The Penny Lane up north
Physical exercise is what every person needs in order to enhance and maintain one’s health and wellness. Studies show that frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system and keeps diseases such as heart illness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and even depression at bay.
In Davao City, yoga has already earned a good following, after it attracted a number of Dabawenyos to engage themselves in this exercise which not only helps them stay physically fit but also develop discipline.
Bonn Sarabia, owner and yoga instructor of BodyTech Spa, is one of the few yoga enthusiasts who are pushing yoga awareness in the city.
Sarabia described yoga as an exercise that emphasizes on how to go back to the basics that involves physical, mental, and spiritual practices and disciplines aimed at transforming the body and mind together.
“It’s not an exercise that only give focus on area of the body but it also affects the whole areas of the body. Through this exercise, the muscles are worked out. It’s also the perfect workout for the elimination of the excessive fats in our body,” Sarabia said.
Yoga is not exclusive for women, even men can do the bending routines and still be able to show off their machismo splendor. In fact, yoga has some beneficial effect for men who are hard at work.
“Yoga is the perfect exercise for those males who are experiencing body aches and
problems.”
When asked about the positive benefits yogis (yoga practitioners) like himself can get from this, he said: “I can consider it as the most efficient workout exercise as it helps in toning the body, it also involves discipline through meditation and diet, and at the same time, the workout is more personal in terms of connectivity and relationship with the exercise.”
Yoga is a great way to work on your flexibility and strength. Just about everyone can do it, too. It’s not just for people who can touch their toes or want to meditate.
Some types of yoga are about relaxation. Most types focus on learning the poses, or the so-called “asanas”.
Sarabia, who has been a yoga instructor since 2004, said that based on the feedback of his yogis they get a sense of fulfillment every after session. “So far ang yogis na under sa akin I think is umaabot na ng 45 pero we’re doing mass yoga programs para mas maraming macater na interested sa yoga.”
He mentioned Jeanne Valenteros, Menchi Sato-Oberio, and Gigi Javines as his very hardworking and determined yogis.
Sarabia, meanwhile, said that if you want personal fulfillment, safer and effective outcome in burning calories, then just do yoga.
The BodyTech Spa is located at Door 5, Anna Rey & Sons Bldg. corner Mt. Apo and General Luna St. Davao City.