Whether the objective is to de-stress or to improve physical fitness and general well-being, yoga is the choice of many in the city. As more and more denizens step on to the yoga mat, we explore some of the styles of yoga that is practised and taught
Sivananda Yoga
A Sivananda Yoga session in progress.
One of the city’s foremost names in yoga, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre offers classes and workshops on a regular basis at their city centre at West Fort. The Sivananda style is favoured across ages for its emphasis on holistic wellness through their five highlights: proper exercise (asanas), proper breathing (pranayama), proper relaxation (Savasana), proper diet (read vegetarian), positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation (Dhyana). Contact: 9497008432.
Ashtanga Yoga
Anniina Vivian performing Ashtanga Yoga.
This energetic version of yoga popularised by K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore is not for the faint-hearted. Once warmed up, asanas are practised while being in tune with the breath, resulting in a complete body detox through the internal heat that is created in the process. Great to build core strength and tone the body, there are six series under the style, from primary to intermediate and four advanced. There’s no room for skipping poses here. Making your way through is an achievement after being able to perfectly execute each asana under every series. Ashtanga yoga practitioner Anniina Vivian teaches at Kuravankonam. Contact: 989558329.
Iyengar Yoga
Shuba Rao (right) and B.K.S. Iyengar (sitting left)
Nothing is impossible in this style of yoga! World-renowned yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar’s discipline of hatha yoga was created to make every asana attainable for all, with a little help. Using props like bricks, ropes, bolsters, cushions and chairs for precise alignment of asanas gives beginners a chance to attempt poses otherwise considered too advanced. Through sustained practice, the need for props can finally be done away with completely. Classes are held in the city by Shuba Rao who underwent seven years of training under Karthik Patil, a disciple of B.K.S. Iyengar. Shubha offers one-on-one classes at her home studio at Vellayambalam. Write to shuba.srao@gmail.com for an appointment.
Sri Vidya Yoga
Participants practising Sri Vidya Yoga
Also known as Kundalini Yoga, in this intense discipline meant for the sincere spiritual seeker, breath-work, mudras or hand gestures and body locks are practised to attain mastery over the self. A simple sequence of asanas have been developed by Yogi Shivan, Sri Vidya Yoga practitioner and founder of Indimasi Yoga and Ayurveda, for those inclined towards all-round wellness.
Mixed and women-only classes are held in the mornings and evenings at the centre at Kudappanakunnu, five days a week. Private classes in meditation and yoga asana practice with Yogi Shivan can be availed of through prior appointment.
One-year teachers’ training diploma and RYT 200-hour courses are also offered.
Contact: 0471-2432133 or 9656746199.
Hatha Yoga & Power Yoga
For those who consider yoga as too slow a practice for their taste, sign up for a power yoga session with no time to pause while you burn those calories.
Yoga practitioner Tara Laju, trained in Sivananda and Iyengar styles of yoga, trains students across ages in her own series of power yoga.
Those with health scares needn’t fret for, depending on the condition, the body is coaxed into modulated asanas that gradually resolve the problem after which the client is introduced to regular asanas. If you despise the gym and yet, crave a workout, power yoga might be it. Contact Tara at 8129992121.
Natya Yoga
Kids during a Fun Yoga session
An assimilation of yoga asanas with mudras and steps from classical dance forms, Natya Yoga classes are a big draw among the middle-aged to senior women who’ve thought that they are past their prime for dance. Classes are held on a weekly basis for 90 minutes by Uma Krishna Pillai, also a dietician, at her studio Yoga Plus at Vazhuthacaud in collaboration with danseuse Vidya Pradeep. The duo choreographs steps with music to match and include pranayama in the sessions. Variations are taught to those with achy joints and other health issues.
The centre also offers classes in Sivananda and Ashtanga syles of yoga. Yoga for children, called Fun Yoga, is also held every week. Contact 7012319180.
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