He became a yogi on a navy vessel - now this Singaporean runs his own studio in Clarke Quay

The first time I tried Acro yoga, I was convinced that I was going to fall backwards and split my head.

The thought of a such a pathetic death made me tense each time I 'flew'.

This made it more difficult for my partner to lift me. The fact that she barely cleared 1.5m while I was (am) a chubby 1.6m was hardly a confidence booster.

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But I didn't fall, and my head remains intact till this day.

After a few tries, I was even fully relaxed mid-flight. When it was my turn to be the 'base', the only concern I had was my foot stinking up my partner's clothing.

When you can have such paltry concerns as your amateurish self lifts someone up into the air, it speaks volumes about confidence.

It was a powerful feeling, and proved that even a noob could pull of intimidating poses with just a little guidance.

But I didn't fall, and my head remains intact till this day.

After a few tries, I was even fully relaxed mid-flight. When it was my turn to be the 'base', the only concern I had was my foot stinking up my partner's clothing.

When you can have such paltry concerns as your amateurish self lifts someone up into the air, it speaks volumes about confidence.

It was a powerful feeling, and proved that even a noob could pull of intimidating poses with just a little guidance.

Release Your Instiinct

Located opposite Clarke Quay MRT, Instiinct is a fairly new studio, having launched Jan 2017.

What makes this place different from Yoga Inc and Yoga Movement, you might ask.

Instiinct brands itself as a boutique studio.

Hatha and Vinyasa aside, the studio also offers HIIT, cardio and core workouts. Instiinct also organises social nights, with free yoga sessions, night runs and kombucha tastings.

Their membership card also offers privileges with brands like Punch, Monument and Superlife Co.

Co-founder Brandon Chong shares that Instiinct is where people can embrace the #ftby (free to be you) lifestyle.

Going against the grain, they also have more male trainers than females, because "guys can do yoga too". Here are the trainer profiles.

Male-led classes focus on "strength and conditioning while increasing flexibility" and female members do participate to "challenge themselves".

Brandon himself is a fervent practitioner, and his Instagram is definitely #yogagoals.

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From Navy Officer To Yogi

A competitive dancer since 17, Brandon has always enjoyed movement.

Unfortunately, being a 5-year Navy sign-on did not exactly provide him with a conducive environment.

"I didn't want to just do weights, so when a friend introduced me to yoga, I realised that while it was not easy, it was something I could work on."

Brandon began doing yoga on ships, although these consisted of mostly stretches. Do you have any photos, I asked him excitedly. Unfortunately though, photo-taking is banned.

"As I began practicing, I got to know amazing practitioners in the industry, and we shared freely, learning from each other."

Yoga became something personal, part of my personal growth.

During a recent pilgrimage to India, Brandon shares how he woke at 4am daily for a full day of class.

"I looked forward to everyday, the experience and knowledge I [received] were endless."

"Yoga is like an endless thirst for knowledge; the strengthening and stretching of Mind and Body, and that is what I try to bring to every class."

The opportunity for Instiinct came about when his best friend happened to have a space.

"I decided to do something that allows people to learn & share freely. As there are still fewer male practitioners, I would like to bring the joy of movement & yoga to the community, regardless of gender or physical abilities or age."

As a business, Brandon does not consider themselves "commercialised".

"We are building a community through word-of-mouth and fostering close relationships with members and partners. All this takes time and nurturing."

Still, he admits that "passion needs to be balanced with the practical side of a business.

We [want to] bring the best yoga experiences to members, even while being mindful of operating costs.

As a result, their member growth is "very organic'.

"We see members returning for the space and vibe of our studio and teachers. They introduce friends, who bring more friends."

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Instiinct regular Geraldine also shares how she feels the "love, dedication and passion from instructors".

"They are really with me, there's a lot of care and attention to detail."

For beginners, Brandon encourages them to join the Instiinct Rewind class. The active and passive poses help you "rewind from a long stressful day".

For guys, he suggests a core-focused class to get "reach in your body and muscles".

Beyond Yoga

A memorable sight in Instiinct's studio was the members chatting as if they were all long-time friends.

Imagine my surprise when I found out later that they barely knew each other.

That's what they want to create, Brandon says. It's not just about yoga, but also the community.

This is how we envision building our #instiinctsquad.

In hectic and if I may say so, sometimes almost cold, Singapore, being able to be feel like part of something larger can be empowering.

Keeping the momentum going, Brandon almost gushes about what they have in store.

"We're looking at retreats abroad (upcoming in Bali), more workshops at the studio, and teacher training courses."

Instiinct will not just be another yoga studio, but a "lifestyle brand".

Here's a link to their website and Instagram.

Instiinct
13A Upper Circular Road
Singapore 058411

This article was first published in Vulcan Post.