Yoga trainer Sapna Sondhi Dutt talks to Divya Kaushik about her diverse training programme that keeps in mind contemporary urban life
Mere knowledge of the postures and asanas of yoga is not enough. Those who practice yoga religiously would know that a trained teacher can do wonders to your body. As yoga is not only about physical fitness, you need someone who can guide you on breathing exercises and meditation to destress. Sapna Sondhi Dutt has kept in mind the modern requirements and has come up with specialised yoga classes that are already popular among many. “It is a traditional yoga taught in one and a half hour class. As there are many yoga classes happening across the city, I realised that there has to be a change to make people of all age groups interested in yoga. So I specially designed my classes and added some variations to the asanas to make the workout more effective,” shared Sapna, who has been the practitioner of yoga since the 1990s. She studied formal yoga at the Sivananda School in South India and is also trained in Vedic meditation and chanting.
‘Yoga With Sapna’ (YWS) is a programme for learning and practicing yoga “in a holistic manner, rooted in the traditional discipline, and tailored to contemporary urban life.” The programme uses concepts and techniques for instruction that have been developed by Sapna. It encompasses the physical practice of asanas (yoga exercises and poses), focus and meditation exercises, and deep relaxation techniques — interwoven into an integrated, comprehensive experience. “I do little variations like I include weight training during my suryanamaskar asanas. They are light weights — 2 kgs for women and 4 kgs for men, to build strength for the muscles,” she explained and added that special attention is paid to the breathing exercises to help a person attain a holistic experience. “Each class is a combination of asanas, meditation and breathing exercises. Classes are highly structured and maintain a good pace. The routines have been developed by me, based on my study and practice. Verbal commentary by me continues throughout the class — providing instructions as well as detailed information. While training I talk extensively about yoga and often incorporate information about physiology, medicine and alternative medicine regimens as part of my commentary,” she said.
Music is sometimes a part of her classes too, but that is only for certain asanas. She also choreographed a special show recently on music with the yoga postures.
Thanks to different, interesting ways that she keeps incorporating in her training schedules, her classes are popular among people of all age groups. “I have taken classes in the US as well and have developed an understanding of what people look for in a wholesome yoga class. I aim to deliver to people a class which offers a strong physical workout combined with mental exercises leading to mental stability focus, discipline and awareness of our spiritual self as well,” she ended.