October 2004
Flexi-Time
Bend your way to inner calm!
“Yoga is the natural state, the origin of truth, beauty, eternal happiness and bliss.” After reading this declaration, and before you could say Om, this writer was out from behind her desk and straight into the lotus position. As well as the classes on offer at gyms, sports clubs and as part of the Volkshochschule program, there are numerous centers in Munich devoted to yoga. Here’s a small selection:
WOYO CLUB MÜNCHEN
Lothstr. 3, (089) 14 33 01 23
www.woyo.de
Forms of yoga taught: Hatha, Iyenga,
Vinyasa, Ashtanga
WOYO stands for the combination of workout and yoga. The beautifully designed club, located on the corner of Nymphenburger Strasse, has been open for a year. A number of different classes and levels are on offer, from yoga for kids (ages 7–10), to classes that target problem zones. The WOYO class is ideal for beginners or people who want to enjoy the benefit of yoga exercises without putting themselves through the full experience. South-African teacher Mattheus Juan Els describes his class as “deconstructed yoga.” The club also provides rolfing, a manual therapy that improves posture and mobility (
www.rolfers-united.com). The founder of the WOYO club, Peter Schlösser, has obviously put a great deal of effort into practicality and marketing. Payment is made by prepaying for a card that is stamped each time you attend. Valid for several months at a time, it can be shared with a partner or colleague. Classes are usually taught in German, though there are two native-English speakers at the club who are happy to give English instruction where necessary. A recent addition to the program is a class taught only in English, so check the Website for details. There is no need to take your own equipment, as the club provides everything you need. If you choose the WOYO club, you will do more than just practice yoga—you will actually gain a deeper understanding of its effects on the body.
SANTULAN
Wörthstr. 13, (01805) 72 68 85
www.santulan.com
Forms of yoga taught: Kriya
Kriya yoga is a simple technique that can be practiced by people of all ages. It is easy to learn and uses a blend of
asanas (body positions),
pranayama (yogic breathing) and
kriyas (ancient Yogic cleansing techniques) to restore the balance of the body on all levels—body, mind and soul. Regular classes take place every Monday from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, which are suitable for beginners as well as people who have done yoga before. Classes are taught in German, but the teachers do speak English, so can answer questions or offer a helping hand.
JIVAMUKTI YOGA CENTER
Schellingstr. 63, (089) 54 80 69 94
www.jivamuktiyoga.de
Forms of yoga taught: Jivamukti method
(a type of Hatha)
The name Jivamukti is taken from the Sanskrit term jivan-mukta, which signifies the state of enlightenment. The method, created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984, is a vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating practice leading to spiritual awareness. You may have heard the name thrown about by yoga-loving celebrities, such as Sting, who says: “David and Sharon have inspired and encouraged us to think of yoga not just as a system of exercises but as a door to the infinite.” The Jivamukti method teaches yoga not merely as physical exercise, but as a way of living a healthier and happier life. Therefore, it promotes ethical vegetarianism, environmental concerns and the need to take social and political action. Each class focuses on a theme, which is supported by Sanskrit chanting, readings, references to scriptural texts, music (from the Beatles to Moby),
asana sequencing and yogic breathing exercises. Classes are taught in German, but with a basic knowledge it is easy enough to follow what is going on (and, if all else fails, copy everyone else). Guest teachers from the mother Jivamukti Yoga Center in New York often visit Munich to take classes and seminars in English. The center has mats, belts and blocks, so the only thing you will need to bring is comfortable clothing and, according to their Website, the only thing you need to do is “Be a yogi, be on time!” You have been told!
YOGA LOFT
Klenzestr. 40, (089) 45 22 65 22
www.yogaloft.de
Forms of yoga taught: Jivamukti method
The Yoga Loft is an affiliate of the Jivamukti Yoga Center and is referred to as “their second practice room.” They have a busy program, including retreats, workshops with guest teachers and yoga for kids.
SIVANANDA YOGA
VEDANTA ZENTRUM
Steinheilstr. 1, (089) 52 44 76
www.sivananda.org/munich
Forms of yoga taught: Ancient, classical yoga in five points
(proper exercises, breathing, relaxation, diet plus positive thinking and meditation)
Classes are taught in German, but that should not pose a problem for people with yoga experience. Sivananda owns a retreat in Reith, a picturesque village near Kitzbühel (1 1/2-hour drive from Munich), where they offer year-round yoga vacations and teacher-training courses in English. For details, see
www.sivananda.org/tyrol.
