Meet Amira. One of the OGs of the MLPC. Amira started her 30 day challenge back in April 2020, she continued through the months of May and June. Amira and Alex met at Alex’s old studio when she started teaching late yoga classes, which was perfect for Amira’s busy schedule at the time.
Amira enjoys classes like Gentle flow, Stress Release and Role & Release. She also have taken a course with Yale University which highlighted the benefits of taking care of your wellbeing.
I asked Amira the All-Stars questions, “All-Stars” a badge given to participants of MLPC for completing 30 days straight of yoga classes (live or archived), and here’s what she had to say....
Hi Amira! Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who is Amira?
Amira: A couch potato born and raised in Abu Dhabi. My priorities were junk food and entertainment, until I joined The Room (an indoor cycling studio in Abu Dhabi) back in 2017. The fitness lifestyle transformed me in many ways (physically, mentally and socially); and I’ve been hooked ever since!
What inspired you to start practicing yoga?
Amira: I regularly did classes like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Weightlifting and Calisthenics; as I enjoyed the adrenaline rush. I wanted to balance it out by trying something new and relaxing. I decided not to focus on strength training alone and started Yoga. Not gonna lie, I did fall asleep during my first session. But hey, the same girl is doing the 90 day Yoga challenge now.
Have you ever had any experience with yoga before joining the MLPC?
Amira: When GuavaPass (one pass for many studios across Asia and the Middle East) was still around, I got to try various yoga studios in Abu Dhabi like BodyTree, The Studio and The Room to name a few.
What’s your connection to the MLPC?
Amira: I used to attend Alex's late-night Yin sessions at The Room. When the lockdown happened, we reconnected on her birthday (April 7th) and my journey with the MLPC began.
How did you end up being so committed to yoga?
Amira: The lack of equipment for strength training was a major demotivator during quarantine, and my activity level just dropped. Luckily, Alex came to my rescue and assured us that we can still practice yoga without anything fancy. Especially during Ramadan, yoga was an exercise that was effective without depleting your energy. It's awesome to see people across the world coming together on Zoom for yoga.
Did you face any challenges during the month of June?
Amira: My work has been super hectic since restrictions were lifted. Late night sessions were my only choice this month.
What are the biggest benefits you’ve reaped from your yoga practice?
Amira: Recently I've completed a course from Yale about "The Science of Well Being", where it teaches you how to lead a happier life. Tips include Gratitude, Savoring, Social Connection, Exercise and Meditation. I realized I was able to achieve all of these with the 30 Day yoga challenges and Coach Jenny’s sessions! It's beautiful how the MLPC is helping us maintain/increase happiness during the current situation. I highly recommend this online course.
What’s your favorite posture?
Amira: Savasana, of course!
What’s your most difficult posture?
Amira: The Crow/Headstand. Sometimes I wish I could use the "Wingardium Leviosa" spell from Harry Potter to magically lift myself up in the air.
Any words of wisdom to those just starting out?
Amira: Focus on your own goals rather than others' results. Yoga (or fitness in general) is all about following your own pace while pushing yourself to your max limit.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this interview with the all star Amira. Make sure to share this post. If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave them in the comment section below!
Until next time, may you all be safe, happy, healthy, and free.
Yasir
コメント