Hayya! Meadows introduces 'Ashtanga' yoga world teacher for limited exclusive classes

The renowned 'Ashtanga' yoga teacher will guide participants through a meditative journey over four exclusive sessions on January 11 and 12, 2008 at Hayya! Meadows, one of the Emirates Living fitness facilities.

Open for members and visitors, Hayya! Meadows will give beginners and experts in yoga the opportunity to breathe, stretch and flex their way to mental well-being and physical fitness. Morning sessions run from 9am until 12noon, with afternoon sessions running from 2 until 5pm.

"Yoga is the most complete program for anyone who is looking to improve the quality of life both physically and mentally," said Socrates Alvaro, General Manager, Hayya! "We are delighted to include Michael Gannon in our yoga program and we are positive that his sessions will be well received by 'Ashtanga' yoga practitioners or those who wish to learn more about this form of well-being."

At Hayya! Meadows, Gannon will conduct several sessions that aim to increase flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as ensure mind-body harmony. During the sessions, Asana practices will be employed to prepare participants for a meditative state, also known as 'dhyana'. Perfect for those who have a stressful week at work or at home, the class begins with a guided ashtanga practice which tunes and awakens the energetic senses, and leads into a 30-minute guided chakra meditation.

Yogic breathing and pranayama workshop support the idea that the breath is the most powerful element of living. This class will enhance breathing awareness to deepen the asana practice which may be used to harness energy and harmonize its flow from asana to asana, thereby elevating the yoga experience to a higher level.

Gannon will guide the primary series of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga using the traditional Sanskrit count of each vinyasa. Hands-on adjustments will provide a deeper practice experience. Lotus classes will use a sequence of seated asanas to gradually free parts of the body to achieve the padmasana position and attain meditative peace.

Michael Gannon is a former student of master Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois of India; under his tutelage, Gannon learned the first, second and third series of the traditional and complex ashtanga system. With his unique teaching style, Gannon has passed the benefit of his knowledge to train more than 100 teachers around the world in his Yoga Teach Apprenticeships. Gannon is also the creator of the CD 'Awaken Your Life Force and Quiet your Mind'.

Located at The Meadows, The Lakes and Downtown Burj Dubai communities, Hayya! fitness clubs offer a comprehensive range of services and facilities for residents and members. A complete lifestyle provider, each club features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, experienced personal trainers, outdoor pools and a wide-range of activities and classes such as aerobics sessions, swimming, spinning, yoga and nutritional seminars.