When yoga was starting to gain recognition in Malaysia, most of us thought it was an activity only taken up by elderly folks. That was 15 years ago. Since then, our perception and understanding of yoga has evolved tremendously. So much so that now, there isn’t just one style of yoga that fits all practitioners. Some like it fast, some like it slow, some like it relaxing and some like it challenging.

If you are new to the yoga scene and would like to know what lies beneath those fancy names, have a quick read through this guide on the various popular styles to help you understand and choose one that fits you best.

Hatha Yoga

Translated literally,  ‘Ha’ means ‘Sun’, or the vital force controlling our physical body and ‘Tha’ means ‘Moon’ or the mental force which exists within us. By practising Hatha Yoga, both these energies are awakened and brought together to harmonise, purify and prepare the body and mind for a higher state of awareness. Of all the different types of yoga, Hatha Yoga is most popular and focuses on the practice of asana (postures) and pranayama (breath control) to activate and energise the subtle channels. This paves the path, away from identification with the physical body towards unification with the energy source, ultimately revealing our true self. Technically, all other forms of posture based yoga are derived from Hatha Yoga.

These days, yoga teachers also offer Hatha Flow classes, which essentially means incorporating a seamless transition between each asana in a flow-like manner.

This style is  suitable for beginners.

Ashtanga Yoga

For those who are constantly looking for challenging postures that test your strength and concentration, Ashtanga Yoga would be your sure pick. Ashtanga Yoga is based on a fixed sequence of postures that are carried out in a smooth, uninterrupted manner. The three most important factors in Ashtanga Yoga are Vinyasa (breath-linked movements guided by specific counts), Bandha (narrowing and locking certain energy centres in the body to guide energy flow) and Drshti (specific gazing points to help with concentration). The Primary Series focuses on strong forward bends and twisting postures to detoxify and align the body. The Intermediate Series focuses on strong hip openers and intense backbends to purify the energy centres and connect with the subtle body. In the Advanced Series (subdivided into third, fourth, fifth and sixth sequence), clarity of your true self will be achieved.

Besides Ashtanga Yoga, we often also hear of the term Power Yoga, which is technically a spin-off from the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa. Power Yoga practitioners would similarly go through physically demanding postures, emphasising on strength and flexibility but unlike Ashtanga, does not follow a series of set postures.

This style is suitable for intermediate to advanced practitioners. Double thumbs up for sweat factor.

Sivananda Yoga

The Sivananda Yoga style which is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda himself, focuses on 5 key aspects. They are are proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, proper relaxation and positive thinking and meditation. A traditional Sivananda Yoga class takes 90 minutes and includes 12 core postures (which is done in the same order), chanting, pranayama, meditation practices and relaxation. When the postures are done correctly and practised with meditative awareness, the practitioner will feel deeply refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of the session. Although the 12 core postures remain the same in each class, the teacher will usually introduce variations as the student progresses.

This style is suitable for beginners.

Contined in Part II…

For as long as she can remember, Hui had always maintained an active lifestyle and held an insatiable interest in esoteric knowledge. She attended her first yoga class with her mother when she was 22 but little did she know that this ancient art of physical and spiritual practice would play such an influential part in her life.

For a decade, Hui partook in society’s never-ending materialistic pursuit, which led her to the realisation that love, harmony and contentment are found not in accumulation of tangible goods but through the pure act of inner passion. Yoga was the perfect solution in enabling her to combine her love for physical challenge and quest for spiritual development.

Hui has now dedicated herself to sharing her experience in yoga through teaching. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher and has studied under several masters from India. Her teaching methods which incorporate elements of strength, flexibility and alignment, are suitable for both beginners and regular practitioners. Hui firmly believes that yoga will benefit anyone, whether for fitness, health or peace of mind. She hopes to help her students expand their understanding of yoga, and at the same time enjoy its wonderful journey.

Visit her website for more information: www.yogahui.com

Sanjit now travels around KL and Selangor conducting group and private classes. She also operates from a private studio in Bangsar Park. Sanjit’s passion and love for dance, has inspired her to blend elements of fluid body movements or what she terms as ‘Freeform’ into her yoga classes. ‘Freeform’, which is accompanied by Sanjit’s selection of new age music, basically allows the student to connect with their feelings and express themselves through unrestrained dynamic movement of the body.

Through the practice of yoga, Sanjit has experienced tremendous benefits, beyond anything she had ever imagined. It has revealed to her the abundance of peace, joy and patience that were previously locked within. She is now more in touch with her emotions and manages to remain centered in most situations. Yoga has also helped to boost up her confidence level, attributed to a healthy throat chakra (energy center that governs speech, expression, creativity and thought).

Sanjit can be contacted at 012-2035770.

How did you get involved in dance and yoga?

Joey: I became serious about dancing when I was 18 years old after graduating from high school. In order to keep my promise to myself to be a professional dance artist, I made my way to New York to study dance at the age of 22. I seriously injured my back before I went to New York and was diagnosed with having a slipped disc on the 5th lumbar vertebra. The doctor recommended surgery with 50% chance of full recovery but I definitely could not dance professionally anymore.

It was shocking, of course. After long discussion with my family, we decided that I should not go through with the surgery. Instead, I held on to my initial decision to pursue my dreams. I prayed and desperately looked for information to heal my back while I was in New York. That was the first time I encountered the yoga and Pilates method. After about six months of rehabilitation-based yoga and Pilates exercises, I was up and dancing with more strength and technique than ever before.  Since then dance and yoga were never separated from my life.

What inspired Dance City and who are the main figures behind it?

Joey: After coming back from overseas in year 2000, I was full of passion and wanted to share with people the art of dance and the tremendous healing power of yoga. It became a motivation for me and my partner (who coincidently is my dearest husband – an artiste and a certified personal fitness trainer) to open up the academy.

Dance seems to be the main focus of the academy. What are the classes and courses offered at Dance City?

Joey: In the beginning, when we were setting up the studio, most of our courses were dance lessons with 1 or 2 yoga classes. At first, we named our school AKNT Creative Arts. Now, we call it DANCE YOGA. We tried to promote yoga then but it was not as popular as it is today. People did not seem to know yoga as much as these days. I started with 2 students in a class and eventually increased to nearly 40. I was pretty happy and enjoyed teaching dance and yoga at the same time because I could share the experience with my students about these two different forms of body movements.

The classes we have now at DANCE YOGA are dance teacher training course, yoga teacher training course, and other regular classes such as Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom, Modern Dance, Yoga, and Children/Adult Dance Performing course.

The academy seems to portray a distinct expression of artistic flair. Is this somehow integrated into the yoga classes?

Joey: Yes. Dance is a sport and art form that generally refers to movement of the body. We teach our students to move and flow with the yoga poses like a dancer aesthetically and artistically. We don’t just teach our students yoga poses, we teach our students to love them.

Fluid and artistic movements in dance and yoga, as demonstrated by Joey

Tell us about the different varieties of yoga classes conducted at Dance City.

Joey: We mostly do flow yoga and some Hatha. Our main focus is on teacher training.

What types of clients are attracted to sign up for yoga classes here and why?

Joey: Most of our students are from the neighbourhood and the majority are ladies. However, there are students from all over Malaysia as well as from overseas such as China, Singapore, and Indonesia, who have signed up for the yoga teacher training course.

How many studios are there in Malaysia and do they all have the same offerings?

Joey: There are 2 locations in Malaysia; Cheras and Sg. Long.  We offer the same courses, but teacher training courses are conducted in our Cheras branch.

Fully equipped studios where dance and yoga classes are conducted

Besides regular dance and yoga classes, what other courses are available to the public?

Joey: Each year we will organise dance teacher training workshops for primary schools and kindergarten teachers, and also yoga workshops. Once in a while, we do offer dance workshop such as Jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance.

What makes Dance City stand out from the mass of yoga studios that have sprouted all across Malaysia?

Joey: We teach our students how to carry out the beauty of the flow in yoga poses, we also teach our students physiology and anatomy behind yoga poses, so that they can move their body accurately and beautifully like a dancer, and most importantly to practise injury-free.

What interesting developments can we expect to see in the near future?

Joey: We will continue to inspire and open our door to people who are willing to become yoga teachers. We will also increase our efforts in overseas student enrolments.

How is the yoga scene in Malaysia compared to Canada?

Joey: I’m glad to see that there is an increasing amount of people in Malaysia who are getting more conscious about their health and wellness. Many people take yoga as part of their daily living routine as in Canada.

There is an increasing awareness and appreciation these days for art and culture. How do you think this will shape tomorrow’s society?

Joey: Every art form and culture is related to the human being. It is an expression from within our spirit through our body. Humans need to be connected, especially in this high technology society. I believe the awareness and appreciation for art and culture will link every human together, and ultimately bring us to understand that we are all one.

The Dance City is located at:

149-5 Jalan Lancang
Taman Seri Bahtera
56100, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-91331642
Email: info@thedancecity.com

One of the most common injuries sustained are wrist injuries. Here are some tips on how to practise safely to avoid damaging your wrists.

1) Grip the mat

Poses such as Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog), Bakasana (Crow) and Plank are physically demanding on the wrists. In these poses, the wrists support most of the body weight. Many practitioners place their palms and fingers flat on the mat but by doing so, all the pressure is concentrated on the wrists. Instead, spread all your fingers as wide as possible, engage your hand muscles and grip the fingertips into the mat. This protects your wrists as weight is evenly distributed throughout all the fingers.

2) Tuck in the elbows

Always keep the elbows as close as possible to the trunk of your body when in poses such as Bhujangasana (Cobra), Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward Facing Dog) and Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff). If the elbows are sticking out, the pressure that comes down onto the wrists is skewed towards the sides, which prevents even weight distribution.

3) Proper alignment and form

There is generally not enough emphasis on proper hand and arm alignment in Chaturanga Dandasana. People tend to push the body back towards the feet, which results in the elbows not being perpendicular to the wrists. This strains both the elbows and wrists. Next time, when coming down to Chaturanga Dandasana, push your body forward and ensure that your elbows are directly above your wrists.

Be on your way to a lifelong appreciation for yoga and its benefits through integration of mindfulness and awareness in your practice.

Recently, KL Yoga managed to speak with the proud owners of Chayo, a premier boutique yoga studio and cafe located in Kelana Jaya. In this interview, American born Guru Jaswant Kaur Khalsa, together with her Singaporean husband, Rajveer Singh passionately share with us their journey and vision.

Dynamic Duo: The charismatic Rajveer Singh and the energetic Guru Jaswant

1)    What is the story behind Chayo?
Rajveer:
One day after yoga class, a friend and I came up with the idea of starting up a yoga cafe. He suggested that I also open up a yoga studio, a concept which at that time I wasn’t too keen on. However eventually I was led into it due to the opportunities available. I believe that the cafe will always be the altar of the business, while the yoga studio is meant to serve the community.

Guru Jaswant:
We realized that we could not put the pressure on our students to support us and therefore needed to do something else for our own comfort level as people. At that time we were coming a lot to Malaysia to teach, so it naturally developed into this.  We always wanted the cafe to be a place where we could share that feeling of cosiness. The reality is that not everyone is going to try yoga, but everyone is willing to try a cup of tea.

2)    Why the name ‘Chayo’?
Guru Jaswant:
We wanted to be accessible to any culture and in a lot of cultures the world ‘Cha’ is tea. And ‘Yo’ just simply comes from ‘Yoga’ or ‘Yo’ in a form of informal greeting. We went through a lot of names and their meanings but in the end settled for ‘Chayo’ as we felt it had a strong universal connection and was easy to pronounce.

3)    What are the yoga styles taught at Chayo Studio and how are they different from other centers?
Guru Jaswant:
We started with Kundalini, which is our passion but we recognise that it’s not for everybody and our intention is not to force everyone to do it but instead to offer, and to say that this has helped us and so we want to share it. We also know that people want other kinds of balancing exercises in yoga, so we have Hatha, Ashtanga and Radiance of a Woman. We even have other kinds of activity like Taekwan-Do, Kid’s Yoga and Bhangra Dance to reach out to people who are not comfortable with meditation but would still like to have something fun and physical.

4)    What is Kundalini Yoga?
Rajveer:
‘Kundalini’ means opening or unlocking and ‘Yoga’ simply means union, to become one. Kundalini Yoga works with the unlocking of energy, consciousness and spirit. It combines different types of exercises, breathing, postures, kriya and meditation to prepare your body and mind for the awakening of the Kundalini, a dormant life force within us. Raising the Kundalini ultimately brings awareness, mental clarity and releases the unlimited potential that exists inside each of us. But it is important that this form of yoga is practised under the strict guidance of a qualified teacher.

5)    You also offer Gong Meditation classes. What is that about?
Rajveer:
Gongs were anciently used in Tibet and India because the sound of the gong was known to loosen up the body’s internal tensions. It is like an internal sound massage. Dharamjot, our Gong Meditation teacher from Melbourne is a specialist in that area. In her class, she will take you through some yoga postures, and then play the gong while you submit yourself to the sound vibrations. At the end of the session, you will feel a complete sense of relaxation.

Yoga classes in progress at the cosy studios

6)    Can you walk us through the types of food served at the Cafe?
Guru Jaswant:
We serve a selection of affordable vegetarian food with no egg but our biggest attraction is the snacks and drinks. The snacks are mainly north Indian influenced ranging from our Bombay Toast and Pakoras to Eggless French Toast and Tortilla Wraps. We have a whole range of herbal teas, our own five signature teas, fresh juices and smoothies. We also have Local, Indian and Western mains such as Nasi Lemak, Palak Paneer and Pasta. Whenever possible, we try to incorporate organic or local ingredients in the food we prepare.

Some of the scrumptious delights available at the cafe
Clockwise from top left: Throat Comfort Yogi Tea; Bombay Toast; Tofu Scramble with Toast; Marble Cake

7)    Tell me more about the specialty teas you carry.

Guru Jaswant:

Yogi Tea is from the United States and was inspired by the knowledge and wisdom of my master, Yogi Bhajan. In the beginning, some of Yogi Bhajan’s students started using the home recipe that he gave for the tea after the yoga classes. This was the original Yogi Tea, which we also brew and serve here. Eventually, they started to expand the offerings by creating other blends of tea as people wanted to buy it.  Yogi Tea has an exotic aroma and strong flavour of blended herbs and spices to heal the mind, body and soul. Among the ones we sell are Himalayan Apple Spice, Woman’s MoonCycle and Throat Comfort.

Hari Tea is from the Netherlands and for added variety, we have picked a more subtle and herbal range for our cafe. Some of the unique and amazing blends we have are Linden & Chamomile, Rose & Hibiscus and Green Tea, Mint & Chilli.

Available: Yogi Tea and Hari Tea to enjoy in the comfort of your home

Chayo is certainly everyone’s cup of tea. Whether you crave to experience the exhilarating energy of a bhangra dance, enjoy the relaxing benefits of a yoga class or simply want to drop by for a satisfying yet healthy treat.

KL Yoga readers are entitled to a free appetizer of their choice when they order a daily set meal.
All you have to do is to mention ‘KL Yoga’.
Offer valid till 31 Dec 2009.

Chayo Studio (Opposite Giant)
50-2 Kelana Mall
Jalan SS6/14 Kelana Jaya
47301 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-78062035
Website: www.chayo.com.my
Email: info@chayostudio.com.my

Matej Jurenka, born in Slovakia, discovered yoga at the age of 20 through a book titled “Light on Yoga” written by B.K.S. Iyengar. Since then, he has dedicated himself to the art and now spends his days practising the most advanced levels of Hatha Yoga, conducting workshops and classes across the globe.

He is a graduate from the Yoga India School in Mysore, directed by Yoga master Bharath Shetty. The school is a reputable institution registered with Yoga Alliance, an organization which registers yoga schools and instructors all over the world. Matej’s other main influence is the Bihar School of Yoga.

Workshop: 2-days Yoga Darsshana The Art of Backbending & Twisting Workshop

Held by: Matej Jurenka

The workshop is divided into four sessions. They are as follows:
Session 1 : Backbending asanas using breath and vinyasa techniques
Session 2 : Advanced backbending asanas
Session 3 : Inversions and variations using breath and vinyasa techniques
Session 4 : Rotation using breath and vinyasa techniques

Date: 22 Aug – 23 Aug 2009 (Saturday & Sunday)

Venue: Ojas Yoga

Address: No.7-23-M & 1, Aked Esplanade Bukit Jalil Commercial Centre, Jln 14/155B, Tmn Bukit Jalil, 57000, KL, Malaysia.

Contact: 03-8994 9615 or 016-335 4773 (Felicia)

Fees: RM 200 per session (10% discount for 2nd & 3rd session, RM 600 for all 4 sessions)

Maximum: 25 participants per session (open to all levels of practitioners)

Although sessions can be taken individually, they are designed to flow sequentially.

A letter of attendance will be presented to those who complete the 2-day workshop.

Register early to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 15th July 2009

The food we consumed everyday and our daily physical exercises are important to determine whether we are pursuing a healthy lifestyle or not. However, try as we may, it is never an easy task to set a proper balance of what we consume nor how much physical workout can we do a daily especially when we have other priorities in hand.

At the end of the day, we could only be achieving a minimum improvement to our healthy lifestyle regime. Then it’s back to the question, how?

What About YOGA?

Yoga is one of the hottest discussions around, especially when healthy lifestyle is concerned. Though most people painted Yoga merely as an exercise of relaxation or a therapy for the stressful, it is more than that. It is also a gateway for better health and physical fitness to the body. That’s not all, it is never a waste of time in Yoga, where each time spent doing Yoga involves the development of healthy body and mind. At the same time, it will definitely improve your social circle as well.

More explanation on the Benefits of YOGA

Professionals, especially those who spend majority of their weekdays in office, are limited to exercising as they spend most of their time confined to their desk and in front of their computers. By the time they are home after a long day of work plus the hours stuck in traffic jam, they would prefer to retire to their sofa, in front of the television or straight to bed. The only exercises or body movements they have done are probably walking to their car or walking to the Photostat machine!

How about students? Similar to the professionals, students’ routines has always been sitting in class, facing books and teachers almost everyday. This will only help in the development of mind, however, neglected their physical needs. With all the work, meetings, and tasks to be completed everyday for the adults; school projects, homework and studying for the students. It could only lead to one thing – stress.

So how does Yoga help to make a difference in your healthy lifestyle plan? Well, unlike other excessive exercises that will take a neither long time nor strenuous, Yoga is a less exhausting practice that only need about three exercises a week. All you need is 45 minutes to 1 hour per exercise to maintain good health.

Do you know that Yoga helps in crafting and toning your body as well as losing weight?

Yoga shapes up your body because all the Yoga poses help to tighten your muscle and make your body line better. From what seems to be a sweat-less exercise, Yoga will actually help you burn unnecessary fat and generate sweats to rid of any body toxin.

Unlike many other exercises that build bulk, Yoga helps increase your flexibility. As age creep up on you, this becomes more important.

Yoga is a perfect exercise for retirees and housewives who spend their time at home to go for something useful and healthy.

That’s not all! Expand your social circle when you learn Yoga as you will meet all kinds of new friends at Yoga centre. So why wait? Let’s do Yoga together for a healthier lifestyle and personal well being!