MYANMORE’S WEEKLY GUIDE OF YOGA IN YANGON
As a Southeast Asian nation with a multicultural history, Myanmar is home to many ancient spiritual practices such as yoga. While there are many schooled yogis in Myanmar, it can be difficult to know which are providing classes. Yoga studios come and go as the people do…Big retreats or special classes can be easy to miss.. This is a list of yoga spots in Yangon, far from a complete one, that includes the well-established practices as well as the up and coming ones- not all of them are taught in English but all are welcome.
Yangon Yoga House
Room 4 Yankin Lan Thwe (1) First road south of Yankin rd. and YanShin rd. Intersection Yankin Township
Yangon Yoga House was established in May 2014 to be Myanmar’s first English-speaking yoga studio. Founder and head instructor, Jojo Yang, started this studio to offer a comprehensive practice that helps all levels. There are also an array of fitness activities such as barre, pilates, and conditioning classes apart from yoga. YYH is the most popular yoga studio with classes filling up quickly, so call in soon. They also hold special workshops led by visiting instructions. The next one is on March 26-27 led by Levi Banner, the resident guru at the Yoga Barn in Bali. Levi’s sessions focus on breathing as being the path to learning the mysteries of yoga. All levels are welcome. Email [email protected] for more details.
Beyond Boundaries Yoga
No.28, Level 3, Boyar Nyunt Street, Yaw Min Gyi Region, Dagon Township
Beyond Boundaries Yoga welcomes with open arms, and encourages collaboration with, international teachers living both in Yangon, internationally and those travelling through Myanmar. Collaborations can include, but are not limited to, yoga workshops, retreats, teacher training and spots as guest instructors. The Beyond Boundaries Yoga studio is also available to rent by the hour for any suitable purpose: for dances, Zumba sessions, ballet classes and so forth.
Contact: 09 776 436745, [email protected]
http://www.beyondboundariesyoga.com
Jenny Yoga
No.237,3-A Anawyatha Road Lanmadaw Township
There are more expats joining but the classes are mainly Burmese yogis and classes are mainly taught in Burmese. That said, foreigners are welcome to join and encouraged to call to see if English classes are available. After learning Iyengar yoga in Beijing, Jenny has lead classes for over three years and has groomed Myanmar instructors for her school as well. Apart from the physical part, Jenny Yoga also provides knowledge about the benefits of Yoga and the the dos & don’ts. There are 3 classes per week varying skill levels. Customers can choose to do yoga for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. Prices need to be inquired. Phone: 09421025389, Email: [email protected]
Embassy of India
545-547 Merchant St, Kyauktada Township Yangon
Embassy classes are open to anyone interested in traditional yoga that exercise the body, mind and spirit. Sanjay Kumar, a professional yoga therapy trainer, leads several classes offered at various prices and skill levels. Registration Fee-US$ 3. Monthly Fees- US$ 5(Should be paid between 1st and 10th of every month). Admission for new students is from 1st to 10th of every month for Yoga and Dance Classes (excluding Saturdays & Sundays). Call 01-391219, 01-243972.
Fitness Wharf
Instructor Aldrich Sawbawa holds individual classes (for a group of friends or just one person) for those that call and arrange it. His studio is in 9 mile but he can meet you somewhere else if need be. He teaches Bando Yoga, a practice that began from Myanmar and has been referred to as ‘slave yoga’ in the past. It originated from peasants who wanted to maintain their health before and after manual labour, so it is not so much about enlightenment as much as training the body on flexibility, balance and strength. Sawbawa also holds martial arts and other fitness classes for those interested. Classes usually go for USD $60 an hour but another deal can be reached for multiple sessions or people. Call 09 420280430
Nan Mo
251/B, 8th Flr, Bargayar Rd., Myae Ni Gone (South) Ward, SCHG
Nan Mo, the head instructor, is from Shan State and has amassed 8 years of yoga teaching experience. The classes are in Burmese for the most part but everyone is welcome. The instructor’s main mission to share the health benefits of yoga to the people, where the importance of blood circulation and the relaxing of nerves are highlighted in class. She also hosts classes at Inya Lake Hotel. Call 01-375969, 095134787 for to schedule with Nan Mo.
Kuuzchi Yangon
10C Than Lwin Road, Yangon
An expat operated yoga studio in Golden Valley that offers weekday classes in vinyasa yoga. The classes for the pregnant are what make this studio stand out- there are post-natal, pre-natal sessions that help women with focus, relaxation and better circulation. (Mon, Tues & Thurs). There are also classes that work on strengthening your core and back muscles, a must do for those who work in an office as well as the recently pregnant. Call 09254177511 to arrange a session
Balance Fitness
Balance Fitness I: No. 64 (G), Kyitewine Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township
Balance Fitness II: No. 103, the corner of University Avenue Road and Thanlwin Street, Bahan Township
Balance Fitness has become known for its great facilities, equipment and amenities. They of course also offer yoga classes at their two different locations led by Me Me or Jack. Me Me focuses on Hatha yoga and her class time is usually at night during the weekday (Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday). As for Jack, he is well-versed in different forms of yoga such as Ashtanga, Hatha, Power, Vinyasa, Patanjali and Yoga Therapy. He also offers classes in different forms of yoga pertaining to a specific class time. The class schedule for the two gyms are not the same so be sure to make sure that you know the correct class schedule. Call 01656916 (Balance I) to get info on either. OR email [email protected]
Institut Francais de Birmanie
340 Pyay Road
Not so much a yoga studio as a chance to offer yoga before and after the workday. Institut Francais de Birmanie hosts two yoga sessions a week for those who can make it. There is no equipment room so you must bring your own water and yoga mat. Ashtanga Yoga classes are held in the lecture room upstairs on Mondays 7:30-9:00am and Wednesdays 7pm-8:30pm. 5000 kyat per session.
Here’s a MYANMORE list of some meditation retreats and yoga spots as of April 2015.
