts training. It is very useful in enhancing body awareness, safety, flexibility, relaxation, balance, and core strength. I would recommend his program to any martial artist looking for a safe and effective enhancement to training. Mike is knowledgeable and stresses safety and FUN.
Jill Nielsen
Lead Instructor, K-W Ki Aikido Club
As a family physician who has been practicing in Cambridge (Hespeler) for over 20 years, I had heard about Mike Chapman from several of my colleagues and patients who had attended his yoga classes. They all spoke highly of him and of his teaching style and ability.
I finally had a chance to enroll in Mike’s Level 1 class in the fall of 2009 along with my wife and two daughters. Mike was welcoming to all of us, and the rest of the class. I, myself, met with Mike ahead of time to address concerns with my flexibility related to another fitness program. He was very understanding of these issues and always took them into consideration when I attended the yoga classes.
I was impressed with Mike right from the beginning and continue to be impressed as time goes on. He is highly qualified and it is evident that he has spent a great deal of time and effort into acquiring his vast knowledge of the field of yoga, anatomy, and physiology, as they relate to yoga and personal training. As someone who comes from the country where yoga originated, India, I am also impressed with his knowledge about the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga.
What impresses me and my family about Mike is his personable nature, his ability to know all his students by their name, their limitations, their injuries (if they have any), and his attention to each participant in the class. He constantly and diligently observes each person and corrects their posture accordingly. As a physician it is important for me to know that the type of fitness my patients participate in is safe, that the instructor is aware of their limitations, and does not push them to the point of injury. Mike is definitely such an instructor, and not only have I great confidence in continuing with him as an instructor for my family (we have already signed up for Level 2 class Friday nights - our family night together), but I have full confidence in recommending him to my patients, friends, and the general public.
I have noted significant improvements in my flexibility in the Level 1 classes and this has helped with my fitness level in my other training program also. My family and I have enjoyed our sessions with Mike tremendously. Every Friday night when we finish our class we all feel much better physically and much lighter mentally. It is a great way to end our usual hectic week.
I wholeheartedly recommend Yoga Mike (as he has come to be known) to anyone looking to improve their flexibility, improve their strength, or improve their ability in other fitness programs they are involved with. I also recommend Mike’s program to those recovering from injury and to those who just want a nice fun evening that will take your physical and mental aches and pains away.
Dr. Upe Mehan
M.D., C.C.F.P., F.C.F.P.
Working as a physiotherapist, I first heard of Mike Chapman through one of my patients. She was eager to return to her yoga practice following an injury and I was hesitant, not knowing whether her injury would be properly protected. I had taken yoga previously in a gym setting where we were all crammed in like sardines and the instructor knew nobody, talked to nobody and had no interest in knowing if anybody had any injuries. Memories of this flashed through my head and I didn’t want my patient risking re-injury and undoing all the hard work she had put in. However, she stated her yoga instructor wanted to know which muscle was injured and what positions to avoid. At that point I knew Mike was taking care of his clients and the memory stuck in my head.
Six months later I decided to return to yoga for my own personal fitness goals and began researching local yoga studios. The memory of Mike and Breathe Into Motion Yoga Studios was foremost on my mind so I tried an introductory class. I was impressed with the time Mike spent finding out if anybody had a previous or existing injury, correcting everyone’s individual alignment and communicating the importance of how to practice yoga to avoid injury. I immediately signed up for Level 1.
Mike is well trained, well researched and passionate about yoga. His outgoing personality makes his classes fun, though you still receive an excellent workout. He takes a genuine interest in his clients and their specific needs. Mike’s unique approach to injuries shows his expertise in yoga and the understanding that attaining the perfect yoga posture is not worth it if you are left with an injury. If you are open and honest with Mike about your current or pre-existing injuries, and honest with yourself about your limitations and abilities, then Mike’s classes are safe and effective exercise for your fitness and rehabilitation goals.
Carla Placido
B.Sc., (PT), C.A.F.C.I., Registered Physiotherapist
Being a 16 year old girl with a part time job, school, and a social life can be busy; but stressful too. Not to mention having scoliosis greatly adds to my stress. I have tried many treatments; massage therapy, physiotherapy and pool/water therapy. Nothing helped. But when I heard from many people that yoga helps relieve stress I thought I’d give it a try.
I have been practicing yoga with Mike at Breathe Into Motion Yoga Studios for six months now, and not only has my stress level decreased significantly, but my back pain has tremendously improved. My doctors have noticed a difference according to x-rays and most importantly, I feel the difference. When I first started, I had some trouble keeping up and I began to feel dizzy at times, but Mike assured me that with time and practice, this problem will fade. Sure enough, it did.
Mike’s style of teaching and practicing yoga is amazing. The length and combination of different positions and poses, and keen description of the transitioning and movement of breath gives me an amazing feeling when I’m in practice. I have been doing yoga for 2 years, but I have learned the most about yoga from Mike. I have grown a strong love and passion for yoga, and I look forward to Wednesdays because I know that is ‘yoga night.’ He is an amazing instructor and I look forward to many years of practicing with him. As Mike has taught me, “It’s all about the journey!”
Your dedicated yoga student,
Tasia Pejkovic
PS: Your amazing yoga skills make up for your cheesy yet funny jokes.
Over the past 5 years I have participated in Mike’s small in home yoga classes, prenatal yoga, classes in the community, and now classes at Breathe Into Motion. It is Mike’s warm, accessible and gentle approach that keeps bringing me back and attracts more and more people to join his programs. His willingness to meet individual needs sets him apart. Both my friend who is blind and my sister who has chronic health issues have attended classes with Mike and greatly appreciated his consideration of their needs. Mike meets people where they are at and brings increased wellness and relaxation to their lives.
Holly Mathers
B.A., M.T.S., Counsellor/Facilitator, Hope for Families Counselling Centre
Mike, Thank you so much for all the great yoga classes. I just wanted to let you know again my back has never felt better. You have helped me and I appreciate it every day. You are full of knowledge and you are a huge inspiration to me. You run the best program and the safest as far as I’m concerned. Everyone appreciates that. I hope I will be as great some day!
All the best,
Shaunna Heckbert
R.M.T., Owner of Shaunna Heckbert Massage Therapy
I joined yoga on the encouragement of a friend and am amazed at the results. In just six months of practicing yoga one or two times a week I have gained flexibility, strength and muscle tone. My back pain is significantly reduced and my posture has improved so much that people are noticing. I also find the concentration required for yoga is a real mental break from the rest of my life.
Mike is an amazing instructor. He is very real in how he shows genuine concern, care and appreciation of all his students. He is meticulous in finding and helping to resolve previous injuries or limitations and to ensure no further injury. His light approach to yoga is very appealing for the beginner and his skill is more than enough to keep the seasoned participants challenged.
I enjoy going to class because I derive support and encouragement from my fellow students. When I leave class I feel rejuvenated and relaxed. My husband says I actually have a glow. He has noticed the benefits so much that he is encouraging me to do yoga more often.
Gwyn Rafuse-Smith
Yoga with Mike was an integral part of my weight loss. I lost 40 pounds by increasing my exercise and following Canada’s Food Guide. Yoga kept me centered, focused, flexible and toned. Yoga is a part of my lifestyle.
Leigh-Anne Lowes
It is amazing how focused we are on everything else in the world. This program is a wonderful way to let go of these things, and strengthen yourself. It offers some basic principles, that when followed closely will help you. These principles will cause self awareness, helping them to become second nature; as they should be.
In only a few classes I felt strengthened and straightened. My left hip that had been bothering me through two pregnancies was no longer an issue. The small simple steps made such a difference, yet at the same time were comfortable to be in and easy to follow along with. Mike’s knowledge and compassion puts you at ease and helps educate you on your own personal limits. This class is for everyone and comes highly recommended. Enjoy!
Emma Sherren
