Sharing the Lurrrrve with Partner Yoga

'Lean on me' - partnering with Shonelle
at Lululemon Athletica

Happy Valentine's Day Peeps!

It's one of those dates that is every year, without fail,  massively controversial depending on who you talk to. Is it a holiday? A day to celebrate, buy lavish gifts and shower your special somebody with love & affection? Or is it just another cheap, tacky and commercialised holiday enforced by modern day consumerist society to make people to spend their hard-earned dollars on unnecessary possessions.

Ummm... Irrelevant debate!!!

Arguing for the sake of arguing over the meaning of a 'date' like this is COMPLETELY beside the point as far as I understand it. I see days like Valentine's day as an opportunity to smile, think about how much fun people out there are having and how deliciously happy some people in love can be! Yes sure lots of readers might hate the mushy stuff, but leave each to their own and let the loved-up people have their fun and enjoy each other's company.

In the meantime, try to enjoy your own company. That's always a good start :)

A perfect pair: Karen & Shonelle
balanced in yoga harmony

This year my warm-up to Valentine's day consisted of a very different kind of sharing. Karen Then led a beautiful 'partner yoga' class at Lululemon Athletica on February 13th.

The great thing about the class was that your partner could be absolutely anyone. The room was linked up with friends, couples and even mother-daughter combinations - all just there to help each other stretch through some new poses and enjoy a quality, relaxing practice.

It was fun to work together in balance poses and literally support a friend or partner who might be a little off balance. Today's class was yet another fun example of just how adaptable the practice of yoga can be, with or without company!

• DETAILS: Monday 13th February, 6:00-7:00pm in-store at Lululemon Athletica*
• COST: Complimentary in-store class*
• TEACHER: Karen Then
• BEST BITS: Learning that the practice of yoga doesn't need to be a solitary journey! I love sharing my practice with room full of like-minded people, but never before have I literally relied on someone else to help me through the moves. Karen's class brought a smile to all of our faces, a fun new way to share the lurrrrve.
• LULULEMON ATHLETICA PERTH CITY: *Timetable constantly changes. Check out the below link to review the monthly class calendar! http://www.lululemon.com/perth/perthcity

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Connecting with Sand, Surf and Yoga

I need to share with you my absolute favourite outdoor activity last weekend!

Stu brings yoga back to nature on the sand at City Beach

Went down to City Beach at about 8:45am on Saturday morning, wandered over the dunes and down onto the sand. There I met up with Stu Watkins and his awesome group of devoted beach yogis who hit the beach most Saturday mornings during summer (dependent on good weather) to follow his practice on the sand.

Stu's Akhanda Yoga Flow is a beautiful chance to get outside, soak up some rays and get in touch with nature. The hour long practice takes you through many traditional yoga poses as well as a few fun combinations that Stu puts together. He always saves some time for free-stylin' so you can do whatever feels natural and right in the moment. There's some additional fun times and giggles too - I've never gone to one of his classes without cracking a massive smile! :)

A gorgeous location and blissful way to start my Saturday

Amazingly enough I have known Stu since we were kids. Perth, as everyone who lives here probably realises, is quite a small and interconnected place! Stu and I both attended Coolbinia Primary school what feels like a very long time ago. But having having common background with him is irrelevant. His manner and grace with everyone he meets is so evident. People gravitate to him and appreciate his calm nature and friendly smile. These beautiful attributes shine through in the way he leads his practice - sharing a soulful message with those who practice in a way which offers thought provoking ideas, fitness and fun!

AKHANDA & VINYASA ASANA YOGA FLOW: Stu's classes incorporate two adaptable styles of yoga and cater to people with all levels of experience. He has taught and practiced all over the globe and travelled to the Himalayas in India to study Akhanda Yoga with its founder, Yogi Vishvketu. Stu is a holistic life coach as well as fitness trainer so you will notice his classes combine the ancient teachings of yoga with the application of modern Western philosophies. The end result is an awesome and effective experience which leaves you feeling inspired and focused on health, well being and balance.

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Saturday morning, 9:00-10:00am. On the sand at City Beach (drive along West Coast Highway
• COST: This blissful session is what you make it and you get to pay what you wish to attend
• TEACHER: Stu Watkins
• STU'S WEBSITE: www.stuartbwatkins.com

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

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!

Good vibrations at Bikram on 11/11/11

One minute of silence at 11:00am on November 11, 2011
Lest We Forget

Apparently practicing yoga on 11/11/11 is particularly empowering as it is a date which offers particularly good vibrations. The number 11 is supposedly a power number and in numerology represents intuition, artistic genius and balance. It is also a prime number and has some special mathematical properties since when multiplied by itself it can result in a palindrome (11x11 = 121; 111111x111111 = 12345654321). People scattered across the globe are excited to be married or give birth on this date.

This may all sound very hippy to you, but at the same time.. why not just go along with it? What's wrong with opening your mind to an alternative way of thinking and giving something new a try. Isn't that what the practice of yoga is all about?

If practicality is more your thing then don't forget that November 11th is also a particularly important date in history. Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended World War I (1914-1918). Australians observe a minute of silence at 11:00am in memory of those who died or suffered in armed conflict. I know a number of Australians who also use the quiet time to reflect on how grateful they are to live in such a beautiful country. Try not to wait until next November 11th to reflect and be thankful for all that you have. Lest we forget how fortunate we are.

So I woke up bright and early with, or possibly even before, the sun. Rolled through the morning motions as quick as a flash and jumped in my car to arrive at Bikram Yoga Joondalup in time for the 5:45am class. My lovely colleague joined me in the class led by Karen, an inspirational woman who radiates positive energy wherever she goes.

I have heard people joke about the 'Bikram torture chamber' and I must say practicing for 90 minutes in a sauna-like environment is definitely a challenge. However I thoroughly enjoyed the holistic workout and felt the benefits of the practice on both my body and mind throughout the rest of the day.

Read my post from 28th September 2011 to learn more about the hot, sweaty fun you can get up to at Bikram Yoga Joondalup or just check below for a few quick facts...

• DETAILS: Friday morning, 5:45-7:15am. Unit 7/200 Winton Rd, Joondalup.
• COST: $18.00 per casual class.
• TEACHER: Karen
• BRING: You'll definitely want to take a large (mat-sized) sweat towel and a large bottle of water.
• WEAR: As little as possible! You'll soon realise that body shape and size doesn't matter - everyone in every size strips down to minimal clothing in this super hot environment. Tight shorts, hot pants and suitable loose but supportive tanks are available at lululemon athletica Perth City. My personal favorites are the Let It Loose Tank and a pair of Reverse Groove Shorts. 
• BEST BITS: Your muscles warm up extremely quickly in the hot yoga studio and you use muscles you weren't even sure you possessed. Constantly moving for 1.5 hours really gets the blood flowing, builds your stamina and regulates your breathing. Don't forget to rehydrate!!!
• BIKRAM YOGA JOONDALUP WEBSITE: www.bikramyogajoondalup.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Starting Saturday at Greenwood Yoga Academy

Signage outside the Greenwood Yoga Academy

Enjoyed a really relaxing start to my Saturday when I headed bright and early to the Greenwood Yoga Academy for a 9:15am yoga practice.

The class was instructed by Margaret, the Owner and Principal Yoga Teacher at Greenwood Yoga Academy, with the assistance of her colleague Eda. It was a wonderful opportunity to stretch and relax, yet still be challenged by some advanced balance poses and learn some new sequences.

I found it to be a real benefit that Eda was available to help out with the class. She continuously moved around the room giving guidance and helping attendees with their alignment while Margaret spoke and demonstrated from the front of the room.

There was a nice vibe to the class, many of whom are repeat visitors and enjoy this weekly practice to kick off their weekend. A few people told me they had been practicing yoga with Margaret for a number of years. Following the class quite a few participants headed across the road to the Wanneroo markets for coffee and invited me to join. A lovely class all around!

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Saturday morning, 9:15-10:45am. Greenwood Yoga Academy. Unit 2A (Ground Floor). 32 Prindiville Drive (opposite the Wanneroo markets)
• COST: $16.00 per casual class
• TEACHERS: Margaret and Eda 
• GREENWOOD YOGA ACADEMY TIMETABLE: http://www.greenwood-yogaacademy.com.au/timetable.htm

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Striking the balance at Qi Yoga

Following Body Pump my adrenalin was still high and the day was still young. A few weeks back my close friend Pete recommended I join him at Qi Yoga on an upcoming Monday night, so today felt like the perfect day for it.

We arrived slightly early and I had the pleasure of chatting with Fiona, the teacher and founder of Qi Yoga, prior to the class. Her dynamic energy and entrepreneurial spirit is evident immediately, both in her personality and her practice. She has developed Qi Yoga in both London and Australia and travels between the two, teaching and promoting the benefits of her training.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session which ran for just under 1.5 hours and encompassed a rigorous practice followed by a lengthy guided meditation. Found it to be a wonderful combination of body and mind, which when you read below you will understand is the actual intention of Qi Yoga.

QI YOGA is a blend of the 2 ancient healing sciences of Qi Gong and Hatha Yoga to create an enhanced practice. It harnesses your seven chakras, the energy systems of the body, through various physical postures. Tapping on the meridian lines of the body allows blood to flow freely and oxygenate all the cells. This activity, in conjunction with fluid movements and supple joints, helps to clear stagnant energy from the body. The philosophy of Qi Yoga is not affiliated with any religion or deity, it instead focuses on your own self, ancestors, soul and personal goals. It incorporates balance in the union of mind, body and soul.

• DETAILS: Monday evening, 7:00-8:15pm. Manning Hall, at the corner of Bradshaw Crescent and Jarman Avenue.
• COST: $16.00 per casual class
• TEACHER: Fiona
• BRING: Your own yoga mat. I would also recommend bringing a blanket or cozy scarf to drape over yourself for keeping warm during the guided meditation at the end of practice.
• BEST BITS: Qi Yoga was different to other yoga practices that I have attended recently, plus I had never experienced the technique of tapping the meridian lines of the body before. I really enjoyed the practice because I believe change and a challenge is always the spice of life! 
• QI YOGA: www.qiyoga.org/uk/home

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

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: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Change of Pace at The Yoga Space

I found last Wednesday's 45 minute Vinyasa yoga practice at The Yoga Space so enjoyable that I decided to head back over there today and bring my work colleague Jess with me to join in the fun!

One nice thing about yoga is the ability to share the benefits of your practice. During class you are expected to tune in to your own body and focus on your own movements. But before and after class you'll generally notice a real variety of actions and attitudes in any given studio. Some people clearly love to share, engage and interact with the people around them both pre and post-yoga. Others remain quiet and meditative before, during and after their practice. Whatever your method, it's totally cool and it's totally up to you. Just be sure to own your practice (by 'own' I mean 'make it your own!') and get out of it what you need.

Today I was seeking company, motivation and to share a practice I loved with someone who I knew would appreciate it. Bringing Jess along to this session with me was the ideal way to share the benefits of my practice in the company of a great friend!

Unfortunately Samantha informed us today that her 4:30pm session on Wednesday afternoons will no longer be running at this studio. However she will still be leading some classes at The Yoga Space, as well as in other locations too. Therefore I won't share the details of this class below (you can check out my post from last Wednesday 5th October if you're super keen) but stay tuned and I will hunt down another of Samantha's awesome classes in upcoming weeks!

• THE YOGA SPACE WEBSITE: www.yogaspace.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: ★ ★ ★ ★

"Ommmm" at Yoga Om in North Perth

If you haven't noticed I've been testing out a LOT of incredible 'finding fitness' options in Perth in recent weeks. I've even already started to exceed my own expectations, smashing far beyond the number of classes I envisioned I would attend. Which is awesome of course. It's always good to have a goal, then a stretch goal, and be able to actually start to see progress towards achieving it!

However another thing that is extremely important is to learn balance and moderation. Admittedly not always two of my most fine-tuned attributes. As a self-confessed moderate-to-high 'full steam ahead' personality I have at times struggled to draw the line, learn to say no and realise when enough is enough. 

For one thing I can't actually seem to blog fast enough to keep up with the fitness classes I've been going to! To date I've attended 9 completely new classes all over Perth city in a mere 2.5 weeks. At the same time as starting new full-time work. For me my work and my 'finding fitness' intentions are very well aligned, but still that's a lot for anyone to take on in a super quick time frame.

So to be honest I think today at Yoga Om I actually hit my limit... The North Perth venue is a really gorgeous space, with a high ceiling and a raised stage for the yogi who leads the practice to demonstrate from. The spiced smell of incense drifted through the room and the lighting against the wooden floorboards was lovely. Just such a shame the studio is so nearby a main road with constant traffic distractions. Which in addition to my aching body and splitting headache really hindered my ability to get the most out of this lovely practice.

I suppose the art of yoga practice involves elevating your consciousness above such obstacles. But it is also about striking the right balance. I should have realised earlier that my aches and pains were more than just general post-fitness tenderness and actually quite extreme strains from days on end of overdoing it. I suppose this practice made this fact quite evident to me, which in itself is the kind of clarity and realisation that a good yoga practice should deliver. So overall? A strenuous success by all accounts :)

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Thursday evening, 5:45-7:15pm. Yoga Om. Ste C4, 32 Endeavour Road, Hillaries 6025.
• COST: $18.00 per class on a casual basis 
• TEACHER: Sava
• BRING: Nothing required as the venue supplies yoga mats, blocks, straps and blankets. But it's always nice to bring an extra layer like a vinyasa scarf or cosy jacket to snuggle into after savasana.
• BEST BITS: I liked that the teacher was elevated on a slight platform stage in front of us so we could follow each pose. The hour and a half long practice was a constant journey through a range of poses, each slightly more ambitious than the next. With my aching joints and feelings of utter exhaustion I did find the practice a challenge, but definitely a fulfilling one. 
• YOGA OM WEBSITE: www.yogaom.net

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★  

Frantic Friday calmed by Yoga

This morning began at a crazy pace... Slept through my alarm and frantically raced to the bus which then ended up being 20 minutes behind schedule. This meant I also missed my train. Not a great way to start the day.

Luckily enough I did factor in a bit of extra travel time and was still able to arrive for the mid-morning Beginners/General yoga class at The Yoga Company in Subiaco.

Don't be fooled by the title... this 'beginners' class definitely caught me by surprise! I met up with my friend, colleague and fellow yoga-lover Esther at the studio and I'm quite sure we both expected a gentle, peaceful and calming start to our morning. Needless to say we both really enjoyed the class but definitely left humbled by the flexibility and core strength expected of us throughout the session.

Lessons learned today? Always provide myself a big enough 'time buffer' before work or play so that even if it all goes wrong I still have at least a few extra minutes up my sleeve to make it right again. Also learned to never underestimate the complexities of a yoga practice. Although yoga is meditative and restorative, it is also extremely challenging - both mentally and physically. If you have somehow developed misconceptions about yoga being "easy" then I suggest you make your way to Hala's studio and be prepared to change your tune.

YOGA originated in India as a physical, mental and spiritual discipline with the aim of attaining tranquility and spiritual insight. A yogi is someone who practices yoga or has a high level of commitment to the yoga philosophy. If you are able to incorporate yoga into all aspects of your life on regular basis you could be a yogi too!

Check below for more info...

• DETAILS: Friday morning, 9:30-11:00am. The Yoga Company. 400 Roberts Road (corner of Station Street), Subiaco.
• COST: $20.00 per 1.5 hour class
• TEACHER: Hala Bitdorf
• BRING: Nothing required. I brought my own mat and towel, however Hala provides mats, belts, chairs, blocks and blankets at her studio. Definitely bring comfy shoes and warm, loose clothes to wear post-practice. so you can drift out of the studio with a cosy and content soul.
• BEST BITS: The practice went for 1.5 hours and I felt mentally and physically challenged throughout.
• THE YOGA COMPANY WEBSITE: www.theyogacompany.com.au

Ginny's Finding Fitness Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★