RECONNECT with your mental, physical and spiritual well being again at the free yoga and fitness classes at 7 Southworld Avenue in Montclair. Three fitness enthusiasts in the area are mobilising the community by offering weekend sessions for the whole family, their aim is to impart and instill the culture of fitness in residents.
Selvan Samie, a physical culturist of over 45 years has a wealth of experience in getting children active. “For about 15 years I taught boys at the Lake Haven Home for children in Parlock, Newlands West. I used to take them to the beach, give them a nice workout session to complete and lunch after that on weekends,” he said.
From there, he moved to Yellowwood Park and continued fostering fitness among the youth.
“The principal at Ningizimu Special School saw what I was doing for the youth and asked me to help her out at the school. Presently I’m at Yellowwood Park Primary School as a volunteer in their extracurricular activities programme for grades one to three. Each class is in excess of 60 children. We exercise on the sports ground at the school.”
While his focus was on the youth, he now realises it’s best to get the whole family involved. “Even in spirituality, they say a family that prays together, stays together. This is why our fitness sessions will not be restricted to just children but it can be a family group. Parents and grandparents can get involved, we will not give them strenuous exercises. A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body is something I try to advocate. If the body is not well, then definitely the mind won’t perform,” added Selvan.
Sibongiseni Sithole comes in with the contribution of a sports background. The New Forest High School soccer, cricket and rugby coach said he is excited to be a part of a movement that works with the mind and body. “I find it interesting that yoga has so much relevance to sports, it’s connected in a way that I find beauty going through life connecting the dots. I’m fascinated with this ancient exercise because this is sports in a way and this is how it gets people together,” he said.
Guru Surya specialises in yoga for children with chronic illnesses.
“Some children are already prescribed drugs they’ll have to take for the rest of their lives. Let’s try and wean them off the drugs by doing some yoga, there are specially designed practices for the child,” he said.
The guru will also offer health and well-being consultations. However, this is subject to his availability as he is in the country for six months and in India for the rest.
Space is not limited at the fitness sessions, bigger groups can be accommodated at the Montclair Community Hall. Alternatively, Selvan and Sbongiseni are willing to facilitate organised groups at their venues. Classes are offered every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 11am. To book your place or for more information call Selvan Samie on 084-760-2735, e-mail guruselvanksamie@gmail.com or call or WhatsApp the secretary, Vanitha Naicker on 073-342-3911.
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