A stretch for health

A warrior, a cat and a lotus. For MDS members attending our first yoga session yesterday, poses came with colourful names and quite a bit of groans and moans too. As 21 of us attempted to contort our bodies by the commands of instructor Kang Xiao Jing at All About Yoga studio, the simple act of stretching became quite a monumental task. 

It looked so easy on the instructor. But for most of us,  novices attempting the exercise for the first time, it was a tricky struggle on a warm Sunday morning. Some of us could not balance. Standing on one leg looked effortless for some, but comical for others. Xiao Jing told us to be the warrior. But it was tough to feel like a fighting man when one could barely stand.

Nonetheless, that was what we were looking for - to stay healthy, using yoga to strengthen our muscles through a non-strenuous sport. And our hour-long yoga session certainly gave us a good work out and relaxed our minds. 

A big thank you to our lovely instructor Xiao Jing for kindly conducting the session pro bono. Her enthusiasm was infectious and she very kindly attended to the needs of our older members with great patience. Thanks also to All About Yoga for opening their studio for us on a Sunday. MDS members who are interested in taking up yoga should contact them. Click here for their website. 

Special thanks also to MDS Treasurer Kym Ong for painstakingly organising this free session, coordinating the shuttle service from Paya Lebar MRT station. She called members individually to ensure all would get proper and punctual transport to the venue, and we are most grateful. Her husband also very kindly sponsored the rental of the yoga studio. Thank you!

Yoga Reminder

Just a gentle reminder about the yoga date we have this coming Sunday, 23rd Jan 2011. Session starts at 9am. Wear comfortable clothes like shorts, bermudas, track pants, tights, T-shirts, fitting tops.

For those who need the shuttle service, please meet at 8.15am at the Paya Lebar MRT station's pick-up point, which is opposite the Singapore Post Centre.

Those who are going themselves, please make your way to the address below and arrive 15 minutes beforehand.

All About Yoga Studio

605B Macpherson Road

#05-11 Citimac

See Map Below (BLUE DOT)

For a more detailed map, please click here.

Expedition to Antarctica

In December this year, Alan Lock – a former Royal Navy Officer and current member of the Macular Disease Society of the United Kingdom – is hoping to take on one of the toughest challenges in the world: to trek from the coast of Antarctica all the way to the South Pole.

Alan, 30, is organising the expedition with US and British teammates, including a former successful Antarctic explorer and a decorated US Army Veteran. They will cover a distance of nearly 600 miles, expending over 7000 calories per day and taking on one of the harshest environments on the planet.

If Alan is successful in this attempt he will set a new Guinness world Record for this feat. The ‘Polar Vision’ team will be undertaking this challenge in order to raise awareness and funds for two sight related charities: Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Sightsavers International. Guide Dogs for the Blind is a San Rafael, California – based non-profit that serves blind and visually impaired people in the U.S. and Canada. 

Sightsavers International is focused on the developing world, seeking to prevent blindness and provide rehabilitation to some of the world’s most marginalised people. As someone with MD, Alan is also keen to use the expedition to highlight the condition and also to hopefully inspire and motivate other people in a similar situation.

“I am really excited about this project and the positive impact it can have on many people with sight problems. It is going to be a real challenge, both in Antarctica and in trying to organise the endeavour – but if it was easy there would be no challenge!”

“We are trying to reach out to companies who may wish to become corporate sponsors of the team, and if anyone can help us with contacts we would be enormously grateful.”

Click here for the website and here for the promo video. Contact Alan at alan@polar-vision.org