The yogi: Noura El-Iman
The location: The desert in Dubai
The pose: Side Angle (Parsvakonasana)
The benefits: This variation of Parsvakonasana is a brilliant posture to do first thing in the morning. It’s an energy-inducing pose that sculpts and tones the body, helping us to connect with the earth. If you’re feeling slightly confused or lacking in routine, this side angle pose helps to remind you to retain a down-to-earth attitude and work on breaking down your ego. It also acts as a reminder to live life with an open heart and spirit.
About the yogi: Noura is the founder of Yogalates Bliss in Dubai and started her own yoga journey eight years ago. “I loved how yoga balanced my weight training and rock climbing,” explains Noura. “The release of tight muscles and the nervous system calming down, that ‘internal massage sensation’ you get after a session. So I started teaching yoga before jetting off to a yoga and surf retreat in Bali. We all arrived with excess baggage left feeling so much lighter and freer and after that experience I gained a much sharper perspective of what I wanted to do in life. Bali left a profound effect on me and helped to catapult me into running my own yoga and pilates business.” Noura, who is a brand ambassador for the organic yoga clothes line, Carrot, Banana & Peach also loves horse-riding, swimming and travelling. “My dream travel destination is Iceland due to its jaw-droppingly surreal scenery; the dormant volcanoes, glacial streams and geothermal springs. Oh and fingers crossed, I bump into Bjork in Reykjavik!” Noura finds her own sense of Zen by getting creative with new cooking recipes and taking midnight strolls when everyone else is asleep.
For information on teaching training courses at Yogalates Bliss click here
