We are delighted to introduce Silvia, our new Surf Maroc Yogi! We’re currently the mist of our Solar Energy Masterclass series at Amouage, so Silvia couldn’t have found a better time to join us and get stuck in with getting guests energised, stretched and revitalised after a day surfing. As Silvia will be instructing guests in our handstand masterclass tomorrow, there’s no better time to get to know her a little more!
What got into yoga?
I first started practicing yoga after a very stressful period of my life. As an ex-gymnast and bodybuilder, I had always chased perfection and I would choose strenuous physical practice over anything else. When the stress began leading to health issues, I started practicing yoga both on and off the mat. I realized that the ‘on-the-mat’ physical activity had a better impact on my mind and body when combined with ‘off-the-mat’ breathing exercises and meditation.
Why did you start teaching?
Yoga changed my life, not just due to the different style of training and the effect on my body, but in relation to how I approach the world. Yoga made me a happier person; I am more understanding and more tolerant, and it helps me find the right balance between body and mind. I want to help facilitate the same change in other people’s lives so that they too can take the steps to finding their own internal balance.
What style of yoga do you teach?
I would say that because of my background in gymnastics and my studies, my style is mainly based on Ashtanga and Vinyasa. I believe that the different styles of yoga can be interchangeable. Sometimes my Hatha classes are more “flowy”, or my Vinyasa can include long holds. I mainly teach Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative.
What is your favourite yoga pose?
There are a few. Apart from many inversion poses, my favourite is probably Chaturanga. It helps build strength for more challenging arm balances and it tones arms, abdominal muscles and also strengthens the muscles surrounding the spine.
Our new yogi!
What are the benefits of handstand?
So many benefits! It improves balance, blood flow, circulation and breathing as well as increases focus, strengthens shoulders, arms and core muscles! Plus, it’s fun and helps relieve anxiety.
What are your top 5 tips for beginner hand standers?
1. Get confident with being upside down (practice inversion poses and have a solid headstand or elbow stand)
2. Practice shoulder and wrist strengthening poses/exercises (chaturanga, dolphin, crow)
3. Practice core strengthening poses/exercises (boat, variations of plank),
4. Shoulders/wrists mobility exercises (have a longer warm up for your wrists)
5. Use a wall for your practice
You can join Silvia’s classes at Amouage every week, or even tomorrow at the “Stand and Shine” handstand special masterclass!
Handstand Queen!