On a recent trip to Northern Thailand I had my first experience of ‘yogilates’; a cross-over class combining techniques in yoga and pilates. This is a total body workout with particular attention paid to the core muscles of the midsection. I and my fellow students were guided by Ajarn Caymee, who is originally from Singapore and recently opened her immaculately clean, modern studio in Chang Klan Plaza, Chiang Mai. 

  A short meditation time at the beginning of the class was followed by repetitions of Suryanamskar (the Sun Salutation) to warm the body. The name of this series of asanas (postures) derives from the Sanskrit word for sun (surya) and the Hindi word for salutation or greeting (namaskar). Variations on ‘warrior 1’, ‘warrior 2’, ‘the plank’ and ‘downward dog’ yoga postures then ensued. A pilates style abdominal workout was followed by stretches for the back to balance the body. The class ended with further relaxation and meditation time.

I am accustomed to vigorous exercise but was surprised at the energy generated by this more static type of workout and at how much I was sweating! Both yoga and pilates are effective at enhancing core strength and encourage the development of long, lean muscles while improving flexibility, posture and balance.

Caymee explained to me that the benefits of yoga are not only physical but regular practice also promotes a healthy mind and overall well-being. ‘Yoga has helped me through some difficult periods in my life and now I feel it is a gift I want to share with others’, she states. She also offers classes in yoga flow, hot yoga, ashtanga yoga and beginners’ yoga charging only 129baht per one hour session. She conducts the lessons in Thai or English according to the nationalities of students attending. Also not to be missed is her home-made, low fat, lemon-flavoured Japanese cheesecake - delicious and not too sinful after a workout!

 Call Caymee on 010216566 for more information and class schedule or email caymeeto@yahoo.co.uk.‘Yoga sense: discovery of life’ Studio, 191/15 Chang Khan Plaza, T. Chang Khan, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50100.

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