Yoga Studio

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2016

Yoga

"A journey to the heartland to find my soul.As I look back over the past year, I realize that I was fortunate to travel to 15 countries plus an additional 10 trips across India. Yes, it has indeed been a period where I often unpacked and packed on the same day! Yet while travel dominated my calendar in 2011, there is no doubt that the most rewarding trip was not one which involved planes, trains and automobiles, but the journey within. For the past few years, I have been flirting with physical exercises associated with Yoga on one hand and the desire to learn more about the essence of Indian philosophy. In the last quarter of the year, I learnt first hand that these two pursuits were indeed intertwined and my nine-day trip in December to the two Ashrams of the Bihar School of Yoga have energized me like no other! Its early days yet since my trip ended, but the sense of peace and joy that I continue to experience ten days after the trip have given me strong pointers on how I can simplify my life, become calmer and find more joy in all aspects of life!"

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2016

Yoga

"First of all, let me congratulate you all for the wonderful ambiance you have created at 136.1 right from the Studio to the people who head it and the people who manage the centers at Alwarpet and Ispahani Centre (the 2 Studios I frequently visit). It has been a pleasure to be a part of this movement and grow with you all as a person and a yoga enthusiast for the past 2 years. I must admit that I was skeptic about Yoga, before I joined 136.1. I was a regular Gym and Aerobic enthusiast and under the wrong impression that it was a 'slooowww' form of exercise and that I would be easily bored with the routines. But hell and high water how wrong was I ! It is here that I have to give all the credit to my teacher Renu, for the 360 degree turn in my opinion of it. She is responsible for changing my attitude towards Yoga as an 'experiential way of life', and for instilling the benefits of Yoga practice in such a smooth and yet definite way that I am changed both as a person and a fitness enthusiast. Renu as a teacher is a delight and an inspiration. She never rushes you into the practice. And she never makes you feel uncomfortable that you are not able to match up to some of the others who are more agile and fit. But at the same time, she inspires you with just the right amount of positive energy to consistently improve on yourself, at your own pace. The very first thing I learnt to do properly under Renu's guidance is JUST BREATHE. This was something I never realized I had taken for granted!! And it has become one of the main reasons for the sense of well beingI now have everyday! Renu focuses on synchronizing the correct breathing techniques along with the Asanas which makes the practice THAT MUCH MORE effective.The mixing up of the routines - from pure yoga to more modern and mixed versions of the same, along with the incorporation of weight training techniques, has ensured Weight loss classes are different each day and a complete experience by being so varied in styles and technique. Having been a Professor in a college (Stella Maris) for a few years, I know how important this subtle skill is to motivate your students with compassion and sensitivity, while acknowledging their individual capacities. Renu is truly one such teacher who is both competent and inspiring, knowledgeable and yet understated - a rare combination indeed.It gives me much self satisfaction to say that under her expert guidance, I have lost 14 kgs in one and a half years and am feeling over all healthier, lighter and fitter. I would love to loose another 10 kgs but phewww let me not be over ambitious! I know the path to true weight loss is slow and sustained effort and I am SO confident that I will be able to get there with Renu as my guru.Once again, I thank Renu and you all at 136.1, for making this journey to health and fitness so memorable and enjoyable!"

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2016

Yoga

""I have faced many challenges and obstacles in my life. I was trying to find some solace, peace and a greater appreciation for my very existence on earth which I have achieved during my journey into Yoga which I started over two years back. Initially I got into yoga purely based on the relaxation and calmness I got from each yoga session and felt it was a great way to exercise and stretch my sore muscles from a lot of gyming I did back in the days. The joy and passion for yoga made me want to learn more about it and I went ahead and undertook the teachers training certificate course as well. I have been in constant touch with one of the teachers, Regeesh, who is a part of 136.1. He mentioned about the opening of this studio and I was very keen to attend some sessions at 136.1 which I must say were fantastic and lured me to take up membership at this studio. There is something incredibly nice about this place. The moment I enter the studio it gives me a very positive and soothing vibe and a feeling of contentment and appreciation. The people at the reception are so warm and pleasant and seeing their happy faces is a great start to my yoga session at the studio. The two studios are also very well lit, clean and the symbol "AUM" on the wall is glorious. Whilst doing yoga practice in the evening with the AUM gleaming on the wall has a therapeutic effect on one's self. The studio has many classes such as the Hatha, Flow Vinayasa, Ashtanga, Tratak and Meditation which gives me the option to try different classes and explore different aspects within yoga. The teachers in the studio are very experienced and have a lot of knowledge to impart. Learning yoga at 136.1 has transformed my life. It has made me connect with my inner self and helped me move away from getting caught up with my past or stressing about my future. It has taught me the act of acceptance and the power of NOW and learning to live today in the most beautiful way possible. The Vinayasa Flow classes with Regeesh, Vinay and Namrata are remarkable; flowing from posture to posture along with a focus on breath awareness has played an important role in my life as I find myself flowing from one situation to another without being caught up in it. It has also increased my flexibility. The teachers here are so knowledgeable and guide us to correct the alignments and postures of each student .The Ashtanga session with Prasad was a new practice for me and his emphasis on breath has brought about self-awareness in me and I owe some of my great learnings to him and his very humble nature. The Tratak classes with Devatama have helped me widen my vision profoundly.The 11 Mahamrityunjaya mantra chanting and havan conducted every weekend by one of the teachers, Devanand creates a positive energy at the studio. It is great to have such a practice and to perform with so much dedication. I always leave these sessions with a sense of tranquillity.To sum it all up, I am very thankful and have full gratitude to be a part of 136.1 and also to each and every teacher and staff for giving me a whole expansive study and knowledge of Yoga, both physically and mentally for my personal journey, growth, spiritual upliftment and awareness as an individual.""