Yoga expert Liz Terry stretches her reach through Dubai

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Whether its downwards facing dog sun salutations or merely the term yogi most of us know a few yoga buzzwords but few have ever given it a go.

Liz Terry. Supplied photo

Veteran Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs credits the exercise with prolonging his sporting career into his forties celebrities claim it gives them the red carpet look and you definitely know a least one person (often the more chilled out in the group) who swears by it. So why not take a chance this weekend jump onboard and head to a free yoga event

Californian expert and Dubai resident Liz Terry is one of two yoga instructors leading master classes at Dubai OYSHO Yoga Day on Saturday November 15 from 10am at Skydive Dubai. The event is free and open to anyone from the public to attend welcoming yoga enthusiasts and beginners for a fun day of healthy living and inspirational group exercise.

We spoke to Liz to find out more.

What first attracted you to yoga

I always say that what brought me to yoga was divine intervention. I was led to yoga without my conscious knowing because I was in desperate need of it at the time.

When did you begin and why did you choose it over other fitness regimes

In the beginning yoga was very much about the Asana or physical practice for me. But as I continued to practise four to six days a week I realised it was so much more than ‘fitness’ for me - rather it’s changed the way I look at life in every way. It continues to be my path of self-transformation.

How did you become a leading teacher

I love what I do and my students are my everyday inspiration guiding me along my teaching journey. I’m only a leading teacher because my students challenge me and empower me to be a better version of me in every class I teach.

What level do you have to achieve and when did you realise you wanted to make a career out of it

In yoga there are no levels. I realised I wanted to become a teacher when I felt I was ready. After four years of intense practice I joined my first 200-hour teacher training and the rest is history.

Do you believe you know and can do every pose

That’s impossible. There are thousands. But that’s one of the fantastic things about yoga – there’s always something new to be discovered.

How does yoga impact your life away from the mat and what are the reasons you would recommend it

Yoga is both a science and an art. The act of bringing a sense of calm into the body and mind even for just a moment changes people. I’ve seen a shift in people’s lives in most people I know who practise yoga. Anyone who’s open to allowing what yoga has to offer from a physical and a mental standpoint will change whether they like it or not and it’s always for the better. In a prospering city like Dubai where people often experience long working hours hectic commutes and busy weekends yoga is an ideal stress-reliever both on and off the mat.

Is there a style of yoga you prefer Why

I teach Vinyasa Flow (from a Yogaworks background) and it’s my preferred style of yoga because it’s dynamic and creative. I can’t wait to show this element of surprise to the crowd of people we’re hoping to welcome to the Dubai OYSHO Yoga Day.

What moves would you recommend to someone practising at home who wishes to tone their problem areas

I recommend that someone practising at home knows what they’re doing. Otherwise they should be working with a professional who can show them how to move as functionally as they’re able to in their body. Even in my own home practice I call on my friends and colleagues when I want to pull incredible minds together to figure something out.

What has dedicating your life to yoga meant to you

As a yoga teacher I find that my path isn’t about being fit rather it’s about offering a space for someone to gain peace health and happiness - connecting to a deeper part of themselves. It’s about recognising the potential restrictions of our beliefs in order to connect to the raw essence of who we really are. My work isn’t just physical. My work is emotional. My work is inspirational. My work is empowering. My work challenges me to remain humble on the most difficult path of all: the path of self-transformation. I come to class with my heart wide open ready to give of myself and be open to receive whatever it is I’m ready for that day.

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