Farewell 2008

I would like to express my appreciation to all those practitioners that has been coming to support the teachers at Menara Bukit Ceylon since YinYangYoga started in Sep 08.

I would also like to thank the teachers for sharing their love of yoga with all of us. It was breath-taking to be able to learn from Dr.Ameen, Keane, Felix, Azmi, Lila & also Indra. The classes were enjoyable, a good-workout, a good stretch of twisting & turning, and most of all I've improved over the months of private classes.

As most of you are aware, YinYangYoga came about after the crisis with YZone, where teachers didn't have a place to teach & practitioners didn't have a place to learn, and so, the birth of YinYangYoga.

Saying all that, some teachers has moved on to their permanent job, part-time job & practitioners has joined other studios, etc. But, there are still some that has been consistently practicing yoga at Bukit Ceylon.

Sunday (28/12) was the last class with Azmi. His own studio will be opening very soon & therefore he will not be teaching here at Bukit Ceylon.

However, Keane & Felix will still be teaching here from 2009 onwards with smaller classes.

Wishing all of you a better year for 2009, continue with your practice wherever you are & it was great knowing all of you.

Cheersssssss

Yoga with Azmi Samdjaga for Dec 08

Hello all,


I'll be out of yoga for sometime as I sprained my wrist, but thats not going to stop me from getting a good-workout. I will be going to the gym instead for some cardio sweat-out, something that I don't need the wrist for. But I don't really enjoy being on the thread-mill or bicycle, etc as its so boring.........you know what's coming for the next 60mins.... so predictable, ha!

However, classes as usual every Tues, Saturdays & Sundays with Azmi till end of December 08 (unless otherwise, will be duly notified).


1) Tuesday

Class : Gentle Flow (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 7.00-8.15pm

2) Saturday

Class : Hatha Vinyasa (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 10.00-11.15am

3) Sunday

Class : Flow Vinyasa (Intermediate/Advance)

Time : 10.00-11.30am


Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon


By the poolside Please bring your own mat/towel/water. Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

New Discovery with Indrawati

It was a pity that those that intended to come for Indra's class didn't make it, either due to traffic or the rain. However, I would like to share with you what I discovered with Indra. Indra recently went to S'pore to attend John Scott's Ashtangha workshop & she was enthusiastically sharing what she learned from John Scott's workshop. Of course I don't know who John Scott is at that time during class, but I thought that he is great as his ways of doing certain poses has answered my queries of certain asanas. For e.g.

1) When doing sun salutation, normally both hands would be above our head & behind our ears & look up into our palms. But I always felt like why? Coz I always feel a compression between my neck & shoulders, & my shoulder blades are all squeezed tightly together giving me such an uncomfortable feeling.

According to Indra-John Scott's way sun salutation:

(Ekam/One) Inhale: Hands up slightly infront your crown, palms together, head slightly back, lengthen your neck and look at thumb...all with 1 inhalation. Remember, hands go up 1st then your head.

(Dve/Two) Exhale: back is round...hands still up, head look down to the drishti, then you fall forward (catch your body with hands) weight on hands 70% and legs are 30%, so this will help to build arms strength. For ppl who needs to bend knees, its fine. look to the tip of your nose, chin close to chest.

(Trini/Three) Inhale; hands still flat on the floor,and you must look forward (drishti is 3rd eyes)

(Catvari/Four) exhale: still look ahead, jump to chaturranga dandasana

(Panca/Five) inhale: roll up to upward dog

(Sat/Six) exhale: down dog, end of last exhalation, round the back to be like a cat (suck the belly in)

(Sapta/Seven) inhale: jump to the front (feet behind your hands just like Dve)

(Astau/Eight) Exhale: Look down (like Trini)

(Nava/Nine) Inhale: back to standing (like Ekam) hands 1st then head

Perhaps I am not strong in my core that I really find it impossible to jump to plank/chaturangha from previous position, with palms lined up beside the feet hence I'd always place my palms shoulder width apart, slightly in front of my feet, then jump & this is what John Scott taught Indra. Hey, what do you know? I was doing ok all this while. Well, at least now I know my ways are endorsed by a guru. LOL.

Try it & let me know how you feel.

Since there were only 2 of us, I requested Indra to guide me to Tripod headstand, (those that has been following my blog would know that I can't tripod). Drum roll please....... yes, I did it! & it was not that tough once you know the right way. Ok, some may think it's a piece of cake, but I had fear before & I hope that I've countered my fear. Can't wait to show-off.......to myself lah.

Indra told me to trust her & this is my first attempt

My second attempt, but I noticed that my back isn't that straight, something to work-on.

According to the practitioner, it's called the Crab (or perhaps the Crap?) in UK. She also managed to tripod headstand & we were both really thrilled.

John Scott is a world-renowned practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga and presents both National and International Workshops. John has produced a best-selling book, "Ashtanga Yoga", and a DVD. He was certified to teach by Shri K Pattabhi Jois in 1994, having studied with him in Mysore, India, since 1989. John & Lucy's teaching is very precise and follows traditional teaching methods "Self Practice" and "Vinyasa Counting".
For more information about John, please visit his webpage at http://www.stillpointyoga.co.nz/

Classes for the week of 8/12/08

Hi Beautiful People,



Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 08/12/08.



1) Tuesday (9/12)

Class : Gentle Flow (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 7.00-8.15pm

Instructor : Azmi



2) Thursday (11/12)

Class : Flow Vinyasa (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 7.00-8.15pm

Instructor :Indrawati Widjanarko

(for more information on Indra, please visit her studio's webpage at http://www.sunyogakl.com/ourteachers.htm


3) Saturday (13/12)

Class : Flow (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 10.30am-12.00 noon

Instructor : Azmi



Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon

By the poolside



Please bring your own mat/towel/water. Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

Plank with Ease with Azmi

Sunday's class

Contrary to many advices that you shouldn't yoga during "that time of the month", I decided against it. I had to yoga cause there are new practitioners & since I am the hostess, I had to be around. My Irish friend, also a practitioner told me before the class that some exercise during "that time of the month" is good as long as you know what not to do. I thought I would be really tired during/after class, but heck, NO! I feel really refreshed & not sluggish & it really made me feel good all over coz I think I burnt those extra calories, ha ha. A friend once told me that during "that time of the month" you actually burn more calories & I would actually take the chance to eat more chocolates & ice-cream during that week. Well, I wonder how true is that.

Here are some of the poses not to do during "that time of the month" (applies only to ladies).

This is funky.

She did a beautiful Urdhva Dharunasa/Wheel Pose

Wow, you could see her abs with that white t-shirt.


Tripod headstand

Saturday's class

I've not been updating pics in my blog as the connection has been slow & I've been lazy. But this morning, I did take some pics of shoulder stand. I took shots of the headstand progressively to share with others the "style" Azmi always get us into.

that mat without anyone on it, is mine, I guess I need to clean it soon

halasana/plow pose

karna pidasana - releases the spinal muscles and relaxes tension in the legs. Increases the circulation of blood through the abdominal area. Induces a deep sense of security and relaxation

Matsyasana/Fish pose as a counter-pose.

It's kinda scary when you look at them with their eyes wide open.

This morning I am especially glad as I managed to side plank with ease as now I know the technique. I've always lined up my shoulder directly above my wrist & this always put a strain on my wrist & my shoulders tend to carry almost my entire body weight & it trembles after 5 counts. But today, Azmi explained that we should not align the shoulders above the wrist, the shoulders should be at an slight angle away from the wrist & this would ease the weight off your arms,, hence distributing the body weight thru-out the body. and YES! I did it without hesitation & YAY, I did it without trembling.....

Azmi's tends to stick to the same variations & some may say that why is it always the same, class after class, rather than some other new poses. In my opinion, practise makes perfect. If you can't perfect an asana, why learn something else & still not perfect the asanas?

Classes for the week of 1/12/08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 01/12/08.

1) Tuesday (2/12)

Class : Gentle Flow (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 6.30-7.30pm

Instructor : Felix


2) Saturday (6/12)

Class : Hatha Vinyasa (Beginner/Intermediate)

Time : 10.00-11.15am

Instructor : Azmi


3) Sunday (7/12)

Class : Flow Vinyasa (Intermediate/Advance)

Time : 10.00-11.30am

Instructor : Azmi


Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside

Please bring your own mat/towel/water. Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

Yogalates with Lila-Sun 30/11

November is/was a month of surprising events. Of course the hottest news was the ban of Yoga for muslim, phew, are we glad that the ban has been lifted, and everyone including non-muslim (well, I did feel the wave, I actually went out to buy every english papers available & followed closely on the net).

However, we will be ending the month with a bang! Yogalates with Lila.

Last week was my first time ever & I did enjoy her gentle & mild approach to the class. Wish she could speak a little louder as the birds were chirping away & the sound of music from the pool was in the background. I am certainly looking forward to it again & in fact, someone who came to MBC several times before but stopped coming since the opening of Cheras Plaza was thrilled to know that Lila is teaching this Sunday and is coming for the class!

We have already 7 pax confirmed coming, therefore, perhaps can only take another 1 or 2 max.

Classes for the week of 24th Nov 08

Hope all of you had a fabulous weekend.

The traffic was really bad last week ain't it?? Some took 1hr from KLCC/Jln Sultan Ismail to get to Bukit Ceylon. The best part of having a private class? The class started 15 mins later, so that those that were caught in the traffic could still come & join us, & not miss it, & you don't get funny stares but smiles, sweet..... Thank you for your patience & determination to get here for your practice.

Due to the heavy traffic & commitment to work, I am changing the time from 6.30pm to 7.00pm. However, please do not hesitate to feedback if the time is not suitable for you as I'd try my best to cater/suit to majority's preference.



Classes for the week of 24/11/08.

1) Tuesday (25/11)


Class : Hatha (Beginner/Intermediate)


Time : 7.00pm -8.00pm


Instructor : Keane


2) Thursday (27/11)


Class : Gentle Flow (Beginner/Intermediate)


Time : 7.00-8.15pm


Instructor : Azmi



3) Saturday (29/11)


Class : Hatha Vinyasa (Intermediate/probably Advance)

Time : 10.00am - 11.15am

Instructor : Azmi


4) Sunday (30/11)

Class : Yogalates (Beginner)

Time : 10.00am - 11.30am

Instructor : Lila


Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon - By the poolside

I've listed the classes as beginner/intermediate/advance as a guide only. Please do not be intimidated by intermediate or advance level, everyone can try even if you are a beginner, just listen to your body. e.g. I've a tough time with side plank, whereas to others, it's a breeze, & I find that half-moon is really easy for me, but not to others than can side plank without a blink, so to speak! Do whatever you can & don't feel stressed just because the person next to you can do the pose. We are all special individuals with our own strength & weakness.

Please bring your own mat/towel/water. Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

Yogalates with Lila-Sun 23/11/08

stretch the hamstring & open up those hips!


then try lifting both legs up with your core strength


the sundeck chairs came in handy, now I know there is another use for the chair rather than just getting my tan while reading a book. It was a fantastic feeling on the lower back, it also opens up your shoulders and stretches your upper back. Try this at home with steady chair.

we watch the clouds float by as we lay down on our mats.

I myself have not attended her classes before, but I heard from many practitioners, including some teachers that Lila is a very good teacher who is always friendly, cheerful & passionate about her teaching. I am looking forward to her class this sunday.

If you can't decide what to do this Sunday, please come and join us for a pool-side yogalates with Lila. Come-on ladies, workout those core for a flatter, sexier abs!! I definitely would want that!!!

Hope to see more of you.

Cheers

Classes for the week of 17th Nov 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 17/11/08.


1) Tuesday (18/11)

Class : Hatha

Time : 6.30-7.30pm

Instructor : Keane


2) Thursday (20/11)

Class : Gentle Flow

Time : 7.00-8.15pm

Instructor : Azmi


Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside

Please bring your own mat/towel/water. Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

I took the easy way out

As my arms are not strong enough to continuously Chaturangha, therefore, I didn't want to push myself to the limit as I am cautious of injuries. Previously, my shoulder took 3 months to recover from Chaturangha injury & I shouldn't push myself. Hence, I only Chaturangha maybe about 5 sets, then it was straight to downward dog from plank-and I truly enjoyed the class as my body & mind was at peace & not worried about injuries.

Well, just before the end of class, Azmi said "ok, lets do headstand". Cathry & myself were sort of looking at each other then turn to Azmi & I said "I've not done headstand before". "Oh well, just get to the wall then". It has been some time now since I last did a hand or headstand (by the wall, of course!). The 1st attempt was fearful for me as everything was upside down & the fear of falling, of course Azmi was there to support me. Oh well, it was a baby headstand for me as my legs were at the wall with the knees bent.

However, the brain just lost co-ordination as when Azmi said knee to your chest, I really don't know where my knees and chest was!!! It was hilarious, I actually repeated out loud so that I could hear myself. The second attempt was much better & my brains were working upside down better. Would love to try again the next class & hopefully I am brave enough to straighthen my legs and eventually without the wall.

Just to share with you some photos of Azmi doing the headstand, progressively. Important to remember to tuck your chin to the neck-this would lengthen the back of your neck therefore the neck and spine is aligned. If not, you'd be compressing the back of your neck & cause injury.

Back to Basics

Some were tired and some wanted a beginners' class, so it was back to Element. It was a nice change from the strong class over the weekend. My shoulders were stiff and aches that I struggled with knee, chest, & chin down, therefore, Keane gave us an option from plank to downward dog instead. I guess he got the hint when I practically dived down to the floor from plank pose.

We were lined-up against the wall for Warrior 2 for a proper alignment. It makes a whole lot of difference when doing it against the wall as you would need to press your pelvic bone against the wall.

Surprisingly, muscles felt better after the class- less stiff & less tired!!

Classes for the week of 10th Nov 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 10/11/08. Note that the time has changed for Thursday class - 7.00pm-8.15pm

1) Tuesday (11/11)

Class : Hatha

Time : 6.30-7.30pm

Instructor : Keane


2) Thursday (13/11)

Class : Gentle Flow

Time : 7.00-8.15pm

Instructor : Azmi

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside



Please bring your own mat/towel/water.


Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

Awakening with Azmi

Camel pose/Ustrasana

Variations of Side Plank/Vasisthasana

Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya II/Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II

Sat -My upper arms are aching as I type, in fact with all the chaturanga, I couldn't feel my arms before the end of the class. It has been such a long time since I had chaturanga, lately it has been knee, chest & chin down, which now I know that my upper arms has been resting for too long. Of course it wasn't a problem with Azmi's regulars, but poor me was suffering. It was an Awakening for me!!

Sun -Just an update- my arms are recovered within the next 1 hr- according to Azmi, that means I have lots of minerals & zinc in body, therefore, muscles recovers better & at a faster rate. I managed to take lots of pics/video & observe the practice. It was a good experience as I know now how important it is to have a good alignment for a beautiful asana. Some ppl were strong in their asanas however the alignment were simply not there. Well, my personal challenge is that I try my best to have better alignment for now, rather than being able to execute strong asanas, which I eventually hope I can. I hope the pics help the practioners notice their execution-no hard feelings eh?

Note the practitioner on the right did not tuck her tail bone under & has her lower back curved? When at chair pose/utkatasana, the tailbone must be tucked-in and torso to be tight so that your lower back will not be over-arched.

Bridge pose/Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Weekend Class for November with Azmi

For the month of November, there will be weekend classes with Azmi.

Saturdays (8th/15th and 29th)

Class : Gentle Flow - Beginner/Intermediate

Time : 10.00am - 11.15am


Sundays (9th and 16th)

Class : Vinyasa Flow - Intermediate/Advance

Time : 10.00am - 11.30am

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
Jalan Ceylon

As space is limited to 10 pax only, kindly revert directly to Azmi or myself early.

Hope to see you!

Yoga Core with Felix

Thinking of which is the best word to describe the class.... it has to be AWESOME!!!! We were all moaning and groaning in pain when we all had our oblique (not sure if this is the right spelling,it's not in Oxford)muscles crunching to the max!!!

We made another discovery with Felix. Our feet were accessed & maybe most of us are not aware of our standing position. My feet collapse inwards toward the arch, hence I lock my inner thighs and hips, and this leads to straining my lower back. Now that explains why I used to have lower back ache & my big toes hurts when I walked non-stop for several hours (shopping marathon!!). A shop in Lot 10 custom-make soles after scanning your feet. The soles can be inserted into your sports shoes or your court shoes would give your feet a better support and eventually eliminate your aching feet. Say bye bye to stiletto,sandals and sling-back!!

Heart Pumping Hatha with Keane

I have always enjoyed Keane's class. The beauty with having to a good instructor on a regular basis is that the instructor is able to access our strength, flexibility, endurance and also our weaknesses. Having said that, his class is never boring as he will always have different variations weekly & he will always give us options-for the beginners & the intermediate.

I was hesitant to carry along my towel as I thought that with the heavy downpour earlier, being cool & wouldn't be needing the towel. But I am glad I did, as all of us had a great workout & well, the towel came in handy during the 90 mins class.

Just to share a photo with you- a side twist with one leg folded to the side.


We did try yesterday, plank with 1 leg & i hand off the floor (mind you,
leg and hand on the same side!!!). Couldn't take a pic as my other hand had to be on the floor, unless I master balancing on just one foot???? is that even possible????

Classes for the week of 3rd Nov 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 3/11/08.

1) Tuesday (4/11)

Class : Hatha

Instructor : Keane


2) Thursday (6/11)

Class : Yoga Core

Instructor : Felix

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside

Time : 6.30 -7.30pm

Please bring your own mat/towel/water.

Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

Yoga Core Anyone?

How many of you know which muscle group to contract when the instructor says "contract your core". All this while, I thought core is just the abs muscles. Only yesterday, after Felix's class, did all of us find out that core muscles are your abs & your butt's muscles. So, please, the next yoga class when the instructor asked you to use your core, tighten your abs, your butt and your glutes (the muscles in the buttocks that move the top of your legs). Muscles has memory, it takes time, but once you master it, the muscles will know what to do when you put your core to work.

Once you have master using your core, you will be more balanced, stronger in most asanas. Come on, tighten your butt and suck in your belly as you read this..... to a sexier butt.


Cheers

What Kind of Yogi Are You? Take the Quiz...

Instead of the usual update on class held (BTW, it was a tough, but great workout, felt rejuvenated & energized after class), I thought this would be a fun change. Take the quiz. Tell me what type of yogi are you after the quiz. I didn't realize I am a Hippie Yogi, ha ha ha ha hah...

I'm a Hippie Yogi!

A Hippie Yogi When you're not doing yoga or marching in protests, you divide your time between hugging trees and flashing peace signs at people you don't know. You truly care about the world around you and take action to make it a better place for everyone to enjoy--including your furry friends. You're warm, welcoming, and a lot of fun. Be careful, however, not to let your dedication to your cause alone determine your actions--take time for yourself every now and then, too. Everything in moderation will make you more balanced in your yoga practice and in your life.

Take the Yoga Journal Yoga Snob Quiz!

Classes for the week of 27th Oct 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 27/10/08.

1) Tuesday (28/10)

Class : Hatha

Teacher : Keane


2) Thursday (30/10)

Class : Hatha

Teacher : Felix

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside

Time : 6.30 -7.30pm

Please bring your own mat/towel/water.

Kindly rsvp a day before scheduled class should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

Fabulous Yin with Felix

Wow....it has been weeks now since I did a Yin class. Yes, you bet, lots of stretching, one practitioner quoted "pleasurable pain", I would agree with her. But the end, you could really feel the hips opened & the joints are loosened.




Stretching the hamstring.

I just love Yoga!

It has been 1 week since I last yoga & I was afraid that I may be out of breath & my stamina may not last the 90mins class. But then, to my surprise, I was okay. It must have been the years of yogaing, and I suppose you don't lose your stamina & muscles in a week!!! Ok, ok, years of practise, but I am still just a beginner.

Today, we tried some new poses and the various side plank & yayy..... I could side plank with one leg off the floor & one hand parallel to the ear. It's my first time ever. I must be improving. It could be that since the teachers are good & class has minimal practitioners, therefore, we get the attention and guidance.


Keane showing us the side plank.




Some of the practitioners trying out the plank with several options.

Yoga Classes for week of 20th Oct 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 20/10/08.

1) Tuesday (21/10)

Class : Hatha (90 mins)

Teacher : Keane


2) Thursday (23/10)

Class : Yin

Teacher : Felix

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside

Time : 6.30 -7.30pm

Please bring your own mat/towel/water.

Kindly rsvp by Monday should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

It's a Tripod!

I was so glad when I woke up from my 20-min power nap, and the sky was clear & blue. As usual, I will be down at the pool side at 6.00pm and as I was happily putting aside the sun deck chairs and table to make space for our yoga session, mopping the floor as there were a little wet spot. As soon as I place the mop back to where it belong, I noticed there were more wet spots, I looked up to the balconies, thinking some kids may have poured water down but to my dismay, it started to rain, Again!, for the past 1 week. Ehmmmmm....

Anyway, thank goodness for the covered area, which we have been yoga-ing for past week. We still get the strong breeze & the thunder was super loud yesterday evening.


Keane's class was good, as usual, & it was a 90-min class. Somehow, none of us were too tired and was still strong as the poses were done in a slow manner where we could flow into the poses and enjoy the poses and feel the breath, the alignment.






Preparing for Tripod.












She managed to lift her legs up, however, her crown is not aligned with her neck, which puts a lot of pressure on the neck. Take note that the crown of your head need to be aligned with your neck, to avoid injury.









This is the correct alignment. Crown, neck & spine aligned. When its aligned, it takes off the weight from your arms and neck. She actually stayed at this position for quite some time.

Yoga Class for the week of 13th Oct 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 13/10/08.

1) Tuesday (14/10)

Class : Gentle Flow

Teacher : Keane


2) Thursday (16/10)

Class : Hatha

Teacher : Felix

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside

Time : 6.30 -7.30pm

Please bring your own mat/towel/water.

Kindly rsvp by Monday should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D See you then.

So Engrossed with Yoga!

Hey,

I was so engrossed with Felix's class as there were so many new poses to me that I forgot to take pictures to upload for those who missed the class! It was such a great class!

Those that missed Felix's class must must come the next time.

I still can't do it!!

As the drizzle continues till late evening, we had to move venue to a sheltered area, but we still had the cool breeze, in exchange for the birds' chirping, we had some honking and some cars' fan belt that needs servicing. But that didn't distract us from the yoga lessons. As a matter of fact, some of the resident from the condo opposite us had a good view of us and had some free lessons too. We could actually see them imitating our poses! and I believe at some point they even took out their camera. LOL!

All of us had such a good class with Keane and it was an 90mins class, sorry for those whom missed the class. Great work-out after the long weekend, wish we could have classes everyday or at least 3 x a week.

I wonder why after 3 years of practise, I am still not able to do the crane, why? why? (But I still consider myself a beginner, as I also can't do a head stand, & many other poses) Is it the lack of arm strength? I know that beneath the fats wrapping my arms, I can feel my triceps and biceps too and when I tense my arms, I could also see my definition. But why? is it the fear of falling forward or falling down or injuring my wrist (had weak wrist before). However, the odd thing is I can do the side crane with both feet up. I should practise the crane before the next class.

Not sure about everyone else, but I am always thrilled and ecstatic when I am able to conquer a pose for that 1st time. It feels like I have achieved something great. Yeah, I am easy to please, but really, till now it still amazes me what human beings can do with their body!! The magic of YOGA!

Some pics to share with you, some of the other practitioner doing the crane.




She did it.















and she tried, tried & tried and did the baby
crane. Bravo!

Yoga Classes for week of 6th Oct 08

Hi Beautiful People,

Please be informed that the following classes will be held on the week of 6/10/08.

1) Tuesday (7/10)

Class : Gentle Flow

Teacher : Keane


2) Thursday (9/10)

Class : Hatha

Teacher : Felix



Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
By the poolside



Time : 6.30 -7.30pm



Please bring your own mat/towel/water.




Kindly rsvp by Monday should you be interested in attending class as its on first come first serve basis limited to 10 pax. You could either text me if you have my mobile no. or e-mail me :D


See you then.

Brownies & Coffee

On normal days, I usually have oats or just veges & protein without carbo. However, during the past few times after yoga in the evening, I was starving and of course over indulge during dinner. So, I thought perhaps have some light tea at 4pm before the class would do me good so that I won't be hungry after lesson.

My darling aunt got me some delicious brownies from Takashima, Singapore (those are really yummy!!!) and of course brownies is not satisfying without the coffee (btw, I limit 1 cup of coffee per month, as coffee is bad for the liver, dehydrates the skin, etc, & recently read somewhere that coffee is bad for flexibility!).

Bad idea to eat 2 hours prior to yoga. We had a lot of back strengthening exercise, therefore, on the tummy doing the superman pose, etc. I almost threw up the brownies & coffee as they haven't been digested!

So, please don't eat before yoga class- at least 3 hours.

Hatha Yoga on Thursday, 2/10/08

Hi beautiful people,

Please be informed that there's another Hatha Yoga class with Felix :-

Venue : Level 5, Pool Side
Menara Bukit Ceylon

Time : 6.00pm

Date : 2/10/08 (Thursday)

As usual, please bring your own mat/towel/water.

Hope to see you all!

"Selamat Hari Raya"

Yoga with Felix on Tues, 30/9/08

We had a fabulous class with Felix on Tuesday, somehow practicing by the poolside with the sounds of water, birds chirping away & the sunset just makes it all so good. Even Felix says that we didn't need music in the background when the swallows were busily chirping when we were at sarvasana (corpse pose).

Interestingly, some of us discovered that we simply can't squat as our ankles are tight and rarely stretched. It may seem like a simple pose, but believe me when I say some can't squat with their heels on the floor. Fortunately for me, maybe I had some "squatting" time in my younger days, before GBH or Johnson Suisse.

I could not find my balance initially when we had to stand on 1 leg & stretched the other leg up to waist level with 2 fingers. Somehow, after doing several sets of sun salutation, my head was a little spinning, with all the fresh blood rushing to my head, therefore losing my balance.

Well, looking forward to another class........

Hatha or Gentle Flow - 30/9/08 (Tues)

Hi beautiful people,

There's yoga class by Felix on 30/9 (Tues). If you have not tried his class, I would highly recommend you to try as I find him being a dedicated teacher, not only passionate about yoga but he also shares with you the proper technique when holding the asanas. The asanas are not tough to execute as he will guide you thru the correct muscles to contract and how to hold the asanas in a more effective manner. You will definitely feel the difference with Felix's class. He is definitely becoming one of my favourite teachers now.

Venue : Level 5, beside the pool
Menara Bukit Ceylon, Jln Ceylon

Time : 6.30pm

p/s - pls bring your own mat/towel/water.

I had a good response from some ex-Yogazone during the complimentary trial class, but didn't see anyone of them since then, sigh! Well, I guess when it's a free class, why not? Except for some loyal ones that has joined my class since the 1st time! Thank you to those that have been supporting the teachers and enjoying the classes. The teachers feels great & happy that they know that there are people who still enjoys yoga & they know that there are still other options besides YZ!! YAY.

Hatha on Thurs, 25/9/08

I am trying to organize 2 classes this week. If you have read my earlier blog, Tuesday's Gentle Flow by Keane.

Hopefully, there are enough people to join the class on Thursday-Hatha by Felix. If you have not attended Felix's class, I highly recommend you to try.

Date : Thursday, 25/9/08

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
Jln Ceylon

Time : 6.30pm.

Please come & support the teachers.

P/S- as usual, bring your own mat/towel/water.

Hope to see some of you.

Gentle Flow on Tues, 23/9/08

There will be a Gentle Flow by Keane. Some of you may know him as Grady, (well, he changed his name recently). Maybe someday, I'll change my name too??

Date : 23/9/08 (Tues)

Venue : Level 5, Menara Bukit Ceylon
Pool Side

Time : 6.30pm (but please be at least 10 mins earlier)

This time, I hope to have the class beside the pool, if not too many people are swimming. A change of scenery would be nice.

I know that some had to pay RM5.oo to park opposite the condo, which I would like to consider as I really do not want anyone to be paying for car park. Perhaps I can make arrangement to let you park in the condo's visitor parking. Let me know in advance if you want to park in the condo :)

the DOGGIE

Yoga is the craze now, not only amongst women but also men. For those that has been practising yoga knows the benefits and could see and feel the changes it has made to their mind, body & soul.

Another evening of yoga by the pool side-our teacher told us that its important that we balance our body temperature by regulating the coolness in our head and warmth in the stomach. When the temperature is balanced, we will avoid coming down with a flu, sinus & indigestion. Therefore, we were asked to stick our tongue out & "behave like a dog". Let your tongue out loose & long, that's the exact words.

Sit on your heels with the toes tucked under, place both your palms in front of you & let your tongue hang out. Yes, all of it! Take a deep breath with your tummy tucked in and just breathe out in a fast pace (with the tongue hanging out still). If you need further clarification, then I hope you have a dog at home, watch the dog. I couldn't help it but laugh out in between. I mean I've never behaved this way before, not ever..... but then again, it was a good, I felt coolness in my head & light. So, practise this at home or maybe while having coffee with your friends. Surely they wouldn't think that we are weird, would they??

Change of Venue for 12/9

Dear All,

Please note that the venue has been changed to Level 5, pool side area.

Those not residing at the condo, kindly register at the security. There's ample parking space directly opposite the condo.

See you all....

Namaste

Complimentary Trial Class 12/9/08, 6.30pm

Hey everyone,

There will be a complimentary trial class this Friday, 12/9/08 at 6.30pm. It's for 1st timer & invited guests only, sorry :).

Venue : Level 6, Function Room
Menara Bukit Ceylon, Jalan Ceylon

Time : 6.30pm -7.30pm (pls try to be at least 10 mins earlier).

Class : Gentle Hatha Yoga (an introductory class to Yoga).

Notes :

1) Please do not consume food at least 2 hours prior to class.

2) Notify the teacher should you have any health condition e.g. high/low blood pressure, stiff shoulder or neck, weak back, etc.

3) Please switch off mobile phone during class.

4) Please bring your own mat & towel.

Sign-up before 14/9/08 & get 10% discount. E-mail me at yinyang_yoga@yahoo.com or leave your message here.

Namaste

1st Private Class with Dr.Ameen

We had our first private class with the great Dr.Ameen this evening. The traffic was just crazy, & I was stuck in the traffic for 2 1/2 hrs. I could have arrived in Singapore!!!

The weather was just perfect after the rain, the cool breeze blowing into our face, brushing against our skin made it simply magical moment whilst doing the poses. It made the poses seems easy as the moment was just perfect.

We could hear the water gently gushing from the pool & that made it even more tranquil & with the lights emiting from the skyscrappers. How could it not be perfect?

Dr.Ameen made us laugh during the practice & I am sure everyone that was there had mutual feelings as I did. Everyone asked when is the next class immediately after he "tortured" us. To some of us it was a torture, but a good one. We know that with the constant "torture" with all the bending, stretching & ohhh ahhhss will just make us svelte, toned & healthy.

Looking forward to more ohhhh & ahhhhss........

3 hours a week??

Thank you everyone for your positive feedback/comments.

Well, some of you has mentioned that perhaps 3 classes per week is sufficient. Therefore, to cater to everyone's needs, if you wish to sign-up only 3 classes per week, the following fees applies :-

1) RM180 per person/month.

The time for the classes has yet to be confirmed as it all depends on the crowd's preference. Therefore, please e-mail me or leave your comments here on which hour suits you best.

Dr.Ameen will be coming over tomorrow for the 1st private class-by the pool side, YAY!!! He's such a good teacher, I mean it was my first time practicing with him today at THE Weld, & he made me sweat a lot, I mean a lot. It was such an enjoyable & great workout.

Please come and show your support for the teachers.

Class Details

YINYANGYOGA

Since Yoga is all about Yin & Yang, that's the name I've decided to name the class- YinYangYoga.

Join our classes conducted by certified international & local experienced yoga instructors. Yoga for all levels, will also include Pilates, Therapeutic Yoga & Yoga Dance.

Venue : Level 6, Menara Bukit Ceylon,Jln Ceylon
(carpeted & well ventilated with windows/air-cond)

Day : Daily class from Mondays – Fridays

Time : Morning session (60 mins)
7.15am-8.15am or
10.30am-11.30am

OR
Evening session (75 mins)
6.30pm – 7.45pm
7.00pm – 8.15pm
Only 1 class for each session. Please indicate time preferred.

Fees : Morning session (60 mins)
RM280/per month
(unlimited class for the month)

Evening session (75 mins)
RM360/per month
(unlimited class for the month)

Note : For hygiene purposes, please bring your own yoga mat
and towel.

Please e-mail yinyang_yoga@yahoo.com to enquire further or leave your message here.

Please come & support the teachers.

Yoga For Health

Hello everybody,

As we all know yoga does wonders for our body, mind, health & for some, the soul. Yoga is suitable for all ages when practiced with experienced, certified instructors. I for one has been benefiting from my yoga practice, I lost 7kg, toned muscles and level of stamina and energy has increased. It has done wonders for me and I would like to share the benefits of Yoga with you.

I have a group of certified international & local intructors to share with us their knowledge. I'll be posting their profiles soon, so please come back and check their profiles, timetable, venue & time.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with something for you to read.

More importantly, yoga is extremely effective in:

Increasing Flexibility –

yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised.

Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons –

likewise, the well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.
Surprisingly it has been found that the body which may have been quite rigid starts experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously work upon. Why? It is here that the remarkable research behind yoga positions proves its mettle. Seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Massaging of ALL Organs of the Body –

Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those – such as the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.
One of the far-reaching benefits of yoga is the uncanny sense of awareness that it develops in the practitioner of an impending health disorder or infection. This in turn enables the person to take pre-emptive corrective action

Complete Detoxification –

By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny as well as providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.

Excellent toning of the muscles –

Muscles that have become flaccid, weak or slothy are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity.