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Women in Ungaran embrace yoga for health, beauty
The popularity of yoga is growing in Ungaran, which is the administrative center of Semarang regency in Central Java.
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The popularity of yoga is growing, not only as a form of exercise, but also as a way to heal. (JP/Suherdjoko)
T
he town of Ungaran in Semarang regency, Central Java, has an active yoga community made up of women of different ages. It was a quiet Sunday morning when they gathered on the terrace at The Wujil Resort & Conventions, which has Mount Ungaran as a backdrop.
Initiated by the Elise Ladies Gym, the Morning Yoga at The Wujil event was attended by around 70 women who performed a few sequences led by three teachers. The event aims to promote yoga and a healthy lifestyle among the women of Ungaran. It also offers a more refreshing yoga experience as it is conducted in a semi open-air venue.
Pictures of the event, which were posted on the gym’s social media platform, showed relaxed participants sitting on mats, breathing mindfully and listening to calming music under the guidance of their teacher.
A post shared by ladies_gym (@elise_ladies_gym_banyumanik) on
Another video shows the Humble Warrior sequence, said to remind us of looking inward, be humble and value the moments of self-introspection.
Helena Eliestyanie, the gym’s founder, said it was the first time that it had conducted an open class, and many people seemed to find it appealing.
“The popularity of yoga is growing, not only as a form of exercise, but also as a way to heal.”
A yoga instructor from the gym, Dyan Lita, said most of the students she worked with were housewives.
“They are diligent. Usually they come to the yoga class after sending their children to school,” added Dyan.
Read also: Yoga: Indian practice turned global phenomenon
Yoga has had a positive impact on the women of Ungaran and its surrounds.
Yani, a mother of two, told The Jakarta Post that she practiced yoga almost every day, moving from one gym to another, adding that it made her feel healthier. She has also made new friends along the way.
Meanwhile, Ratna, who hails from Ngaliyan, Semarang, said yoga made her feel younger and more beautiful. As for Evi, she said it had cleared up the pain in her back. (mut)
