ENG
Meet Aleks, our fellow yogi and Lagree fitness instructor. We've been always amazed by the harmony and calmness and at the same time strength and confidence that she brings during her classes and when we see her off work. We've set down to chat about her path in fitness, about her teachings and how she maintains her healthy lifestyle.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born and raised in Poland, in a beautiful city of Gdańsk. I left when I was 18 and moved to London where I did my undergraduate degree in modern languages. That’s also where I started my career in the fashion industry which I later pursued in Asia. Initially, I had no plans to move to Hong Kong until my first visit . The city’s diversity, energy, beauty, and countless opportunities made me fall in love with Hong Kong, so I stayed. It has been over 8 years so it feels like home and although it is an intense city and I need to get out every now and then, I love it wholeheartedly.
How long have you been practicing yoga and what led you to become a yoga teacher?
I first started practicing yoga when I moved to China in 2011, the hustle and bustle of Beijing made me look for ways to calm down and yoga gave me exactly that and so much more. During my 5 years in the corporate world, my yoga mat has always been my place of finding peace, clarity, space and joy. I have noticed how it became an integral part of my life as it affected me physically but also mentally. I realised yoga became a way of living rather than just exercise. I decided to dive deeper and learn from the source so I went to India to do my teacher training. After coming back to Hong Kong, I felt the need to share yoga with others so teaching has become a natural progression. I wanted others to experience what yoga gave me: freedom, clarity, acceptance, patience, self-love and compassion.
What’s your story with the Lagree method? How did you discover it? What was the effect and how did you end up teaching?
I love trying new workouts and challenging my body in a different way to what I’m used to. I was intrigued to try this machine and it was love at first shake! I remember being sore for 3 days after my class, it was probably the hardest but also the most rewarding workout I have ever done. I was hooked! Lagree method challenged me physically and mentally, complimented my yoga practice and as my body became stronger my mind did too. As a teacher, I only teach what I truly believe and Lagree is one of those things, I haven’t found anything as good and I love teaching at H-Kore because I know that incredible feeling of accomplishment after a tough class and I know our clients appreciate that.
Why do you think Lagree and Yoga is a good combination?
it is the best combination! For me, yoga is a spiritual practice, if we take the physical aspect of it (asana) it is meant to create balance and space in the body, release areas of tension and allow us to be pain-free when meditating. Lagree focuses on strength, mobility, flexibility and balance. Whilst both are tough, require strong mind, focus and dedication, Lagree is fierier, yang and yoga more flowy like water. One complements the other so well.
What do you wish to bring to your students during your classes?
In yoga, I strive to create well-balanced classes that will allow my students to find space in their bodies that ultimately leads to creating space in their heads. Disconnect to connect. Pause, reset and find the energy from within. I want them to unblock stuck energy so they can move freely through the body and radiate on the outside. With Lagree, I want them to enjoy the tough but rewarding workout, I hope with my encouragement and guidance they can raise the energy, get stronger, more mobile and flexible. I want them to believe in themselves, get out of their heads, build confidence and resilience. I see the movement as medicine so whether it is yoga or megaformer, movement heals.
You have 2 part Inversions & Arm Balances Workshop coming up. Can you tell us what our clients can expect from it and how can they benefit from it?
Expect to learn the foundations of inversions and arm balances. We will introduce techniques and methods to make you feel more comfortable when going upside down. Whether you are completely new to it or have been practicing for a while you will take your inversion game to the next level. It will be fun!
You are leaving a pretty healthy lifestyle. Can you please tell a bit about your diet, principles that you are following and why?
I follow a plant-based diet because I feel, think and perform best on it. I believe we can get all the nutrients we need from vegetables, fruits, complex grains, nuts and seeds. I try to eat a rainbow of colours as it feels the best in my body. It may not be for everyone but I think everyone could benefit from introducing more plants, whole, unprocessed foods into their diet. There are 3 main reasons why I became vegan and these are health, ethical and environmental, all being equally important to me. And no, I don’t miss any of the animal products, you can get plant-based cheese, milk, meat alternatives - all of them healthy, cruelty-free, good for the planet AND delicious. Win-win :)
What foods are always in your fridge?
Kale, baby spinach, hummus, avocado, carrots, organic tempeh or tofu, sweet potatoes, berries, bananas, almond or oat milk.
What do you think is the key to a balanced life?
Quality 7-8 hour sleep, healthy (mostly plant-based) diet, exercise that you enjoy, meditation, spending time in nature, traveling and connecting with like-minded people.
What do you get up to when you are not teaching?
I travel, I practice yoga or workout, I read, I cook or I learn new skills. I love spending time in nature so I get out of the city as much as I can and go hiking or to the beach with friends or alone.
Do you have a fitness/yoga goal?
Continuous progress is my goal. Both, as a teacher and student. But if I were to name one or two things I would like to be able to do is to kick up and hold a handstand and to do 10 pull-ups :)
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Vegan and gluten-free brownies :)