Yoga is often associated with flexibility, challenging poses and quiet moments on a mat. At its heart, however, yoga is about something much simpler: connecting the body, mind and breath.
For Members looking for a meaningful way to spend the weekend, Hatha Yoga offers an opportunity to slow down, stretch, strengthen and reset. Leading the Saturday morning sessions is Malaysian singer, performer and certified yoga instructor Atilia Haron, whose own journey into yoga began in an unexpected place.
HATHA YOGA
Yoga has its roots in ancient Indian philosophy and developed over centuries as a practice encompassing physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. In Hatha Yoga, “HA” (the Sun) represents the active, hot, masculine and energetic side of the body, while “THA” (the Moon) represents the calm, cool, feminine and receptive side. Together, “HATHA” represents the bringing of these opposing forces into balance through practice.
Hatha Yoga is one of the traditional branches of yoga, with classical teachings placing emphasis on practices such as asana (postures) and pranayama (breath regulation). These practices prepare the body and mind for deeper concentration and meditation. Poses are often held for slightly longer periods in Hatha Yoga.
Today, Hatha Yoga is practised around the world as a way of combining physical movement with awareness and controlled breathing. Importantly, you do not have to be flexible, athletic or experienced to begin.
THE BENEFITS OF YOGA
The benefits of yoga extend beyond physical fitness. It is not simply about being able to perform a split or a challenging pose. Regular practice can improve flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness, while the combination of movement and breathing can support stress management, mental and emotional wellbeing, and sleep.
For golfers, these qualities can be particularly valuable. A practice that encourages greater awareness of posture, movement, balance and breathing can complement an active lifestyle, whether preparing for a round of golf or recovering from a busy week.
The objective is not to force the body into a particular shape. Rather, it is about becoming more aware of how the body moves and responds.
FROM MUSIC TO THE YOGA MAT
For Atilia Haron, yoga was never part of the original plan. Known for her career as a singer, songwriter and performer, Atilia had spent years in the music industry.
At the age of 30, Atilia gave herself a yoga class for her birthday. She recalls attending what she described as “her very first lousy class”, where she struggled to do much during the session. At the time, she also felt that she was not thriving physically.
I was afraid to do anything active because I thought I would lose more weight,” she said.
That experience became a turning point. She began practising yoga to improve her breathing and introduce more physical activity into her life. What she initially imagined would be an easy and relaxing form of exercise proved to be far more challenging. Nevertheless, she persevered.
What began as an attempt to improve her physical wellbeing gradually became a much deeper personal journey. More than two decades later, yoga has become an important part of her life alongside her continuing career in music and entertainment.
FROM PRACTITIONER TO TEACHER
Atilia’s commitment to yoga eventually led her beyond personal practice and into teaching. She attained a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) qualification and went on to establish the YogaOneThatIWant yoga community and studios in Malaysia. The studio is now branded Prahara Yoga.
Her teaching has roots in Vikasa Yoga and incorporates power flows with her own energetic and approachable style.
Her experience is not limited to the studio. Atilia has also been committed to making yoga accessible to the wider community, teaching free community sessions for more than a decade, including regular classes at KLCC Park and The Curve under the FreeYogaFit initiative.
Her approach is perhaps best summed up by her philosophy: yoga is not about being perfect. It is about developing the discipline and awareness to become more comfortable in your own body.
RESET WITH ATILIA EVERY SATURDAY!
Members now have the opportunity to experience Atilia’s classes first hand through the Club’s weekly Hatha Yoga sessions.
Held every Saturday morning from 9.30 am to 10.30 am at the Multipurpose Hall, the class provides a welcoming space to step away from the week’s routine and dedicate an hour to yourself.
Whether you are discovering yoga for the first time or already have experience on the mat, the emphasis is on moving at your own pace, working with the breath and developing greater awareness of the body.
Come and discover a different way to start your weekend with mindful movement, conscious breathing and a little more balance.
See you on the mat!
