The times when yoga required sharing a spiritual philosophy are gone, so don’t feel intimidated by this practice and choose any of its many types available in Kyiv.
Coming from ancient India, yoga is believed to improve stamina, strength and balance. Supporters of this discipline also say it might cure asthma, heart diseases and fix other health problems.
Victor Budnik, 34, is a yoga instructor at the National Fitness and Spa club in Kyiv, but he started practicing it in 2015 as a therapy after a major injury.
“I have got into a car accident that affected my neck, shoulders and back severely,” he told the Kyiv Post.
“The doctors prohibited me from any physical exercises for two years. That is when I was introduced to yoga.”
After eight months of practicing it regularly, Budnik “found a drastic change in my health.”
Iryna Kuksa, a yoga instructor at the Kyiv Wellness International, and a dance therapist, says that yoga is not only about physical fitness, it is a
lifestyle for those who like to live in a sound synergy of the body, mind and soul.
She says that Kyiv offers wonderful opportunities not only for Ukrainians, but for a lot of foreigners, too.
“People from Turkey, Libya, the States, Africa, India, Germany, France and so many other countries are parts of yoga institutes in Kyiv,” she said. “In Kyiv, we have a plethora of seminars and classes for yoga. From yoga for the spine to yoga for migraines, we are fortunate to have a well-researched fitness industry.”
The Kyiv Post has looked into different kinds of yoga available in Kyiv’s clubs.
Fitness yoga
Its main purpose is to unwind after a long day at work. The poses, or asanas, aren’t complicated — they include light twists, reclining, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends, which are good for individuals who work in high-stress environments. Budnik calls it “one of the most effective forms of yoga for people who have a busy lifestyle.”
“Starting your day with a few yoga exercises can fuel you with the positivity and enthusiasm you need,” he said.
National Fitness and Spa, 21 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd. Year-long membership is required and costs Hr 7,000. +380067 547 22 46
Hot yoga
As the name hints, hot yoga is practiced in a room heated to about 40 degrees centigrade (104 degrees Fahrenheit) with 40 percent humidity. This environment facilitates a deeper and quicker warm-up and better flexibility of joints. One of the major benefits of hot yoga is detoxification, supporters say, as excessive sweating eliminates most of the toxins from the skin. Even though it is believed to be a helpful component of various weight loss and injury therapy programs, there is a chance of getting injured, because most people have a tendency to overstretch in the heat. Hence, supervision is of paramount importance while performing this form of yoga.
Kyiv Hot Yoga Studio, 23 Observatorna St. Hr 185 per class. +38044 599 0147, +38050 6695136, +38066 570 3430
Mom and baby yoga
These workouts are for mothers and babies of three months and above. It is a comprehensive and fun workout that includes massages, stretches, holds, reciting rhymes, mini twists and relaxation. As a result, babies learn crawling, sitting and walking faster than most children.
Anastasia Sharipova, a yoga instructor says that while post-natal yoga focuses more on a mother and her body, mom and baby yoga focuses on the development of both as a whole. It assists the healthy bonding between a mother and a child.
“All the exercises that we teach are easy to learn and can be practiced by the mothers at home as well. All in all, we aim to achieve the spiral of joy and love,” she said.
Kyiv Wellness International, 7 Pankivska St. Hr 200 per class. +38098 828 5247
Aerial Yoga (Fly Yoga)
Those who practice this type of yoga use a hammock or a yoga swing to perform exercises that cannot be performed on a regular yoga mat. It combines basic yoga with moves inspired from dance, acrobatics and pilates. According to Ram Bandi, an aerial yoga trainer at Ram Yoga club, it is favorable for people who spend a long time sitting or being in one position.
“It is beneficial as it exercises the whole body, improves flexibility and relieves stress,” he said.
Pregnant women, people with high/low blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments, vertigo, bone disorders, prosthetic limbs etc. should refrain from this format of yoga.
Ram Yoga. 4B Inzhenerny Ln. Hr 1,000 per private class +38068 7178555
Tsarsky City Resort. 13B Staronavodnytska St. Year-long membership is required and costs Hr 75,000. +38044 227 7799
