Want to achieve zen in the middle of the silly season? Now’s as good a time as any to start stretching yourself in a yoga class. Caroline Ritter strikes a pose.



Many people believe yoga is all about contorting your body in bizarre poses or sitting cross-legged screaming OM for an hour. But these are misconceptions. In reality, yoga is about discovering yourself, observing your physical pains, finding inner peace and growing spiritually. The aim is to reach a moment of intense calmness and awareness, when nothing seems impossible.

Hong Kong has recently seen a remarkable yoga boom. Katharina Reimer, an experienced teacher at Yogalimbs, and certified by the American Yoga Alliance, puts this down to the need many people feel in our hectic world to reconnect with their basic values and principles, to recenter themselves in the midst of mental chaos. “Hong Kong is a frantic metropolis, and yoga calms the sympathetic nervous system by relieving stress,” she says, emphasizing that yoga can be practiced by everybody, regardless of differences in age, body shape or size. “It’s also an excellent cardiovascular workout that builds strength and stamina all at once.”

Indeed, the list of benefits goes on. And if you’re one of those who think the days of being able to touch your toes are long gone, think again. Yoga will improve your flexibility dramatically. On top of that, yoga also releases many unwanted toxins and can lead to a better sex life.

Of course, as with any other physical practice, precautions must be taken. Reimer emphasizes the importance of alignment when posing to avoid injuries. Foot alignment is particularly important.  Also, always remember to tuck your tailbone in in order to straighten your spine. Props such as bolsters, blocks and blankets can be used to help, but your best bet is to practice safely with a qualified instructor.

Words of Wisdom
Your five-second guide to popular yoga phrases

Asana: Poses practiced in yoga

Pranyama: Methods of controlling your breath while practicing

Hatha: A slow-paced class serving as a great introduction to basic poses.
Perfect for beginners.

Ashtanga and “power yoga”: A fast-paced and intense class, demanding much energy and determination.

Iyengar: A style of yoga mostly concerned with body alignment that emphasizes holding poses for a long periods, as well as using props.

Kundalini: This will enable you to discover the effects of your breath on
the postures with rapid, repetitive movements.

Hot Yoga: Practiced in a 90 to 100-degree farenheit room, allowing the loosening of tight muscles.
 

Get the Gear

Lululemon Suite 1420-1422, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 2238-5555, www.lululemon.com

Pure Retail 3/F, Two Ifc, 8 Finance St., Central, 8129-8888, www.pure-international.com

Studios

Anahata Yoga 18/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2905-1822

Flex Yoga 1/F, Woodleigh House, 80 Stanley Village Rd., Stanley, 2813-2212, www.flexhk.com

Myoga G/F, One Grand Tower, 639 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok, 2390-7788, www.myogaonline.com

Pure Yoga 16/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham St., Central, 2971-0055, www.pure-yoga.com

Yogalimbs 33/F, 69 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2525-7415, www.yogalimbs.com

Amico Studio 3/F, 167-169 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2827-9233, www.amico.com.hk

Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation Centre G/F, 17 Dragon Rd., Tin Hau, 2806-3008, www.rajayoga.com.hk

Living Yoga L/9, Tower 1, Grand Century Place, 193 Prince Edward Rd. West, Mong Kok, 2111-8880

Planet Yoga 20/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington St., Central, 2525-8288,   www.planetyoga.com.hk

The Iyengar Yoga Centre Of Hong Kong Room 406, New Victory House, 93-103 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan, 2541-0401, www.iyengaryogahongkong.com

The Studio Sai Kung 1/F, 28 Man Nin St., Sai Kung, 2791-9705, www.thestudiosaikung.com

Yoga Central 4/F, Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St., Central, 2982-4308

Yogasana Room B, 1/F, King’s Tower, 51-57, Aberdeen St., Central, 2511-8892