I'm so stoked to be sharing with you something that I hold very dearly to my heart ...... YOGA !!!
Looking at how female models, athletes always pose with such flexibility, and looking so damn hot in bikinis and sports wear, this unrealistic wish of me looking like them somehow prompted me to try out Yoga.
I'm not ashamed to say that I lead quite an active lifestyle. I have participated in a few race events in the past. However, during my training days, I would drag my feet to change into my sports gear, then go for a run. But the truth remains: I hate running. Period. And that led me to turn to other forms of exercises to sweat and burn calories. Now, recalling the reason why I first took up a Yoga package back then, it was probably due to me purchasing those cheapo deals from online deal sites. And it turned out that the classes were of standard, and I was able to sweat buckets during a single class. So why not right?
Fast forward three years later, there's at least one new yoga center springing up every quarter in Singapore. I've been to a few fitness and yoga centers since then (Pure Yoga, Fitness First, Virgin Active Gym, True Yoga, Bikram Yoga) so I have a good understanding of the calibre of yoga instructors, the facilities, the rates to the quality of yoga classes being conducted at each center.
Knowing that working ladies (yours truly included) are constantly seeking for new avenues to work out a sweat, so let me give it a shot at sharing my humble experiences with the 3 top favorites Yoga centers (in no particular preference) which I've been to.
Even though there are plenty of shower cubicles (6-8?, I cannot really remember now), which is way more than what other studios have, you will still need to queue for the shower cubicles during peak periods such as evening time and weekend. One plus point is that Real Yoga also have 2 big make-up counters (with hair-dryers) within the changing room itself. So I was able to doll up and blow dry my hair before I leave the place. (:
The package rate for unlimited classes is quite reasonable and affordable. Suppose I attend a minimum of 6 classes a week, I'm only paying under $6 per class. Even though I wish to stay on at Real Yoga, but people do change. Especially for someone like me, someone who loves to have varied experiences.... at different yoga centers....
Sadhana Sanctuary
What I like about Sadhana Sanctuary is that they offer one of the most diverse range of hot and non-hot classes over many different times of the day. Just think about Hot Yoga, Hot Shape, Hot Spine Therapy, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative classes. In addition to just purely offering Yoga classes, Sadhana also expands on its offering by having Pilates sessions in a hot and non-hot environment. The instructors are certainly qualified and relentless, and they are all out to make you sweat a bucket after each class. I especially like to attend Sandeep's Hot classes as it is a perfect blend of toning x cardio. Thumbs up for the instructors and the heat temperature of the Hot room!
The saving grace for the large members base at Sadhana Sanctuary would probably be the package rates. The package rates here are very competitive. I would say that the prices per class would fall between the range of $7-$9. They are famous for offering great yoga classes at very affordable prices. On top of that, Sadhana Sanctuary allows for twin sharing of large packages (50 classes, 100 classes option). Because of the competitive and very affordable pricing, the crowd turnout for every yoga class was massive. It was getting way too overcrowded in the studio that I was not able to devote myself to a peaceful practice... Perhaps the management of Sadhana Sanctuary can look into expansion moving forward...
Yoga Movement
What sets Yoga Movement apart from the rest of those bigger yoga studios is that Yoga Movement embodies the New York vibe and intimate setting in its interior. With the minimalist feel (think black-and-white posters with chalk designs on the walls, polished concrete floors, dark interior accents and mood lighting), this boutique studio has earned a huge following of yoga practitioners, and I'm proud to be one of them!
Each studio boasts of a nicely designed, full amenities and clean changing room. There are only one to four shower stalls in each branch, which makes showering after a hot class a bit of a drag. Based on my observation, the members have quite high EQ, so the waiting time for shower is generally quick and fuss-free. Rinse and go.
Although the package rates cannot fight with the big boys (Fitness gyms offering yoga classes), the prices are pretty decent as compared to other boutique yoga studios. Over at Yoga Movement, there are no complicated packages or limited time schtick. No hard-selling of packages at all. The drop in rate for each single class is at $25 (YM have recently raised their prices), and if you love the class enough to sign up for their packages on the spot, the session will be complimentary! All in all, the average price per class ranges from $14.50-$19. One drawback though, I will need to pay $1 for rental of a towel, and $1 for a bottle of water. Personally, I wish that Yoga Movement can provide members with free towels, so we don't have to lug too many heavy sports gears to work, to yoga classes and then back home.
There truly is no better way to celebrate yoga than this.
If you have any queries regarding Yoga in general, feel free to drop a comment below, or if you're shy, connect with me privately under 'Contact' tab! I'll be sure to touch base with you!
Hope this post is useful for people who are just starting out for yoga, or are looking at a change of environment for your yoga practice.
Namaste!
Love,
Sher ♥