30 squats for a subway ride- are you up for it?

Before you think that I’m becoming a bit of a fitness nut, you’d be happy to know that I still indulge in my desserts and have that not-so-frequent sugar-loaded tea tarik after lunch.
I have, however, been committed for a period of time to various small lifestyle changes- like taking the daily 15-20 minute trudge/hike from my home to the train station, and taking the stairs only from the ground floor to my 6th floor home.

The following however, brings lifestyle changes to a whole new level- squats for a train ride!

video: 

Great way to encourage the masses to keep fit :)

Read More

YogaNovember- 5th November, Side stretch

5th November - side stretch 

There’s nothing much to say about this pose- it’s easy for ex-dancers, gymnasts or those who are really flexible.

Instructors at hom always emphasize that if you want to take it a step further, flex your foot while keeping your leg straight and back of the knee towards the mat, to the extent that you can feel your leg almost lifting off the mat. I haven’t actually got there yet (can feel it hovering above the mat, almost) but I’m pretty comfortable and happy as you can see… :)

Read More

YogaNovember - 4th November, Pigeon pose

4th November 

Pigeon Pose: Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

Opens your hip flexor muscles (psoas, rectus femoris) and your groin muscles. Opens your hip rotator muscles (gluteus medius & minimus). May relieve sciatic nerve tension and ease chronic low back pain.Advanced version opens your chest and shoulders Traditionally thought to control sexual desire, increase circulation to urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems.

text credit to myyogaonline

Read More

YogaNovember - 3rd November, Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose

3rd November 

Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose / Utthita Hasta Padangustasana

The extended hand to big toe pose is commonly known as the Utthita Hasta Padangustana. This pose is known to be of great importance in preparation to the other complicated poses that need to be performed in yoga. This yoga pose helps in stretching the hamstrings so as to make it flexible and prepare it for the other poses.

text credit to Yogawiz

Read More

YogaNovember - 2nd November, Side angle pose

2nd November

Extended Side Angle Pose(Utthita Parsvakonasana)

Extended Side Angle Pose or Utthita Parsvakonasana is a pose that helps to stretch parts of the body that do not usually get stretched. The name of Extended Side Angle Pose yoga translates into extended, flank and angle. This pose is also considered one of the beginner poses where you slowly help your body get accustomed to stretching and contorting which is yoga.

(intro credit to Yogawhiz)

Read More

YogaNovember - 1st November, standing bow pose

1st November 

Standing Bow Pose (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana)

Standing Bow moves all the blood from one side of the body to the other, then back again.

It develops balance, increases the size and elasticity of the rib cage, firms the abdominal wall and upper thighs. It improves the flexibility and strength of the lower spine.

Standing Bow builds patience, determination and concentration.

text credit to Bikramyoga.com

Read More

YogaNovember :)

Inspired by a post on Facebook, I’m going to post a picture of myself in a yoga posture daily for the entire month of November! 

Read More

Hot journey week 4

Somewhat befitting that this week is about letting go. I had my breakthrough on saturday when I realised I could do my toe stand with both palms to my heart, body straight and spine lifted, my toe balancing strong.

Read More

hot Journey week 3

Made it past the halfway mark! :)

To be honest, when I started on this ‘journey’, I was quite sure I would make it. 

It was something like a leap of faith that I took – similar to the time when I shaved my head for Hair for Hope during my uni third-year; my solo volunteer experience in Yogjakarta at Jalin Merapi, and also my virgin backpacking experiencing with Jess in New Zealand. The uncertainty scared/scares me but excites me even more. 

Read More

Hot Journey: Week 2 Days 7 & 8

sunrise at raffles place

Though this is merely my second week of Hot Journey, it feels like I’ve been like this for forever!
Yesterday I went for my dreaded 2nd class of Hot flow, which surprisingly was less challenging and hard to tough it out than I thought.

Read More

Hot Journey: Lessons 2-3

My goal. One day. 

They always say the first day is the hardest. Compared to the 1st session, Hot Hatha, I found the 2nd session of Hot Flow to be much harder to follow.

Read More

Making a commitment to a healthier life(style)

Today marks the first day I’m embarking on what they call a ‘beautiful new habit’- I signed up for a package with the lovely Hom Yoga, called ‘Hot Journey’; the goal is basically for all members to complete 30 sessions of yoga within 30 days in the month of October.

Read More