Get a free 7-day fitness pass at TFX plus where to go for yoga retreats around the world
Those who have attended yoga classes would probably find themselves in a class with primarily female participants. Despite misconceptions that yoga is a women-only activity, no matter your age or gender, Yoga is a practice that is beneficial for everyone. In a bid to understand more about yoga practice and its misconceptions, Yahoo Shopping chatted with Adeline Tien – Singapore's only Yoga Tune Up certified teacher and a Restorative Yoga teacher trainer at TFX.
We chatted about the manifold benefits of yoga, why everyone, including kids, pregnant ladies, men and seniors should incorporate yoga practice, Tien also dished out valuable tips on injury prevention during your yoga training. What's more, Yahoo Shopping also shares how you can deepen your yoga practice with promotions on yoga retreats both locally and overseas. And especially for our dear readers, we have prepped an exclusive 7-day free TFX fitness pass for you! Read on to find out more.
With 20 years of experience under her belt, Tien has a wealth of knowledge regarding yoga. According to Tien, Yoga incorporates the mind, body, and breathwork. It is a full-body workout that can improve flexibility, increase bone density, regulate blood pressure, develop better breathing capacity, manage stress, enhance focus, cultivate mind-body awareness, promote better posture, and other health benefits.
Yoga is a secular practice that is suited for all genders and ages: From kids to men to mums-to-be (yes, yoga can help pregnant ladies enjoy an easier pregnancy and smoother delivery) and seniors. Instructors like Tien have had students as young as seven to seniors past 80. For newbies, the trick is finding a yoga practice suited for your fitness level and health concerns. Beginners of all walks of life can kickstart their practice with yoga basics such as a mat and comfortable, stretchable clothing. Here are a few of Yahoo Shopping’s top picks to get you started.
Shop Lululemon’s yoga essentials
Shop Alo yoga mats, blocks & more
Interestingly, Hatha yoga, a physical form of yoga, started as a practice exclusive to men in India. So it is a pity how people associate yoga as a women-only activity, no thanks to advertising tactics where young, nubile women are typically used to market yoga as a sexy and trendy activity.
Also, those into cardio workouts may hold the erroneous idea that yoga is a slow, relaxing workout. On the contrary, there are many renditions of yoga: from calming ones such as yin yoga and restorative yoga to strenuous ones such as HIIT yoga, hot yoga and power yoga. There is a yoga practice for everyone if you give it a chance.
For those who are new to yoga, Tien warns that it is crucial not to rush into the practice or push beyond one's physical boundaries. She shares 11 tips to prevent injuring oneself.
Yoga teaches us to listen inwardly to what our bodies are telling us and to enjoy the moment of self-discovery and mindfulness.Adeline Tien, Yoga Program Manager for TFX and Singapore’s only Yoga Tune Up certified teacher and a Restorative Yoga teacher trainer.
11 top tips on injury prevention during yoga practice
Don’t push beyond what your body is comfortable or able to do.
Don’t do anything that doesn’t feel good.
Give yourself time – the repeated practice of the poses helps build familiarity.
Communicate with your teachers – let them know if you’re a first-timer, new to the class, nursing an injury, feeling unwell, pregnant or need to leave the class earlier.
Take everything slowly until you are confident.
Use props and modify poses to suit your practice and your body.
Try to stay mindful during the practice.
Remember to breathe. Holding your breath builds up tension in the body.
Rest days are as important as yoga days.
If you're injured, there is no shame in stopping the practice to take care of yourself.
Child’s pose is an option you can take when you want a break or if other poses are too complicated or challenging.
Exclusive promotion:
The first 100 Yahoo readers get a free 7-day pass at a TFX Fitness club. Register here.
Classes are available at TFX Funan, TFX Millenia Walk or TFX Pacific Plaza. Redeem by 30 June. T&C applies.
Already a yoga practitioner and looking to elevate your practice? Yahoo Shopping found these overseas yoga retreats you may wish to consider!
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