Overview
Bend Over Backwards Yoga is a long-established Iyengar studio in Nanaimo, run by Kelly Murphy, who has over 25 years of teaching experience. The studio recently relocated to the Dharti Mata Centre, offering classes for all levels, including beginners, seniors, and those recovering from injury. Specialized offerings include restorative yoga, chair yoga, and family yoga sessions. Certified teachers provide meticulous alignment guidance using props. Visitors report improvements in flexibility, posture, and pain relief, and appreciate the supportive, community-focused atmosphere. The studio also supports a charitable market for the Mutera Global Healing foundation.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 9:00 am – 7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 7:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 7:30 am – 8:00 pm |
| Friday | Open | 9:00 am – 1:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed | – |
| Sunday | Closed | – |
Studio in Details
Overview
Bend Over Backwards Yoga is a longstanding Iyengar yoga studio in Nanaimo, operating for over two decades. The studio was founded by Kelly Murphy, who has been teaching in the Iyengar tradition for more than 25 years. The studio originally located in the Old City Quarter at Wesley Square and has recently moved to the Dharti Mata Centre at 2021 Brothers Road. It is known as the longest-running yoga studio in Nanaimo, serving a diverse community of students ranging from seniors and complete beginners to advanced practitioners.
The studio’s philosophy emphasizes integrity in yoga poses, respect for students, and a commitment to continued learning. Teachers are trained for over 1000 hours before certification, following the rigorous Iyengar system. The studio also maintains a registered trademark for teachers trained and approved by national certification boards.
Classes and Services
Bend Over Backwards offers a variety of yoga classes and workshops for all ages and abilities. Class levels include Level 1 for beginners, all-levels sessions, and modified Level 1-2 for those focusing on foundational poses. Specialized classes include Restorative Yoga for illness or injury recovery, Chair Yoga taught by the late Sheila, and family yoga sessions for children and teens using songs, stories, and games. The studio also offers a series called “Developing Your Own Practice” to help students build a personal home practice.
Pricing is per class or drop-in, with options for pre-registering for multi-week sessions. Classes are held at the new Dharti Mata Centre location as well as at community venues like Kin Hut and Oliver Woods. Private sessions and teacher mentoring are available with Kelly Murphy, who is certified at the Intermediate Level.
Visitor Experience
The studio is described by visitors as a safe, positive, and encouraging space with a warm community atmosphere. Teachers are attentive and focused on proper alignment, using a variety of props such as blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets to support students. Many reviews highlight improvements in flexibility, posture, balance, and relief from specific ailments like foot pain, shoulder surgery recovery, and arthritis. The restorative classes are particularly praised for relaxation and stress relief.
The studio also supports community initiatives, including a pop-up market that funds the Mutera Global Healing foundation. Students appreciate the thorough attention to detail and the skilled usage of props, making the studio a trusted resource for Iyengar yoga in Nanaimo.