Elemit Yoga

The Benefits of One-on-one Personal Training (PT)

Why should we spend so much more to do PT?

Just like private tuition, PT allows you to go at your own pace. You might find that the pace of a group class is too fast. You just wanted to hold a little more in a pose. Or you had difficulty getting into a pose because everyone around you seems to know what to do, but you just needed a little more guidance and a bit more time. Many beginners take PT at the start of their yoga journey to set their foundations right. Once these foundations are stable, they go on to take group classes and benefit much more. Remember, PT doesn’t always need to be intense, you can go slow, according to your pace.

Or perhaps you find the class too slow and you would like to progress faster. Many advanced practitioners opt for PT as they get the undivided attention of the instructor, and not to forget, more adjustments. A minor adjustment can correct your alignment, improving your posture and reducing the risk of injury. In large group classes, injuries sometimes happen as instructors are unable to attend to all students at once. But in PT, you are always under the watchful gaze of the instructor.

One major group of students who benefit greatly from PT are those with physical ailments. Slipped discs and knee injuries are getting more and more common these days, and a regular group class may not be able to provide the additional modifications required for such students. In PT however, you would be able to better communicate your physical issues with your instructor, allowing them to tailor the class to your specific needs and anatomy.

Of course, since PT is a one-on-one type of training, chemistry and trust between the teacher and student are of utmost importance. Always make sure you communicate your concerns and are able to feel comfortable during your PT sessions. At Elemit Yoga, we have two yoga instructors, Master Amit and Nam Yogi, who are able to provide PT sessions tailored to your needs. To book your first session or enquire for more details, Whatsapp us at +65 8023 4363.

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ELEMIT YOGA

Learn the art and science of yoga with heart and wisdom

YOGA KNEE PADS

Yoga knee pads can be a really useful accessory. A good yoga mat provides cushion for the joints but when I started practising more low lunge yoga sequences in backbend and hip opening classes, I always had to cushion my bony knees with a folded towel. So when I discovered the yoga knee pad, it was so convenient.

Knee pads are not just for senior folks with bad knees. Beginners with tight hip flexors or even regular practitioners could use some extra support. Some people may also need a seat cushion for poses like navasana (boat pose where you balance on your bottom) if your coccyx (tail bone) is protruding. These are foam pads that you can place over your yoga mat to provide cushion for your joints. You can bring it to the studio because it is lightweight and can be easily rolled up.

When choosing a yoga knee pad, you want to ensure that it provides enough padding to cushion and protect your joints but it should be dense enough to provide support as well. If you are bringing it to the studio, you also want it to be lightweight and portable. Cost is also a consideration. The price can range from US$10 to US$50.

The first one I bought gave some comfort in my practice but intensive regular practice meant the padding got dented. My second pad which I am still using is a Sukhamat which is one of the most popular in the market. I am happy with it. It is thick and firm enough. Friends also recommend Heathyoga and Florensi yoga knee pads so I have included them in this list. There may be cheaper options but they may not give you the same kind of support and protection. Also they will get dented more easily and may not be durable. In the end it will be more economical to invest in a better quality yoga knee pad. It is also more environmentally friendly to buy one that lasts longer.

Yoga Knee Pads We Like

Heathyoga

26″ x 10″ x 12.7mm
US$17.95
US$11.52 shipping
Total US$29.47
Available from Amazon

Made from eco-friendly TPE material, PVC and latex-free. Certified Phthalates free. Heathyoga closed cell foam will not absorb sweat or liquids, and it can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth after your practice. Comes with a carry strap for easy packing. It has a good grip and can be used on any surface or mat.

Sukhamat

24″ x 10″ x 15mm
US$18.95
US$6.95 to US$11.69 shipping
Total US$30.64
Available from Amazon and Sukhamat.com

Made from eco-friendly high density closed cell NBR foam, this is a highly popular choice and has been certified “Yogi Approved” by YogiApproved.com. Coming with a lifetime guarantee, it is designed for optimal comfort, balance and stability.

Florensi

26″ x 10′ x 15mm
US$24.99 US$18.11 shipping
Total US$43.10
Available from Amazon

Made from eco-friendly TPE material, PVC and latex-free. It also has an excellent grip that works on any type of floor and mat. Extra thick support with alignment patterns.

Yoga Jellies

Average price US$50
Available from Amazon

They can come in pairs, one for each knee. Some are round while others can be in the shape of flower petals. Due to its small size, it needs to be adjusted and placed correctly when extra support is needed during yoga sessions. Good for posting in IG photos because it looks prettier and less cumbersome. Other than that we still prefer the rectangular mats for practice.

Strapped on Knee Pads

We do not recommend knee pads that are worn over the knees like volleyball players for yoga practice. They may provide protection but restrict movement and possibly circulation. If you have knee issues, we want to use yoga poses to heal but wearing a thick knee pad only provides protection and does not allow you to work properly in the pose and thus may slow down the body’s ability to heal itself.

Book Group Classes

Book PT

Author: Nam Yogi

ELEMIT YOGA

Learn the art and science of yoga with heart and wisdom

Why I love Vinyasa Class

In the early years of my yoga practice, I did a lot of flow and Ashtanga classes so later when I started doing Vinyasa class it felt similar, yet different. I loved it. As with Ashtanga Yoga, it was supposed to be like a moving meditation but the sequences of poses flowed like a dance to me. Unlike Hatha or Ashtanga Yoga where the poses are held steady for a longer time, in Vinyasa there is a constant flow and an emphasis on the sequencing that links each posture to one another allowing the body to move freely guided by the breath. The poses are familiar but the sequences can change with each class and you have to listen intently to the teacher’s verbal cues and be aware of your alignment. My body feels open and relaxed after a Vinyasa class because of improved prana(Qi) flow and blood circulation.

Vinyasa Yoga seems to have originated from Ashtanga Yoga. Both employ flows and transitions with a vinyasa (linking sequence between poses). However the two practices are quite different. Ashtanga uses the vinyasa (with the signature jump-backs and jump-throughs) while Vinyasa adopts more of a Sun Salutation type vinyasa (eg. plank, chaturanga, upward dog, downward dog linking sequence between poses). In Vinyasa Yoga, the sequences of poses also vary. The movements are more fluid and allow for more creativity as compared to Ashtanga Yoga where the 6 series of postures adhere to a set sequence in a predetermined order of postures practised in a progressive manner. As a philosophy, Vinyasa Yoga recognises the temporary nature of things so poses are not held for long but you enter a posture, stay for a while and then move on. You can think of it as a freestyle Ashtanga Yoga. The similarity is that both practices emphasize an alignment of the movement with the breath.

As challenging poses are done in quick succession, Vinyasa Yoga can build strength and endurance providing a good cardiovascular ‘workout’. A defining characteristic of Vinyasa classes is the variety of sequences offered that changes with every class. Generally, no two classes are alike. Practitioners who are familiar with yoga poses will enjoy the challenge. Sometimes inversions and arm balances can also be weaved into the flow sequences. Due to its intensity and variations, the mind has to be alert to follow the teacher’s verbal cues while observing good alignment when transitioning through the poses. I find that it helps improve my balance, concentration and focus.

So if you are new to yoga, it may be better to start off with Hatha Yoga to learn the poses and correct alignment in a slower-paced class. But if you want to try out Vinyasa Flow, why not? Just do both. With regular practice and guidance from a good teacher, you will get the hang of it and pick it up. Maybe you will enjoy it as much as I do. And now I love teaching it too.

Book Group Classes

Book PT

Author: Nam Yogi