The yoga-lution: six diverse yoga practices to try in the UAE

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  Anna Nielsen for The National

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  Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

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  Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Pawan Singh / The National

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  Pawan Singh / The National

As the world's fascination and passion for the ancient art of yoga continues to boom, so too have the many disciplines and styles, some of which are a far cry from the original practice. While it might make traditionalists shake their heads in dismay, with benefits that include stress relief, increased strength and flexibility, weight loss and more, it's hard to argue with anything that gets you moving, breathing and being more mindful. From yoga with therapy balls and glow sticks to hanging out on inversion ropes, the below are some of the latest forms cropping up across the UAE.

1 Facial Yoga

What is it? A series of facial exercises and self-massage techniques that practitioners claim can take years off your appearance. “Our approach is not a short-term fix; it is a long-term solution. Once you include it in your everyday routine, the result is younger, radiant and glowing skin,” explains Isidora Peric, the founder of The Fit Face in Dubai.

Where does it come from? While working your facial muscles to help erase fine lines and improve your skin dates back centuries, facial yoga as a practice first grew in popularity in the United States.

What to expect? Get ready to pull lots of funny faces, have a laugh and enjoy yourself. You will be given a mirror to conduct the exercises, which work every muscle in the face.

Why try it? With claimed benefits such as a reduction in dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and plumper, more youthful skin, it's definitely worth checking out.

Where to go: Contact The Fit Face on 050 505 7917 for private and group sessions.

2 Alfa Gravity

What is it? An inversion-based therapy training that uses ropes hanging from the ceiling to support the body. It incorporates elements of yoga, gymnastics and CrossFit, and places the body in a semi-inverted position.

Where does it come from? Alfa ­Gravity is only about three years old, but while it's new to the UAE, it's gaining momentum across Russia and Ukraine.

What to expect: "Class sizes are limited to four. People can sometimes feel disoriented by being inverted," explains Sonia Vasilieva, the studio manager of Alfa Gravity in Dubai. "However, afterwards they feel deeply relaxed. Back and shoulder pain is relieved, and just like yoga, Alfa Gravity refreshes the mind, teaches concentration and the ability to listen to your body."

Why try it? It only takes 30 minutes to complete an Alfa Gravity workout for the whole body. It's a great therapy for people with back pain, bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Difficulty rating: Low. There are no age or body-condition restrictions.

Where to go: Alfa Gravity, Park ­Avenue Tower, Silicon Oasis, Dubai; www.­alfa-gravity.com. For a similar inverted sensation, try Swing Yoga, which uses special hammocks to support the body in poses at Adrenagy Training Club (www.adrenagy.com) at ­Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi or Voyoga (www.­voyoga.net) in Dubai.

3 Yoga Tune Up

What is it? "Yoga Tune Up is a fitness therapy that uses pliable rubber therapy balls for self-massage," explains instructor Emilie ­Goldstein. "It helps eradicate pain, improve posture and enhance performance through corrective exercises, yoga poses and rolling the body with the balls, which are designed to give you a targeted deep-tissue massage."

Where does it come from? It was created by the Los Angeles-based fitness expert, and the author of The Roll Model, Jill Miller, who drew from more than 20 years of experience in yoga and movement.

What to expect: Lots of deep breathing combined with therapy-ball massage – even the feet, neck and face get a look in. Mobility training, yoga postures and a 10-minute guided savasana (relaxation) are also ­included.

Why try it? "It's hygiene for your joints and tissues," says Goldstein. "Myofascial release via self-massage improves breathing, promotes blood circulation, rehydrates tissues and reduces tension. Coupled with mobility work, you'll move better, recover faster and reduce pain."

Difficulty rating: Low

Where to go: Try Goldstein's classes in Dubai at Zen Yoga (www.yoga.ae) or Optimal Fitness Studio City (www.optimalfitness.ae). Look out for her targeted workshops across the UAE, from Yoga Tune Up for ­Mammahood to Banishing Back Pain. For more information, visit www.emsyoga.net

4 Yoga Sculpt

What is it? A class filled with traditional yoga poses with the addition of light hand weights and bursts of high-intensity cardio.

Where does it come from? "The fusion of weight training and yoga is common in studios across the ­United States," says instructor ­Pietronella Gerritsen, who attended her first Yoga Sculpt class in Los ­Angeles. "Each move blends the body-­sculpting benefits of strength training with the mind-body emphasis of yoga."

What to expect: "A challenging workout. The classes are upbeat with lots of dynamic movement, while still staying true to the foundation of yoga," explains Gerritsen. "Students can opt out from using the weights at any time."

Difficulty level: Medium

Try it: Yoga Square, SIT Tower 1408, Silicon Oasis, Dubai, Sundays, 8.30am; www.yogasquare-me.com For a similar yoga and HIIT fix in Abu Dhabi, try Sasha Quince Yoga (www.sashaquinceyoga.com). Quince teaches Core Strength vinyasa yoga, a method founded by the LA-based teacher Sadie Nardini, and a fluid style that builds heat, core strength and improves spinal health.

5 Booty Buster Yoga

What is it? The class zones in on the glutes, and is aimed entirely at toning and stretching the lower half of the body.

What to expect: A challenging, fast-paced class with lots of boot-camp-style squats, lunges and yoga warrior poses.

Where does it come from? The class was created by the Dubai studio ­Piloga. "Many clients shared their desire for a class focused on getting some extra 'lift' in their glutes. So we decided to dedicate an entire session to firming up the area," says instructor Alison MacLaughlin.

Why try it? "Strong glutes help you with everything you do throughout your day – walking, running, taking the stairs and more. It can also help to relieve lower back and knee pain," MacLaughlin explains.

Difficulty level: Medium

Where to go: Tuesdays, 7.30am, and Saturdays, noon, at Piloga Studio, Bay Square, Dubai; www.­pilogastudio.com

6 MMA Yoga

What is it? Mixed martial arts yoga combines yoga with the principles of what an MMA fighter needs – balance, focus and kicking ability.

What to expect: Heart-pumping, arm-strengthening drills, repetitive kicks and yoga arm balances to soundtracks such as Eye of the ­Tiger. The class culminates in cooling shoulder and hip openers.

Why try it? The high-energy aspect gets the adrenaline and the endorphins flowing, while the combination of yoga and martial arts is physically and mentally detoxifying.

Difficulty level: High

Where to go: Contact Alison ­MacLaughlin at Piloga Studio.