Bollywood comes to Planet Yoga Hong Kong?

Bollywood comes to Planet Yoga Hong Kong?
Yoga is known to promote a balanced between the body and the mind while Bollywood Dance is a fusion of classical Indian style dances with Arabic, Latin and street dance styles. Both are now offered at Planet Yoga in Hong Kong.


Just how glamorous is the Bollywood Dance? Have you ever watch a Bollywood movie? Most of these Bollywood movies are musicals with songs and dances inserted within scenes. The dances within the movies signify the characters’ feelings, thoughts and foretell events.



On Jessica Simpson’s show The Price of Beauty, you can see in one of its episodes the glamorous world of Bollywood . The dancers had this intricate detailed dresses and beautiful faces that are proportional to the way they move. It was breathtaking. The episode was quite fun to watch because Jessica and her team also learned some basic steps on Bollywood dancing. To watch on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkg6ypRfyq4 The feature was short though, so if you want to learn the gracious dance you better drop by Planet Yoga. Visit http://www.facebook.com/planetyoga.hk for more information on Bollywood Dance with Master Ram and Master Rajesh.

Planet Yoga presents: Mother's Day Charity Workshop

All the way from India, monk Swami Maheshananda Saraswati will be travelling to Planet Yoga Hong Kong this Mother's day for a charity workshop. Deep psychic experiences in his youth led him to his Guru Paramhamsa Satyananda and the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger - one of the most respected schools and traditions of yoga in the world. He was initiated into the Dashnami order and lived with his Guru for the customary twelve years, serving his Guru's mission in various capacities. Now, as a wandering yogi, he travels around the world to conduct seminars and workshops on yoga. All workshops are by donation.

Session 1: Introduction to Five Levels of Energy

Date: May 8, 2010 (Sat)

Time: 11:30 – 13:30

Venue: Central Club

We will learn about the yogic concepts of the five dimensions (Kosha) of being, and how we can bring this awareness into asana and pranayama (breathing) practice. The session will include Kirtan (devotional chanting).

Session 2: Chakra points – Achieving our highest potential

Date: May 8, 2010 (Sat)

Time: 14:00 – 16:00

Venue: Central Club

Asana and pranayama practice will be combined with an introduction to the chakra points – psychic points within our bodies which trigger the release of powerful energies. This session provides the foundation for the practices on Sunday.

Session 3: Meditation

Date: May 9, 2010 (Sun)

Time: 11:00 – 15:00

Venue: Central Club

In this meditation technique, which takes us into the second stage of meditation (Dharana), we will focus on powerful symbols connecting us to subtle energies which help to unlock our fullest potential. Kirtan chants will enhance the experience.

*We welcome donation of HK$150 upward to support our efforts to bring advance speaker to Planet Yoga. This will include admission to all sessions.

Call 2525 8288 to reserve your seat now or visit our page at http://www.facebook.com/planetyoga.hk

Mother's Day Special: Moms-to-be Glows and Wows with Yoga

Pregnancy is one of most beautiful processes a woman can go through. There are many tips to-be-mommy can take note to help make sure the baby is as healthy as possible---taking your folate, eating a balanced diet and exercising. While it is not always easy, it's important to stay fit before, during and after a pregnancy. You should also know that if you are fit during your pregnancy, your body is going to bounce back so much quicker.

It is important for moms to stay active during thier pregnant, but you should always talk to their doctor first. Once you get the thumbs up from your doctor, listen to your body. You are going to feel more tired, but you should be able to continue doing the types of exercises you did before your pregnancy. Most importantly avoid accident-prone activities like running or cycling.

Yoga is one of the best exercises pregnant woman can do. By improves the flexibility of the body and stretching your muscles, yoga can relieve back pain common during pregnancy. Also, by regulating your blood circulation, yoga can also help reduce bloating and cramps.

Some simple pose every to-be mommy can try:

- Tadasana. The Mountain Yoga Pose internalizes stillness, strength, relaxed power, and immovable stability.

- Warrior Pose. The Warrior Pose stretches and strengthens the arms and legs, increases stamina, improves balance and concentration, and relieves backaches.

- Bidalasana. The Cat Yoga Pose strengthens your core while focuses your concentration on deep breathing.

Many moms love practicing yoga, especially during their pregnancy simply because it is an exercise they can do at the club but also at home. If you decide to give yoga a try, do ensure that you seek the advice of a trained yogi as they will be able to give you some very useful tips and advice on specific poses and postures.

Stay fit during your pregnancy and while having the chance to meet other moms-to-be and embark on the wonderful journey of yoga together. To learn more about prenatal yoga, Vanessa a yoga instructor from Planet Yoga who completed Pregnancy Yoga teacher training from the prestigious Sara Avant Stover series is here to answer any questions, and help you stay beautiful ft and healthy during your pregnancy.

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Visit Planet Yoga’s facebook page http://bit.ly/month_promo or call: 2525-8288 (Central Club)

3615-8080 (Tsim Sha Tsui Club)

2525-8277 (Causeway Bay Club)

This article is provided by Prosperity Research Ltd, For e-mail inquiries: info@prosperity-research.com

Planet Yoga April Workshops

WORKSHOP 1

Posture Correction & Body Alignment

Instructor: Aakash

Duration: 8 hours

Date: Apr 10, 17, 24 & May 1 (Sat)

Time: 10:30 – 12:30

Club: CWB Club

Course fee: HK$1,600

Description:

It's time to re-shape that body. Over time gravity takes its toll and of course those sinfully delicious snacks do as well. This yoga class will show you many effective ways to shift and reduce stubborn fat deposits from your waistline, buttocks and thighs. Many of the killer moves you learn will help tighten, cut and redefine your body for even greater sex appeal.

Tightening your body and tweaking weight distribution will also give you better posture and overall health.

This class is perfect for women who are looking to get their pre-pregnancy bodies back!

WORKSHOP 2

Yoga for Inner Peace

Instructor: Sumit

Duration: 3 hours

Date: April 17 (Sat)

Time: 16:00 – 19:00

Club: TST Club

Course fee: HK$750

Description:

With just six simple steps, this yoga class will help you reach complete and deep relaxation. A relaxed mind and body leads to stress release, better concentration and an overall peaceful mind. And a mind at peace can help decrease tension, insomnia, anger and frustration.

Take on your world feeling relaxed and at one with yourself, able to solve the problems of your daily life.

WORKSHOP 3

Yoga and Living Foods

Instructor: Moises

Duration: 3 hours

Date: April 25 (Sun)

Time: 11:00 – 14:00

Club: CWB Club

Course fee: HK$450

Description:

In yoga philosophy, food is an important part of our holistic being. It is called, "Annamaya Kosha".

According to Kosha philosophy, different aspects of our person (emotions, mind, spirit, etc.) make up the layers of our being. To complete our being, our Annamaya Kosha must also be made strong as well.

In this workshop you will learn the approach of using veganism and raw food as a way to detox your body and become more healthy. The workshop consists of 3 consecutive hours of asana, pranayama, meditation and "living foods" demonstration.

This workshop will improve your flexibility, recovery time, yoga practice, health and overall life one meal at a time.

This class is not suitable for pregnant women.

WORKSHOP 4

Yoga for Two

Instructor: Vanessa

Duration: 4 hours

Date: April 10 (Sat)

Time: 14:00 – 18:00

Club: CTL Club

Course fee: HK$600

Description:

When you're pregnant you're eating for two and living for two, so why not exercise for two?

In this workshop, you will learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory changes that affect exercise during pregnancy. We will also teach you the 7 common problems related to prenatal exercise, posture awareness, nutrition / weight issues, post labor information, a pre and postnatal exercise regimen, as well as practical yoga moves using props such as yoga block, fitball and thera band.

Stay fit during your pregnancy without putting you and your baby in harms way.

WORKSHOP 5

The Art of Meditation

Instructor: Kapil

Duration: 6 hours

Date: April 24 & May 1 (Sat)

Time: 10:00 – 13:00

Club: CTL club

Course fee: HK$1,500

Description:

Unfortunately, meditation is not a one size fits all kind of thing. Certain techniques work better for certain people, making choosing the right technique very important.

In this 6 hour workshop, split into two 3 hours sessions teaching 9 meditation techniques each, you'll discover the different benefits and science behind the various techniques so you can find the one that's just right for you.

This is a guided class with instruction from a master yogi with short break periods between each 20 minute meditation sessions. A takeaway booklet will be given to help you practice meditation on your own.

It's time to clear your mind and your schedule to learn the art of meditation.

From Member to Teacher: Alvin of Planet Yoga gets Hong Kong flexible

One of our favourite teachers at Planet Yoga,Alvin teachers a special workshop titled "Yoga for the Inflexible" this March. With many dedicated members practicing with Alvin, this workshop is a guaranteed success. We speak to Alvin about why he wanted to host a workshop and how he won over such a following at Planet Yoga.


So Alvin, are you from Hong Kong?
No but it definitely feels like I am! I've been living in this city for 30 years now. I came here 30 years ago with a Hong Kong based-airline company.


Was your schedule quite flexible then? That must have given you a bit of free time to explore the city.
Yes definitely. We would get days off at a time when we were not flying and so I was able to try out lots of different sports. I love swimming, biking, scuba diving and rock climbing! Funny thing is,, I was always interested in yoga about but I never got around to it until much later!


Wow, you are very athletic! When did you start practicing yoga then?
Actually I started practicing about 5 or 6 years ago. I started as a member at Planet Yoga and after a couple of classes I was completely hooked. I started coming here everyday, going to classes and just talking to the other teachers. I would catch Master Kapil after class and just discuss about specific techniques and how I can improve my postures. I learnt very quickly at Planet Yoga because the instructors are so willing to help me after class or in their free time.

From member to instructor at Planet Yoga? No wonder it seems like you know everybody in this club!
Definitely, I made a lot of friends here in Planet Yoga as a member. I understand their point of view, what they like and how they wish to improve. That is the main reason why I wanted to host this workshop. I found that a lot of members were getting frustrated because they could not do a certain pose even after years of practice.

What are some common poses people had difficulty with?
Every body is built differently so our limits vary but backbends, splits and the butterfly is generally a bit more challenging for most people to practice.


Can you give us a little sneak preview of what the workshop would be like?
I wanted to include a mix of discussion, theory and practice into the workshop. Members at Planet Yoga can attend class any day of the week but not a lot of people have the chance to sit down and study or discuss specific problems they encountered in their practice. Also, it is a great introductory class for someone curious and new to yoga to gain some insight before jumping into a regular class. I will be teaching some very practical yoga poses that anyone can do just at their office or when they are sitting around at home.


Thank you so much Alvin for giving us an exclusive look into your workshop. So finally, can you tell us what Real Yoga means to you?
Real Yoga gives us the awareness to be present and in the moment.


Namaste.


Yoga for the Inflexible Workshop at Planet Yoga
Description:

Most people practice yoga to become more flexible,
but everyone's body is unique. This workshop will
teach you the science of flexibility, helping you
understand your current level of flexibility and how
you can quickly improve on it. Asana Practice and
use of Yoga props (e.g. blocks, bricks, straps,
bolsters) will help you achieve.

This is a detailed class with a lot of personal attention.

What to expect during class

Discussion:

Date&Time: March 27 (Sat) 15:00-18:00
Club: Central Club
Instructor: Alvin
Level: All levels
Course Fee: HK $500

Practical:
-Asana practice
-Postures for stretching the whole body

Meet Moises at Planet Yoga Hong Kong

So, how did you become a yogi?
My grandma was a yoga teacher in Mexico; she was very into vegetarianism and spirituality--she actually went to learn yoga in India in 1971! I grew up seeing her teach private classes in our home. Also,my mother ran a detox clinic where she helped people with alcohol and drug addictions by giving them treatment. I saw daily how people transformed and got healthier through meditation and exercise. I was especially surprised about the physical difference I witnessed in them.

That is very interesting. Did you know when you were very young that you wanted to help people by becoming a yogi?
Not immediately, no. I did a lot of soul searching first. I went to a Jewish school in Mexico--where I come from; and after I graduated high school I went to live and work in Israel for 8 months. I worked as a farmer! I think that experience gave me the time to really think about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to live my life. I think that is when I knew I wanted to become a yoga teacher. Also, it really helped keep me grounded as a person. From working on the farm and cooking for myself, I also became very interested in eating healthy and wholesome foods.





Can you give us some simple fitness advice?
Actually when I was younger I was very into body building and contemporary dance! Especially in dance, we did a lot of yoga moves to work on our flexibility and help us warm up before a routine. I did find that I got quite stiff from lifting weights and you build a different kind of muscle. Bodybuilding builds stiff and bulky muscles, while yoga is good for leaner muscles. My advice is to do activities that you enjoy, whether it is power yoga or bollywood dancing! It is important to enjoy the activity because that is the only way you would be motivated to continue.

Very true. Do a lot of your students prefer classes at Planet Yoga because they get bored at the gym?
That is a common reason many member prefer taking classes here--there is a good variety of classes from more aerobic intensive styles like Ashtanga to Hatha Flow where the poses are dynamic but not as challenging. They are never bored because there are so many classes they can try out! Also, yoga trains us to stay present and gain awareness--that is why the focus on breathing is always emphasized. So many people go to the gym only to distract themselves with videos, music or even their phone! When practicing yoga, I always remind my students to pay attention to how their body and muscles feel.

We heard that you have a strict diet where you ate mostly raw and vegan food. What are some foods we should add or limit so we could stay healthy?
I would suggest eating less sugar, processed food, red meat and fried food. Some great foods to add to your diet are raw green leaves in salads, fresh juices, almonds and dates. People in Hong Kong are very busy---dried fruit and nuts are a very convenient snack that is also extremely good for your body!

Finally, what does real yoga mean to you?
Real yoga is a place where everyone can become aware of who we are as a being. Where we can be unafraid of opening our heart, our mind and our body.

Namaste

Planet Yoga Guest Instructor Series

Guest Instuctor Master Jack (Dec-Jan)

Jack is a true inspired Indian dance Instructor, who also is a Master of Martial arts.

He has concurred Black belt 2nd don, "Tae-Kwon-Do", 7-Gold, 2- Silver and 3 Bronze medals in National level tournaments in INDIA among a billion people.

He was selected and represented by the Indian Tae-Kwon-Do Federation for international level several times.

Currently he is the honorary secretary & Chief Technical Director Of jury in National tournaments in India.

Recently, under his direction Orissa state Tae-Kwon-Do program for “schools & Clubs" is a big success in India.

Professionally dancing and choreographed in Bollywood (the Indian movie industry) more than 15 years, conducting events with Bolly-Wood stars throughout INDIA, working in movies as director for 10 years, working experience for 4 years in BKK under CaliforniaWOW, making every show a success with new effects... Presently posted as dance coordinator BKK...

My moto is to make every single person HAPPY and HEALTHY.

"Enjoy each and every moment.... "

Master Jack showing off a signature dance move at Planet Yoga Hong Kong