Yoga Styles and Where to go

Since my wedding's coming, Ej and I have been trying to get into the fitness groove. One of the activities that we wanted to do regularly was yoga. I first enrolled in Bikram yoga at Eastwood with my sister. EJ didn't find it comfortable since heat and sweating profusely gave him migraines. We then tried out Vinyasa at Strata 100 in Ortigas. Before I continue with my assessment, let's first learn about the different styles of yoga from some great resources on the web:

• What is Yoga?
• Yoga Styles
• Hot Yoga/Bikram
  
• Vinyasa/Flow
  

Where to go?

For Vinyasa, you can visit the Vinyasa Yoga Center. It is located at the 17th Floor Strata 100 Building in Ortigas Pasig. It's very convenient for those working in the Ortigas area. Classes in the evening start at 6:15 pm and the next one at 7:30 pm, which is apt for an office worker's schedule.

They have three instructors: Pio Baquiran, Jevimer Lobitana and Gemma Magtibay. I have tried Pio and Jevimer's classes. Both were quite accomodating to the new comers and they really guide you well when you do the poses.

The floor area can accomodate around 15 people so you really have to call to have a slot reserved for you.

More information about the center and its guidelines can be seen at the Vinyasa Yoga Center Website.

Contact Details:

Unit 17-F Strata 100 Building
F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center
Pasig City
Philippines
1600

yogacenter06@yahoo.com

+(63 2) 637-9003 /+(632) 2329189

+639209475915/+639152920989

For Bikram yoga, you can go to Biktam Yoga Manila or Bikram Yoga Eastwood.

I have tried the one in Eastwood but I haven't tried the one in Makati (though I heard about the one in Makati first, it was far from my place of work.) They have exceptional teachers in Eastwood. I have tried Joy (the owner), Lorrie and Julie's classes. What you will need for the sessions there is your mat and a towel to place on top of your mat. The classes are done in a heated room, more than 30 degrees, i'm assuming. I can become pretty hot, so remember to stay well hydrated before you join any class.

Since the class is an active meditation, unnecessary movements (even wiping off sweat) should be avoided. I loved the classes there but the classes are more expensive than the classes in Vinyasa.

Prices:

Vinyasa: They don't have trial classes and the new rates are as follows:

One time trial/session 450.00

12 + 1 free session 4,800.00

18 + 2 free sessions 7,200.00

21 + 3 free sessions 8,400.00

*SERIES EXPIRES AFTER 2 MONTHS

Yoga Manila: Trial of 7 days: Php 1000; each class is roughly between Php350 – Php400 for regular attendees. For those who take their practice seriously and attend often (i.e. 4-5 times a week), the cost is about Php250 – Php300 per class

Contact details:

Makati Studio
15F, 88 Corporate Center,
141 Valero Street cor. Sedeno St.
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel. no.: 8890126
Tele fax: 8891011
E-mail: info@bikramyogamanila.com

Quezon City Sutdio
5/F CKB Centre
203 Tomas Morato Ave.
Quezon City
Tel. no.: 3764632
Tele fax: 8891011

Bikram Eastwood: Trial of 7 days: Php 700; each class is around as much as the one in Makati or a little bit cheaper. I took the 20 sessions for 2 months and it was around Php 4,250.

*Series expires according to the duration that was specified in the rate

Contact Details:

Unit E One Orchard Road Condominium,
Eastwood City, Libis
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel. no.: +632 9721838
Mobile no: +63 922 8819955
E-mail: jgeronca@bikramyogaeastwood.com

Bikram Yoga Eastwood Website