Going beyond yoga

MANILA, Philippines - According to the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, USA in the January 2014 issue of its Journal of Clinical Psychology, the number one resolution people make for the new year is to work out for better health. If this is so, yoga —with its effects in developing muscle flexibility and tone, improving concentration, and helping relax the body and mind — is the perfect exercise to start your journey to a healthier life.  Now, the South can experience the benefits of this practice at Beyond Yoga’s studio at Westgate Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Beyond Yoga was started by sisters Michelle, Sarada, and Jade Santos in September 2012.  All yoga enthusiasts from back in their college days, the sisters wanted a way to promote the lifestyle that accompanies the practice to the Philippines.

“We have all been touched by yoga, not just in the physical but also in the whole esoteric aspect of it,” says Jade Santos, one of the co-owners. “With yoga comes a very wholesome lifestyle.”

The typical lifestyle of a city dweller usually involves a lot of stress from work, school, or other commitments. This is exactly why the Santos sisters think yoga is a perfect fit for today’s hectic lives.

“I think the reason why yoga is becoming popular today is the fact that it’s not just healthy. It also allows you to relax and clear your head of stress,” explains co-owner Michelle Santos. “The fact that you can do both really makes it ideal.”

“A lot of people start out with yoga purely for the physical, but they go deeper into the practice in the long run. Even just by doing the poses, they get in tune with themselves and thus live a calmer life,” adds Jade.

Beyond Yoga offers different yoga classes depending on the clients’ needs. For those in need of total relaxation, there’s Yin Yoga. For those seeking a more fast-paced yoga experience, there are Vinyasa and Jivamukti Yoga.

One of Beyond Yoga’s unique offerings, however, is the Anti-Gravity Yoga Class. One of their most popular classes, Anti-Gravity Yoga utilizes hammocks, grips, and traps to hold challenging yoga positions while suspended or upside-down.

Westgate Center is a 9.2-hectare open-air retail concept that challenges the confines of the mall setting, creating a mainstreet ambience conducive to relaxation and recreation. It is a premier development project of Filinvest Alabang Inc. in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.