YOGA

VINYASA

Vinyasa, which literally means to place with care, consists of flows created with the principle of one breath, one pose. The transitions between poses are composed of repetitions and have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. Compared to Hatha yoga, there is less waiting time within the poses, which allows for a greater number of poses to be practiced and results in higher energy. It provides strength and flexibility to the physical body. The way poses are practiced and the inclusion of conditioning facilitate the calming of the mind. Depending on the aim and topic of the class, it also includes meditation and breathing techniques. Its effects on the spine and physical health are similar to those of Hatha yoga.

HATHA

“Ha” means sun and “tha” means moon. Hatha yoga is the most well-known and widely practiced style of yoga today. It aims for the union of opposites through yoga poses, allowing the mind to experience oneness. With class content suitable for every level, poses are held for 3 to 5 breaths. The content of the class also includes breathing techniques and meditation appropriate to the class’s purpose. The word “yoga,” meaning to unite and integrate, expresses the unity of body, mind, and spirit. When practiced regularly, it provides physical stabilization, strength, and flexibility. It also ensures the nourishment and healthy functioning of internal organs through improved blood circulation. Special practices focused on the spine are beneficial for spinal disorders such as posture issues, kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis. Mentally, it serves as a supportive treatment for conditions such as stress, anxiety disorders, depression, teeth grinding, insomnia, and panic attacks.

YIN YOGA

Yin yoga consists of poses that are done entirely in a seated position, and each pose is held for 3 to 10 minutes. This allows not only the muscles but also all the connective tissues to be stretched and healed through improved blood circulation. The joints, tendons, ligaments, and the fascia that covers our entire body benefit from this, as holding these poses in stillness brings health to the physical body. At the same time, for the mind that is dependent on the high pace of the modern world, stopping and waiting becomes a meditative practice.

PRANAYAMA

Prana is the individual and universal life force. Ayama describes expanding this power. It includes practices that allow us to expand and control this life energy that we have by spreading it throughout our entire body with breathing techniques. In this way, physical health and calmness of the mind are achieved. Because breathing is also the bridge between the physical body and the mind. Activating the parasympathetic nervous system calms the mind. It also purifies and strengthens the internal organs, and the techniques increase our energy by activating the sympathetic nervous system. In this way, energy distribution is achieved.

AKTİF MEDİTASYON

Active meditation, which is especially applied for individuals who have difficulty concentrating or experience an overly busy mind, involves specific dynamic breathing techniques combined with physical movements. This practice leads to mental calmness as a result of the body becoming fatigued and the repetitive rhythmic movements or breaths. It is suitable for everyone who finds it challenging to meditate.

ÖZGE KILIÇ YASAVUL

I was born on May 31, 1982, in Istanbul. I completed my 200-hour “Yoga Alliance” Basic Hatha Yoga specialization program with Leyla Zerger Sidal and Burcu Olgun. Later, I worked as an assistant in instructor training and also completed the yoga training provided by the Federation for Sports for All. I wish to guide others with my heart on this healing path that I will continue to learn about. I believe that yoga should be a part of life, or even life itself. It should encompass not just the mat but also the cosmos, chaos, choices, and the unchosen as a whole. For me, yoga is an understanding, a journey to my heart, and an endless source of knowledge that facilitates healing. I will always remain a student; however, I will continue to be a means of sharing what I know with everyone who wishes to walk this path with me.

Available days and times for private lessons:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

SERMİN ERDEM

I began my yoga practice in 2012. After a while of practicing yoga at home using videos and books, my interest and curiosity about yoga began to grow. Aiming to deepen my understanding of yoga practice and philosophy, I completed a 200-hour Basic Yoga Teacher Training certified by Yoga Alliance with Mey Elbi and Naz Şarman in 2014. Following this training, I aimed to advance on the path of specialization in yoga and completed a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training certified by Yoga Alliance with Chris Chavez in 2015. In addition to these trainings, I participated in various workshops focused on different yoga styles, breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation with many different yoga instructors. I continued my yoga journey by starting to teach in order to share what I have learned and my own experiences. My education in the practice and philosophy of yoga, which I increasingly want to deepen, continues every day.

DENİZ ASLAN

I was born in 1986 in Şişli, Istanbul. I was involved in athletics at Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club from 1998 to 2005. After graduating from Beşiktaş High School, I completed my degree in Physical Education Coaching at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University. After finishing my pedagogical formation training at Istanbul University, I entered the professional world in various fields. I worked as a tennis coach, step aerobics and Pilates instructor, and also spent a long time as a swimming instructor. Eventually, I decided to focus on yoga teaching, which I love dearly. For me, yoga is a journey towards my true self. Within this journey, it creates a state of being that allows for integration of body, mind, and heart, enabling one to listen to their inner voice and to pause and observe with openness.

Available days and times for private lessons:
Wednesday: All hours between 08:00 – 11:30
Friday: All hours between 08:00 – 11:30
Monday and Sunday: Online lessons after 18:00

GÖKSU ŞİRİN

I was introduced to yoga in 2014. As I deepened my own practice, my interest in yoga grew steadily. To properly share and amplify the transformation I experienced on my journey, I completed the 200-hour Yoga Alliance accredited Basic Specialization Program (RYT200) with Leyla Zerger Sidal and Burcu Olgun in 2021. I believe that each new day is a new opportunity to learn, deepen, and heal, and I derive great joy from every moment I can facilitate on the path of yoga.

FATİH ALGAN

I was born in Istanbul in 1978. After attending Robert College, I continued my education abroad. After a long period of working in personal development alongside my academic career, I was introduced to yoga when I returned to Turkey in 2016. After completing my Yoga Alliance accredited Teacher Training in 2020, I participated in training programs focused on Children’s Yoga, Tao Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga. Since 2021, I have continued to teach Hatha and Vinyasa classes both as group sessions at MAC Fit and as private lessons.

LEYLA ZERGER SİDAL

I initially received my yoga instructor training by working with Mey Elbi and Naz Şarman at Cihangir Yoga. I then had the opportunity to travel to Bali, Indonesia, to study with world-renowned teachers such as Emily Kuser, Carlos Pomeda, and Octavio Salvado at High Vibe Yoga. Through this experience, I completed my Yoga Alliance accredited 400-hour training in Hatha Yoga and Anusara Yoga. Additionally, I obtained a 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training in Ashtanga Yoga online from the Himalayan Yoga Association in India, as well as a 200-hour Kundalini Yoga training from the World Peace Yoga School, also in India. For the past seven years, I have been providing Yoga Alliance accredited training to my students who aspire to become yoga instructors, as well as working as a trainer for the Everyone Sports Federation in Turkey through specialized 200-hour yoga programs.

I believe in the importance of experiencing yoga through knowledge and value the reality that life cannot be independent of yoga. I strive to stay on the path of learning and teaching.

Available days and times for private lessons:

Monday: 09:00 – 11:00
Wednesday: 14:00 – 15:00