The GARUDA Method
With new fitness trends popping up every day, there’s no lack of options to stay active in Singapore. While Pilates and GYROTONIC continue to rise in popularity, new variations of the classics are also picking up momentum in Singapore’s fitness scene.
Enter The Garuda Method; an all-in-one fitness program that encompasses the principles of Pilates, the breathwork of yoga plus the grace and athleticism of dance.
In this article, Dorothy discusses why Pilates buffs should be obsessed with this new workout!
Hi Dorothy! Can you tell us more about the Garuda method?
The Garuda Method is the life-work of the creator, James D’Silva. As a contemporary dancer, he’s had many years of injuries from years of dancing and poor movement quality so he came up with the Garuda method based on all the training he’s experienced.
Throughout his career, D’Silva used Pilates, yoga, and body conditioning as part of his training routine and has been on a constant journey for information on the body/mind connection. Over the years, he has incorporated ideas from Pilates, GYROTONIC, Feldenkrais, Tai Chi and Alexander Technique to develop his own system of movement and exercise, which is unique, holistic, and integrated.
Just like Pilates, the Garuda method can be performed on machines or through a series of mat-work exercises. It focuses on strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and increasing range of motion within muscle and joints. This style of training also focuses on breath, rhythm, flow, and the idea of relaxation within movement.
‘Blending the spirituality, pranayama and asana practice of yoga, the core strength and focus of Pilates and the balletic grace of dance… to create a new fluid, hybrid method of movement.’
Describe Garuda In 3 Words
Organic, Holistic and Life-Changing
How did you find out about it? What drew you to Garuda?
Social Media! I found this lady performing moves that looked like Pilates but more elegantly so I reached out to her to ask what exercises she was doing and she pointed me in the direction of the Garuda method. I did my research and after chatting with an Instructor from Australia, I enrolled in the instructor training course.
I joined in pure faith. I didn’t quite understand how this all worked in the beginning but after the 3rd day, it clicked. It’s similar to Pilates in that way, the brain has to understand it first and then the body gets it afterwards. I love how this method has changed the way I approach movement and my perspective on life. Somehow, it has made me a lot more patient, understanding, forgiving, and humble.
How do you see Garuda benefiting our everyday lives?
When I started practicing Garuda, I soon realized that more people should learn to move in this manner. It’s functional and it is practical. It’s more about homing in on your awareness of your surroundings and being able to react to things that come your way. It brings out your quick instincts and your sharpness in approaching things as you move in your daily life. Garuda also introduces mindful benefits too including patience, a sense of calm and meditation.
How does the Garuda method differ from Pilates?
The Garuda method is very complementary to Pilates. Combined with principles from other Pilates and other modalities (pilates, dance, yoga, tai chi, Feldenkrais and Alexander technique), it creates movement sequences that are more fluid and intuitive. It also includes a more cardiovascular aspect to the workout while stretching the mind and body. Garuda trains you to move with the rhythm of your unique body and how it’s meant to move, rather than how we think it should move.
Garuda is now available on Breathe On-Demand!
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