Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years. It first originated in Northern India over 5000 years ago by the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation. Since then, it has become a phenomenon in the West, with the first yoga studio being opened in Hollywood in 1947 by Indra Devi.
Here, we’ve put together a list of yoga studios in Saudi Arabia that you ought to try.
Arab Yoga Foundation (AYF)
The AYF is the first official yoga organisation the Gulf Region and was established in 2010 by Saudi yogi, Nouf Marwaai. The AYF offers various classes and yoga teaching training courses and is recognised by the International Yoga Federation in Italy and Yoga Alliance International in India. The AYF is for all people passionate about learning the art of yoga and they approach life in both a scientific and holistic manner.
W: http://www.ayfme.com/
Soul Warrior
Soul Warrior is a fitness studio that offer yoga classes, as well as Pilates classes, personal training, group exercises, Cross Fit level 1, kickboxing, Muay Thai boxing and gymnastics. The essence of Soul Warrior is the passionate team behind it – they believe in being mentally and physically healthy, as well as creating a thriving community.
W: http://www.soulwarriorstudio.com
Sukoun
Established and run by four passionate Saudi women, Sukoun is a wellness centre for women only. They offer yoga, Pilates and other therapeutic programs, such as pre-natal and post-natal services for their clients. Sukoun classes focus on balance, the alignment of the body, breathing, movement and thoughtful sequences. They also focus on practical day-to-day issues, such as neck and back pain and reducing everyday stress.
W: http://www.sukounwellness.com/
Prana Shakti Yoga
This women-only yoga studio teaches traditional yoga practices such as asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation. They also offer aerial yoga in conjunction with mat yoga.
W: http://www.pranashaktiyoga.net
Yoga is scientifically proven to have many benefits for your body and mind:
- It can significantly decrease stress – studies have in fact shown that when yoga is practiced, the level of cortisol, which is the main stress hormone, decreases.
- It can be used as a tool to help with a range of mental health issues, such an anxiety and depression.
- It is proven to help decrease inflammation in the body and help prevent pro-inflammatory diseases.
- Yoga is a great exercise for keeping your heart healthy – it can decrease high blood pressure which decreases the chance of heart disease.
- It can help ease chronic pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis.
- Daily yoga practice can help aid a better sleep at night and overall promotes a healthier body and mind.
