Interview with Patricia Duchaussoy, founder of Pilates Station and YogaFly

What do you get from practicing yoga?
It makes me tune in, chill out and shape up—all at the same time. It keeps my energy level high so my vitality is still vibrant, like a young person. It works my body so I'm also strong and look younger.

How does it benefit your body?
It decompresses the spine, increases flexibility, strength, stamina, improves body awareness, reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, improves circulation, stimulates the immune system and creates a sense of well-being.

What’s hot in yoga?
Aerial yoga, aka YogaFly. I think people are looking more for inspiration than new trends. YogaFly is aerial, it is graceful, it is beautiful. And it gives the possibility for everybody to exercise in such a different way.

How does it differ from other types of yoga?
It is aerial so it requires more space. It is not always on the ground. It is more dynamic. It is a combination of aerial dance, Pilates and acrobatics. It is a real fat burner exercise as we spend lots of energy between exercising—and even laughing sometimes. Even beginners can perform inversion poses so everybody can enjoy, from their very first class, the benefits of the advanced yoga poses.

What is the basic equipment required for practicing yoga at home?
For traditional yoga, you need only a mat and if you are beginner you might need blocks and a strap. For YogaFly you can obtain a YogaFly Hammock kit with all equipment at the Pilates Station Bangkok.

What’s most difficult about yoga?
One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating, things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day. Other people will say that the most difficult thing is to practice controlling their breath, quieting their mind, and moving their body with awareness.

What’s coming next in yoga?
Yoga dance, a choreographed dance based on yoga postures.

Is yoga for everyone?
Traditional yoga is for almost everyone if the instructor is qualified and if the class is not overloaded. YogaFly is also for everybody. However, it is recommended for people with high- and low-blood pressure, serious eye and heart disease to skip the inversion poses.

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