If you are thinking about joining a gym in West Maui, Sports Club Kahana is an excellent choice. The club is better than ever with two floors of equipment, a large cardio room that looks out to ocean, tranquil & spacious massage rooms, two infrared saunas, amazing group fitness & yoga classes, and child care. SCK offers great discounts on massages and tanning for club members in addition to free unlimited use of the infrared saunas. Group fitness and yoga classes are also free with a club membership. 

Read about what members are saying about Sports Club Kahana!

“Fantastic equipment and staff. Every year we join the gym during our vacation and there is always new equipment and classes. Very well maintained and the manager, Dale, is a delightful guy. We highly recommend this club to everyone.” ~Marty and Roni Douglas

“I have been a happy member of Sports Club Kahana for 3 years now and really love a few things that they have to offer.  #1 I love the group classes that are offered, the diversity and the number of classes at different times are extraordinary, especially yoga which is pretty much offered every day with world class instructors. Having group classes is incredibly important to me, because I have many days where I’m too tired and just need and want someone to guide me, and that can be done ANY day you walk in at Sports Club Kahana. #2 I absolutely LOVE the new infrared sauna, what a great way to detox, shed a few pounds, and most importantly RELAX!!!  Thanks Sports Club Kahana for the great work, keep it up!!!” ~Dr. Anthony Jayswal, owner of Healing Hands Chiro of Maui

“Sports Club Kahana provides a fun, clean, motivating atmosphere that encourages our family to make exercising a daily habit.  Our child looks forward to the available play care daily eliminating any excuses to not enjoy a great workout.”  ~Brody, Veronica and Landon (4 yrs.) Long

“One of the main reasons why I joined SCK was because of the new edition of the infrared saunas.  The infrared sauna is a unique offering that no other gym in Maui has. I noticed after using the sauna that my skin feels softer and I feel totally rejuvenated! It is an easy way to detox on a regular basis.” ~Me-shell Mijangos, owner of Swellwomen Surf Retreats www.swellwomen.com

“One of the first things I did when I moved to Maui was join SCK.  Each class instructors at SCK is like having your own personal trainer.  I love the variety of classes that suit my cardio, strengthening, and/or balancing needs.  Everyday there is a class I can choose from, at a workable time in the morning, evening, weekdays or weekends.  Having such a great class schedule available to me has improved my personal health goals.  I look forward to returning to the club every day!  I have also developed lifelong friendships with many other members and fabulous instructors at SCK; that is priceless.  I feel so fortunate to have SCK in my community.” ~Jenna Keck

 

Have a testimonial of the club?  Please send it our way. We would love to hear from you!!

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Positive Affirmations
You are what you think.

Positive affirmations are statements that help alter the way we think and feel.  They change negative thought patterns into positive and beneficial thought patterns, and assist in creating an inner world that is confident, content and accepting.  Positive Affirmations can be expressed in thoughts, words written or words spoken.

Positive affirmations are meant to help you live a more productive and enriching life.  They reprogram the way you think by replacing poisonous and negative self-talk into nourishing and positive self-talk.  According to Deanna Reiter, author of Dancing with Divinity: Positive Affirmations for Any Situation, it is necessary to examine our thoughts and take note of the dominant, reoccurring negative ones.   When we repeatedly have the same negative thoughts, they turn into core negative beliefs.  Core negative beliefs need to be destroyed because they not only hold us back from reaching our true potential, they can sabotage success in all areas of life.           

After we become conscious of our core negative beliefs, we must then change the statements into positive affirmations.  For example, the negative thought “I am out-of-shape. I am so fat!” can change to the positive affirmation “I love and approve of myself. I choose to exercise and eat foods that are healthy and nutritious.”  Another example is “This city is terrible for dating.  Everyone I date is horrible!” can be transformed to “There are many, single men/women in this city who are ideal for me.  I am ready to meet Mr./Mrs. Right.”   Positive affirmations are stated in the present tense, as if what you want or need already exists or is happening.  One should avoid starting statements with “I will” which suggests something will or may happen in the future.  Instead, positive affirmations should start with phrases such as “I am” or “I have” which declares that something is occurring right now.  

Many of us do not realize the true effects of our thoughts.  There are people who live day to day thinking the same sabotaging thoughts and wonder why things are not changing or moving in the right direction.   Using positive affirmations is a great method to change how we think by clearing out the harmful negative thought patterns and replacing them with new positive thoughts and words.  In doing so we change our behavior, and we make better life choices.  We learn to think and act in ways that serve our greatest potential.  Relationships improve because we are pleasant to be around and because we have high-quality words to express.  With a positive outlook life doesn’t seem like such a battle, but more like a playground in which our thoughts create the idyllic world around us.

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Sports Club Kahana is on facebook.  Become a fan on Facebook, read up to date posts, learn about specials, and view photos.

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Creative Power
In the soft, joyous state of being in which we are at one with Source, you may feel the creative power that permeates everywhere.  This creative power is Shakti and She appears in many delightful forms!  You may notice Her as  inspiration, happily putting ideas and dreams into reality; union, gratefully bringing people together; passion, fervently unleashing the soul and connecting us to life’s purpose; communion, kindly fostering  friendships and forgiveness, and compassion, tenderly preparing the way for peace and understanding.

Go to this soft, joyous state daily to be renewed and to connect with Shakti, the creative power that permeates everywhere.

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Add some spark to your practice!  Energize your body and illuminate your soul as you plug into Source.  Julie will guide you through an energizing sequence as you discover your inner light and awaken your spirit. 

Electric Yoga taught by Julie Mitchell is on Tuesday mornings from 9:40-11:00am. 

Classes are held at Sports Club Kahana in West Maui (Lahaina side). 

Interview with Julie
How did you get into yoga?

I kind of stumbled upon yoga at a gym in 1991.  I was hoping it would open my body and be a compliment to all the Belly Dancing I was doing.  Little did I know that yoga was going to take me on a fantastic journey opening much more than just my body.

Why did you start teaching?

It was natural for me to want to share and guide others through this life changing movement, yoga.  I feel deeply blessed for the opportunity to guide people through something as special as themselves.

Who are your most influential yoga teachers and how did they inspire you?

Ateeka showed me how movement is poetry in motion and how to live my truth as love and light.  Jason Nemer and Jenny Sauer-Klein showed me we can do anything with practice and intention and how we can dive deeper into our selves with the support of a partner in AcroYoga.  Sharon Gannon and David Life inspired me to play music that evokes our spirit.  Shiva Rea inspired the dancer in me to move through Vinyasa as a fluid dance - fun and creative!

What is your teaching style?

I teach many different styles such as restorative, gentle, vinyasa, dynamic and AcroYoga.  First of all, it must be fun and full of Bhakti (devotion).  I guide all classes with a deep sense of intuition and the knowledge of what has worked for me over the last 20 years of practicing.  I encourage your heart to open wide as you discover your inner light and awaken your spirit as you listen to your inner Guru, the breath.

Do you think yoga is for everyone?  Why or why not?

Absolutely YES!  You always feel better after yoga!!  There are so many different styles of yoga that you can find one that matches your needs,  whether it be to rest and restore, to strengthen and tone, to unwind gently, to chant and sing, to be silent and meditate, or even to do acrobatic yoga.  There is something for everyone.  Yoga will take you on a wonderful journey deep inside of who you really are - beautiful, peaceful, whole and complete.

What do you think the overall message is for yoga?

Metta (unconditional love) for everyone and everything.  Be present, here and now.  It is such a gift, that’s why it is called PRESENT.  Peace to you and everyone.  Om shanti, shanti, shanti Om.
      

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For those who love yoga, Sports Club Kahana in West Maui is the place to go.  We have the best yoga teachers on Lahaina side working at our fitness facility including Julie Mitchell, Claudia Micco, and Tiffany Langley.   Not only do you get great yoga, but also all the additional amenities of a health club including infrared saunas, showers, tanning, and equipment.  For a fabulous spa experience, take a yoga class and finish with a massage in one of our beautiful massage rooms.  You get it all at Sports Club Kahana.

Interested in a Maui yoga retreat?  We can plan one  for you or ask your favorite yoga teacher to contact us to coordinate a retreat.  We can also host yoga workshops and mind/body continuuing education courses.

Contact Monica at monica@sportsclubkahana.com for yoga questions.

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Yoga vs. Cardio

Is doing yoga enough exercise?  The answer depends on your purpose or intention for doing yoga. 

Are you training for a specific sports event or do you simply want to get fit?  If you are training for something specific such as a marathon or a canoe race, then yoga is not enough.  One should use the same muscles in training that one uses for the event: Meaning if you are training for a marathon, then use the treadmill in the gym.  If you are training for a canoe race, then use a rowing, elliptical, or upper body ergometer.  Yoga will best serve as an adjunct to the sports specific training by keeping the muscles supple, preventing injury, improving breath control, and focusing the mind.

If a person simply wants to get fit, yoga can be the answer.  Many people around the world practice yoga as their main source for fitness. The five areas of fitness are body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility.  In dynamic styles of yoga such as Ashtanga, Power Yoga, and Flow all areas of fitness are getting addressed.

Total fitness gains however are not completely addressed in all forms of yoga.  Some styles are too gentle to achieve improvements in body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or cardiovascular endurance.  Nearly all forms of yoga in studios or health clubs produce flexibility gains.  The gentler forms of yoga are also good for muscular rehabilitation and stress reduction.

Before stopping your exercise regiment to hop on the yoga train, be clear about your intention.  If your intention is solely fitness, it will require taking intense and challenging yoga classes that will both challenge the mind and work the body.  It will also take time and patience to build up the endurance for this powerful style of yoga.  It would be best to make the change gradual.  Start with one or two classes a week and add more classes slowly over the course of many months.  

Many people in the United States start taking yoga purely for physical reasons - to loose weight, to become more flexible, to get a stronger core, etc…  What they discover is that yoga is so much more than a physical practice.  Yoga also has the remarkable ability to calm the mind, illuminate the soul, and open the heart.

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I was recently asked the question “Is there such a thing as yoga class etiquette?” I was pleased to answer this question and I would like to share the answers with you.

YOGA CLASS ETIQUETTE

1.  COME TO CLASS CLEAN.  Personal Hygiene is good for you and the students around you. Make sure to shower before coming to class for cleanliness and to reduce or eliminate unpleasant body odor.  If you are unable to shower, take a few minutes in the bathroom before class to clean your feet and wipe off your skin with a wet wash cloth or towel.

2. DO NOT CARRY ON A CONVERSATION DURING CLASS.  Talking to a friend next to you or talking on the cell phone is very disruptive to the students and yoga teacher. Remember to turn off your cell phone and turn on awareness and concentration.

3. TELL THE TEACHER IF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE EARLY. If you have to leave early, make sure to tell your yoga teacher.  It is a sign of respect.  If you leave without telling your teacher, she/he may think you are injured and it will cause class disruption.

4. IF YOU LEAVE EARLY, MAKE SURE TO DO SAVASANA (CORPSE POSE) ON YOUR OWN.  Savasana is an essential part of the practice. Some believe it is the most important asana and that all other poses prepare our mind/body for Savasana. Do not leave without doing corpse pose, even if it is for a minute.

5.  LISTEN.  In class, the yoga instructor will provide verbal instructions, in addition to some demonstrations.  Do not rely on watching the teacher perform the postures. In fact, many yoga teachers are taught in school to give verbal instructions only.  Therefore, listen to the teacher’s verbal  instructions, tune into body awareness, and apply the instructions into your own body.

6. BREATHE SOFTLY DURING SAVASANA.  During Savasana, although it might be tempting to let out a big sigh or continue with ujjayi breathing, it is important to keep your breath to yourself.  Meaning, do not breathe so that your neighbor can hear you.  Savasana is a time to dive deep into relaxation and it is challenging to do that with a heavy breather by your side.  Savasana breath should be soft and natural.

7.  IF YOU SWEAT, BE CAREFUL NOT TO SPLATTER YOUR SWEAT ON YOUR NEIGHBOR.  In most yoga classes, you will perspire.  If you tend to sweat a lot, be mindful of those around you.  Bring a towel or two to class, so that you can wipe the sweat off your body when it gets heavy.

8.  APPROACH YOGA LIKE A MEDITATION, RATHER THAN A WORK-OUT, KEEP GRUNTING OUT OF IT.  Yoga class can be an excellent source of exercise for the body and mind.  Still, yoga is not like being in the weight room or like taking an aerobics class.  Practice yoga like you are meditating in motion.  Keep the breath long and deep, rather than short and shallow.  Soften and relax your facial muscles.  Do not grunt or make disruptive sounds when poses are challenging.  Move with grace and put your awareness on your inner environment.  The intention is to create a calm and content inner world, stress-free.

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Our General Practice Guidelines for yoga is a must read if you are new to the practice.  We cover all of the do’s and don’ts to having a successful yoga experience.

When not to practice yoga
Please read the contraindications for each posture before doing it. Menstruation, pregnancy, high blood pressure and injuries to the knees, shoulders, and neck are all conditions where certain postures must be avoided and special care must be taken in all postures. If you have any medical condition, you should check with your health care professional before starting a yoga practice.

Modify the postures for your body
The instructions and pictures of the yoga postures are the “goal,” meaning the direction you are going towards, not where you need to be. Experiment and explore different positions and alignment to make the posture work for your body.

Moderate the level of intensity
You can make your yoga practice as challenging and vigorous as you want. We recommend you start slowly and make sure you understand the alignment of postures. There are three ways to increase the intensity of your practice: one, hold postures for longer and longer periods of time; two, slowly build your practice up to more advanced and challenging postures; three, move quickly between postures. Read our Challenge Yourself article.

How to choose postures
Choose to practice postures that look like you can do them. Postures done on the floor are going to be easier than standing postures, as they do not require as much strength or balance. Also, postures that have longer recommended hold times (in breaths) are going to be easier to do.
Use our  yoga posture sequences as a starting point and foundation for your practice sequence.

Duration of practice
Your daily practice should be between 15 to 90 minutes long and done 1-6 times per week, depending on your schedule, goals and ability.  Practicing more frequently with shorter practice times will yield greater results that practicing less frequently with longer practice times.

What to wear
Loose, comfortable clothing or tights / unitards work best. Its important to wear something that will not restrict your movement.

Drinking and eating
It is not advisable to eat or drink right before a yoga practice (especially if you are practicing inversions). Eat no less than 1-3 hours before and drink only small amounts of water before practice, and do not drink during your practice if possible.

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