The Power and effectiveness of Yoga

Power_effectiveness_Yoga

Maintaining good health through sporting activities is very crucial. As you grow older, your body recovers slower and becomes weaker as compared to your younger years.

If you are planning to practice Yoga but has no idea on how to begin, this is your perfect starting point. From the likes of Ananda Yoga which is known to be one of the most holistic practices to Bikram Yoga, you can learn about them here.

Yoga types & Reviews

There are hundreds of Yoga types being practiced across the world. In Malaysia, it has been reported that there are over 50 types being practiced. Hence, choosing the ideal one for you might be confusing so we have listed them here for your convenience.

Read what our experts have reviewed about the various types of Yoga like Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Kripalu, Purna Yoga and many others. Browse through the tutorials and how they can benefit your health in various ways. Then, check out which Yoga centre practices the certain style and you can contact them to enjoy a trial session.

Hatha Yoga

When it comes to yoga, there are many types of yoga and styles that one can practice and use. There are many names that are used by all types of Yoga Centres and instructors which can be quite difficult to choose. One of the most popular types of Yoga is known as the Hatha Yoga.

Hatha actually means ‘forceful’ in the ancient Sanskrit language. Known as hathvidya, this type of yoga describes the physical techniques used in yoga in general. It is believed that Hatha was founded by Shiva himself. Today, hatha yoga is practiced as Asanas or the physical postures of this ancient art. In some context, yoga itself is referred to as Hatha itself.

Learn the force of Yoga with Hatha Yoga

In the current context, hatha yoga is quite commonly used to describe the style that does not have any flow between the poses and are the fundamentals of this practice. In fact, it is usually taught to beginners of yoga and is where the gentle and slow movements are often seen. In most hatha classes, participants will be required to go through some slow-paced stretching routines and to learn how to control their breathing.

Some might involve seated meditation and relaxation techniques which is why beginners would enjoy this classes more than anyone else. Apart from that, poses and getting acquainted to yoga would be taught in hatha classes. For those who like to relax without involving too much rigorous routines would most benefit from hatha classes which have several levels ranging from the beginners to the advanced steps.

Zen Yoga

Yin yoga aims to exercise the connective tissues through a series of simple non-aggressive postural movements. It is named Yin as it is based on Taoist concept of yin. Practitioners often confused Yin yoga with Hatha yoga as both styles incorporate stretches of connective tissues rather than muscles.

Practicing Yin yoga is beneficial for all as it helps to relax your muscles and also gently correcting tension and stress on the deep connective tissues. Besides that, another major advantage of practicing Yin yoga is because it assists individual to increase awareness in what they are experiencing.

Tai Chi version of Yoga

Yin yoga is opposed to Yang. Yin yoga is commonly known as a powerful tool to improve flow of qi throughout the body. Practitioners perform meditation postures such as lotus position (commonly known as butterfly in Taoist yoga) as it is soft and also less aggressive.

Yin asanas (physical movements) requires standing and balancing. There are approximately 35 stances practiced in today’s Yin yoga even though the exact figures roundup to over hundreds of postures in the past.

Practitioners usually engage in a series of static stretching for approximately three to five minutes. The key to synchronize and ensure that one can practice Yin yoga within the limits is to be patience.

Bear in mind that Yin yoga is not a form of restorative yoga. When a beginner starts practicing Yin yoga, it may seem quite boring and passive.

Tantra Yoga

Tantra yoga is regarded as one of the most complex branch of yoga. It incorporates all sciences from chemistry to physics, astronomy to numerology, and also alchemy and Ayurveda. The main purpose of practicing Tantra yoga is to increase awareness during different states of consciousness.

Tantra yoga involves numerous postural movements. Few theories that contribute to the meaning behind tantric postural movements are Kundalini and Shakti. Many perceived Tantra yoga as a form of spiritual sex. This is one of the biggest confusion made amongst the practitioners.

The most complex branch of Yoga

Tantra yoga simply believes in the power of sexuality. Kundalini serves as the energy that flows through the spine. Practitioners must first find a partner to release their stress and tension. Practitioners can achieve that by involving in tantric lovemaking experience.

Moving on, Shakti refers to expansion of spiritual energy. Shakti follower strongly believes that the right postural movements can combine them into a single force. Shakti helps an individual to expand their level of consciousness and eliminate limitations that held him or her back.

All in all, sex is just a small subset of tantra. An individual must be faithful, pure, truthful and also devoted to their partners if they strive to acquire the best outcome from practicing tantra positions.

In fact, one can better sex for practicing tantra yoga. Tantra yoga helps practitioner to loosen their hips, improve flexibility and most importantly, increase circulation to the groin for increased stimulation.

The major difference between yoga and tantra is that yoga emphasizes on concentration while tantra focuses on expansion. Bear in mind that tantra is also considered a principle of life.

Viniyoga

In Sanskrit, Viniyoga has a number of meanings such as separation, detachment, application, and employment. Viniyoga incorporates variety of methods to cater to unique condition and needs of an individual. Practitioners are given tools and choices to realize the process of self-discovery.

Viniyoga incorporates a series of sequential steps to meet the needs of a practitioner. It is based purely on the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar. When practicing Viniyoga, one needs to synchronize postural movements and breathing techniques with appropriate steps in desired direction.

Learn the right breathing technique with Viniyoga

Bear in mind that core principles for Viniyoga is the right breathing techniques and also postural movements that include stretching. Viniyoga may expand to other methods to achieve balance and harmony in body and spiritual minds.

However, the most important aspect of practicing Viniyoga is perhaps your own goals because Viniyoga merely serves as steps and guidance to assist you to achieve self-realization. It is best to have a partner when practicing Viniyoga as it requires responsiveness and sharp observation skills.

Thus, before you begin practicing Viniyoga, understand any consequences of injuries, chronic stress, misalignments and also movement patterns. In today’s society, Viniyoga has been adapted to suit individuals’ need to achieve better physical and mental well-being.

One need to understand importance of precise use of breath as it is a rather powerful tool to influence a person’s mental well-being and clarity. In modern days, Viniyoga is often regarded as a form of therapy to address our health to cope with stress and tension.

In addition to that, Viniyoga is also helpful as it prepares one for childbirth and post-pregnancy. Most importantly, when one practices Viniyoga on a regular basis (especially for heavy smokers), individual can reduce their dependency on tobacco.

Svaroopa Yoga

Svaroopa yoga is a powerful tool for healing, transformation and illumination purposes. Most individuals had a hard time to ease pain on your back, neck and also shoulder tensions. Thus, practitioners usually perform Svaroopa yoga to improve physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Svaroopa Yoga is the most widely known yoga in America

Svaroopa yoga is one of the most widely practiced styles in America. Svaroopa yoga involves relaxation and also half frog postural movements. Svaroopa is another form of hatha yoga that allows practitioners to connect deeply within oneself and channel the energy through the spine.

It is suitable for most individuals due to the gentle movements targeted to heal spine pain. It consists of four different poses commonly defined as magic four. Bear in mind that you must perform four poses in sequence without skipping any step to ensure you attain the best health benefits.

The main purpose of practicing Svaroopa is to release tensions in the body besides opening up the deepest tensions within the body. All in all, conducted correctly, yogi will notice some physical changes such as the feeling of opening up tensions and stress in your body.

Sivananda Yoga

Another form of hatha yoga, Sivananda helps an individual to retain vitality of the body besides minimizing the chance of contracting a disease. Sivananda yoga incorporates a series of 12 different postures that includes breathing exercises and techniques, relaxation, mantra chanting and also sun salutation. The core principle of Sivananda yoga is to emphasize on these five elements – relaxation, balance diet, proper breathing, and exercise as well as to instill positive thinking.

Another form of Hatha Yoga

Sivananda yoga is a form of hatha yoga that emphasizes on maintaining the health and mental well-being of practitioners. It aims to retain vitality of body through five core principles that are asanas (physical movements), pranayama (breathing techniques), relaxation, balance diet, as well as meditation.

Sivananda involves 12 basic asanas (physical movements) that lasts approximately 90 minutes. It was founded by Swami Vishnu.

Raja Yoga

Raja yoga is also commonly known as Classical yoga and concerned primarily with the mind. Some practitioners also regard Raja yoga as Patanjala yoga. One must be able to tame the mind and body before going into deeper aspects of yoga.

Raja Yoga is the most tamed and deeper aspects of Yoga

There are a total of eight limbs under Raja Yoga. It comprises Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and also Samadhi. Yama simply means a set of code of conducts for self-restraint while Niyama refers to religious observances.

Asana is commonly known as integration of mind and body through a series of postural movements while Pranayama comes together with Asanas as Pranayama serves as guide to breathing right that enables a practitioner to integrates the mind and body.

Pratyahara gives an individual inner strength while Dharana requires concentration on a single object. Dhyana is the process of meditation and lastly, Samadhi refers to the super conscious state of an individual.

Bear in mind that Raja Yoga is different from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Raja yoga requires full concentration of mind using meditation to achieve liberation.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Vinyasa is a term that refers to a broad range of yoga classes and lessons. When translated, the term refers to breath-synchronized movement. For those who attend Vinyasa classes, they often learn a series of breathing techniques that covers the poses to inhale and exhale. The term is sometimes known as Vinyasa Flow due to the smooth techniques that runs like dance.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga focusing on movement and stretches

An example of Vinyasa is the cat-cow stretch. When a beginner practices cat-cow stretch, the spine is arched when inhaling and rounded when exhaling. A more complex Vinyasa is the sun salutation sequence.

Vinyasa lessons usually include a number of postures and techniques but it often include Sun Salutation. The classes include movement and stretches. The term Vinyasa describes three poses that are Plank, Chaturanga and Upward Facing Dog.

Bear in mind that Vinyasa Yoga has no single rulebook or sequence. Other Vinyasa styles including Anusara, Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Kundalini and also Power Yoga.

Anusara refers to flowing with grace and was founded in 1997 by an American yogi, John Friend. Anusara lessons are usually light-hearted and fun. The lessons are suitable for those who seek spiritual and physical well-being.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga involves a few series of movements

Ashtanga is associated with eight-limbs in Sanskrit. This style is popular and appeal to those who like a sense of order and seek things independently. Ashtanga involves few series of poses. The primary series is known as Yoga Chikitsa, followed by intermediate Nadi Shodana and lastly, Sthira Bhaga. A number of yoga centers and studios offer Ashtanga classes in which the teacher leads students in order of poses from primary to secondary series.

Jivamukti means liberation while living. It is a Vinyasa style practice that has a different theme for each class. Usually, yogi practitioners explored and learnt Jivamukti via a series of meditation and chanting. It appeals to those who seek a good workout.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga originated from India. It is named after Bikram Chodhury who started yoga at 4 year’s old. He learned from Bishnu Ghosh before designing his own. Bikram synthesized the traditional Hatha Yoga techniques into Bikram Yoga which has been around since the 1970s.

Bikram Yoga involves breathing exercises and 26 postures and is one of the yoga techniques best practiced under heated conditions. It has been reported that to practice Bikram Yoga, the environment should be about 38 to 40 degrees Celsius with a 40% humidity.

26 Postures and 2 Breathing Exercises

In Malaysia, Bikram Yoga is available at the Bikram Original Hot Yoga centre. This practice has been scientifically proven to be very beneficially where the 90 minute sessions involve practicing the 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Your body will then get the maximum effects of this practice which is often evident after a few sessions.

When done in the right room temperature, it elevates the body’s rejuvenation and meditation. Through Bikram Yoga, you will help to stimulate the heart to pump more oxygen to all part of the body. As with any form of yoga, it will help in weight loss and in toning of your body muscles.

Besides that, Bikram Yoga helps to tone your muscles and aids in increasing the flexibility of your body. It has been reported that it Bikram Yoga can help to improve your sleep and resting cycles as well. When your body enjoys such an experience, it functions better and could even have anti-aging effects.

Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is one of the many different types of yoga practices. Known in some quarters as ‘the lightening path’, it is often associated with the spiritual self. It is however, a combination of different yoga practices that helps you to find yourself better in your own ways.

The science behind Kriya Yoga is that it promotes the combination of your breathing and mind in order to reach the blissful state. In fact, Kriya Yoga dates back to thousands of years back and has since evolved into the modern world. Today, Kriya Yoga helps to set the path to self-realisation for the practitioner.

Kriya Yoga – An Ancient Yoga Practice

Kri means ‘action’ while Ya is ‘awareness’ in the ancient Sanskrit language. With Yoga, it is combined to mean ‘action with awareness’. This involves ‘Asana’ that deals with the posture and ‘Pranayama’ which involves breathing techniques, among others.

With that, the Yoga practitioner can seek to achieve better relaxation with the proper Dhyana or meditation techniques. This helps to focus the mind and enhance your concentration while helping to clear the subconscious in order to reach self-realisation while some has claimed to reach the ‘divine’ self.

Kriya Yoga has been documented to be passed down by a master to the student which means it is very much experiential. For the past decade or so, those aiming to learn Kriya yoga in Malaysia (and Singapore) has been able to by attending the Rudra Shivananda workshops who has been instrumental in spreading the benefits of this yoga type across the world.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is commonly seen as a branch of the more popular Hatha Yoga. It is focused on the performance of posture and breathing control that has to do with alignment and precision. Through the practice of Iyengar Yoga, you will begin to develop better strength and stability particularly through the postural practices otherwise known as Asana.

An effective postural yoga method

The master behind Iyengar Yoga is B.K.S Iyengar. You can start from the most basic of pranayama or breathing exercise to the more advanced. In fact, B.K.S Iyengar put in place more than 200 yoga poses within 14 types of varied prayanama. For the beginner, it would be ideal as the progress is very systematically organized.

Besides that, you will notice that Iyengar Yoga is very focused on the 8 limbs of yoga. A new student will find that Iyengar Yoga is quite easy to learn and picked up. This is mostly because it has a very basic approach for the beginner which will then progressively directed to the more complex ones.

Through the guidance of a step-by-step approach, you will develop a holistic type of development for your spirit, body and mind. Apart from that, you will find that Iyengar Yoga commonly use certain equipment particularly in the asana movements. This will involve the use of blanket, aids like belts and blocks and others.

The main reason of using the props is aid you in getting the postural movement’s right which will in turn minimize the risk of injuries or any strains that might potentially occur.

Aqua Yoga

Among the many types of yoga, Aqua yoga is perhaps one of the most unique. As the name suggests, aqua will have some direct association with the water. As such, Aqua yoga is very much a type of water yoga. When it comes to using water for exercising, the effects are usually very complete and holistic.

Low Impact, effective water-based yoga

Aqua yoga is naturally very low impact where it helps to improve your muscle strength and flexibility. This simply means that you will be practicing yoga in a swimming pool or a specially-designed pool.

When you are in the water, there will be some sort of buoyant effect. This will help to remove the pressure of your body weight imposed on your joints. After a long duration, the discomfort you feel during exercising becomes almost non-existent. The idea is very simple because your body holds less weight in the water.

Aqua yoga helps people with all types of medical conditions include pre or post-natal symptoms, knee or joint pains and arthritis, among others. The practice of Aqua yoga requires you to maintain a proper posture and breathing technique in the water.

Besides that, Aqua yoga could at times involve using props and other items during the practice. This include using kick-boards and noodles. Practicing Aqua yoga can be a fun exercise as it adopts 2 types of very effective methods. When you are in the water, your movements are slowed-down naturally which gives you more emphasis on your postural movements.

Chair Yoga

As the name implies, Chair Yoga involves using a chair in the practice of yoga. It is considered as one of the more contemporary types of yoga which is commonly offered in most modern yoga studios today. Like most yoga styles, Chair Yoga involves gentle movements but the main idea behind this is the use of a chair as a prop.

A holistic supporting prop

The chair is used either as a support or to be sat on for practicing this style. Unlike styles like Iyengar yoga which commonly uses props, Chair yoga is very different because the other practices are more inclined to the Hatha methods. It is known to be the gentlest forms of yoga among the rest and covers postural movements that are both seated and standing.

Chair yoga is very effective for those who are unable to go through the traditional types of yoga. This could be due to certain types of disability or those who have problems due to aging. As such, it provides very good support for these individuals where the person can use the chair without having to bend too much.

In some cases, chair yoga classes are carried out at senior fitness gyms or daycare centres for adults. Besides that, it is used to help people with certain types of health conditions like hypertension, arthritis and vertigo. It is used for people with joint and bone problems like osteoporosis and such. This is where it helps in terms of enhancing blood circulation and strengthening of the joints and muscles.

Ekta Yoga

The Ekta Yoga is known as Ekta Traditional Healing Yoga in full. It is one of the many types of yoga practices. Very suitable for anyone from any age Ekta yoga is known to be very gentle for those who are starting out in yoga. Ekta yoga has some very healing properties which helps to aid the body’s recovery process in its own way.

An effective and traditional healing method

Besides beginners, Ekta is very useful for the more seasoned practitioners too. Ekta yoga is practiced in a slow pace where you will be able to go through the entire process through a step-by-step approach. In time, you will assimilate very well into the postural exercises and the breathing techniques.

In Ekta yoga, breathing plays a pivotal role. This type of exercise helps you to go through various types of techniques in breathing which is synchronized and systematic. When this is done through proper alignment of your postural poses, it will enhance your body naturally.

What you are doing in Ekta yoga is to ‘listen’ to your body. You will start to understand the pacing and capabilities of what your body can go through. This will in turn help to improve your health conditions as it can strengthen and tone your muscles. Apart from that, it helps to align any imbalanced muscles causing pain both minor and major. In some cases, it can even help to detoxify your liver.

Other known benefits of Ekta yoga is reducing body aches and joint-pains while helps to enhance better flexibility of your spine.

Prenatal Yoga

As the name implies, prenatal yoga is meant for pregnant women. It is a common yoga practice which is provided to women to prepare them for childbirth. Prenatal yoga is very beneficial because it helps the pregnant woman stay fit and find ways to relax.

Not only for moms but for babies too

Prenatal yoga can be very beneficial not only for the mother-to-be but it helps to promote the baby’s health too. While it helps you to stay healthy throughout the pregnancy, it can help during labour as well.

This type of yoga practice is quite similar to other types of classes that get you ready for childbirth. However, prenatal yoga has one very significant difference, that is to help you with more focused breathing and to help you stay focused.

Among the benefits of prenatal yoga includes improving your sleep and reducing your anxiety. These are common problems faced by mothers and pregnant women. Besides that, it helps you to have a better breathing system that can help during labour.

When you practice prenatal yoga, you will experience lesser lower back pains and headaches while it can help to reduce cramps as well. Prenatal yoga classes usually involve gentle stretching which promotes better muscle strength.

It helps your body to cool down and to relax while promoting better postures. Ultimately, it helps you with your breathing which is very crucial during childbirth. Most yoga centres provide prenatal yoga classes and it is quite common in places like Seeds Yoga Studio and Just Yoga in Johor and many others too.

Restorative Yoga

As the name implies, Restorative Yoga is meant to restore. It is as simple as that. This type of Yoga practice is very slow. When you practice Restorative Yoga, it gives your body the time and space to achieve deeper relaxation as it can explore further into the parasympathetic nervous system.

Restorative Yoga is known to involve several types of items like yoga blocks and blankets so that the practice becomes easier. In fact, those who have practiced restorative yoga has been known to benefit from chronic stress relieve. This is because as mentioned, it helps to achieve a deeper relaxation feeling as compared to other types of yoga.

All about Spine Health

When you practice restoration yoga, what you get to do is to move your spine in different directions via the movements. This includes backbends and forward bends, all designed to emulate the old yoga practice used to improve your spine health. Apart from that, it can stimulate and soothe the organs when you force certain fluids out of hidden areas.

In another form, restorative yoga involves using an inverted pose. This will help your body to go against the effects of gravity and is usually done with a prop like a pillow. The idea behind this is to give your body a different flow because of the change in the relationship of gravity and your body. You will be standing or seated in a particular position for long duration of the day. When this is inverted, your body gets to enjoy fluids back to the upper body.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is one of the many types of Yoga practices available. In some quarters, Yin Yoga refers to the balancing type of practice for the Yang style. Known to benefit the joints instead of the muscles, Yin Yoga is a great practice if you like something mellow and less rigorous.

Like any other types of yoga, Yin gives you the same objectives accordingly. What it does is that it helps to channel the stimulation deeper than the conventional practices. Yin is better known for its balance between Yang and Yin. You can assume that the yoga practices involving your muscular tissues are Yang yoga. In this context, Yin yoga balances it.

The idea behind Yin yoga is that it targets the connective tissues of your body. This simply means that it will benefit the bones and ligaments and parts that are usually ignored, particularly the asana yoga styles.

Internal muscle heat and movement

Yin Yoga is very good for students of all levels. Emphasizing in internal heat, it focuses very much on the muscle movements, most particularly in the contracting and lengthening of these organs. As such, you will notice significant changes to your lower spine, pelvis and the hip areas.

This yoga practice can be more passive or softer than the usual styles. Because of that, it can be deemed too slow or boring. The duration of the poses can be quite long and it can last from 1 to 30 minutes in a single pose. Once you start on this, you will realize there are so much more to Yoga than the Asana styles you have come to be accustomed to.

Yoga Tips & Tricks

Yoga is one of the most beneficial exercises you can indulge in for health and general wellbeing. Like any other places in the world, Yoga is one of the most popular practices in Malaysia as well. You would have seen Malaysians from all walks of life coming together in small groups to enjoy yoga especially in fitness centres, open-air gardens and even yoga centres.

Breathing – The first thing you must do is to learn to regulate your breathing. This is one of the most important features of Yoga which must be observed when you are holding your posture. Learn to inhale and exhale through your nose and into your belly areas before venturing into the more advance stages.

Meditation – The best way to start is to sit in a comfortable position. Meditation in Yoga is different from those you learn in a spiritual sense. Once you have sat in your most comfortable position, take some time to focus into your meditation rounds.

Postures – Once you have done that, try to venture into a basic posture. There are many types of basic postures available. You can try with cobra, child, cat, dog, forward bend and such. Once you have mastered them, try something harder.

Clothing – There are apparels that are designed mainly for Yoga. It would be good to have them but they are not a necessity if you are starting out. The basic idea here is to wear comfortable clothing. Avoid cotton clothes as they do not have proper ventilation.

Place – If you are serious about starting Yoga, the best place to start is at home. Begin with the breathing and meditation stages at home. Find a location which is undisturbed and isolated from noise. Use a clean mat and then start practicing there. Once you have the system going, you can look for more advanced practices and continue from there.

Types – There are hundreds of different Yoga practices available in Malaysia. This includes the likes of Tantra, Hatha, Zen, Sivananda, Raja Yoga while Hot Yoga has been catching up a lot in recent years.

Yoga Centres in Malaysia

There are hundreds of Yoga Centres located across Malaysia. Whether you are in the large cities like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang or the smaller ones like Ipoh or Miri, you can find Yoga Centres providing all types of services. Yoga classes are usually held at fitness centres or gymnasiums while you could find dedicated Yoga clubs as well.

In Selangor, there are places like Yogasana Stuido, the Yoga Tree Studio and Surya Yoga that provide a wide range of Yoga classes. If you are in Kuala Lumpur, you might find the likes of Hot Yo Studio or mYoga which are quite popular ones. Meanwhile, there are Yoga centres in other states as well that provide specific and generic Yoga styles.

The Inner Peach Yoga Circle Penang has a variety of Yoga classes like Kundalini and Hatha while Nirmaya Yoga and Yoga Club are popular ones in Penang.

Hot Yo Studio

It is quite common for anyone to have a preconception that yoga is an ancient practice. Hot Yo Studio is one of the more modern Yoga centres that tries to avoid this. With an urban outlook and modern designed space, it provides you with a great place to practice yoga while rejuvenating your body.

Hot Yo Studio is a great place to start yoga because it is catered for beginners to seasoned practitioners. What the centre advocates is to use heat to combine with yoga. The temperature is tuned up to 38 degrees Celsius which is 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most important factor about using heat in yoga is that it helps you to lose weight. When you hold a pose under intense heat, it helps to build your muscle tissues. This then stimulates the metabolism in your body and in turn helps to burn calories.

Apart from that, the stretching will help to build better muscle shapes. Yoga can help to build better muscle tones by using your own body weight. Another major benefit of Hot Yoga is that it helps to calm your mind. The result is highly beneficial where it helps you to focus better with more clarity. This makes it an effective destressing method.

At Hot Yoga Studio, you get to work out in spaces that are fitted with infrared heaters. This means that you can feel the heat even as you enter the room. With proper practice and guidance, your body gets to enjoy the best rejuvenating experience.

mYoga

mYoga opened its doors in 2006. Offering a unique and exclusive place for yoga practitioners and health-conscious people from all walks of life, it is one that focuses on the experience. This is a place where you can find an inclusive club to practice yoga without any concerns.

The yoga trainers at mYoga are fully certified and accredited by the Yoga Allowance. Apart from that, the centre is supported by Yoga Works from America. Members here will feel very comfortable when practicing here, allowing you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In fact, mYoga is the first in Asia with a complete mY Energy classes which is highly effective and unique. This means you get to choose from more than 30 types of yoga practices with new ones being added all the time. What makes mYoga such a great place is its focus on heat which aid in blood circulation even if you had not warmed up properly.

Among those that are offered include mY HOT. Designed to enhance stretching and helps to deepen posture intensities, it is carried out in a heated studio. This makes it a great place to workout because it helps in the releasing of toxins.

Hot Stretch meanwhile is a class designed to improve your flexibility while enhancing blood circulation and is suitable for all type of practitioners. If you are looking to improve your flexibility through holding postures for long periods of time, then you should join the mY STRETCH classes.

Yoga Centres in Johor

Johor Bahru being the capital of southern state Johor is one of the most dynamic cities in Malaysia. As such, you can expect it to be one of the busiest places around especially with the recent developments like Iskandar Malaysia and the fact that it is closest to Singapore.

Johor Bahru is a fast-paced city with a lot of corporations and entertainment outlets. The people here are very modern with a growing health-conscious mentality. Because of this, yoga has become one of the very popular practices among Johoreans.

Fast-Paced and Dynamic Living Environments for People in Johor

Peace Studio is one of the recent additions in Johor. Offering a myriad of different yoga classes, Peace Studio has classes for the public, private groups, special groups and even those who intend to train. Among the types of yoga classes that Peace Studio provides include Yin Yoga, Jivana Yoga and Aqua Prenatal Yoga, among others. They have an outlet in Skudai, Kulai, Ulu Tiram and Taman Molek.

J & S Yoga & Dance Art Studio is located in Taman Setia Indah. Providing a large selection of yoga classes, they are catered for practitioners from all age levels. Meanwhile, the Art of Living Centre is at Tama Molek that provides different types of yoga classes.

Jatomi Fitness is another place in Johor that provides yoga classes. This is basically a fitness centre with a lot of top-class equipment while there are studios intended to carry out yoga classes. Courses here include Vinyasa yoga, Yin yoga and Hatha yoga.

At the Energy Yoga Centre, you can enjoy a myriad of classes catered for your mind, body and soul located in the heart of Johor Bahru. If you are up for a totally different type of yoga, there is the laughter yoga classes held across the main areas of Johor Bahru. This includes Taman Suria, Leisure Mall, Mt Austin, Taman Molek and many others.

At the Seeds Yoga Studio, you will be able to join many different classes. This range from those for the beginners to those who are more experienced. Besides that, there are general yoga classes and more specialized ones like prenatal yoga and yoga classes specifically for women.

Just Yoga is a great place if you like to practice yoga under warm temperatures. This is where the centre offers hot yoga classes throughout the week. Apart from that, it has prenatal yoga, generic yoga classes as well as Zumba classes for those who prefer a faster motion exercise.

The Rhythm Yoga and Dance Art Studio is the place to go if you like a more contemporary feel to your practice. This is located at Taman Daya not far from the city centre. Other notable yoga centres located around Johor includes the Yoga Plus Studio that offers philates, bokwa and many more.

Style Fitness is located in the heart of the city where you can enjoy hot yoga and even pole dancing. In Skudai, you will find the In Yoga Studio while Lady Chin Beauty Yoga and Slimming Centre is a great place for women who are looking to lose weight.

Yoga Centers in Selangor

The practicing of Yoga has been growing in major towns and cities like Penang and Johor Bahru around Malaysia, most notably in the state of Selangor in recent years. This is because people are becoming more health-conscious while taking more time for relaxation and to enhance your general health. As Selangor is the closest to Kuala Lumpur, Yoga centres have been growing as the demand for it has been increasing.

Selangor citizens are healthy in overall

The Surya Yoga is located in Aman Suria which offers yoga in general and pilates. Besides that, Surya has specialized Yoga classes like those for pregnant women and with special needs. Meanwhile, the Yogasana Studio operates a centre in Bandar Puchong Jaya.

This centre provides a broad range of Yoga styles like the Hatha Yoga series, the Astangha series as well as special customized classes. Located within the vicinity of Puchong is the Yoga Tree Studio in Taman Meranti Jaya.

Here, new students can enjoy a free trial class before enrolling into the various styles of the Hatha series offered.
At Breazy Yoga, people from Kajang can enjoy this practice through the classes or buy yoga products as well.

In Petaling Jaya is Lara’s Place which basically offers traditional Hatha yoga and others like belly dancing and kickboxing classes.
The Maya Yoga Samudraa operates its centre in Damansara Perdana which is one of the most exciting townships in recent years.

There are workshops offered here while therapies are available for those interested. In terms of yoga classes, it is known to offer real and authentic yoga for the real yoga enthusiasts.

Yoga Centers in Kuala Lumpur

As Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, the city offers a number of yoga centers for health-conscious individuals. The practice of yoga covers three main concerns – mental, physical and verbal.

One of the leading yoga centers in Kuala Lumpur is Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors. Strategically located in Brickfields, the center offers an internationally recognized certification for those who are inspired to deepen their knowledge in this related field. The center offers various courses such as Hatha Yoga, Yoga Sadhana course, self-mastery, ayurvedic bodyworks, super yoga kids and many more.

Besides that, the center also provides workshops such as stress management through yoga, manipuraka-universal healing as well as short course on effective sleep.

Other yoga center in Kuala Lumpur includes Lyengar yoga classes and courses that is situated in Queen’s Avenue. The center offers yoga lessons in Cheras, Puchong, Kajang and Klang area. Yogazone is no longer in business and no compensation was paid to any members in year 2008. The website yogazone.com.my shows a company bank account with only less than RM100.

Yoga Centers in Penang

Penang is one of the most vibrant states located around the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and the surrounding region mainly due to its strategic location with a series of seaside resorts, historical sites as well as the UNESCO World Heritage City of Georgetown.

The quality of life in Penang is known to be one of the best where the people here enjoy the vibrant city as well as the suburbs which are rich in natural resources. For relaxation, yoga has been one of those that has been rising in popularity.

Located along Jalan Burma is the Inner Peace Yoga Circle Penang which offers a broad range of yoga classes. This center is one of the popular ones that provide classes on the likes of Hatha, Kundalini and Prenatal Yoga sessions.

Another popular center here is the Nirmaya Yoga which is actually home to the first Yoga for Cyclist center in Penang. Meanwhile, Yoga Club in Tanjong Bungah is an award winning center with many types of classes catered for yoga practitioners from all levels.

Yoga Plus is located further from the city in Bayan Lepas where there are dance classes as well. The Qi Yoga Studio meanwhile is a truly unique place to learn this art that incorporates some of the best practices for health and wellbeing. Located in Bukit Mertajam, the Qi Yoga Studio offers classes for both adults and children. Other places around Penang offering Yoga classes include The Xtreme Fitness, SEVEN Yoga and many more.

Yoga in Langkawi

Langkawi, an island located in northwestern Malaysia has a population of over 45, 000. Nonetheless, the inhabitants of Langkawi Island are also health conscious. Therefore, few yoga centers are located on the island catered for those who are concerned about their well-being.

Malaysia Yoga Alliance, which is located in Jalan Batu Asah, specializes in Yoga Retreat and also runs regular yoga training course. The center is the answer for those who would like to experience yoga in the beautiful island of Langkawi. So far, the center is the main yoga provider on the island established in 2006.

Another famous yoga center in Malaysia includes Yoga Now Langkawi Malaysia that conducts yoga lessons in the studio every morning and afternoon. Strategically situated approximately ten minutes walk from the beach, practitioners can enjoy inner peace while attending the classes and lessons. The center teaches traditional Hatha yoga, which is a perfect combination of Asanas, the postures and also Pranayama, the breathing techniques. Logon to Langkawi Portal for more info about Langkawi.

Yoga in today’s world

In today’s society, Yoga which is naturally an ancient healthy practice is not perceived as primitive or old fashioned. In fact, it is widely accepted as one of the lifestyle fitness and health related practice adopted not only by common people but also widely promoted by celebrities and famous people from all over the world.

People are going for Yoga classes the same way others are visiting the gymnasium where they go in style and is seen as chic. There are attires which are specially made and designed by international brands meant only for yoga which tells you how people see this practice. Hence, yoga in today’s world is regarded more like a lifestyle element instead of just exercise.

One of the best natural therapies

Yoga, a form of physical exercise widely practiced since centuries ago is an alternative therapy to achieve good health. In Malaysia, yoga received encouraging responses since it was brought into the country. Thus, Master Manisekaran founded Malaysian Yoga Society (MYS) in 2004 to increase awareness and strengthen understanding of yoga as a holistic development among citizens. This mental and physical health oriented humanitarian society was formed to promote charitable activities for underprivileged children and also other events.

Malaysian Yoga Society

The establishment of Malaysian Yoga Society (MYS) is meant to create awareness and understanding of yoga through various practices and also organized related charitable activities for socially disadvantaged citizens. The society is famously known as a mental and physical health oriented humanitarian organization.

Since its foundation few years ago, MYS constantly seeks volunteers to help and assist Yoga Home that is located in Batu Arang. Successfully formed by a group of dedicated yogic practitioners, MYS expanded the society via a systematic practice of creative yoga.

Assisting the yoga community in overall

What is Yoga? In short, yoga is a holistic developmental science suitable for human’s body and mind. The history of yoga began (officially) in 1901 records according to British official documents. Yogis in India have validated it.

Master Manisekaran, founder of Malaysian Yoga Society aims to incorporate a mental and physical health oriented humanitarian organization in the society. Established in November 2004, the society has since organized numerous charity events and programmes to celebrate its success besides to increase awareness among the citizens.

Past activities organised by Malaysian Yoga Society

Among some of the past activities organized by MYS including a fund raising event catered for all Yoga practitioners through Yoga competition 2007, a charitable food fair in 2006 for underprivileged children, an annual fund raising dinner in 2005, as well as conducting free yoga lessons for non-profit organizations such as National Cancer Society and underprivileged children’s homes.

MYS has successfully established a Yoga Home for underprivileged children in 2008. Hence, the society always recruits volunteers to help in Batu Arang as the home needs helpers to assist home-stay programmes, other tasks such as to offer dormitories and assist socially disadvantaged children, single parents or disabled individuals.

The underprivileged children are enrolled in nearby schools to acquire formal education while the adults are given a chance to attend special skill-for-meal programmes. In terms of yoga, these individuals practiced yoga daily to help balance mentally and emotionally. The main purpose to instill yoga lessons is to boost their confidence when returning to society.

When Master Manisekaran formed MYS, he aims to promote wellness and organize charitable activities among underprivileged and the socially disadvantaged, to build and offer a shelter home for these underprivileged individuals, as well as to continue to research yoga as a living science to benefit the citizens.

Malaysian Yoga Society organise fund-raising activities

In addition to that, MYS has successfully organized fund-raising activities in the past and also conduct free yoga classes and lessons for those who are socially disadvantaged.

The society strictly follows karma yoga path that promotes experience of living harmoniously in the society. The society uplifts the life of socially disadvantaged and underprivileged via the practice of yoga.

For example, MYS has launched the Yoga Home in Batu Arang to help the unfortunate individuals. The home consists of 3 modestly sized rooms to shelter approximately 12 children and also a caretaker and assistant. Besides providing yoga lessons for these individuals, the home also sends the children to a nearby primary school to equip them with formal education.

Regular yogic practitioners has the capability to overcome normal ravages of time and environment besides to lead a longer and healthier live. Here are few facts documented in the past about yogic practitioners.

Benefits of yoga is being emphasized by the society

Those who practiced yogic postures known as asanas for approximately six months and more recorded a drop in basal breath rate from 13.4 to 6.8 per minute. Individuals who practiced hatha yoga for six months or more recorded basal breath rate of 10 per minute as opposed to 23 per minute in the latter.

Other health benefits for practicing yoga includes an improvement in overall fitness after undergoing a three-week training programme consists of asanas, ujjayi-pranayama, nauli and few other postures.

All in all, MYS is here in Malaysia to help balance citizens’ mental and physical to help improve lives and consciousness.

What you must know about Yoga in Malaysia

Argument about Yoga for Muslims

Even though yoga is perceived as an extremely healthy form of exercise since it was practiced centuries ago, in 2008, Malaysia’s top Islamic body prohibits Muslims from practicing yoga. Many argued and commented that the regulation is illogical. According to the conservative Islamic body, yoga incorporated several aspects of Hinduism in Indian exercise that can eventually poison the minds of those practicing it.

Related to Hinduism

National Fatwa Council Chiarman, Abdul Shukor Husin said that Muslim practitioners failed to understand that the real purpose of practicing yoga is to be one with god of a different religion. And in this context, the god referred to Hinduism. This statement in fact contradicts with yoga practitioners as they said you need not have a religious element to join yoga classes.

Argument about Yoga for Muslims

He added that yoga originates from Hinduism contains several aspects namely physical exercise and worshipping in order to seek and achieve inner peace within oneself that leads one to be with god.

Marina Mahathir’s point of view

Such illogical restriction generated various positive and negative responses from the society. When Marina Mahathir (a prominent activist in Malaysia) heard the news, she expressed some of her concerns – since the council ban yoga, what next? The body can simply make up other decisions in the future without considering the consequences.

Yoga not against Allah

The conservative Islam in multiethnic Malaysia also imposed several other moves – non-Muslims are not allowed to use the word ‘Allah’ as it will confuse others. But such serious move to ban Muslims from practicing yoga has triggered those who are currently attending yoga classes.

Yoga is practiced and accepted globlally

A Muslim yoga practitioner was angry as she said the statement is an insult to her belief. Yoga is widely practiced globally as in recent years, more gym introduces it as part of physical exercises that helps to provide an integrating mind, spirit and body.

Pointless decisions by Fatwa

There are no real figures pointing the exact number of Muslims practicing yoga in the country. But all in all, whatever decision made by National Fatwa Council, they should consult other parties before imposing such illogical decision on the people.

Navigation