Why the Government needs to make Bikram yoga compulsory

Bikram Choudhury

There is one simple action that the Government could take which would slash hospital waiting lists. It would turn us from a nation of porkies into a nation of bendies. Plus it would seriously put a dent in the increasing number of us who are living with mental illness at some stage in our lives. This one action would take commitment from us though. We would have to invest 90 minutes 3 times a week into our physical, mental and emotional health. That’s 4 and a half hours. For … [Read more...]

What’s it like to do 108 sun salutations in a row?

Sun Salutations on the beach

Mention doing 108 sun salutations in a row to most people, even regularly practicing yogis, and their eyes widen as their mind says "No way!" Yes way! Not only can your average yoga practitioner easily complete 108 sun salutations, but it's such an energizing practice, that at the end of 108, some people actually feel like they want to do more. Remember, yoga is not "exercise". It doesn't wear out the body, but energises the mind, body and soul. Sun salutations open and energise the … [Read more...]

Completion of a loving-kindness sadhana, Day 30 to Day 40

Mudra on the beach

This was the easiest sadhana (daily spiritual practice) I've done. Simply sitting cross-legged and repeating four lines (in English no less!) over and over. May I be filled with loving-kindness May I be well My I be peaceful and at ease May I be happy I finished yesterday, with a twenty minute meditation. Yet this morning, getting stuck into work, I couldn't wait to do my meditation. So I did. Day 41. This may just be a daily practice for me until... well who knows? … [Read more...]

Wellington yogi Kelly Fisher interviewed on Forever Fitness

Kelly Fisher of Yoga Unlimited

Co-owner of Wellington's Yoga Unlimited, Kelly Fisher, has just been interviewed on Forever Fitness by Ish and Bevan. It's a great 30 minute podcast, and well worth a listen (click to hear). If you've never listened to a podcast before, and get antsy siting at the computer listening away... throw it on and do what I did, clean your bedroom at the same time! You'll get the housework done while you listen. And if you're thinking about starting yoga, Kelly gives a great low-down on how to … [Read more...]

Dunedin Bikram Yoga Teacher: Donna Wikio

Dunedin Bikram Yoga Teacher Donna Wikio

Donna has spent the last while living in Queenstown with her two children, and working at the Queenstown Bikram Studio. But small business beckoned, so she's headed over to Dunedin to open up her open Dunedin Bikram Yoga Studio - something that the yogis of Dunedin will no doubt be very excited about. The studio opened at the end of August 2009, in a space that was going to be an up-market gym. Fortunately for Donna, the gym never happened and she was able to lease the yoga-perfect space … [Read more...]

The Benefits of Teaching Yoga

Teaching Yoga on the beach

by Guest Author Swami Nishchalananda, who established Mandala Yoga Ashram in 1986. As students and practitioners of Yoga we are all well aware of the benefits Yoga can have on all levels of our being. Teaching Yoga can be a way of passing on to others what we have received. Teaching Yoga gives us an opportunity to serve others, enabling us to really be of help to others in improving the quality of their lives. Remember that service (Sanskrit, seva) is an essential aspect of Yoga … [Read more...]