Remember when Pilates sessions and Yoga classes were a communal and personal activity? They not only served as a part of our fitness routine, but a primary source of motivation to keep our minds and bodies in check. However, not all things go according to plan, and we find ourselves thrown out of balance thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. As we find ourselves slacking off physically and mentally, keeping to our usual routines have proven to be more challenging than ever.
This is when we must practice and prioritise Niyama, or self-discipline – one of the eight principles of true yoga practice. Rather than waiting for things to settle down, we use the resources we have right now – such as technology – to help us reconnect to our goals. And one of the best places to find motivation is Instagram, where some of our favourite Malaysian yoga instructors have taken to in order to continue growing and inspiring the community. So if you’re in need for some serious fitspiration to get back on your yoga journey, keep on reading to discover these 5 personalities.
Wendy Tan
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Who said you have to start yoga young? After working in the corporate world for over 20 years, Wendy decided to leave a leadership role to pursue her passion in yoga – in her mid-40s. She then went on to spend 4 weeks in Misano Adriatico, Italy to complete her 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Yogamea school, and is now a registered yoga teacher at Urban Spring Pilates and Akasa Fit. Specialising in Hatha and Ashtanga, her style of teaching mainly focuses on vinyasa flow, Hatha alignment, and Ashtanga-inspired sequences. Oh, and did we mention she’s also the founder of fitness apparel label OHMfinity?
Edward Chung
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Who said yoga was only limited to female practitioners? With over 3k followers on Instagram, Edward Chung is one of the most inspirational teachers to follow especially if you’re well into the intermediate levels of yoga. He not only hosts virtual classes to help restore balance to your body and mind, but also showcases his own progress on Instagram – emphasising how everyone is constantly in a learning process.
Sandra Woo
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Sandra first discovered yoga when she was in search of a low impact physical activity to help relieve pains from scoliosis. After being taken by her experience being guided through Atha (being in the ‘now’) practice, she continued to pursue yoga and eventually deepened her studies under the tutelage of Manoj Kaimal, and took her Yoga Alliance TTC 200-hours. She has a particular love for Alambana (support) yoga, and believes in creating a strong foundation for any yoga practice. Head on over to her Instagram page to find easy-to-incorporate tips such as spinal mobilisation, stretching practices, and overall inspirational content to keep you motivated.
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Shinyee Lim
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If you’re looking for a quick reminder on how to perfect your handstand or how to properly perform a movement, look to instructor Shinyee for guidance. She first discovered yoga through a fitness DVD, and eventually left her desk job in advertising to pursue teaching yoga full-time. Now, she’s certified by Yoga Alliance in Hatha Vinyasa (200hr), as well as by Yoga Medicine in Yoga Anatomy Training (20hr). You’ll also find her passion for Pilates on her page, as well as moving words of wisdom on prioritising effort and compassion over perfection.
Shelyne Leng
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From simple tips in maximising your yoga routine to advice on meditation, Shelyne Leng is known for her passionate guidance on every detail and growth of those pursuing yoga. Her content is as approachable and relatable as her style. Her background as an Audio Engineering graduate is also inextricably linked to her teachings, where she feels a good curation of Lo-Fi during practice can greatly enhance a class. Trained under MAYI International Instructor Yoga Course, she also specialises in prenatal yoga – which is particularly great for expecting moms out there looking to continue their yoga routine.