Kristine Murphy - Pure Owner

PURE OWNER/FOUNDER

kristine@purehotyoga.ca

My journey into yoga began many years ago when I took my first hot yoga class. I have an athletic background and competed in many different sports. I had the opportunity to go to the University of San Diego on a full tennis scholarship where I played professionally. This led to many serious injuries and a life of living in constant pain. I was encouraged to try hot yoga, which I did. Slowly, I started to see dramatic changes. I noticed that my pain had decreased and I was getting stronger and more flexible. At this point, I was still very focused on the physical benefits of yoga.

However, there was a turning point for me, where it became more than just a "physical practice" for me. Going through the most difficult period of my life, I finally experienced the mental and spiritual side of yoga. I found that through yoga I became more grounded, calmer and more focused. I became drawn to the practice for my mind, my spirit, my being. It allowed me to live in the present and I became a happier, more committed and centered person.

It was THEN that I realized I must sign up for a Baron Baptiste Teacher Training. I decided that I had to share this passion, this LOVE with others. I wanted others to feel and experience what had changed my life. This is when I knew that I must open up my own studio. I wanted to create a place where everyone and anyone feels welcome, comfortable and loved. Living in such a busy, fast paced world, I wanted to create a place where everyone can walk out feeling more grounded, positive and confident. I wanted to create a place where others could open their hearts, their bodies, their minds.

My dream has now come true with the opening of PURE.

Yoga has had such a profound, positive effect on my life that I feel so blessed to be able to share this gift with others. I hope to inspire and challenge every person that steps into PURE just as you will me.

NAMASTE!!

IG - @krispurehot

Christina Caddel

Christina Caddel, Studio Manager
christina@purehotyoga.ca

Being a part of Pure has given me the opportunity to meet and connect to so many different types of people at various stages of their own journey. An experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I originally found yoga in 2011 by mistake. I stumbled into a class with zero understanding of what I was getting into, zero expectations of myself, and absolutely zero concept for what kind of journey that would ignite. In hindsight, even though I didn’t know it at the time, that is the most authentic way to approach yoga - just as you are. I was distracted, out of shape, and looking for just another hobby. I joined various studios, took all kinds of classes and started to seek out yoga studios in cities when I travelled. I approached it like a challenge to myself to “get better at yoga”; little did I know that yoga was making “me” better.

I began to soften, began to strengthen, began to see the world and myself with more clarity and kindness.

At some point over the last decade, subconsciously yoga found me. It found me when I needed it the most. Yoga started to unravel me into the person that I’ve always wanted to be for myself. Through the focus, the agility, the psychological awareness, the questions it raises, and the overall empowerment… this practice has a way of teaching you how to curate your own energy to heal and process your world.

So I listened. I created a permanent space for yoga in my life. It’s become my truest form of self expression.

My moods, my ideas, my emotions, they pour out on my mat building me up or breaking me down and every time without fail, they fuel me forward.

I’ve found my passion in connecting with every human who comes through these doors. I’ve found a family and a community that’s motivated, inspired, and propelled me with this beautiful practice that transforms me into a better version of myself every day.

Sarah Moran

Marketing & Brand Director / INSTRUCTOR

Hello I'm Sarah, a mover, a dancer, a mother and friend. I have been lifelong student of dance and everything sweat and am so excited to move along side the Pure family. I grew up in the Calgary dance world and have always had a very special connection to music and movement. I have worked with Carnival Cruise Lines, The Calgary Stampeders and with numerous fitness leaders in the YYC community and abroad. I finally discovered barre and boutique fitness while living in Oklahoma City in 2010. The people I have met throughout this journey are my why, my inspiration and what I look forward to each and every class. I am CanFit Pro certified and have a passion for helping individuals find joy in movement and the freedom to be perfectly themselves. 

You will find a place in my class no matter who you are or where you are in life. We will move through a fusion of barre, pilates and yoga inspired exercises for the perfect mix of FUN and sweat. My athletic/dance background, paired with my love of music and beats, will have you leaving class feeling energized, inspired and ready for whatever comes your way. I encourage everyone to have FUN, remain in the moment and let go. Pure is about family and feeling something good, the workout is a bonus!  

I can't wait to meet you!

Amber Kusch

PURE INSTRUCTOR

I am constantly drawn to seek knowledge in how to best care for the body- both physically and mentally. Experiencing many injuries and health struggles was a turning point in my life that led me to dive deeper into my own personal healing. I began to deepen my understanding and dedication of the practice of Yoga and saw huge benefits in so many areas of my life. The teachings, lifestyle, and the yoga community have my heart. To see and feel personally the infinite impact these practices can have on our entire being gets me excited to share with others.  

Favourite quote: Do your best, forget the rest

IG - @amber.kusch

Ali Allen

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Growing up as an athlete, exercise has always been an important part of my daily routine. When I finished my nine year swimming career, I didn’t know what else was available outside of the pool and the gym. When one of my best friends took me to a hot flow class, I was surprised to learn that yoga was so much more than the chanting and meditating I had imagined it to be (and much sweatier too!). I was hooked on the challenge and loved that high after discovering a new shape and creating more opening in your body. For the next few years, I dragged all of the important people in my life into a hot yoga room to share this practice with them and introduce them to my new passion. I love that yoga is accessible for all bodies and can be whatever you design it to be by listening to your body.

After completing my business degree at UofC in early 2019, I took my teacher training right here at Pure and found a fulfillment that I have never experienced before. Coaching swimming for the last six years has helped me to find my voice and learn more about movements in the body. Teaching yoga has allowed me the platform to share my passion for movement and connect with some amazing people - I am always up for a visit before and after class! Every opportunity to teach a class is a gift and I couldn’t be happier to guide you through your practice.

Caitlin Montgomery

PURE INSTRUCTOR

I have been teaching yoga in Calgary since 2008.

The saying, “when the student is ready, the teacher appears” has held true for me during my yoga journey. I have been influenced by a wide variety of wonderful teachers over the years as my practice and understandings evolve.

For me, the practice of yoga is a powerful tool for us to really know ourselves on a deep level and to connect to who we are and our life’s purpose.

My classes are purposeful, energizing and dynamic. I’m grateful to be teaching at Pure Hot Yoga and love to connect with the yogis that come through.

IG - @_caitlin_montgomery

Jojo Brooks

PURE INSTRUCTOR

JoJo brings a rich past to her yoga practice. A registered nurse by day, she has worked in Oncology since 1984. She was instrumental in bringing the healing and health benefits of humour therapy to the Calgary Health Region in the early 1990’s and has endeavoured to incorporate it in her nursing care daily since then. In 2000, JoJo did her first yoga class and found in the practice of yoga a grounding energy, to not only sustain her demanding nursing career but also allow her to thrive and grow as a human being. She has trained with Baron Baptiste, taught Bikram yoga and is excited to do Yin training to expand her knowledge and abilities as a teacher. Students in JoJo’s classes are sure to feel the profound love, care and joy she brings to her teaching.

"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and heart are my temples—my philosophy is kindness." — Dalai Lama

Kristy Walton

PURE INSTRUCTOR

A student first and forever learner.

I love to teach from that which is found within my personal practice; creating and moving with fluidity and breath, working and building into strength through mindful transition, and connecting to Self, to body, to mind. My practice allows me to play, explore, connect, create, and surrender. And teaching allows me to share this.

My mat has always felt like home. It’s been a space to soften, to find vulnerability, to gain self-awareness and self-compassion, and to work through whatever it is I need to work through. A practice to which I was originally drawn to for the physical benefits, has developed into one that brings much more—it has taught me self-compassion, humility, surrender, patience, and self-love.

I love to share this practice, to move with each and every one that shows up, and am still excited to teach before every class.

Favourite Quote:
“Our first love and last love is self-love.” – Bovée

IG - @kduubs

Lana May

PURE INSTRUCTOR

With over 10 years experience of guiding others in studio and one on one setting, Lana thoroughly enjoys serving the yoga and fitness community. She has various trainings under her belt including, Baptiste, Rocket Yoga, barre, TRX, personal fitness training, as well as yin and prenatal yoga. Lana is passionate and motivated to help her students reach their highest potential in yoga and fitness. She is dedicated to creating fun and challenging classes which cater to all fitness levels. When she’s not teaching classes, you’ll find her hiking, hitting the stairs, or spending time with her dear family and friends. Her passion for health and wellness began at a very young age and she couldn’t be more grateful to share these immense benefits with you all.  
IG - @lanamayyoga

Quote: 

“Get out of your story and into your life.”  
- Neil Strauss

Laura Flood

PURE INSTRUCTOR

I have always been very active even from a very young age and didn’t like to sit still. I begged my mom to put me into dance lessons at the age of 3 and continued to dance competitively 6 days a week until I was 19 years of age. I also enjoyed teaching dance to not only children but later to adults as well.

My passion for yoga didn’t start until a few years ago when I began to add some yoga into my workout routine. I am thankful that I did as my body was urging me to stop overtraining by doing too many classes, weights and runs and instead start to focus on healing it. It was through taking hot yoga classes that I was able to begin to listen to my body and to appreciate yoga for not only the physical aspect but the mental aspect as well. It was during this same time that I also completed my Holistic Nutrition Diploma.

In 2015 I completed my JOGA certification with Jana Webb. From there, I went on to complete my 200 hours of Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Kristine Murphy and Karly MacPhail. I am beyond grateful to be able to teach at Pure Hot Yoga. I look forward to seeing you at the studio!
IG - @coach_lauraflood

Lili Duska

PURE INSTRUCTOR
Yoga is a science for me. Yoga is a philosophy. Yoga is a way of life. These ancient postures are very specially designed to bring us closer to our true selves, a complex connection that is missing or lost for so many people today. I fell in love with the practice in 2009 and have never stopped learning from the incredibly beautiful lessons yoga has to offer. Connecting mind, body, and breath is an undeniably powerful strategy to bring balance to your life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yoga can give you a strong and healthy body, healing injuries and boosting overall health: this will lead to a more powerful mind. Yoga can improve your flexibility and agility: this will lead to a more open mind. These benefits will give you newfound awareness to face life's challenges and opportunities with grace and strength.

Michelle Waddock

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Athleticism has been an intricate part of my life since I was a little girl. From swimming to gymnastics to skiing, I immersed myself in sports at a young age and always had a passion for competition. It was this passion with sports that helped me later in life become a three-time Canadian tennis champion at home. I had the opportunity to travel internationally as a member of the Canadian team and played in tournaments including the Junior US Open and the French Open. I capped my tennis career by playing for University of San Diego on a full tennis scholarship. My love for the game of tennis, competing and sport in general is thoroughly embedded in my soul.

With the competitive tennis chapter of my life closed, I turned my attention to another passion of mine: my love for children. I had always wanted to work with children and my particular background in sports gave me a unique perspective on the dynamics of a child's physical development. For a number of years, I put my experience to use through programs offered through both gymtastics, and later with my own company, Headstart, offering an introductory program for young children to both gymnastics and tennis.

Today, as a tennis coach and a certified AFLCA (Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association) trainer with a designation in Mind Body Fusion, I am a true believer that everyone, young and old, can benefit from practicing yoga. For children, these benefits start early as they learn to stretch correctly, keeping their bodies limber and flexible, while helping to avoid injury. It would be my honour to be a part of your child's path towards a lifetime of good health, flexibility, and physical fitness!

Shauna Thomas

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Yoga has been an incredibly reliable friend to me over the past 15 years. It has gifted me many different things, depending on where I am in my life, but it always seems to be exactly what I need at that moment. There's no judgement or expectation, it's just there ready to accept whatever I bring. I love every little part of it.
I took my first teacher training in 2009 and was fortunate enough to start teaching right away. Since then, I've been able to study different avenues of yoga and healing and love being able to share those things in my classes.

Shaima Ibrahim

PURE INSTRUCTOR

I began practicing yoga over a decade ago as an excuse to get away from my family. Then I realized it was a great exercise method, then noticed how much it helped calm me down after hours of training to prep for Muay Thai competitions and after that I was hooked. The studio owner where I practiced encouraged me to get my YTT and I took the last spot available and that was my sign. I came out of that training thinking yoga needed to be taught similar to the bootcamp style I lived my life, it didn't click in until about 2yrs in that it was much MUCH more than that. It was about slowing down, inviting in awareness and support, trusting in oneself. Now I practice for clarity and to get back to the simplicity of life. Life gets busy, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant let's go hard & be everything to everyone all the time - I'm passionate and committed to helping people find the support, the non judgement and the beauty in the practice.

​Eddy Toyonaga

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Eddy Toyonaga began his discovery of yoga in 2007 in a hot yoga class. Everything changed when he eventually took a Vinyasa class. Dancing through the flowing asanas and linking his breath to his movement spoke to him like nothing had before.

Initially, he was drawn to the physical benefits of yoga but soon realized that he was scratching the surface of something much bigger.
Yoga calmed his mind, expanded his heart, nourished his soul and gave him the opportunity to create space where infinite potential exists.
Eddy invites you to come and playfully push your edges to groovy beats in his playful Flow classes with the intent to connect to the deepest part of your self uniting mind, body and spirit.
Eddy is dedicated to helping people build strong, flexible bodies and develop a focused mind without compromising the importance of the soul.

IG - @eddytoyonagayoga

Brooke Meadows

PURE INSTRUCTOR

I discovered yoga in 2005 and took up a regular practise as a way to manage the pain of old injuries from years of competitive soccer. In 2008 I decided to take the 200-hour Akhanda Yoga Teacher Training with Yogrishi Vishvaketu. In 2009 I studied with a Calgary group under Jeff Mah, and in 2010 I completed the 500-hour Moksha Hot Yoga training in Kerala, India.

Through Yoga I am continually reminded to stay open to the experiences that come with living a human life; to be willing to feel all the feelings, good and bad, without trying to control everything; and to love without conditions or expectations as purely as I can.

IG - @brookekaymeadows

Megan Oughton

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Megan is an international yoga teacher specializing in vinyasa flow, gentle yin and detox yoga. Inspired by her sister who brought her to her first hot yoga class 15 years ago, she took her teacher training 5 years later and has been teaching and practicing ever since.

Leading yoga retreats in Costa Rica, teaching in Kelowna, Toronto, and Calgary, she is on a mission to help people gain greater spiritual connection as well as purify and strengthen their mind/body through pranayama (breath), yoga and other guided techniques. While Megan brings playfulness, wisdom and inspires connection to your inner being, she leaves you with practices to help with staying in the present moment. “I hope to share with others the gifts that this practice has given me.”

Favourite quote-
Faith and fear both demand you to believe in something you cannot see. You choose.
-Bob Proctor

IG - @megpiretreats

Angie Lo

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Angie has always been fascinated with the exploration of human kinetics, movement, energies, health and well being. Starting at the age of 5, she has explored a variety of dance styles including, ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, latin and musical theatre. In her teens, she attended the National Ballet School of Toronto in Canada, as well as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. To pursue her growing interest in the human body, she studied kinesiology at the University of Calgary with a minor in dance. Soon after, she had the opportunity to travel the world by performing in the production shows with Princess Cruises, fulfilling that passion to dance and perform. Her travels brought her through North America, Europe, Caribbean, New England, South East Asia and the Middle East. However, her stage experience didn’t stop there. Wherever she made her home, whether it was in Calgary, Las Vegas, Denver, Baltimore or Los Angeles, she has always remained an active member of the dance community and a part of numerous professional dance companies as a dancer and choreographer.  

It was during her travels that she was introduced to yoga. Her first yoga class was actually a home practice with an audio CD of a class taught by Bryan Kest. During the next 8 months, her home practice developed into a new found love and appreciation for yoga. Initially, it was quite an effort for her to adjust to the practice of slowing things down in the midst of her busy lifestyle. However, the effects of yoga naturally helped her internalize and search deep within herself. She found that her life gradually took a turn. Yoga gave her a new sense of body/mind awareness, self acceptance and helped her to clear her mind of unnecessary critical thoughts. Just to be in the present moment and to embrace the gift of life, breath and on going love was her new goal. The desire to share this feeling of bliss with others has led Angie to complete her teachers training with Tracy Mann and Lerrita Rubinoff in 2004. She was fortunate to have the chance to travel to Los Angeles in 2005 to train with Pattabhi Jois during his world tour. During that time, she was also able to meet and learn from Bryan Kest, the same voice that had brought her to yoga originally.  

Shortly after, she received her teacher training in pre natal, mom and baby yoga and yin yoga training. Along with her love and passion for yoga, Angie took an interest in the human energy field and universal healing. She then went on a further quest and received certifications in Reiki Levels I and II. The next decades had spelt out an enormous amount of change and travel for Angie. She was able to experience the personal teachings of Sean Corne, David Life, David Swenson, Shannon Gannon and Ana Forrest at the Yoga Journal Conference in San Fransisco. In the summer of 2009, she took a mini sabbatical to further her knowledge and her constant yearning to learn. She took a road trip to the states and attended various workshops in California and Las Vegas, where she resided for a year. Her interest in hot yoga surfaced and her journey took her to Denver, Co, where she extended her training and became certified with Core Power Yoga in hot and hot/power fusion. From there, her ventures took her to sunny Los Angeles, Ca and to Baltimore, MD, where she was able to share her teachings from state to state. Currently residing in Calgary, Angie feels very grateful to have the gift of yoga be a continuous practice in her life. She instructs yoga and dance full time and remains an active member in the fitness and dance community. Angie is genuinely striving for patience, peace and compassion for herself and others. Yoga is an on going journey with endless wonders.

Brenda Wowk

PURE INSTRUCTOR

Brenda strives to create an environment where like minded people gather as a community to move and challenge their body and mind to the fullest. She believes yoga allows the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and relationship with self. The most important of all.

It is an intentional mindset, an attitude, a way of being, woven into all aspects of life on and off the mat, field, ice.

Whether a professional athlete or otherwise. The power of knowing thyself and having the ability to manage your own emotions, and understand the emotions of people around you is an incredible gift to self and the world as a whole. It allows one to tap into the phenomenal power within, in & amongst any circumstance; allowing one to act from a state & place of self confidence, calm, compassion, inspiration, empathy for self and of others, whilst holding boundaries.

The ability to live and move from a place of strength, power, grace, love and to be able to inspire & bring out the very best in others is one of the greatest gifts in itself.

IG - @brendawowk