Lesson Plan (Themed Class)

Themed Class – Back Bending (1 hr) Opening speech and health Check (5 mins) Objectives of this lesson and checking anyone not feeling well or will have problem performing the planned poses Warm up (10 mins) Stretching and joint rotation Asana (25 mins) 1. Suyra Namaskara A & B – 5 rounds each (warm up [...]

Technique for Uttanasana (standing forward bends)

For a start, the first challenge to beginner who is not so flexible will be the forward bending. The techniques illustrated below will help to improve the flexibility for forward bending more efficiently. The technique of getting into Uttanasana (Standing forward bends pose): 1. Stand in Tadasanan (mountain pose). 2. Inhale, rise both arms high [...]

Anatomy of Uttanasana

When performing Uttanasan (standing forward bend), there are certain group of muscles are contracted to move into the pose the certain group of antagonists muscles are stretched that will resist the movement for getting into deeper pose. The goal is to close the hip joint (ball and socket joint) as far as possible so that [...]

Ashtanga Yoga

History of Ashtanga Yoga The term “yoga” emerged in written sources over 4,000 years ago in the ancient Sanskrit hymns and poems of the Tantras and later the Vedas, which refer to ritualistic traditions, folklore, esoteric practices and spiritual awakenings. Further writings, called the Upanisads (literally means “to sit near the teachings”), gave clearer definition [...]

What is Yoga

Yoga has existed here in Singapore for many years. As far as I could recall, in the 1990’s, my classmate once mentioned that his friend, who practiced yoga, could run for long distance without panting. He said this was the result of the yoga breathing technique. I did not pay much attention to this or [...]

Yoga Mats

Before I started learning yoga, I was curious why is there a need for yoga mat? Can’t we just perform yoga without a mat?  I started practising yoga with a normal mat (mat not meant for yoga) and within a short while, I’ve bought  3 more yoga mats of different made. I’ve come to understand that yoga mat is to prevent injury [...]