A yoga retreat in the heart of Makati

MANILA, Philippines - Life in the city can be stressful, but this can be eased with a regular wellness routine, like yoga. The Surya Fitness & Yoga Studio located at MediCard Lifestyle Center in Makati City is one of the most convenient fitness and wellness sanctuaries that offer a revitalizing retreat for people seeking health of body, mind, and spirit.

“Surya teaches hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, basic yoga, and Pilates for all levels of experience. Since its opening in February 2012, it has helped a lot of people with different fitness goals, from beginners to advanced yoga practitioners,” says Nixie Montoya-Yap, studio manager.

The studio can hold 20-25 students comfortably. It has lots of natural light, fresh air, and relaxing landscape of greenery amid the Makati skyline. It also shares the same amenities as the rest of the MediCard Lifestyle Center, including well-appointed bathrooms and basement parking.

Aside from being certified to teach yoga classes, Surya teachers continue to take advanced yoga workshops. They do not limit themselves to a certain form but try other types of yoga in order to improve their practice.

The classes are scheduled at varying times from Mondays through Saturdays. “Pilates classes are the most popular, as well as the evening yoga classes: hatha, basic, vinyasa. The reason for this is that most people prefer to come after work,” says Yap.

Majority of the yogis are between 25 and 45 years old although there are some teenagers and seniors aged 60 years old and above. There are no restrictions for practitioners, but those with health concerns are advised to get approval from their doctors. Pregnant women are also welcome and provided with modified poses.

Yoga can be practiced anywhere, but having trained instructors can help anyone do it safely and effectively. “The full benefits of yoga can be felt when practiced at least three times a week and the experience is different for each person since our bodies are not all the same,” asserts Yap.

With long-term practice, yoga can increase your body’s flexibility, improve blood circulation, and provide many other health benefits. More than just a mindless workout or a mere stretching class, it can help you relax, focus on the present moment, and maintain your sense of balance in this fast-paced life. It nurtures your determination and perseverance as you challenge your bodies to do poses you think you cannot do. And with the accompanying meditation in yoga, you also become calmer and kinder to yourself and to people around you.”

Visit Surya Fitness & Yoga at MediCard Lifestyle Center, 51 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City or check out its website at http://www.suryafitnessyoga.com.