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Yoga should not be an expensive pursuit. Anyone looking for a practice should have options. We are thrilled to have guest author and devoted yogi Michael Bantigue of Yogaia Asia shows you where to find a yoga practice in Hong Kong every day of the week that you won’t have to break the bank to attend.
I used to spend a lot of money on fitness. When I started really getting into yoga, I still had a HK$1, 000+ monthly gym membership, which I supplemented with a HK$1, 000+ monthly yoga studio membership. This month, my fitness budget is about HKD200, which includes a subscription to Yogaia, an interactive online yoga website, where I can do a live yoga class in the comfort of my bedroom or if I am traveling , wherever I am in the world, and a few dollars to support the classes of my favorite yoga teachers around town, many of which I have the pleasure of calling my friends. I’ve found that you can enjoy yoga and stay healthy every day of the week without stepping foot in a studio or gym. I hope you enjoy these healthy hacks!
Monday: Log On, Tune In, Om Out
It’s the beginning of a busy week and I want to get just a few more minutes in bed. Luckily I don’t need to go too far for my daily yoga class: I roll out of bed, brew a cup of coffee and read a book while waiting for my 7am class to begin on Yogaia.com. I log in, click start class, and wave to my teacher, whose warmth leaps off the laptop screen. After a 60-minute interactive session of breath work, asanas and mindfulness, I don’t need to fight for a shower like I used to at crowded yoga studios, thus preserving my post practice calm.
Tuesday: Pay What You Wish
Before yoga studios became ubiquitous and there was one on every street corner, I remember a time when practitioners sat cross-legged with the community in rented halls, ashrams, and outdoor spaces. Nothing fancy. Having started my yoga practice in New York at the pioneer of donation-based yoga, Yoga To The People, I’m thankful for teachers like Bryan who have brought the movement to Hong Kong at Pay What You Wish Yoga. Students pay as much as they can afford for a 60 to 90 minute practice with Bryan or any of the other talented teachers.
Wednesday: Run To Om
Leaving the gym or the studio might feel like giving up a sense of community – so its important to join new ones. Enter the Harbour Runners, a tight-knit and welcoming running crew, who lead a weekly 7km evening run.
Thursday: Hang Out
Yoga helps me to see things from a different point of view – whether its challenging my assumptions about work, suspending judgement, or learning to trust in myself and others. Aerial yoga is a safe and exciting way to get into some challenging poses that may be difficult on the sticky mat. Being suspended lets your joints decompress, strengthens the core, and increases flexibility, balance, and awareness. We fly with our Yogaia teacher, Cindy Leung Yoga & Dance (Jan 2017 Update: Now Closed).
Friday: Hit The Bar
Most people think yoga is only about flexibility, but strength is equally important. Build strength with Tim, who many know as the big, friendly guy with tattoos at Brickhouse. Tim uses calisthenics and bars that can be installed at home or found at your local neighborhood park to build strength and ‘get ripped’. Tim does privates through his company BARisthenics Mods.
Saturday: Savasana
Savasana, or corpse pose, is a vital yet often overlooked part of the yoga practice. It’s when you lie on your back, arms and legs are spread, eyes are closed and the breath is deep. Savasana is where people are most likely to experience the essence and meaning of yoga. It’s an indescribable feeling. It’s taken me a while to understand the value of rest or doing nothing. Try devoting one day in your week to rest. You’ve earned it.
Sunday: Ommunity
For me, Sunday is the jackpot of complimentary classes, and a way for me to catch up with the community. Start your day with a community class with Yogaia teacher and lululemon ambassador, Victor Chau. Another Yogaia teacher, May Nogoy, hosts heartful yoga popups under the name Soultrains (Jan 2017 Update: Now Closed). Finish off the weekend with the dynamic duo, Christina and Kelsey, of Yoga Alfresco.
Photos courtesy of: Yogaia.com, Beatrice Lee Photography, Alresco, Dr. Bryan Yoga, May Nogoy, Ken Shih, Wilson Tang, Tim Skinner / BARisthenics Mods, Anita Mishra, Spiritual Gangster
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