If you would ask me to pick my three favorites from among all of the sports and exercise options in the world, I would choose Zumba, Lawn Tennis and Yoga. This is based on my experiences over two decades of summer classes and activities, plus the rare after office workout that I have engaged in over the years. So, when my good friend Janice invited me to join a group of mommy bloggers in a morning yoga session at the new ECHOyoga Shala, I said yes right away.
This was the first time that I ever attended a class at a real shala. My first yoga experience happened at some grimy old dance studio in Makati near my former office. My workmates and I attended classes there for a couple of months after work. After I had finished up the classes I signed up for though, I didn’t renew anymore because I found it difficult to go after work when I was already pretty tired, and then have to take the shuttle all the way back to Alabang after. I remember one time, I was already so tired by the time I got to yoga that I actually fell asleep during corpse pose. Dead to the world. And then, b y the time I got home, my energy level was usually way up from the workout so I found it really hard to sleep.
Every once in a while when I feel like it I put on a yoga video and practice at home. I’m never sure though if I’m doing it right, that’s why I was thankful for the instruction during our mommy session. Unfortunately, I arrived late and missed half of the class. It was a Saturday morning and we woke up late and, well, you know how I feel about crossing the highway, which I had to do that day. ECHOyoga Shala is located at the 3rd floor of Steps Dance Academy Building along Kalayaan Ave in Makati, behind Rockwell.
I learned from Marilen Elizalde, during our post-class lunch that parking can be a bit of a nightmare on weekends because of the volume of people coming in to the dance studio next door, but on weekdays this is not a problem. It’s a good thing I had the boys with me that day otherwise I would have missed the Gentle Flow session entirely just looking for a place to park.
On yoga and their new space, this is what the owners have to say
Marilen is one of the owners of ECHOyoga Shala, and the woman behind the amazing beautiful design of the place, together with Jeannie Javelosa , who was our instructor that morning. These two ladies launched ECHOyoga five years ago as the wellness side of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle, a green retail store. ECHO is actually an acronym that stands for Empowerment Care Health and Oneness.
Launching ECHOyoga Shala in a new space is for me a natural extension and addition to support ECHOstore’s philosophy of a sustainable lifestyle. Yoga is my disciplined practice that wholistically connects the Body, Mind and Spirit. – Jeannie Javelosa
Yoga has always been my grounding that brings me to my center, especially with my life as a busy mother, homemaker and wife. Through teaching yoga, I expand my awareness and can share this beautiful practice with many. – Marilen Elizalde
This is ECHOyoga Shala
I really enjoyed the class. I think that the calming ambiance of the shala really made a huge difference and Jeannie’s voice is so soothing! I was surprised to discover that I can still touch my toes and that there are still parts of my rusty body that are quite flexible, although I really am not as limber as I remember. It also helped that I was comfortable with the group I was with, and so I didn’t mind when my chunky parts went all salbabida on me. Like in this photo below.
Jeannie told us after the class that they actually have a plus size teacher at the shala,
Vicky Ortega, who teaches Big Yoga. Now that’s a class I really want to try! It would be such a welcome change to have a teacher who understands how and why tummies and chests can get in the way of certain poses. I can just imagine how much more dynamic a class like that would be for me, although, I really don’t have any problems taking regular classes like this Gentle Flow one.
Yes, they do foot reflexology too, and acupuncture and counseling. There also is a shower room at the shala, which Janice and I got to try because we had to run to another event afterwards. The shower rooms were spacious and private, and hat hot and cold running water. Winner!
ECHOyoga’s teaching philosophy
I’m sorry, I don’t know how to explain this, but I really think it’s important to share. So, I will lift from the PR that was given to us. Hehe. Disclaimer!
The Shala by ECHOyoga’s teaching philosophy is grounded on the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga that develop the inner change so outward action can manifest in a constructive and sustainable life lived with meaning.
We steady the foundation with
1) Ethical Disciplines (called YAMAS) non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, non-coveting
2) Individual disciplines (called NIYAMAS) (purity, contentment, austerity,study of Self, dedication to the Higher Forces.
We strengthen our physical body and mind through
3) Physical yoga practice (called ASANAS) These are beyond body gymnastics but are about postures that promote health and vitality
4) Breath control and manipulation (called PRANAYAMA) to bring “prana” or the life force to move freely through our central nervous system.
We train ourselves to live life deeper through
5) Awareness of senses and bringing them under control (called PRATYAHARA)
6.) Concentration (called DHARANA) and we can focus on a single task at hand
7) Meditation (called DYHANA), when the flow of concentration is uninterrupted
And we can see the direction of our lives with clarity
8) Enlightenment (called SAMADHI)
For information on classes and workshops, you can check out ECHOyoga shala’s website . They’re also on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Thank you, ECHOyoga for this experience that reminded me of how much I enjoy yoga, and for inviting me to drag my lazy butt to your shala for a great sweat session. The ladies and I seriously have been talking about taking another class together at the shala. I really want to go back soon also, even on my own. I always feel amazing after a yoga class, and I welcome the sore muscles that come after because they remind me that these neglected body parts still exist and are still functioning. Who wants to come to a class with me?
Note: All images used in this post belong to the ECHOyoga team.
I have not tried ever yoga. I think it’s a calming and energizing experience to do yoga. Perhaps I could try it someday.
I love yoga, but I admit sometimes I get really sleepy, so I do Yoga Meltdown by jillian michaels. It is like yoga on crack (and yogis will frown on it and will really bash her hehe hybrid siya-it is like circuit training using yoga positions), but i have fun doing it.
I would love to try this kind of workout. We actually one scheduled in our office 🙂
I haven’t done yoga in a long time as I am now doing Zumba but it does help to relax and mediate. Looks like a great place for yoga.
I have never tried Yoga but I have always wanted to. Yun lang, mukang mahal nga ang classes. Haha! I remember tuloy my high school classmate who is now a Yoga instructor, she looks so fit and fab now, ayayay! Sana ako rin. haha! 🙂
For the mean time, matry nga yung mga vids muna so I can try it here at home, wish ko lang I could do it with my clingy baby around! Kidding! 🙂
I think I prefer to do zumba than yoga coz I love to dance, never tried yoga but I bet it’s relaxing especially when you meditate.
Im into running and would like to try yoga to stretch those muscles!
This is very interesting but needs discipline!…
Yoga is getting popular, a lot of my co-worker do yoga inside their own home. It help you relax and fit all the time.:)
Mommy and I keep on downloading instructional videos and it just ends there. hehehe
I like yoga but yoga dont like hehe nice place =)
Their facilities looks so clean! Ill share this to friends who are into yoga
I downloaded a few yoga videos and I am not sure if i am doing them right. Having a session and trainer like this will help you know what to do. I think I need to find one so I can do a little when i’m off from work. 🙂
I always like to do yoga, but my current location doesn’t allow me to do so. For now, I am contented of reading such post. I am in awe how those 2 lovely ladies can do those poses.
Thanks for coming! Glad to know you really had fun. Now, let’s go schedule that second session already! 🙂
Oh gosh! Look at that split! I admire people who do yoga. If I have a chance, I join a session or two or three. But here in the Middle East -especially here in Saudi Arabia, parang bawal lahat for the women, kainis lang 🙁
oooh, how long had steps been in Kalayaan? I frequented their branch at the basement of that building where RJ Jacinto’s band plays (?) several years ago (inaamag na ko) to attend rehearsals for this group I was a part of.
You guys look like you had so much fun in the sessions. 🙂 Good for you.
I’m a fan of Zumba too and would you believe it, I’ve never tried yoga. Ever. Stepped into a gym once and never again went back. haha. This looks so fun. I do my exercises at home pero I feel so lazy most of the times. haha.
I really enjoyed this class! The whole week prior to the class was really busy so a yoga session at the end of the week was just wonderful. Can’t wait to try another session with you guys!
i have been wanting to try yoga for sometime now.. i have been just using an app to do yoga at times.. i want it to be a hobby..
I think maybe if you tried a class, you’d really get hooked 🙂
Wow, this looks so relaxing!
Super nice the place, right? 🙂
Wow, I wonder if I could manage doing those poses!? It’s great that despite your mommy duties, you get to spend time with other bloggers and experience such activity from the guru! 🙂
With the special cooperation of MrC, haha! Hi, Farida!
Yoga is now becoming more popular now and is open to more people and even athletes.
I hear that it’s a good supplement to sports training. 🙂 Have you ever tried yoga?
If only I have time, I will definitely enroll myself to Yoga. For the meantime, I just downloaded apps na lang and try it at home.
Helpful din the apps and videos. I have some also in my computer. But it’s still nicer to go to classes. I wish I also had unlimited time and budget for those hehe.
I love to do and take such yoga classes as they help us to get fit.
Yes, it’s a really great way to get your blood flowing!
I attended one of Jeannie’s classes and she was so good.. I want to visit their Shala soon medyo pricey din when I inquired 500 a session din. I used to go to Yoga with my mom kaso parang natamad ako to go with my mom cause she’s not a quiet classmate, Tipong Pop(the teacher’s name) alagaan mo yan lampa or don’t make her do that baka mapilayan as much I love yoga I dreaded going to yoga with my mom.
Hahaha reminds me of me and my mom at aerobics class back when I was younger!
Please let me know when you get to try their reflexology. There are so many wellness centers that have reflexology in their list of services, but when I try it … it’s really not reflexology 🙁
Mmkay! 🙂 That is if I ever go for reflexology hehe. I’m ticklish eh, so I’ve never ever ever had a massage in any form.