Make 2013 the year you get stronger, serener and a lot more bendy. From Ashtanga to Acro Yoga, here’s what’s happening at our favourite Montreal yoga studios this January:

1. One month unlimited @ Moksha Yoga, 3863 St-Laurent & Moksha Yoga NDG, 4260 Girouard Ave, 3rd floor.

Barring a vacay in Mexico, a visit to Moksha Yoga is the best way to escape these biting Montreal winters. It may be 20 below outside, but it’s a balmy 35°C in the studio, and the heat will help you stretch that extra inch – not to mention sweat out all that holiday booze and nog. Moksha Yoga offers one month unlimited for $150 ($135 student/senior with valid ID), as well as an introductory special, one week unlimited for $20.

2. Intro to Shadow Yoga: Weekend Workshop January 5 & 6 @ Hatha Yoga Shala, Rue Rivard at Gilford.

This workshop introduces the practices and principles of Shadow Style Hatha Yoga, focusing on preparatory exercises which correct imbalances in the feet, legs and hips as well as increase energy and attentiveness. Students will be taught how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist, channel it through the spine and express it out the hands. The workshop is open to all levels. Courses are held in a private studio in the Plateau Mont Royal district on Rue Rivard at Gilford. The address will be given out upon registration. Weekend workshop on Saturday, January 5 and Sunday, January 6 from 9am-11am. $60, register here.

3. Free Open House on Saturday January 13 @ Shri Yoga, 4846 Sherbrooke West.

Reeling from holiday spending, or just not ready commit to a month- or week-long package? Head to Shri Yoga in Westmount on January 13 for their open house, where they’ll offer free classes at 8:30-10am, 10:15am-12pm, and 2pm-3pm. All ages and levels are warmly welcome. You’ll receive a free gift with every class card purchased!

4. 30-Day Ashtanga Yoga Challenge @ Sattva Yoga Shala, 1455 St-Mathieu.

Sattva Yoga Shala founders Mark and Joanne Darby teach the original Ashtanga method. Between them they have  almost 70 years of yoga experience, and it shows; just check out a sampling of Darby’s mind-blowing practice! Clearly, even seasoned yogis will benefit from this 30-day Ashtanga challenge. Challenge runs from January 14 to February 13, register at the studio before January 13 to participate.

5. Intro to AcroYoga Workshop @ Acro Yoga Montréal, 372 Ste-Catherine West, Suite 118.

AcroYoga combines the mindfulness of yoga with circus-worthy acrobatic feats. In this four-week introduction, Jessie Goldberg and Eugene Poku present the fundamentals of AcroYoga in a safe and nurturing environment. The workshop will focus on balance and strength-building exercises, as well as basic partner-Acro balances and partner flying techniques (!). Classes on Sunday January 27, February 3, 10 and 17 from 1:30pm-3:00pm. $70, pre-registration required.

~ Photos from Shri Yoga