Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. It is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.
While yoga evolved as a spiritual practice in Hinduism, in the modern world, a part of yoga, known as Asana, has grown popular as a form of purely physical exercise. Today, most forms of yoga practiced have little or nothing to do with Hinduism or spirituality, but are simply a way of keeping fit and healthy.
Locally, Yoga has seen a steady growth of followers over the past few years. As more and more Pinoys (both male and female) are discovering yoga, several new yoga centers have been opening their doors around the city to welcome these new enthusiasts.
Below are 4 of the more well known local yoga centers as well as the link to the yogafinder website which hosts a more comprehensive list of available yoga centers.
Bikram Yoga Manila
bikramyogamanila.com
Classes:
Daily: As early as 6:30 am and as late as 8:00 pm
Rates:
Beginners/first timers: 1,000 unlimited for 7 days or 5,000 for 30 days
Regular attendees: 350-400
Frequent attendees (4-5 times/week): 250-300
Locations:
15/F, 88 Corporate Center
141 Valero Street corner Sedeño Streets
Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227
Tel: (+63 2) 889 – 0126
5/F CKB Centre
203 Tomas Morato Ave.
Quezon City
Tel: (+63 2) 376-4632 or 415 – 8910
Ananda Marga Yoga
yogainmanila.org
From their site:
Ananda Marga, the first yoga group to teach regular yoga classes in Manila, Philippines (since 1967), offers instruction in yoga asanas, yogic treatment, relaxation and meditation through regular courses and personal instruction. A basic course consist of 8 classes taken once a week. Yoga classes in Manila.
Locations/Classes:
46 Maamo St., Sikatuna Village
Quezon City 1101 Metro Manila
02 924 6068 / 0929 541 9501
Tuesday: 8 – 10 AM
Wednesday: 6 – 8 PM
Thursday: 8 – 10 AM
Friday: 8:30 – 10:30 AM / 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Saturdays: 8:30 – 10:30 AM / 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sundays 8:30 – 10:30 AM
Las Piñas Center – Airmen’s Village
Ananda Marga Yoga Center and Meditation Shrine (M.G. Quarter)
42 Concord St., Airmen’s Village, Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas City
02 8727557 / 0927 928 0009
Saturdays 8:30 – 10:30 AM Beginners 8 week yoga course
Saturdays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Intermediate 8 week yoga course
Sundays 6 – 8 PM Intermediate group meditation
Las Piñas Center – Santos Village
Women’s Welfare and AMSAI kindergarten school
113 Circle Road,
Santos Village, Zapote
Las Piñas, Metro Manila 1742
Tel.: 872-7557
Laguna Retreat Site
Ananda Kuranga Master Unit
Barangay Wakat, Nagkarlan Laguna
Mobile: 0916 749 4194 (no landline)
Rates:
Each course runs for 8 sessions and costs P2,500 and includes a book and a CD.
Drop-ins are P350/session. Students have 50% discount.
YogaManila
yogamanila.com
From their site:
Whether it is at the luxurious Chi Spa at the Shangri-La in Ortigas, high above the maddening crowd on the 5th floor quiet haven that is shared with Good Qi in Makati or the sprawling and spacious tropical abode with chirping birds to boot in Alabang, the peaceful energy derived from Yoga Manila’s three yoga studios is almost palpable.
Began in 2006 by 15 dedicated men and women who wanted to deepen their study of yoga, convinced of the many treasures it unfolded and eager to share the knowledge with others, Yoga Manila has come a long way. It is now home, not only to Ashtanga Yoga which anchored its beginnings but also to the different branches of yoga and beyond.
Rates:
Drop-in: 500
6-class card: 2,200
10-class card: 3,500
Prenatal: 200
Self-practice: 600
*Class cards are good for 3 months from date of purchase, valid at all locations, and non-transferable.
Classes:
Daily: Classes as early as 6:30 am and as late as 6:30 pm. Visit their website here for detailed schedules.
Locations:
Makati Studio
Greenbelt Mansion, Unit 506, Perea St, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Ortigas Studio
Chi Spa, EDSA Shangri-la, Manila, 01 Gardenway, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Alabang Studio
405 Bougainvilla corner Sanggumay, Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City
SMS : +63917.522.YOGA(9642)
info@yogamanila.com
Iyengar Yoga Center Manila
iyengaryogamanila.com
From their site:
Iyengar yoga begins with the study of asana (postures). Its study proceeds in an orderly progressive manner, with postures adjusted to meet the physical conditions and needs of each student.
To do this the Iyengar approach to hatha yoga makes frequent use of different kinds of props. They are objects like chairs, blocks, belts, ropes that help you adjust yourself to different postures so that you can work a range of motion that is safe and effective for you. Use of support, force and resistance from props allow for a pose with more depth and awareness. Learning how to do this will increase body awareness.
Rates:
Walk-in: P500 (per class)
Monthly: P2,500 (unlimited)
Schedule:
Monday to Saturday: Classes as early as 7:30 am and as late as 6:30 pm. Click here for detailed schedules.
Location:
21/F LKG Tower, Ayala Ave
Tel: (02)753-4495 or (0917) 535-9711
Email: info@iyengaryogamanila.com
Looking for even more resources? Check out yogafinder.com for a comprehensive listing of available yoga studios in the Philippines.
July 26, 2009 at 11:19 pm
after enrolling on a Yoga Class, i am not stress free and is more relaxed than ever. Yoga is really very helpful both in physical and mental health.
August 3, 2009 at 9:39 am
i am currently enrolled in a Yoga class. the health benefits of Yoga on myself is great. I am more relaxed and i can sleep well at night.
September 5, 2009 at 5:42 pm
i do Yoga at leat three times a week. It helps me calm down my mind and ease away stress.
October 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm
There is a new yoga center in Laguna. Shakti Yoga Center teaches 1hr 15min classes in Hatha Yoga, encompassing asana, pranayama, and meditation.
October 9, 2009 at 4:35 pm
i practice Yoga purely for the purpose of reducing stress and it really works. Yoga keeps both of my mind and body relax.
December 22, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I practice Yoga at home mainly for the purpose of having a relax mind and body. Stress is really high on our workplace and yoga helps me relax.
.
December 29, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I started taking Yoga lessons last month and i am amazed of how it can take away the stress of my mind and body.
*****
December 29, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I started taking Yoga lessons last month and i am amazed of how it can take away the stress of my mind and body.
*****
January 5, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Many yoga classes are out there, and you may be turned off if you pick one that does not suit your personality and state of physical fitness. For most beginners, a hatha or vinyasa class will be most appropriate, depending on whether you want a slow or fast-paced class. These are basic styles, and you can always try something fancier later.
October 10, 2011 at 7:26 am
Will try yoga tomorrow to see for myself if it can really ease up stress.
November 29, 2011 at 1:55 am
Yoga is a great exercise to get into because it is both an exercise for the body and the mind.
December 5, 2011 at 4:44 am
Does anyone have info on yoga classes in Subic Bay?…Or dance or ANY kind of good classes!!
Desperate.
THANK YOU