| Yoga in the Riviera Maya |
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| Monday, 23 October 2006 | |
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Practicing yoga in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Although yoga originated in India thousands of years ago, it has become increasingly popular over the past decade, and has swept across the world in hip yoga studios, gyms, stress reduction clinics, and hospitals. People from all walks of life have discovered yoga, not only as a great way to get in shape, but also to relax the mind and reduce stress levels. Here in the Rivera Maya there are yoga classes and seminars on almost every corner, every gym, on the beach, and on rooftop palapas. Literally everywhere you look you will see someone riding their bike; yoga mat strapped to their back on their way to a local area class. So how do you decide where to go to take a class? What should you look for in an instructor? What type of yoga would you like to practice? These are just a few questions that you will need answered prior to commencing your attempt at the perfect “down ward facing dog" pose. There are many types of yoga, and it seems that new modifications and versions are popping up everyday. So first here is a quick run down on some different styles of yoga. What most people refer to as simply "yoga" is actually Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, in 15th century India. This particular style of yoga is the most popular one, and many other styles and forms of yoga originate from Hatha yoga including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga. The word "Hatha" comes from the Sanskrit language "ha" meaning "sun" and "tha" meaning "moon". So Hatha Yoga is known as the branch of yoga that unites pairs of opposites referring to the positive (sun) and negative (moon) currents in the world.
Bikram Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury Bikram has designed a sequence of 26 yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises that are performed in a heated room. The postures can be difficult even without adding high temperatures to the mix, and Bikram is usually practiced by more experienced students. The yoga room is typically heated to around 95 - 105 degrees Fahrenheit (35 - 40 degrees Celsius) which makes muscles more pliant and encourages sweating to purify the body. Ashtanga Yoga is the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. This method of Yoga involves combining the breath with a progressive series of postures designed to detoxify muscles and organs. Ashtanga Yoga improves circulation, develops a strong body, and calms the mind. Kundalini Yoga focuses on meditation techniques and movements as well as spiritual growth. The concept of life-energy, or pranotthana, is central to the practice and understanding of Kundalini Yoga. It also gives special consideration to the role of the spine and the endocrine system within the practice of yoga. Okay, now that you know a few different styles of yoga you can decide which one may suit your needs best and this can and will determine where you will take e a class. Choosing an instructor is almost more important then deciding what type of class to take. It is important to make sure that your instructor has experience and training so that you can get the most out of your experience without hurting yourself. One such instructor is Ellen de Jonge.
For more information on her classes and schedules please contact The Gym at 984-873-2098; they are located on 1st Avenue North between 16th Street and Constituyentes
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Power Yoga is done by doing a series of yoga poses which coincide with your breathing patterns to each movement, or Vinyasa. To the untrained eye the movement may seem soft and free-flowing. However, from the perspective of an experienced student or yogi, the practice is a vigorous and demanding exercise which pushes the body both physically and mentally.
Ellen de Jonge was born and raised in Holland, and moved here to Playa del Carmen 5 years ago. Originally she came here on a year long sabbatical with a friend, but when the year came to an end Ellen decided to stay. As a child Ellen trained as a swimmer and swam and competed internationally for many years. Her educational back ground is in sports academics as well as aqua fitness so overall health and fitness is in her blood. The second year that she was living in Playa del Carmen she decided to take a yoga class, and it changed her life and her focus. Only a year and a half later she became an instructor. She trained both in Playa del Carmen, and in Montana focusing on the Baron Baptiste Power Vinyasa style of yoga. Power Yoga, or Power Vinyasa Yoga, is a very dynamic form of yoga that is in constant movement throughout the practice. The style is not only a physical practice but connects your mind and body to truly change your outlook on life. Ellen holds a level 1 and 2 Yoga for Everybody teaching certificate, she is a registered instructor with the Yoga Alliance, and has successfully completed the Baron Baptiste Power Vinyasa teacher training at the 1st and 2nd levels. And with over 2,500 teaching hours you can be confident in the fact that Ellen knows her trade and will give you an amazing yoga experience. After being the co-director at Yoga by the Sea for 3 years she now teaches at The Gym in Playa del Carmen, and teaches privately as well. If yoga isn’t your thing why don’t you try her aqua fitness classes, or have her run skill drills with you at your own pool. Regardless if swimming or yoga is your thing, Ellen is an expert in her field, and she will work your body and your mind!
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