Yoga sessions with master Michael Gannon

Open to members and guests of all abilities

Dubai, UAE; January 5, 2008: Hayya!, the brand of leisure and fitness facilities under the Emaar Hospitality Group umbrella, is offering yoga enthusiasts an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be coached in sessions with world master Michael Gannon. The renowned 'Ashtanga' yoga teacher will guide participants through a meditative journey over four exclusive sessions on January 11 and 12, 2008 at Hayya! Meadows, one of the Emirates Living fitness facilities.

Open for members and visitors, Hayya! Meadows will give beginners and experts in yoga the opportunity to breathe, stretch and flex their way to mental well-being and physical fitness. Morning sessions run from 9am until 12noon, with afternoon sessions running from 2 until 5pm.

"Yoga is the most complete program for anyone who is looking to improve the quality of life both physically and mentally," said Socrates Alvaro, General Manager, Hayya! "We are delighted to include Michael Gannon in our yoga program and we are positive that his sessions will be well received by 'Ashtanga' yoga practitioners or those who wish to learn more about this form of well-being."

At Hayya! Meadows, Gannon will conduct several sessions that aim to increase flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as ensure mind-body harmony. During the sessions, Asana practices will be employed to prepare participants for a meditative state, also known as 'dhyana'.  Perfect for those who have a stressful week at work or at home, the class begins with a guided ashtanga practice which tunes and awakens the energetic senses, and leads into a 30-minute guided chakra meditation. 

Yogic breathing and pranayama workshop support  the idea that the breath is the most powerful element of living. This class will enhance breathing awareness to deepen the asana practice which may be used to harness energy and harmonize its flow from asana to asana, thereby elevating the yoga experience to a higher level.

Gannon will guide the primary series of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga using the traditional Sanskrit count of each vinyasa. Hands-on adjustments will provide a deeper practice experience. Lotus classes will use a sequence of seated asanas to gradually free parts of the body to achieve the padmasana position and attain meditative peace.

Michael Gannon is a former student of master Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois of India; under his tutelage, Gannon learned the first, second and third series of the traditional and complex ashtanga system. With his unique teaching style, Gannon has passed the benefit of his knowledge to train more than 100 teachers around the world in his Yoga Teach Apprenticeships. Gannon is also the creator of the CD 'Awaken Your Life Force and Quiet your Mind'.

Each session costs AED 225, with a special package deal of AED 750 for all four sessions. Reservations may be secured by telephone at 04 367 0435 and sessions must be paid in advance.

Located at The Meadows, The Lakes and Downtown Burj Dubai communities, Hayya! fitness clubs offer a comprehensive range of services and facilities for residents and members. A complete lifestyle provider, each club features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, experienced personal trainers, outdoor pools and a wide-range of activities and classes such as aerobics sessions, swimming, spinning, yoga and nutritional seminars. For more information, please call +971 (4) 362 7775.

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About Emaar Hospitality Group LLC:
Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, the wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai-based global property developer Emaar Properties PJSC, manages the company's growing roster of hospitality & leisure projects. Emaar has diversified into hospitality & leisure in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world through a two-pronged approach of geographic expansion and business segmentation.

With a total portfolio of hospitality assets of over US$545 million, as of March 2007, Emaar Hospitality owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, recreation clubs, the Dubai Marina and associated yacht club. Emaar Hospitality Group's vision is to be recognized as the premier global provider of personal, innovative and memorable lifestyle experiences. For more information on Emaar, please visit www.emaar.com

For further information, please contact:     
Kelly Home / Nivine William                                                                               
ASDA'A Public Relations                                               
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East & North Africa                        
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550;
Fax: (+971 4) 334 4556  
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, n.william@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008