The heightened awareness of Yoga and its relevance in today’s fast-paced environment has led to an immense popularity of Yoga Centers that offer robust programs from intensive teachers training programs to body-mind rejuvenation retreats.
Having recently started practicing Yoga, I was intrigued by the variations in yoga styles from traditional slow-paced asana to the relatively modern “power yoga” methods that are imparted at these centers. Along this discovery process, I realized that all forms have their roots in Hatha Yoga (the physical practice of Yoga asanas) and aim to provide a set of techniques to purify, rejuvenate the body and control the mind. Variations in styles are a result of the needs of the seeker, be it to build strength and endurance or to improve flexibility and concentration.
Every individual has different temperaments, lifestyles, physical conditions, needs, knowledge and spiritual aspirations. The various yoga styles or adaptations are more applicable in the context of the modern world as they allow the individual to pick and follow a style that suits their needs from Yoga for Therapeutic reasons, Yoga for the spiritual seeker to Yoga for an active lifestyle and body.
Below are some of the Top Centres in the Chennai metropolitan area and where known, I have mentioned the style/method of Yoga imparted at each centre.
Asana Andiyappa Yoga Centre –
Based on Thirumular’s Ashtanga Yoga, the centre specializes in a therapeutic approach to good health. The healing centre provides disease-specific therapy and has in-patient facilities offering naturopathy diets for all patients. The centre also offers regular yoga classes on Asanas, Mudras, Bandhas and Pranayama with the emphasis on intensive breath-synchronized set of series of poses to build flexibility, strength and endurance.
Aspiring Yoga teachers can enroll in the centers accredited graduate programs. Location: AnnaNagar West, Chennai
Website: www.andiappanyoga.org
International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre –
Based on the teaching of Swami Sivananda, the centre follows the Hatha Yoga method for physical purification for the practice of higher meditation. Ideally suited for a committed spiritual aspirant, the emphasis is on slow-paced, gentle postures to produce balance and power of concentration. The centre offers systematic training courses imparting a set of techniques to practice the four paths of Yoga namely, Jnana (Yoga of knowledge), Bhakti (path of devotion), Karma (path of action) and Raja (Yoga of self-control).
The centre runs regular classes on Asanas, Mantras, Meditation, Vegetarian cooking, Kriyas and Philosophy. They also offer excellent Yoga Retreat Programs and Teachers Training Courses. Location: Kottivakkam, Chennai
Website: www.sivananda.org
Krishnamachari Yoga Mandiram –
Founded by T.K.V. Desikachar, the Yoga Mandiram emphasizes on the tools for personal transformation. The centre offers individual teacher-student sessions to bring the best out of the individual by adapting and applying a combination of techniques (yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation). Ideally suited for those who have sustained an injury or suffer for a unique condition, the sessions are conducted by appointment and are constantly revised based on the changing needs of the individual and level of improvement achieved.
The centre also holds diverse yoga workshops and teachers training courses. Location: R.K. Nagar , Chennai
Website:www.kym.org
Arkaya –
Founded by the young and vibrant Yogacharini Maitreyi , Arkaya teachings are based on classical Ashtanga Yoga and is connected to the lineage of Rishi Brigu through her Guru Dr. Swami Gitananda and Gurupatni Meenakshi Devi. Arkaya focuses on self-awareness for a happy state of being. Maitreyi’s workshops emphasize on the application of classic Yogic concepts to address the challenges of the modern world.
Her unique workshops and corporate training programs aim to create awareness on culture, spirituality, environment and healthy living. The 3M Magic Workshop is a self/stress management programme based on Yoga and is a great introduction to her teachings. Arkaya teachings involve a blend of Yoga techniques including Jathis (rhythmic movements), Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayama, Mudras, Mantras, Bhajans and Dharana (concentration).
The centre conducts regular Yoga classes for adults and children and also offers teachers training courses. Location: Mount Road, Chennai
Website: www.arkaya.net
Sahaja Yoga -
For those who are inclined towards meditative yoga, the Sahaja Yoga Centre has many locations in Chennai. The practice focuses on “chakras”or the centers of energy in the body to awaken the Kundalini (spiritual power) within.
Power Yoga –
Based on some readings, I think Power Yoga is a more vigorous workout session and is based on Ashtanga Yoga. Ideally suited for those who like the energy and vigor of an exercise regime to build on their strength and endurance, the routine focuses on continuous breath synchronized movements with some jumps and push-ups. Power Yoga is a modern adaptation of the classic Yoga styles and gained immense popularity in the Western world and has now gained ground in India aswell. I am not aware of any centers in Chennai but having heard a lot on this subject I wanted to introduce you to this popular concept. I am on the lookout for a centre!
My aim in writing this article is to share with you some of the diverse centres that I came across whilst determining the centre for my needs. I hope it will give you some ideas to narrow down your search.
Good luck!
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...
—About our writer:
Renuka has built her career in Sales & Marketing in the IT industry with senior roles in Bid Management & Marketing in Sydney, Australia. She is currently living in India and works as an independent content writer. She is also pursuing her passion for Yoga.
>> Read more articles written by Chillibreeze writers:
Chillibreeze offers Indian writers the opportunity to work on customer projects. We are also India’s biggest writer network and a one-stop shop for Indian writers and editors. The writers’ section on Chillibreeze offers freelance writers and editors a variety of tools to advance their careers. Resources for writers include:
