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COMPASS MAGAZINE, August 2006.


Taichung bends over backwards for Yoga

--By Lindsay Alderton Translated by Jean Huang Photos by Sho Huang

There is a strange irony that yoga, which originated in India over 3,000 years ago, had to circumnavigate the globe and become popularized in Western culture before it could return to take Asia by storm. Yet, despite this wayward journey, yoga has most definitely come home to the East and the current craze, which has swept through Hong Kong and Japan, has now very much arrived in Taiwan. Yoga gyms and health clubs are springing up all over the island and, with a growing number of over a million Taiwanese practitioners, yoga is fast becoming one of the most popular ways for people to both exercise their bodies and still their minds.

Yoga's influence is everywhere in mainstream pop culture. While the practice was still very much personified by the cheese-cloth and patchouli brigade a decade ago, it is now more likely to be epitomised by the legions of lithe young celebrities, who regularly bend their bodies into pretzels in an effort to keep up with Madonna. Advertisers are cashing in on the boom and even McDonald's has offered a give-away yoga DVD as part of its healthy make-over campaign. One has to wonder if the true message behind this ancient tradition is in danger of being lost.
"Yoga has certainly become very fashionable," says Frankie To, project manager and yoga instructor at California Yoga, the self-proclaimed "largest fitness chain in Asia". But that's? not such a bad thing as, beyond the purely physical benefits, yoga really does spread a positive message, encouraging people to look inward, and develop empathy and awareness, for both yourself and others, too."

California Yoga is just one of several large fitness chains which has recently opened in Taichung, offering yoga-only clubs, in order to accomodate the ever-increasing number of interested customers. Although classes at most of these clubs focus predominantly on the physical poses, known in yogic terms as "asanas", several also cater for the more spiritually inclined, such as the newly opened Yogilini, which offers an exploration of yoga philosophy through "Atma Yoga" classes.

Yoga is the Sanskrit word for "union", and the ultimate aim of the practice is to strike a balance between the physical and mental. Through a disciplined system of exercises, the practitioner hopes to unify control of the body and mind. Psychologically speaking, it is not surprising that with the increased stresses of modern living, in both Asia and beyond, many have turned to yoga as a safe sanctuary from which to both reflect and revive. For others, in these tumultuous times of religious warfare, yoga has provided a peaceful philosophy with which to fill the spiritual void. For the vast majority, however, the attraction stems from something far more simple-the desire to increase levels of physical health and wellbeing-and, in the words of one young yoga enthusiast, "ultimately, to have a beautiful body."

 


The physical benefits of yoga are well documented. With regular practice, yoga can make your body grow stronger, more toned, and more flexible. It improves respiration, energy, and vitality, and helps to maintain a balanced metabolism, which regulates weight. Alongside promoting cardio and circulatory health, it also helps you look and feel younger than your age.
"I was amazed by how much of a workout it was," says Dave Boychuk, 24, from Edmonton, Canada, who is among the rapidly rising numbers of men who have started to incorporate yoga into their fitness schedule. "Previously, I'd written yoga off as a 'girly' exercise, or something for effeminate men and, even though my gym offered classes, I never really considered it as a viable option."

For over a decade, Dave had been following the same punishing exercise routine of biking, plyometrics and weight lifting in order to keep his body in shape for hockey practice. "No matter how hard I worked, I just didn't feel like I was satisfied, like I was seeing the results that I wanted to see," he recalls. On arriving in Taiwan, Dave signed up as a member of World Gym, which offers a large selection of fitness classes to fit the individual's personal needs.

"A friend of mine introduced me to this one class, yoga, and I was totally blown away," Dave continues. " I couldn't believe how refreshed I felt afterwards, not beaten down like I usually did after a work-out. Although you're activating all of the muscles in your body, the practice also involves a lot of stretching and deep breathing which keeps you relaxed throughout. It takes a lot of focus to hold some of the positions but, as a result, I feel far more clear-headed and less restless, and physically stronger and more balanced. All in all, I feel great, both inside and out."

It is for these reasons, and many more, that yoga is becoming a lifestyle choice in so many different areas of Taiwanese culture. Alongside the bourgeoning supply of yoga gyms and fitness centers, there are also community classes taking place in Taichung's city parks, and several businesses now go so far as to offer weekly yoga as an option for their employees. Even some schools are now advocating yoga as an extra-curricular activity for children, who naturally have the tools for flexibility, but need a calming discipline to help them better focus their concentration levels.

"Yoga has no limits, either for age or body type," says Frankie To. And it is a wrong assumption that you have to be super-flexible to begin with. This is not the case at all. It's much more about the process than the final product, about helping you to find your limitations and not forcing the body into painful positions." The future of yoga in Asia seems certain to keep on expanding, so there has never been a better time to let go of your stereotypes, open your mind, and give it a try!

 

Where to try yoga in Taichung:

World Gym Fitness Center
(Sogo II branch): 423, TaiZhongGang (Taichung Harbour) Rd., Sec. 1; (04) 2326-2166
(Taichung Central branch): 186, FuXing Rd., Sec. 4, 9F
(04) 3608-8888
www.worldgymtaiwan.com
Taichung's largest fitness center chain offers expansive, high-tech facilities, fitness equipment and classes, and friendly staff. They have a broad range of classes including power yoga, hatha yoga, body balance and pilates, which are suitable for all levels. Those interested are invited to come and try a week's free trial. In addition, the newly-opened Taichung Central mall branch offers a dedicated yoga studio with lighting, flooring and other features optimized for yoga sessions.

California Yoga
125, SanMin Rd., Sec.3, 1F; (04) 2225-2353
www.CaliforniaFitness.com
California Fitness opened its first state-of-the-art yoga center in Taichung in December, 2005. Occupying over 200 pings of studio-floor space, with around 90 classes a week, there is a variety of yoga at different levels, including hot yoga, hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, pilates, yoga alignment and body balance. There are international teachers, monthly promotions and a free trial class for guests.

Yogilini Yoga Retreat
411, DaDun 11th St.; (04) 2251-2258
www.yogilini.com.tw
Yogilini presents a sublimely-elegant and harmonious experience to its female-only members. Offering a choice of up to 60 classes a week, including hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, pre-natal yoga, tai chi, pilates, and Indian belly dancing, Yogilini also provides luxurious spa and restaurant facilities.

Peri Fitness Center
339, SanMin Rd., Sec. 3; (04) 2233-1618
www.peris.com.tw
For those looking for yoga classes in a smaller, neighborhood-style gym, Peri Fitness is a good option with a friendly, more personal atmosphere. The center offers seven classes per week in various forms of yoga and related classes, including fitness yoga and pilates.

Alexander Health Club
311, TianJing Rd., Sec. 4, B1-level; (04) 2314-9008
www.alexander.com.tw
Alexander's Taipei club already offers classes in Kryoga, a new style pioneered by legendary yogi, Master Kamal, which Fitness Group aim to have this new age yoga system on offer in their Taichung branch later in 2006.