It has been nearly 12 years since I attended a yoga class, and in that time, I have become as flexible as an iron rod!
However, I could not pass up the opportunity to join the classes organised by Nadi Tenang last Friday.
The event coincided with the Van Gogh Alive Immersive Experience Exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur.
My ‘torturer’ was Norazah Amin, one of five instructors who taught yoga and Pilates amid the 360-degree, immersive exhibition, with wall-to-floor, larger-than-life projections of the Dutch artist’s famous paintings.
While twisting and turning, and trying not to fall flat on my face, I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds.
It certainly took my mind off the aches and pains in places my body forgot existed!
Unbelievably, according to my smart watch, I burnt more than 400 calories in the 45-minute session – nearly as much as a 5km run!
Norazah was kind enough not to turn me into a pretzel, but I have a confession. Although it was not easy following her, one of the poses made my sore lower back feel so much better.
Stretching is a good exercise, something many of us neglect, much to our detriment.
It was a unique experience to be ‘embraced’ by Vincent van Gogh’s art while ‘working out’. We also had a chance to enjoy the rest of the exhibition after the class.
Van Gogh Alive was supposed to end last Thursday but has since been extended to April 9.
If you have time, please visit the exhibition before it is too late. Even if you are not an art lover, the experience is worth it.
Those who grew up listening to Don McLean’s song, ‘Vincent’, will appreciate the tune more when they see the wonder of van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ projected on the screens, and understand how it inspired the American songwriter.
Nadi Tenang’s owner Wadie Sumanteri said she was pleased with the turnout for the Gogh & Flow event.
“It would have been better to have had a bigger space, but the management decided at the last minute to extend the exhibition. We had to make do with a smaller hall,” said Wadie.
“But I am grateful they allowed us to continue, as it was a humbling experience. The classes were full, and the exhibition is still drawing in crowds.”
Wadie plans to organise a ‘yoga in the dark’ event on June 21 to coincide with World Yoga Day.
“We were the first studio to organise yoga in the dark last year, but I plan to make it even bigger this year.”
She also revealed that Nadi Tenang recently teamed up with Asics Running Club Malaysia for a night run and yoga session.
“There were 70 participants for the inaugural session. We plan to have more such events.”
COLOUR YOUR BOREDOM AWAY
If you are feeling bored, here is a great activity to pass the time, and it has a Ramadan/Hari Raya theme, too.
COOKING AND BAKING COURSE
Are you interested in cooking and baking? Here is your chance to join the final two sessions of a course fully funded by the Human Resource Development Corporation.
The seventh and eighth sessions of the four-day course by Chef of Wheels are on April 1-4, and April 8-11.
Sign up here.
15 RECIPES FOR RAMADAN
Break your fast with these delicious recipes this Ramadan. Selamat berpuasa.
REMEMBERING A BLUES LEGEND
Members of the Blues Gang, friends, followers, and fans recently gathered in Kuala Lumpur for a special tribute to one of the most soulful blues guitarists in the country, the late Hazizi Ithnin.
Hazizi passed away last March after a brave battle with cancer.
Known professionally as ZZi Blues, Hazizi was one of the lead guitarists for Blues Gang, and the lead guitarist and vocalist for The Purple Haze Blues Band.
The Purple Haze Blues Band performed ZZi’s original songs at the tribute, and the legendary Blues Gang made a special appearance to honour their former guitarist.
To end this week’s Diary, here is ZZi Blues with ‘Keep The Blues Alive’.
Until next week, stay safe.
