Nā Koa Winter 2014 Na Koa by Ka Leo o Na Koa

WINTER 2014

nÄ koa ilima fisher Her 200-hour journey Page 4

yoga: at a glance

This not-so-new exercise is taking the world by storm.

20.4 27 6 95 million Americans billion dollars are century B.C. yoga different types th

practice yoga

spent annually on was developed yoga products

1. Savusavu, Fiji Daku Resort 2. Tahiti, French Polynesia Tahiti Yoga Retreat 3. Zakynthos, Greece Gaia Visions

of yoga

Top 10 Yoga Destinations

4. Bali, Indonesia Shangri La Resort and Spa 5. Quissac, France Villa Plantat 6. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur India Universal Yoga Retreats

7. Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil Adventure Brazil 8. Tangalle, Sri Lanka Ashtanga Lanka 9. Sedona, Arizona 7 Centers Yoga Arts

6 fundamental types of yoga

10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health Sources: Cheapflights.com, gayot.com yogajournal.com

......................................................................................................................................................................... Staff Kainoa Deguilmo • Ashley-Anne Morishita • Faith Owan • Kainalu Steward • Alyssa Urayanza • Quinn Williams Layout Assistant Destinee Murray

nā koa

............... WINTER 2014 ....................................................................................................... from the editor ......................

ON THE COVER Pose Power Energetic and passionate, Maui’s yogi, Ilima Fisher, is ready to impress and on her way to becoming certified.

From Head to Toe Ilima Fisher

shares her top 5 poses for students.

Benefits of Yoga Beyond the cool poses and comfy clothes, the benefits of yoga are innumerable.

Yoga’s Saga The history of yoga is unveiled, bringing to life the deeper meaning behind the practice.

Maui Masters Three local yoga masters tell why they love yoga.

We’re back!

So, after another long month of fingers on keyboards, eyes on screens, feet on the ground, and heads in the clouds, we’re back with another issue. When I created Nā Koa, I had envisioned it as its very own app. Since I have an iPhone, and all of my friends have iPhones, I wanted to make our digital magazine easily accessible for Apple users, and Issuu, our web hosts, only offered an app for Androids. Thus, my idea for a Nā Koa app was born. As you know from our first issue, despite Herculean efforts, that didn’t happen. Even though we couldn’t make an IOS app by the date of the first release, we swore we’d figure it out for Issue 2; however, after swearing of a different kind, we admitted defeat. Just then, the universe answered our prayers and came up with a solution. After years of waiting, Issuu released an app in the Apple App Store. Now all Nā Koa readers have access to our magazine

on the go. You know what that means! Nā Koa is in the palm of your hands, regardless of your mobile platform. Just download the Issuu app, and follow us: Ka Leo o Na Koa. I know, I was stoked, too. Oh, I forgot to mention the coolest part about this issue: a staff ! Unlike our last issue, which was created by me as a part of my senior project, this issue was made by a fabulous group of high school journalists here at Nā Koa Media. And let me tell you, it was quite an adventure. From impromptu yoga classes, to getting stuck in a Ha’ikū storm, there wasn’t a second of boredom. So, have a sat, grab a refreshment, and dive into another informative issue of Nā Koa, as we turn our attention to yoga and shine a spotlight on KS Maui senior Ilima Fisher, who inspired this topic. Namaste.

lululemon athletica: Inspiring Yoga Essentials Their prod-

ucts are taking over the yoga world.

Yoga Studios on Maui Hop in

your car and head on over to one of the many studios Maui has to offer.

Yoga Goes Out of Its Comfort Zone If you want a more

out-of-the-box take on yoga, check out these unconventional styles.

Maui Made Meet four Maui students who love yoga.

Can You Stand the Heat of Hot Yoga? Inside a hot yoga

class with Beth Lyons.

.................. nā koa .......................... about the editor ..................................................................................................... A Ka Leo o Nā Koa Publication Nā Koa Media Editor-in-Chief Maile Sur Contact Us: Address: 270 ‘A’apueo Parkway, Pukalani, HI, 96768 • Phone: (808) 573-7019 • Email: kaleoonakoa@ksbe.edu • Twitter: @kaleoonakoa • Website: www.kaleoonakoa.org

Maile Sur, 17, is a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui. She was born and

raised on Maui and has a passion for photography and design. Being a lover of the outdoors, she can always be found out and about roaming the forests for great hikes or just hanging at the beach with her friends. She hopes to one day become an art director for a magazine like Seventeen, Teen Vogue or W Magazine.

........................................................

posepower

.... ..... 17-year-old Ilima Fisher takes us into her world of yoga. From cool poses to easy outfits, to a never-ending list of health benefits, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love? But the road to becoming a certified yogi isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t simple, and after doing a 200-hour certification course, Fisher can prove that.

story + photographs Maile Sur

n out-of-the-blue decision to try yoga may have been one of the best decisions for senior yogi Ilima Fisher. “I just got the motivation to go one day and try it out,” Fisher said. This was a year-and-a-half ago. Now, Fisher is a yoga guru on the Maui scene. In her junior year at Kamehameha Maui, Fisher took the first step to yoga certification for her senior projecta 200-hour class. “I hope to encourage the underclassmen, as well as others in the community, to do something crazy and spontaneous that can benefit them in the long run and is always useful,” she said. Fisher first learned the art of yoga at Haiku Hot Yoga Maui in Ha’ikū, Maui. Due to zoning issues, the Haiku Hot Yoga Maui website explained that they are now closed and classes are being held at two other studios: Paia Yoga and Bikram yoga. But Fisher doesn’t need

a studio when she has the beautiful Kula scenery as her back yard and is just a short drive away from Maui beaches.

Fisher began taking classes at Valley Isle Gymnastics in Kahului, Maui. She continued there off and on until her freshman year of high

Fisher’s favorite outdoor location to practice yoga is the beach with the sun in her face and the sound of the waves as her playlist. So, why yoga? “It started making me a better person physically and mentally,” Fisher said. “Not only are the benefits immense, but the people I have met already on this journey are amazing,” she said. Her 5’4” body can contort into many different yoga poses, and in addition to her yoga practice, it probably has a lot to do with her childhood gymnastic and cheerleading experience. At the young age of five,

school, when she started cheerleading – first, just for high school, but then for Hawai’i All-Stars. Though the three activities are rather similar, Fisher says she enjoys yoga the most. “There is so much more than just the poses,” Fisher said. “The mental aspects to it are amazing as well.” Beyond getting a fit and toned body, Fisher said she’s motivated to do more because she has energy to do the other things she loves, like spending time with her family or traveling around the islands. Fisher is the middle child to parents Mike and Kela

“Not only are the benefits immense, but the people I have met already on this journey are amazing.” -Ilima Fisher

Fisher, with an older sister Mehana (18) and a younger brother Kana’i (11). Since her mother, Kela, is a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines, Ilima gets to travel often. “I love traveling to Kaua’i because it’s not overtaken by buildings and is more laid back,” she said. “It’s also a great yoga destination!” Forgoing a yoga partner, Fisher said, “Honestly, I love going alone.” Fisher said it’s a lot easier when you’re on your own, but she said to not let that hold you back from going with a friend. “Sometimes you need the moral support to hold the crazy poses,” she said. Ilima doesn’t need much for her passion. When it comes to outfits, it’s plain and simple, “I try to wear the least amount of clothing possible because it gets so soaked with sweat. I wear a sports bra and spandex shorts.” On top of outfits, a mat and “a very big sweat towel” are must-haves for Fisher. (ILIMA see facing page)

Fisher enjoys an evening yoga session at Baby Beach in Pā’ia, Maui. She is seen here in Virabhadrasana II, also known as Warrior Pose II.

(ILIMA from facing page) She sports attire from Nike and lululemon athletica and uses a lululemon athletica yoga mat. But it’s not all about poses, outfits and mats; Fisher said there’s something more. “I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training that was getting me eligible to apply for a certification, meaning that I could eventually teach my own classes.” She earned her first certificate this summer at Lumeria in Makawao. Student yogis there learned everything about yoga: the poses, the anatomy of the body, the role the mind plays, and Sanskrit vocabulary. Sanskrit is an ancient language of India. “I had many mixed feelings about entering a month-long teacher training course. I experienced fear of not being able to mentally commit to the whole month and was getting frustrated trying to deal with this fear. I also found out that I [would] be the youngest attending this program, and the eldest was 62,” she said in her journal. During the four-week course, she had classes for eight or more hours a day and only one day of leisure. The days were long, starting at seven in the morning. The yogis would learn for an hour before going to a public class that was an hour and a half. “We [got] to connect with other people and learn from them as well, which I [found] very helpful,” she said. After the public class, the student yogis went through a more traditional class to learn about the anatomy of the body and muscles. At

Natarajasana, one of Fisher’s favorite poses, has many variations. See the other variation on page 8. the end of the day, there was another yoga session, but Fisher says it was restorative, since they were all exhausted by that time. “It was intense, but very beneficial,” she said. After just a week in, Fisher could already see results. “I feel happier, more flexible, and grateful for making such great relationships with new people,” she said. “It’s a very good feeling being surrounded by positive

people who are very focused on their health and want to improve their yoga life just like me.” During the second week, the student yogis were put to the test. They each had a new role: to be the assistants to the yoga instructor and to help others with new poses. This scared Fisher at first, but once she did it, she gained her confidence. Being the youngest in the training, Fisher’s classmates

and teachers were “all very impressed,” she said. “They [had] to keep reminding themselves that I’m only 17.” By the end of the month, Ilima’s reaction was, “Wow! I can’t believe it’s already done!” So, where is she now? “I’m trying to survive senior year,” Fisher said half jokingly. “But once that’s over with, I really want to dive into the next journey that yoga brings.”

From Head to Toe SAVASANA 1 2 by maile sur, editor-in-chief

Also known as the Corpse Pose, the Savasana allows the body to relax and reset itself. The Savasana has many benefits including a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, general anxiety and fatigue and increases in energy levels and concentration.

Though there are thousands out there, Ilima Fisher gives us the inside scoop on her top 5 yoga poses for students.

URDHVA DHANURASANA

2. Inhale deeply and hold it as you tense your entire body, lifting your legs and arms slightly off the ground. 3. Exhale and relax your body. 4. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then, repeat 3-10 times.

Level of difficulty:

How to:

1. Lie on your back with your feet spread slightly apart from each other.

This pose is also referred to as the Wheel Pose, and has many benefits. Besides strengthening the chest, lungs, arms, wrists, legs, buttocks, abdomen and spine. Fisher said she noticed an increase in energy and less back pain after the pose.

How to:

1. Lie on your back, and bend your knees in front of you. 2. Place your hands near your head, and spread your palms on the floor.

ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA

Translated, this means downward-facing dog pose. The Adho Mukha Svanasana stretches the whole body, focusing on the shoulders, legs and spine. The pose also strengthens the arms, legs, and feet and improves the immune system, digestion and blood flow to the sinuses. For such a simple pose, the benefits are innumerable.

How to:

1. Get on your hands and knees, setting your knees directly below your hips and your hands slightly forward

Level of difficulty:

NATARAJASANA

of your shoulders. 2. Exhale and lift your knees away from the floor, keeping your knees slightly bent. 3. While exhaling, push your thighs back and straighten your legs. Be sure not to lock your knees. 4. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then, repeat 3-10 times.

Level of difficulty:

The Natarajasana, also known as the Dancer Pose, balances the nervous system, enhances digestive power, and helps eliminate back and spine pains. When you pull your leg back, it tones and strengthens the leg and hip muscles. Overall, your balance is also improved.

How to:

1. Shift your weight onto your right leg, bending the other, and grab the inside of your left foot with your left

Your fingers should be pointing towards your shoulders. 3. Exhale as you push your tail-bone up and lift your buttocks off the floor. 4. Move your arms so that they are directly under your shoulders, parallel to your legs. 5. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then, repeat 3-10 times.

hand. 2. Start to bring your left foot and right arm towards the ceiling while bringing your torso forward. 3. Hold for 5-10 breaths. 4. Repeat with other leg. Do 3-10 times.

Level of difficulty:

SALAMBA SIRSASANA This headstand pose is nicknamed the King of All the Poses. Besides being totally cool, this inverted pose increases blood flow to the brain, improves memory, and helps move stored fluids from the legs into the core for oxygenation and elimination of metabolic wastes. Beware, this one’s a toughie… Get a friend to spot you until you are comfortable to do it on your own. How to: 1. Kneel on the floor with your fingers laced together. Place your forearms on the floor creating a triangle. 2. Place your head on the floor between your hands. If capable, open your palms and let your head fit in your hands. 3. Inhale and lift your knees off the floor. Walk your feet closer to your elbows, forming an inverted “V.” 4. Exhale and lift your feet off the floor. Keep your feet together and bend your knees, if needed. 5. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then, repeat 3-10 times. Level of difficulty:

These days, students trudge to classes feeling tired and restless. With yoga promising an increase in energy levels and concentration, why wouldn’t students want to try it? It takes less than 20 minutes a day and will do wonders for your body and mind. Pick a pose, or a few, and try it out!

Benefits of Yoga by alyssa urayanza, staff writer

There is more to yoga than just complex poses and comfortable pants. Yoga is also beneficial in many different ways. According to Shakta Mayi, a certified yoga teacher and manager at Maui Yoga and Dance Shala, yoga emphasizes optimal alignment and leads to better posture. “Tightness in the body restricts our full range of motion, so movement helps to lubricate the surfaces of the joints and keeps us supple,” Mayi said. Mayi has been doing yoga for ten years and teaching it for about two. The name “Mayi” is a spiritual name passed on to him by his teacher, Amma, who is a guru in Bhakti yoga. Bhakti yoga is centered around love and devotions and focuses on songs, chanting, community service, and humanitarian efforts.

Stretching the back elongates the muscles allowing more oxygen flow and generally relaxing the body. Over time, it will also lead to increased flexibility.

stress. “It leads us to a healthy, joyful lifestyle and increases our levels of wisdom and vitality,” Mayi said. Annmarie Torrez, a Makawao yoga instructor, also said yoga calms the body. Deep breaths are another way to slow the heart

“It leads us to a healthy, joyful lifestyle and increases our levels of wisdom and vitality.” -Shakta Mayi

Research from the American Osteopathic Association states that yoga can also increase muscle tone and strength as well as improve respiration, energy, and vitality. “Yoga strengthens and detoxifies the body while calming the mind,” Mayi said. Yoga also calms the nervous system promoting healthy circulation and relieving

rate and relax not only the nervous system but physical muscles as well. “Breathing deeply sends signals to the brain to tell the body to relax,” Torrez said. Fast-paced yoga provides more of a cardio work out which accelerates the heart rate causing the muscles to stretch and become stronger. Over time, you end up with a combination of strength and

flexibility. American Osteopathic Association studies show that along with breathing, meditation can help people improve their mental well-being. “The more you do it the better. It will benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Torrez said. Between 2008 and 2012, yoga participation has increased by 29% with an estimated 20.4 million participants in the U.S. in 2012 according to Channel Signal’s report By the Numbers: The Growth of Yoga. Channel Signal is a consumer sentiment reporting company that specializes in the outdoor recreation market. They collect data for retail, event and financial industries. With millions of Americans participating in yoga, there must be more to it than just the health benefits. “Yoga is a lot of fun,” Mayi said.

Photo used courtesy of Nicki Doane Nicki Doane of Maya Yoga teaches a class at her studio in Ha’ikū, Hawaii. The class is seen in the lotus pose, also known as Padmasana.

Yoga’ssaga

by faith owan, staff writer

The 2012 National Heath Interview Survey revealed that more than 26 million people practice yoga in the United States. It has become a means of relaxation and exercise for many, and for some, a path to self-discovery. The yoga saga, however, began far away from the U.S. Nadia Toraman, a yoga instructor and founder of the Maui Yoga Shala, said, “It’s from India originally.” According to the American Yoga Association’s website, yoga has been traced back about 5,000 years to carvings engraved into stone at archaeological sites in the Indus Valley, which is in the western part of India in the present day state of Gujarat. The site said, “Yoga has been passed down through the generations from both spoken teachings and physical demonstrations of yoga positions.” Yoga classes can vary from teacher to teacher, but all start with eight principles. “A scholar by the name of Patanjali wrote about what’s called the eight limbs of yoga, or what’s referred to

This image is in the public domain because its copyright has expired.

Shiva Pashupati is an example of the carvings in the Indus Valley. in modern day as Classical Yoga,” said the site. This is one of the earliest texts relating to yoga, and is traced back to the first or second century B.C., possibly a few centuries later. The AYA site said yoga

consists of eight simplified sections – yama: restraint, niyama: observance, asana: physical exercises, pranayama: breathing techniques, pratyahara: preparation for meditation, dharana: concentration, dhyana: medita-

tion, and samadhi: absorption. Today, yoga classes usually focus on the third, fourth, and fifth steps. According to the AYO, yoga didn’t come to the United States until the late 1800’s and didn’t become popular among its citizens until around the 1960’s, when people began to take an interest in Eastern culture. Now, yoga has grown and become a part of mainstream American culture. It has come a long way from its humble origins, and is now a means for many people to exercise, meditate, heal, learn, and have fun. Either way, yoga has basic benefits for everyone. Toraman said, “Physically it makes the body strong, flexible, and in balance. It brings the body back into alignment. Mentally, obviously, it gives the mind focus and concentration. It teaches you the benefits of breathing: You need to have conscious breathing when you practice yoga.” The yoga saga continues as people carry on its tradition, which add new stories and experiences to the practice.

maui ...........................masters....... by kainalu steward, staff writer

Photo used courtesy of Nicki Doane

Jennifer Lynn Yoga Studio: Wisdom Flow Location on Maui: Makawao Describe your journey into yoga:

I was a marathon runner and a friend brought me to a yoga classes—which I thought was for sissies—and I had a wonderful rush of powerful energy during meditation that made me come back for more.

Most inspirational yogi and why:

Linda McBride. She is here on Maui. She is 70 years old and moves like a 12-year-old. She is doing arm balances and inversions that the 20-year-old cannot do. But most of all, she is the kindest, most positive person I know. A model yogi!

Your story behind your studio “Wisdom Flow”:

I studied some Hawaiian wisdom with Hale Mākua from Big Island and often draw parallels between the yoga path and Hawaiian wisdom. For example, he taught me that a Hawaiian word for meditation is Ho’onalu…to be like the wave or to go with the flow. The reason I named my style of yoga Wisdom Flow is to encourage us all to trust and respect the flow, but to be awake and wise as we navigate the waves.

Favorite type of yoga?

Vinyasa Flow because it is like dancing with your soul.

Favorite yoga brand? OmGirl.

Photo used courtesy of Jennifer Lynn

Nicki Doane Yoga Studio: Maya Yoga Location on Maui: Haʻikū

How did you start doing yoga?

I took my first yoga class when I was 18 years old as a freshman at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. They offered Yoga for Gym credit and you needed 3 gym credits to graduate. I remember it was a very cold morning in January, and the class started at 8 am, which, at the time, was very early for me! I trudged across the campus and thought to myself, “This better be good to get me up so early”, and it was!! I couldn’t believe how much I loved the class, and I remember it feeling very familiar to me, like putting on a pair of very comfortable shoes.

Farthest gone to do yoga? Favorite place:

The farthest I’ve gone to study yoga is definitely India. It is also my favorite place because it is the birthplace of yoga. India is a country steeped in spirituality, and yoga is one of its traditions. People in India are always so pleased to hear that we (my husband and I) traveled all the way from our country halfway around the world to come there to learn their tradition. They feel very respected. It’s always good to go to the source of whatever you are studying.

Best thing to do after yoga?

After a practice I love to drink a coconut! I started doing that in India on my first trip because they sell them everywhere all over the streets. Now we are blessed to have coconut trees on our property so we drink our own.

Photo used courtesy of Nicki Doane

Eddie Modestini Yoga Studio: Maya Yoga

Location on Maui: HaĘťikĹŤ How did you start ?

I began studying yoga in 1983 with Iyengar yoga. Iyengar yoga is known for its attention to detail, staying in the poses for longer timings to explore them, and for its benefits therapeutically. I was a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher when I met my wife in 1991. I began studying with Pattabhi Jois in 1991 as well and have been to India 17 times as well to study with Mr Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois.

Why yoga?

I began yoga seeking relief from back pain, and after several years of sincere practice I achieved my goal and no longer suffer from back pain. I am a real yoga therapist and have helped many people over the years in dealing with their physical pain.

Favorite yoga poses?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to pick a favorite pose since there are literally thousands of yoga poses, and they are called Asanas. Backbends are certainly among our (my wife and my) favorites since they are so healthy for the back and the spine. Also hip openers, headstand and shoulder stand. Open hips are the fountains of youth and headstand and shoulder stand help to balance the endocrine system of the body, which is crucial for good health.

Any advice for new or current yogis:

Photo used courtesy of Eddie Modestini

Yoga is a self-reliant healing system. Teachers can only make suggestions. It is up to the students to do the work and heal themselves.

lululemon athletica: inspired yoga essentials

Swiftly Headband $14 Color: Heathered Black

C’mon girls, you know what’s most important— hair. The best product to tame those crazy fly-aways is Lululemon’s Swiftly Headband. On the inside of the headband is a silicone grip to keep the band on your head and your hair out of

by quinn williams, staff writer

The easiest way to feel good, is to start by looking good. One of the hottest brands in yoga, lululemon athletica, can equip you with the ideal yoga outfit and essentials. The basics are a comfy top, a pair of yoga pants, and a mat. But, of course, accessories are the key to happiness. Add a cute headband and a nifty insulated water bottle to tie it all together! Males, don’t run off yet. lululemon has accessories for you, too.

Om Tee $58 Color: White

Wunder Under Pant $82 Color: Black

To ensure an overall comfortable workout, you’ll need these pants. The thick waistband allows you to move as you please knowing your pants will move with you. The basic black will match

Cute! This lightweight tee is flowy and comfortable. The modest neckline and unique high-low hem allows for easy movement.

A personal favorite, though not lululemon, is the…

Fifty-Fifty VacuumInsulated Flask 40 oz. $36.99 Color: Lime Green

Staying hydrated is crucial to achieving a proper workout. This popular bottle keeps liquids ice cold for up to 24 hours. You can even choose a style of lid—sports, vacuum insulated, or wide vacuum insulated—just for you.

5 Year Basic Tee $54 Color: Black

Kung Fu Pant 2.0 $98

Who said you can’t be a yogi and masculine? This lightweight black tee makes you look good during your yoga session and afterward! The Vitasea fabric is soft and is made to keep chafing to a minimum, so your skin stays healthy.

Color: Gray

Don’t let the name fool you, these Kung Fu Pants are made for yoga. The pants are made up of a soft Luon fabric made specifically for stretching and recovery. It also has sweat-wicking and breathing capabilities.

The Mat $68 Color: Lime green

You can’t forget a yoga mat! The Mat is perfect for both males and females. This grip-y basic has an antimicrobial additive to help prevent mold, bacteria and fungi from taking over your mat.

Yoga Studios on

MAUI BY

Maui’s rustic setting is ideal for yoga with its environment rich in nature and perfect for relaxation, so if you want to get your pose on, drop in on one of the many yoga studios on Maui.

MAUI YOGA SHALA, HA’IKŪ, MAUI

Maui Yoga Shala Pā’ia: Maui Yoga Shala provides a down-to-earth environment that promotes the spirit of aloha. Street Address: 381 Baldwin Ave., Unit A Register online at www.maui-yoga.com. Classes: Gentle Aloha, Maui Aloha, Prenatal, Vinyasa, Children’s Gymnastic & Yoga, Prana, Pilates, Mommy & Me, Vinyasa

DESTINEE MURRAY, STAFF WRITER

Wisdom Flow Flow, Hot Yoga, Kirtan & Mantra Meditation, Yin, Acro, Sunrise Flow, Power Yoga Flow, Kundalini, Children/Keiki Yoga Rates: Drop-in $20 ($18 for kama’aina) Drop-in keiki $15 5-class pass $85 10-class pass $160 20-class pass $300 Passes are good for one year

Pukalani: Wisdom Flow is a wonderful studio that has hardwood floor and rooms that feel open with glass doors and windows for natural lighting. Street Address: 95 Makawao Ave. Classes: Basics, Wisdom Flow, Postnatal Rates: Vary by teacher, drop-in is typically $15

Photo by Maile Sur

Maya Yoga Studio

Makawao Yoga

Island Spirit Yoga Maui

Ha’ikū: International yogis Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini created this jungle sanctuary that was blessed by Sri K. Patthabi Jois. Yogis come from around the world to study in this spiritual, relaxing environment on the north shore of Maui. Classes: Beginner Flow, Basics, Relax Deeply (Restorative), Vinyasa Flow Rates: Drop-in $17 10-class pass $150 Studio class $17 10-pass class (general class only) $150

Makawao: Makawao Yoga is a versatile studio where both local and international students and teachers get inspired and so that all yogis can “live an extraordinary tomorrow,” according to their website. Street Address: 1170 Makawao Ave. Classes: Island Flow, Jungle Flow, Kundalini, Lava Flow, Prenatal Yoga Flow, Lava Sculpt, Candlelight Rates: Drop-in $18 Student/Senior Drop-in $13 60-min. private session $85 Monthly membership $149 (w/auto renew $129)

Lāhaina: Island Spirit Yoga Maui’s classes incorporate ancient Eastern traditions in a heart-centered atmosphere. They also have a boutique with jewelry, clothing, and gift items. Street Address: 840 Wainee St. Classes: Flow, Hatha, Basics, Gentle, Dynamic, Vinyasa, Restorative Rates: Single class $17 5-class pass $65 10-class pass $100 Monthly unlimited $170

Body Alive Yoga and Movement Studio

Wailuku: Body Alive Yoga and Movement Studio has a comfortable and inviting space that’s welcoming for a thrilling life and body experience. Street Address: 1995 Main St. Classes: Align and Refine, Yin, Chill and Flo, Core, Yogalates, Yoga for Healing, Lunchtime, Kundalini, Devine, Vinyasa, Gentle Rates: Drop-in $15 5-Class Pass $65 Unlimited Monthly $180 $100 with a year’s committment

Kihei Community Yoga Center

BUDDHA AT MAUI YOGA SHALA Photo by Maile Sur

Kīhei: After a day at the beach in south Maui, head to Kīhei Community Yoga Center where everything you may need (mats, blocks, blankets, and straps) is provided for you. The studio welcomes everyone, whether you’re kama’aina or visitor. Street Address: 1847 S. Kīhei Rd. #103 Classes: Basics, Vinyasa Basics, Gentle, Vinyasa, Candelight Guided Flow, Core, Arm Balancing, Restorative Rates: Drop-in $16 5-class pass $75 10-class pass $125 20-class pass $220 Passes expire in six months

Alohomora!

Use these styles to unlock your inner yogi Photo by Maile Sur

yoga

goes out of its comfort zone by faith owan, staff writer

here’s a world of unconventional yoga out there that takes it to the next level. Check out these wild alternative yoga styles.

Harry Potter Yoga: Yeah, it’s a real thing. This version of yoga uses charms that correlate with each pose being performed. The names of each are directly taken from the spells in the Harry Potter book series, like rennervate, mobiliarbus, avis, incendio, revelio, and lumos. Yoga practitioners picture every charm as dropping onto their heads as they breathe and make the charm more potent through their concentration. Cheryl Crawford is the creator of this type of yoga. She has a passion for bringing kids into yoga by incorporating beloved children’s books in yoga sequences, and she has been doing this since 2003

Ilima Fisher performs a wheel pose on a paddle board.

Stand-Up Paddle Yoga: Stand-up paddleboarding has already been reported to help strengthen the core. Add yoga to the mix, and that’s double the abs. This type of yoga engages the core

more in the workout since the surface you’re working on—a paddleboard—is unstable. It also improves technique by giving you a direct gauge of how much weight you’re putting where. The board will dip and sway if you’re not balanced correctly. The idea of falling into the water is supposed to help the practitioners focus more on posing and centering. Besides all these things, stand-

up paddle yoga is just a fun way to mix it up and have an extra excuse to head to the beach whenever you need some exercise. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can sign up for a session or get more information at lumeriamaui.com, or contact them at (808) 579-8877. Another great place to try stand-up paddle yoga is with Paddle On! Maui’s “Paddle ‘OM’ Sunrise Tour,” where you can add yoga to your tour for only $50. Check out their website, paddleonmaui. com, for more information. Maui Hot Yoga, Paddle On Maui and Tiki Man Stand-Up Paddle also advertise yoga sessions on their websites.

Tantrum Yoga: For those

who want to throw a fit in a public setting and aren’t four years old anymore, this yoga style is perfect! (UNCONVENTIONAL continued on page 22)

(UNCONVENITIONAL from page 21) This yoga practice stems from the idea that children let it all out through tantrums to help release all the bottled up negative emotions inside. The shouting, stomping around, hair pulling out and crying is supposed to work to rid the body of damaging negative energy. Hemalayaa, globally known yoga instructor and entrepreneur, created this form of the practice. Her website, hemalayaa.com, said, “She uses three primary tools in Tantrum Yoga that are… stress break breathing… dancing without reservation and…an immersive exercise that brings throwing a tantrum more fully into play.” This type of yoga brings dancing and vocal techniques into the mix with more traditional yoga basics like stretching, breathing and meditation.

DOGA: If you don’t feel like

doing yoga alone, you don’t have to bother with bringing a friend. Just grab your dog! This form of yoga incorporates your furry friends into the poses. For example, in the upward paw pose, the owners lift their dogs onto their hind legs and lean back with their legs bent over their canine pal’s torso to relieve stress on the spine. Kari Harendorf, founder of the East Yoga Center

Suzi Teitelman, a DOGA instructor, poses with her pup, Curli. Teitelman has her own website, www. dogadog.com, where she shows yogis how to pose and practice yoga with their favorite pups. Along with articles, Teitelman has tons of videos to show you how it’s done. Grab your furry friend and get started! in New York City, practices DOGA by mixing her love for dogs with her passion for yoga. We don’t have DOGA on Maui, but if you want to check it out, the Animal Planet website has a video series featuring Harendorf and her dog Charlie. See it at http://www.animalplanet.com/video-topics/petcare/dog-training-videos/

dog-yoga.htm

Photos used courtesy of Suzi Teitelman

maui ............................. made ......... by kainoa deguilmo, staff writer

Photo used courtesy of Brianna Abe

Brianna Abe Age: 17 Started yoga: 16 How often: Once a month Best pre-yoga meal: Before yoga I like to have a smoothie. Hardest pose for you: The hardest stretch for me is this one where you have to stretch and balance on your shoulders (Parivrtta Parsvakanoasansana). Yoga goals: My goal is just to clear my head and relieve stress. Favorite yoga memory: Probably just getting to meet new people. Favorite kind of yoga: My favorite kind of yoga is Hatha which is a slow paced relaxing type of yoga. Go-to yoga partner: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a partner for yoga. I do it alone.

Photo used courtesy of Brianna Abe

Cole Schafer Age: 16 Started yoga: 4 months ago How often: Saturdays Best post-yoga meal: For post-yoga, I like Thai food because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthy. Hardest pose for you: The hardest stretch for me is probably the bridge. When I do it, my head is upside down, and I can feel the blood rushing. Yoga goals: I just try to get better each time so I that I can do it for the rest of my life. Favorite yoga memory: One time my family and I were doing yoga, and my dad just collapsed while doing a stretch, and it was funny we were all laughing.

Photo by Maile Sur

Tiare Ventura Age: 17 Started yoga: Beginning of junior year How often: Twice a week Hardest pose for you: The hardest pose for me is the full lotus pose, which is a laying down pose that requires you to use your core strength to lift all limbs up in the air at the same time. This is hard for me because the pose uses a variety of muscles throughout the whole body. Yoga goals: My short-term goal is to finish the entire 90-minute Bikram class without resting or taking breaks. My long-term goal is to be a certified yoga teacher. Go-to yoga partner: I like to go to yoga by myself because it is a personal journey.

Photo by Maile Sur

Kailey Kilborn Age: 16 Started yoga: 13 How often: at least 3 times a week Easiest pose for you: I like the cobra pose and the sun salutation. Sun salutation stretches my whole body and basically aligns my spine. The cobra opens up my shoulders after shrugging all day. Hardest pose for you: The hardest stretch for me is the sirsasana. Sirsasana is hard because the only part thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the floor are my forearms. Favorite yoga memory: I once did yoga in a botanical garden in Brazil in the morning in spring. It was probably the best yoga experience ever.

Photo used courtesy of Kailey Kilborn

Photo used courtesy of Brooke Jacoby

Ken Krynski of Bikram Hawaii Yoga College of India teaches a Hot Yoga class at Lumeria in Makawao, Hawai’i. He usually teaches at the Bikram Hawaii studio in Kahului. Here, yogis are in Natarajasana, also known as the dancer pose.

Can You Stand the Heat of Hot Yoga?

by ashley morishita, staff writer

Imagine walking in front of an active blow dryer set on “high,” and that is what to expect when walking into a hot yoga room. “Long-time Bikram Yoga students and yogi’s have said that if you can survive the heat, then you can survive anything,” said yoga instructor Beth Lyons of Bikram Yoga Maui. Thinking about attending a class? Bikram Yoga Maui in Kahului is open seven days a

week and welcomes all newcomers. Hot yoga is any yoga practiced in a hot room, where the temperature is from 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Also known as Bikram, this form of yoga was founded in India where the temperature is always hot. Bikram Yoga is an explicit sequence of 26 postures and two breathing techniques that must be executed within 90 minutes.

“The three most beneficial elements for doing hot yoga are detoxification, flexibility, and relaxation. People participate in yoga for their minds to relax and de-stress. Other benefits include, weight loss and increased flexibility, strength, endurance, and confidence,” Lyons said. Lyons said she came to be a yoga instructor by the events of September 11, 2001. “Twelve years ago, I lived in

New York when 9/11 took place. It was the first time in my life that I’ve ever felt depressed, and then I started doing yoga. I noticed that yoga helped with depression, and I felt the need to help people as yoga helped me, which eventually had become my breakthrough.” Bikram Yoga student, Lisa Rogers started doing yoga because she heard that it would help to reduce her lower back pain, “About a

of their busy thoughts. The dialogue between Bikram specialists and students is consistent anywhere in the world because most follow the script of the 26 poses. People like the redundancy of Bikram yoga because it allows active students to see their growth upon each class. Bikram Yoga is good for those who prefer to sweat while they workout. Yoga doesn’t involve much jumping around or large movement, so the hot room temperature creates the perspiration. Because of the heat and exertion of posing, however you should check with your doctor before participating in such activities.

Yogis in the standing deep breathing Pranayama pose.

Photos used courtesy of Brooke Jacoby

Virabhadrasana III is a more difficult pose for advanced yogis.

A Fit For All

year ago I injured my lower right back when a friend of mine had actually recommended me to join Bikram Yoga. I was hesitant at first going into it because I didn’t think I would be able to stand the heat so in the beginning I attended casually. Then, as time went on I noticed that the pain in my back had decreased ever since I started yoga which motivated me to attend the classes more frequently.” Experts in this area of yoga are trained to talk people through each flowing movement rather then actually perform the motions themselves. Having only the practitioner’s voice encourages students to let go

by ashley-anne morishita, staff writer

Yoga is designed to enhance balance between the body and the mind to achieve self-awareness. There is a style of yoga for everyone, and in Yoga Style Guide, an article on about.com, yoga expert Ann Pizer described the top 14 styles of yoga. We’ve condensed all this information into a quick reference for choosing the style that’s right for you. Anusara Anusara is done in a friendly, open-hearted environment for anyone in need of a psychological lift. “Classes are usually light-hearted and accessible,” Pizer said in her article. Ashtanga Ashtanga also known, as “power yoga” is fast-paced, and students are constantly moving. It is best for those who want a good workout. Bikram Bikram yoga, also known as “hot yoga,” features 26 different yoga poses with two recommended breathing techniques in a sauna-like room. The heat ranges from 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps to cleanse the body through sweat. Hatha Hatha describes the physical branch of the six branches of yoga. Hatha takes a well-rounded and basic approach to the process. Iyengar Iyengar targets those who want to improve posture and balance. Participants hold poses for a long period of time. They use props such as blocks, straps, harnesses, and incline boards, to get perfectly into positions. Jivamukti Jivamukti yoga is designed for anyone looking for a hardcore workout. It is intense, and each class is centered on an inspirational theme. Kripalu Kripalu is a gentle yoga that puts emphasis on wellness and a full approach to life. Overall fitness is a goal of Kripalu yoga.

Kundalini The purpose of this practice is to release bad energy from the body. Channeling energy through the energy centers in the body, known as chakras, raises body awareness and helps participants find their meaning in life and gain clarity. Prenatal Prenatal yoga postures are carefully formulated for pregnant women. They are modified to help women in all stages of pregnancy, even for those getting back into shape postbirth. Restorative Restorative yoga focuses on four or five simple poses using props like blankets, and bolsters. It is done usually within a 20-minute session that provides a relaxing stretch. This yoga is appropriate to cool down and de-stress the body. Sivananda This practice is based on a fivepoint philosophy that includes breathing, relaxation, diet, exercise, and positive thinking. Its whole approach is to incorporate relaxation and balance into life. Viniyoga Students learn individually to adapt poses and goals to their own needs and abilities. Viniyoga is good for those who need special modifications. Vinyasa Vinyasa is an active and athletic style of yoga. It combines breath with movement using sun salutations, a specific series of poses. People who like routines and lots of aerobic movement will find Vinyasa to be a good fit. This is also commonly referred to as “flow” yoga. Yin Yin is a quiet, meditative yoga that focuses on lengthening connective tissues. Poses are passive in order to relax muscles and increase body flexibility and openness. Source:About.com “Types of Yoga” by Ann Pizer

Ilima Fisher