Wherever Kylie Denis goes, she brings with her a magnetic energy that makes you wonder what her story is. Kylie’s super strong physique and serene nature are just some hints of her love for yoga, which led her to establish the studio, Omology. Since then, local yogis have fallen head over heals with the Superwoman-lookalike and her practice. As a treat this International Yoga Day, we get her to share 6 yoga mantras and reveal that 1 steady sequence to try that will keep you coming to the mat everyday.

1. How has yoga been a tool of self-discovery?

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Kylie Denis

“I first encountered yoga over 10 years ago but It’s only in the last 5 years that I’ve been practicing daily. I developed a desire to have a space that would allow me to experiment and grow creatively as a yoga teacher as well as share my passion to a wider audience.

I was also very hesitant to make yoga my main source of income as I worried that it might change my connection with the practice. Turns out, this was not the case and I’ve managed to strike a happy balance earning a living and doing something that brings me great joy.”

See also: Hansen Lee: How To Begin A Home Yoga Practice & Commit To It

2. How do you go about your daily self-practice?

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of @yogakylie / Instagram

“One of breath and mindfulness. For me, yoga doesn’t just exist on the mat; it also extends to everyday life. I try to take time throughout the day (especially when I'm rushing around or stressed) to pause, breathe and really BE in the present moment. 

There’s the physical ‘asana’ part of my practice, and this varies based on how I’m feeling and what classes/commitments on a given day. I’m trained in Hatha and Yin Yoga, so it is always a blend of the two. My usual warm up is Sun Salutation A, taking each movement REALLY slow!”

See also: The Surprising Wonders Yoga Does From Core To Heart, As Told By Ninie Ahmad

3. What are the benefits that’s gotten you hooked?

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of @yogakylie / Instagram

“Physically, yoga offers flexibility, strengthening for the core, mobility and stabilisation for the joints… Even my posture has improved ten-fold. 

But I drew the most benefit from the mental practice of ‘stilling the mind’. It takes me out of my head and into my body.”

The rhythm of a yoga sequence, coordinating breath with movement, is like a moving meditation

 

4. What are your tips to those who want to make a daily habit out of yoga?

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Kylie Denis

“I read this really great quote that said, Yoga is like an important meeting with yourself — bosses don't cancel’. Schedule it into your day and give it the same priority that you would a meeting or other equally important engagement.

One thing that really motivated me when I first started a daily practice, was signing up for the ‘monthly unlimited’ package at my local yoga studio. It encouraged me to make the most of my pass and commit to that daily ‘meeting’.”

See also: International Yoga Day Special: The Yoga Gurus Who Inspire Us

5. Please share a simple but solid sequence that would build that commitment.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of @yogakylie / Instagram

Sun Salutation A using Cobra (instead of Upward Dog) is my usual warm up and it is really simple. It is great for cardio, strength building and spinal flexibility:

  • Begin in standing, palms together at heart-centre
  • Inhale, reach the arms all the way up overhead
  • Exhale, hinge from the hips and fold forward over the legs (the knees can bend slightly)
  • Inhale, bring your palms to your shins, straighten the legs and lengthen the crown of the head forward
  • Exhale, step back into a plank
  • Bend the elbows and lower to your belly
  • Inhale, keep the toes grounded and lift just the chest off of the mat
  • Exhale, lower down, tuck the toes under and lift the entire body up and back into Downward Dog
  • Inhale look forward between the palms and step, walk or hop (quietly!) to the top of the mat
  • Exhale fold over the legs
  • Inhale rise to standing once again
  • Exhale to bring the palms to meet at the heart-centre
  • Repeat as many times as you wish!

6. Finally, for those days you’re too tired or busy for a full practice, what are the top 3 effective poses?

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of @yogakylie / Instagram

“My go-to’s for a quick stretch are always the same: Low lunge with a quad stretch (gets into all the tight muscles in my hip flexors); Camel pose (to open up the heart, upper spine, and improve posture); and – students can’t stand this one! – Malasana, the “yogi squat” is my favourite – I could sit like this all day!

See also: 2 Trendy Yoga Brands That Will Tempt You To The Mat

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