As someone who avoids crowded gyms and treks on the treadmill and different hotels during layovers, I prefer to stretch my muscles and clear my mind in a peaceful and private environment. Yoga presents an opportunity for self-reflection, shedding light on any internal negativity and providing the means to expel such flawed thinking through its meditative properties.

I began my yoga journey back in high school days a decade ago. Yoga is not that popular those days, I can only see yoga studios whenever my family and I will travel in the states it’s also there where I got the video Cds!

I didn’t limit myself with yoga, I’ve also tried Pilates and Zumba classes in Sheraton hotel here in Doha, Zumba is a health boosting dance fitness program, a latin inspired calorie burning experience! I’ve used some muscles I haven’t been using in awhile! I’ve also wanted to try Pole dancing but it’s not offered anywhere here in Qatar, I’ll definitely try it soon after my resignation, It’s always good to try something new when it comes to fitness exercise so that you won’t get bored and will still be motivated.

But still I preferred Yoga classes in Al Sharq Hotel also here in Doha. Theyoffer Yoga classes twice a day for 50 Riyals each class. After my sessions, I felt less stressed, more flexible, and renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually plus a glowing complexion is the bonus of it!

Benefits of Yoga:.

Stretches muscles you never knew you had! And literally massages your internal organs, keeping the tissues stimulated, free from disease, improve posture and it slows down aging process!

Learning to love yourself – how often do we set aside an hour to actually spend time with ourselves? By allocating time to stretch, focus and simply be, we are affirming our own self worth, and increasing vitality.

Detoxification – by limbering up, poking and pinching those tissues which once lay dormant, you increase blood-flow throughout the entire body and assist in the removal of toxins and greater alkalinity – deep breathing increases alkalinity by removing excess CO2 from your system and learning to focus on and appreciate the flow of energy and bring peaceful calm to the mind.

Words to remember: For what good are your 2012 plans if you aren’t healthy enough? What good is working like a dog if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy the fruits of your labor? What good is luxuryon the sick bed? “Health is wealth” so better start the year right with a fitness program & healthy lifestyle!