Iyengar Yoga Center Manila: My First Visit

I have been attending yoga classes in Fitness First on and off for the past 2 years. And during all those times, I have never been given an opportunity to be assisted by the instructor directly. This is why I was pleased to find that the instructors at Iyengar Yoga Center Manila really find time to assist students who are struggling so they can be properly taught the right posture. At the same time, they will answer your questions after class.

I never knew how to “square my hips” when I attended Fitness First. But with IYCM, the instructor was okay with showing me the right way I can do the position. I was able to attend one class a couple of weeks back. The good thing about them is that they accommodate only a number of students per session. They also provide yoga mats, blocks, blankets, and other material that their students will be using. That is probably why I like them so much.

When class started, the instructor introduced herself as Susan to me. She was a really nice girl with a soft spoken voice. The class started with a few minutes of meditation. I was shocked to find this because classes in FF were not as deep as IYCM’s. But at the same time, I was eager to know this. The “ommms” and “mmmmsss” that filled the air was harmonious from both Susan and the students. This made me think I was listening to some comforting music.

After the meditation, the class did a series of standing poses or Asanas. Unlike FF, IYCM focuses on doing one pose right for every session. So for the rest of the hour, we focused on poses such as the Virabhadrasana, Utthika Trikonasana and the Utthika Parsvakonasana. I have been able to do this Asanas back in Fitness First. But the good thing about IYCM is that the instructors really go to each student and guide them where they should place their hands and feet.

I like the class held by Iyengar Yoga Center Manila but as of the moment I am swamped with work. And when I do have free time, I don’t have the budget to attend classes. Although yoga classes in IYCM are cheaper as compared to the lot of yoga institutions in Manila, I still have to fix my schedule. In time, I may be able to attend a series of classes and perfect those Asanas.

Yoga Styles

Joining a yoga class in Manila can often be overwhelming. This is because there are so many different yoga styles that are now being offered throughout the city. In fact, if you don’t know much about these styles, you won’t be able to choose which one is right for you. And with this, you won’t be able to choose the right center that will help teach you to become a good practitioner. For this, here are the 6 different styles:

• Ashtanga Yoga
• Bikram Yoga
• Iyengar Yoga
• Jivamukti Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Power Yoga

Currently, the available styles that can be found throughout Manila include Ashtanga, Bikram, and Iyengar. Aside from these centers, there are some who combine these styles in an effort to make a new one. But when this is the case, it is no longer a real practice but only a combination.

If you don’t know what the difference is among these yoga styles, you won’t be able to identify what the yogi is teaching you. This is why it is important to make sure that you choose the right yoga class in Manila to join. The practice can cost money. If you don’t make the right selection, you are only spending your hard earned money.

Ashtanga Yoga: What Is It?

Ashtanga or Astanga yoga translates to ‘eight limbs’ in Sanskrit. The term refers to the number of limbs of yoga when they are presented from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The two people responsible for interpreting this method of asana practice were Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. They interpreted the practice from the ancient text known as ‘Yoga Korunta.’ This text described Vamana Rishi’s development of a unique system of Hatha Yoga.

This yoga practice incorporates the synchronization of one’s breathing along with a progressive succession of different postures. As a result, the process is able to produce an intense internal heating as well as a generous amount of purifying sweat. Coincidentally, this leads to the detoxification of the bodily organs and muscles. For this, the individual practicing the method gets improved circulation, a calm mind, and a light as well as a strong body.

Often, this practice is being combined with Power yoga since it is known as the “sweaty and aerobic form of yoga.” At the same time, the method is being characterized as yoga combined with boot camp. When Ashtanga is combined with Power yoga, the method becomes Ashtanga Vinyasa or Power Yoga.

When practicing the method, the individual goes through six progressively difficult types of postures which are being linked together. Accomplishing each of these six poses require around 90 minutes to three hours.

Despite the fact that the poses in Ashtanga are getting harder and harder each time, the practitioner is required to keep repeating the pose. Some of these poses are either difficult or uncomfortable. But once they are done in the right order, the mind and body can immediately open up. And when the poses are done regularly, the individual can be able to do the harder poses in time.

Yoga In Manila, Anyone?

A couple weeks back, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. This was a result of stress and my non-stop working habits. As a result, I decided to have a regular exercise regimen after work. Since I only had a few hours available, I decided to do yoga since it has always been one of my interests. But I did not want to get another membership with a gym. This is why I decided to start looking for establishments that offer yoga classes. And now, I’m sharing what I have researched with you, my dear readers.

o Ananda Marga (Yoga in Manila)

o Bikram Yoga Manila

o Bliss Yoga Manila

o DLSU Yoga Sessions

o Fitness International

o Fitness First

o Gold’s Gym

o i-Yoga*

o International Yoga Institute

o Iyengar Yoga Center Manila

o Mandala Spa Yoga Shala o Prana Yoga

o Pulse Yoga

o RA Kendra

o Sai Shanti Yoga Sanctuary

o The Flow Yoga Center

o Vinyasa Yoga

o YogaKids Philippines

o Yoga Manila

o Yoga Moves