Saluting the Sun at Yoga Aid

Can you think of three great reasons to start your Sunday right? I could this morning when I went down to Saw Avenue Amphitheatre in Kings Park at 8:00am to participate in the Yoga Aid Challenge 2011.

Do Yoga. Build Community. Support Charity.

Today marked the 5th annual Yoga Aid Challenge Australia. Yoga Aid is an opportunity to connect with your local yoga community at a free 2 hour outdoor yoga class. It is a unique event and is celebrated around the world. Across Australia funds were raised for three valuable charity organisations: Nelune Foundation, Sunnyfield Independence and Barnados.

Reaching up to the sky and saluting the sun!

Although the day started out looking a little overcast and cloudy we were eventually blessed with lovely sunlight peeping out through the clouds. I'm sure the yogis and yoginis in the crowd would attest that the combination of our powers and sun salutations combined brought out the sunshine. In combination with weather conditions, barometric pressure and thermodynamics of course. But who's to say our sun salutations didn't play at least a small part... ;)

Smooth transitions in the yoga flow:
downward facing dog into chataranga

Representatives from the three West Australian lululemon athletica stores were out in force dressed to impress in groove pants and sporting 'currant' tops to share our bright and exciting new season colour. We were pleased to join a number of local West Australians in the iconic Perth landmark that is Kings Park to share our energy, passion and love for yoga.

A massive thanks to everyone who joined, all who fundraised and the excellent teachers who led the group through a mind-blowing 109 sun salutations in the 2 hours from 9:00-11:00am. Hope everyone who was there enjoyed themselves but if you missed out don't worry... I look forward to seeing you next year at Yoga Aid Challenge 2012!

Yoga for a Healthy Life

Shakespeare once asked 'what's in a name?' At the Healthy Life Fitness Centre the name just says it all. It's a well laid out gym located right by Whiford City Shopping Centre where people can move about, twist and shout plus (most importantly) sweat it out to raise their fitness levels and develop a healthy life.

Today's class with Sandy was an experienced yoga class and I could definitely tell the difference when I compare it to some of the beginners classes that I have recently attended. Although she began the class slowly and eased us into our practice it was not long until she was asking us to take a complex sun salutation series at our own pace and hold advanced balance poses for significant periods of time.

The Healthy Life Fitness Centre has a really large group fitness room and the class was clearly a popular choice. Sandy had a great rapport with a number of students and although the skill levels varied it was pretty clear that everyone in the room had practiced yoga at least a few times before. Really enjoyed the experience and would definitely go back again!

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Friday morning, 11:15am-12:15pm. Healthy Life Fitness Centre.
• COST: $17.00 per casual class
• TEACHER: Sandy
• BRING: You need to bring along your own mat to this practice. An ideal option is 'The Mat' from lululemon athletica. It is a serious yoga mat with super-grippy PU (polyurethane) top layer to stop you slipping during your power and flow yoga class. This ultra-thick mat has four different layers of rubber and PU so gives excellent cushioning for your knees, hips and spine. It is treated with an additive called ultra-freshTM which prevents the growth of mildew and bacteria. 'The Mat' is clearly called 'The Mat' for a reason! ;)
• BEST BITS: This class was just great but I'd say definitely for advanced yogis rather than first timers. Everything from shoulder stands to self-led sun salutations, the group was definitely kept on their toes! 
• HEALTHY LIFE FITNESS CENTRE TIMETABLE: www.healthylifefitness.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Space for you at The Yoga Space

Really enjoyed a calm and quiet 45 minute Vinyasa Yoga practice at The Yoga Space on Hay Street this afternoon.

The Yoga Space is a cute little upstairs studio just off Hay Street, great location because it's only a super quick Red Cat ride or short walk from downtown Perth City. Since I'm currently working shifts I was able to break away a little early today and catch this class. There was only three of us there, but as I left the 5:30pm class was arriving and there must have been at least 20 people lining up for that later 90 minute session. It's clearly a popular venue!

It was lovely to participate in a brief practice in the early afternoon. Was also great to have such a tiny class so we each got lots of one-on-one attention from the teacher, my postures and alignment definitely benefitted from that. Plus I left the studio when it was still light and sunny outside, so my mood was definitely brightened too. A refreshing experience all around!

VINYASA translates to 'breath synchronised movement' and is a practice which dynamically links breath and movement. The teacher instructs the class to move from one posture to the next on an inhale or exhale, ideally allowing each pose to flow together. Most vinyasa classes will include the simple cat-cow stretch as well as sun salutations which are slightly more complex.

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Wednesday afternoon, 4:30-5:15pm. The Yoga Space. 11/1251 Hay Street, West Perth.
• COST: $10.00 for a 45 minute class
• TEACHER: Samantha
• BRING: Everything is supplied by The Yoga Space so there's no need to bring a mat. But as always with yoga be sure to wear an outfit that offers you a lot of flexibility, freedom of movement and good coverage.
• BEST BITS: Since my previous yoga sessions have all been 90 minute classes I really appreciated this 45 minute short and peaceful practice. A great choice for beginners with a patient and supportive teacher.
• THE YOGA SPACE WEBSITE: www.yogaspace.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★