Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Yoga in Fez - at last!



A new yoga class has begun in the Fez Medina and is already proving popular, reports organiser Vanessa Bonnin.

Serge Bukasa, a Belgian fitness instructor (pictured above), is holding group classes twice a week on the upper terrace at Fez Cafe. Fez Cafe is located in Le Jardin des Biehn, 13 Akbat Sbaa, Douh.

Serge teaches Iyengar yoga, a form of Hatha yoga, which focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas (postures). Through the practice of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being. This discipline is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life which in turn can help promote total physical and spiritual well-being.

Standing poses are emphasized in Iyengar Yoga. They are said to build strong legs, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance, ensuring a strong foundation for study of more advanced poses.

Unlike more experiential approaches where students are encouraged to independently 'find their way' to the asanas by imitating the teacher, an Iyengar Yoga class is highly verbal and precise, with misalignments and errors actively corrected. Serge is a dynamic and enthusiastic teacher and assists all levels of participants to achieve the correct postures and push themselves to the best of their ability.

The classes are held on Wednesday morning from 9-10am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. Instructions during the class are given in both French and English. Group classes are 70dh, or 300dh for five sessions, which brings the cost to 60dh a session.

Serge is also available for private classes and if any riad owners have guests wishing to do yoga during their stay, he is happy to visit individual guest houses to hold classes on their terrace. For prices for private/tourist instruction please contact Serge directly on 06 53 49 02 84 or at sergebukasa@hotmail.com.

Namaste!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

For Muslims only make sure the teachers do not tell you to say Indian words to praise their gods and goddesses. Also remember not to utter the words that will take you away from Islam, and remember bow to Allah alone not anyone else.

Helen Ranger said...

Muslims (and members of any other faith) can rest assured that Hindu gods and goddesses are not invoked during the practice of yoga. There's no bowing, either. The word 'namaste' is a greeting.
The only words you might utter are expletives when Serge works you very hard!

Fitness Equipment said...

Interesting read and pics

rené said...

Hi there - Are there still Iyengar classes in Fez? Where can one get a schedule or link? Thanks

René