Photo used with permission from Maha Mahal Raja Yoga Center
Yoga retreats make up a large fraction of consumer spending within the yoga industry. In the Philippines, yoga is giving the country a new angle for tourism. The influx of yoga instructors from all over the world to the country and the increasing number of yoga studios springing up is slowly poising the Philippines into a top yoga retreat destination.
Yoga Studio vs. Yoga Retreat
One reason why yoga is so popular is because of its benefits. The different yoga poses (called asanas) have been found to help beat stress, improve your posture, strengthen your muscles, and increase your body’s flexibility.
Although you can enjoy these benefits in a yoga studio, nothing compares to going on a yoga retreat. Here are some reasons why going on a yoga retreat can be so much better than just doing it in a studio whether you’ve been doing yoga for some time, or just want to give this a try.
A yoga retreat gives you the chance to escape.
Going on a yoga retreat takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and transports you to a place where you can really relax and unwind. Retreat centers like the Maha Mahal Raja Yoga Center located in Siargao, an island located just off the coast of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines, choose locations where the participants can benefit from the powerful energy emanating from the area when they do their meditation and yoga programs.
Understand what yoga is all about.
Yoga is more than just learning how to get your leg behind your head without hurting yourself. Yoga is a state of mind and body. The activities in yoga retreat programs are designed following specific philosophies and way of life. These include learning about the context of the different asanas, the history and philosophy behind these asanas, the principles and philosophies behind mindful eating and mantra chanting, and the value of sound-aided and walking meditation.
Learn from your yoga instructor at a personal level.
In the past, yoga is something that is passed from teacher to student on a 1 to 1 basis. Yoga instructors understand this principle and realize how valuable this is for his or her students. Their innate kind and compassionate nature allow them to know how to approach every student in a subtle and personal manner. This way, you learn beyond the asanas so that you can enjoy the benefits of yoga during and after the retreat.
Benefit from other yoga enthusiasts.
While you’re in a yoga retreat, you’re bound to meet other yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. Spending time with them benefits you in two ways. First, you get some insight in the other yoga principles and techniques
Second, you and your fellow yoga enthusiasts achieve a sense of collective transcendence. The principle is very much like how brain waves behave while you’re in a meditative state. Research studies have found that the brain waves of a person while meditating is more focused and concentrated. Each of the participants in a yoga retreat represent one kind of brain wave vibration. By focusing together towards the pursuit of a specific yoga goal, you and your fellow yoga enthusiasts create a more powerful energy wave, which will benefit all of you.
Have you tried going on a yoga retreat? How was it? How did it compare to learning yoga in a studio. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
4 Reasons to Go on a Yoga Retreat,
About Adeline Yuboco
Twitter: RickyBernardin1
says:
yoga is good for the body mind and heart how I wish I have the time to enroll is yoga class.
I’d like to try yoga, but I think I’m not flexible enough. And I feel uneasy if I’m staying still.
It really takes some getting used to, Archie. Got to admit, staying still and quite for even five minutes was unbearable for me. Guess it comes with the fast-paced lifestyle that we all now live. Once you get used to it, it’s a great way to unwind and destress yourself.
Twitter: careermomonline
says:
Yoga sounds like a relaxing way to stay fit. But then, like Archie, I’m not flexible. But it’s a thought. I’m not closing my doors to it.
I lost my flexibility after my spine surgery eight years back. Yoga insstructors won’t push you naman especially if they know you’re a complete beginner. If you keep on doing it regularly, you’ll notice that you’re slowly becoming more and more flexible.
I think a yoga retreat is much better than a yoga studio as silence required in Yoga can be better when it comes to retreats.
A yoga is also a nice way to be away from the stressful life in the city.
like they say…yoga is not merely stretching and bending, but it’ a holistic way of relaxation and keeping yourself healthy. It has become a way of life for so many people. It clears our mind and frees our soul. indeed a good way to unwind and de-stress. Yahweh bless
Gonna try yoga! Read that it has lots of health benefits!
Yoga retreat is a great avenue to relieve one’s stress. But the activities, baka sumakit na mga buto ko.
I’d love to try yoga because its balanced every aspect of your well-being from body, mind, and spirit.
could use a retreat right about now. thanks for sharing.
It used to be my lifestyle waking up as early as 4 AM attending regular classes and sitting several times of the day for few minutes in silence but now I totally have a non-yoga lifestyle yay… but every now and then I see to it to pause and relax… or do things mindfully like in yoga…
Twitter: edmaration
says:
Great suggestions! But you know what, I never tried doing it. There are also some issues attached about it.
Yes, there are a few issues around the practice of yoga like the safety of doing the asanas and even the religious aspect. That’s the reason why it’s great to try out a yoga retreat. Since you spend more time with a really experienced yoga instructor, you can share these apprehensions like conflicts with certain religious aspects and your level of flexibility. That way, the yoga instructor knows how deep you’re willing to go and make sure that you won’t hurt yourself.
I been always wanting to try yoga for a change..I’ve heard so much good things about it ; BODY and MIND relaxation.
Go for it! It’s so worth it.
Twitter: esetpip
says:
I never tried yoga but I want to try. Yoga is not famous in our place because people are so very busy.
I haven’t tried both. ^_^ My friend who is doing Yoga said that it is a good form of exercise and a good way of revitalizing different aspects of one’s life.
I tried this way back in college during our dance rehearsal. Before we start our dress rehearsal we do this to relax not only our body but also our spiritual connection with the things around us living things and non living things. I love it so much! So relaxing.
I always want to try yoga but really haven’t got a chance to do it. Meanwhile, I will just set at least one hour quiet time with myself everyday
I think I need a YOGA retreat now
Me and my girlfriend have been meaning to do this thing.
I know Maha Mahal has got some yoga packages that pretty much includes everything except the flight arrangements. You can leave them a message on their Contact Page so that they can give you more info about the packages. I’m pretty sure you and your girlfriend will enjoy your time there.
Twitter: catarinaalexon
says:
Am sure it’s wonderful to go on a yoga retreat.
Started practising yoga by default when I was in Islamabad. Then continued at Danceworks in London and with Indian instructors in the Middle East.
Yoga is a part of my life and I do asanas and pranayama on a daily basis. Even if I am super stressed an hour of yoga makes me feel there is no problem in the world. Add to that the other benefits of yoga and it’s clear the majority of people would benefit from practising yoga on a daily basis.
Thanks for dropping by, Catarina. I agree. No matter how stressful it is, it can really be a great stress reliever. I’m pretty much a beginner, but already loving the benefits.
Twitter: merlmd
says:
I would like to try this. I wonder how much it would cost?
It depends on the yoga center you’ll be going. I know that Maha Mahal has got a 4D/3N package that includes everything except the plane ticket. I’m not really sure about the current prices. You can try sending them a message on their Contact page for more info.
Twitter: SusanPCooper
says:
I would love to get away and do this sometime. Your post has inspired me to look into it locally. I would love to come to the Philippines to go to try this but alas that will have to wait awhile.
Glad to see you again here, Susan. Yes, you can always start by checking in your area and give it a try. It’s a great way to relax, unwind, and get you all rejuvenated again. Hopefully, you can also try the yoga retreats here in the Philippines too.
Twitter: tedclaudio
says:
I have not tried yoga at all. It’s definitely a good idea to go to a yoga retreat to start with yoga to unwind and relax. It’s an alternative to go into a retreat instead of going for a traveling holiday.
Twitter: gawaya
says:
I haven’t really considered a yoga retreat, let alone yoga but it seems like a healthy option
Perhaps I’ll look in to it on my next vacation.
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I will try yoga one of these days. Bickram is the thing that interest me. For Yoga retreat, I picture Julia Roberts doing it in Bali, I will opt for one if the setting will be like that.
i’ve been wanting to try out yoga be it in a studio or anywhere. I just want to experience it and who knows i might want to continue it to improve my posture.
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Twitter: ronniedare
says:
Yoga is great for the mind and body. Bikram yoga is one of the most popular nowadays. I hope I can try it out soon (haven’t tried YOGA my entire life).
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Twitter: russellworld
says:
Yoga certainly relieves our mind & keeps us fresh & cheerful. Yoga class is very helpful
Be sure to check out Ahsan’s most recent post…Do You Know How Often You Tweet Everyday
Twitter: lovemindanao
says:
i really wish i could spare some time to have a temporary escape in this world through yoga .. thanks for this .. love it
You’re welcome!
Hi Adeline!
Yoga in India is key part of life .and almost every man ,women,young,old and child do yoga.with yoga you make your health better and feel everyday fresh.yoga make the life longer and cure.
thanks for joining this blog.
Be sure to check out anshul’s most recent post…Online Banking Software
Yes, that is what I’ve also heard, Anshul. Thanks for sharing more about yoga here, and for dropping by.
Love your post Adeline and cannot agree more with your point that a yoga retreat gives you a chance to escape. I have tried a few yoga studios here in London, UK but did fail to actually relax as my mind is always wondering about the commute back home afterwards or the errands to run before heading home. I only really started to enjoy yoga and were able to relax when I went to a yoga retreat in Santa Teresa in Costa Rica this spring. So for me the benefits of yoga only work for me in a retreat.
Thanks so much, Trevor. I know exactly what you mean. The meditation part is one of the most challenging for me too. I can’t stop thinking of all the work I need to do, plus some ideas that pop into my head for my blog. I guess it just takes some practice.
I have been hearing good feedback about yoga, but actually (to be honest) I have never tried yoga until now. I would really love to experience this relaxing body activity.
Be sure to check out Bev’s most recent post…How About a Food Blog?
Hi Adele,
I’ve never practiced Yoga, but I do practice meditation. I would love to go on yoga retreat though, seems that it would be so relaxing and bringing the new me to the surface, even though I do accomplish this with self hypnosis as well
Thanks for sharing.
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I would really really like to try yoga. And having yoga in a retreat, then it’s way better.
I never tried yoga but I’m aware of its physical and mental benefits. I wish i can do it someday and see for myself how it really works.
Be sure to check out marri’s most recent post…Irresponsible Jeepney Drivers
I have never tried a Yoga retreat before, but it definitely sounds interesting. Great post, Adeline!
Be sure to check out Christi Johnson’s most recent post…Why I Am About To Completely Ignore My Feelings And Go To San Diego
Thanks so much, Christi.
Twitter: workwithfreddy
says:
I can’t say that I’m a big yoga enthusiast. I’ve done a bit at home from a DVD program, but not much else. However, the thought of a retreat and being in a serene environment doing yoga….now that sounds appealing. Thanks Adeline.
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You’re very welcome, Freddy. Thanks so much for dropping by.
I never knew there were two (or more) types of Yoga until now. With my round build, it might take me some time to get used to yoga once I give it a try. ^_^
Be sure to check out Mark Morfe’s most recent post…The week that was (August 26 – September 1)
This is something I’ve envisioned for myself for a long time. The serenity is so appealing.
Be sure to check out Teresa Martinez’s most recent post…The Evolution of Postcards
Twitter: bihar
says:
You know I am a great fan of Yoga and if I can do a little bit every day then I do it. Although I have not been to a Yoga retreat before but would like to go some day. The Maha Mahal Raja yoga centre seems interesting.
Be sure to check out Shalu Sharma’s most recent post…Journey along the Ganges
Thanks so much for dropping by, Shalu. It’s something I think that we should try one of these days at least once. Don’t you agree?