Yoga and Qigong on Bintang Steps @ Starhill

Exercise and staying in shape does not always require rigourous movements. Seemingly meek forms of fitness activities like qi gong and yoga are equally as effective if not more beneficial.

Qi gong goes back far during the ancient times, streaming energy through the human body using the mapping of its meridians. Qi gong made its presence felt between my hands when teacher Olivier taught us how to feel the energy by moving my hands towards each other. Surreal feeling but true!

Yoga and Qi Gong in the City with Olivier Di Tullio

In my two hours of qi gong practice, I realized that it is a form of mind control and the power of visualization that allows the energy to be channeled from the ground and air into the body. Although intangible, it cleanses the aura and spirit for a recharged physique, a powerful practice that can impact our everyday lives in ways that we never knew. After qi gong, it is hard to believe that our mental and inner strength is something so essential that we have always ignored.

Olivier explaining the fundamentals of Qi Gong

Fitness in the City is a free-for-public exercise series held on Bintang Steps along Jalan Gading

Stretching and warm up

Relaxing the senses and just let natural breathing take place

Yoga is not only a practice of perseverance and patience but also to regulate our emotions and to connect with our soul to free ourselves from latent burden that we have accumulated through our daily struggles. Only when the mind is silent can we recognize real peace, joy, love and creativity to find solutions to our problems. We become much more resilient to stress and enjoy greater mental clarity.

For balance

For more flexibility

Olivier giving precise instructions to help achieve the correct posture

The cobra pose

For that flat tummy

Olivier encourages to  follow the best we can and not to force ourselves 

The downward dog pose

Olivier demonstrating the warrior pose

An engineer by profession, Olivier first started studying Tai Qi and Qi Gong in Singapore eight years ago. Upon his return to Malaysia, his thirst for knowing more about ancient holistic practises strengthened which led him to study Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga. Being a Yoga and Qi Gong teacher for more than three years now, he simply seeks to improve the well being of his students. 

I applaud Olivier's proficiency in giving the right description to help his students depict and practice the channeling of energy and feelings, something untouchable and unseen that is not easily imaginable by some.

Receiving positive energy

Persevere to reap the goodness of yoga

Resting position

How often do you have the chance to just lie down flat in the middle of the city

The view looking up in the city

Thank you Olivier!

Fitness in the City is part of the a fitness siries held along Bintang Steps. To check out the programme line-up, check out www.facebook.com/starhillgallery or Instagram at www.instagram.com/starhillgallery

The fitness gang after class

Rimba and Rusa @ Kota Damansara

If you are looking for a restaurant of credible aesthetic standards and menu of unique character, Rimba & Rusa has something to offer. Situated in Kota Damansara, the beautiful two-tiered restaurant is a contemporary cafe that gives you a dose of that sophisticated lifestyle. Fortunately, its taste in its facade also extends to its food. 

Through its food, its kitchen's effort and carefulness in creating its dishes is evident. Food here entails their signature twist using selected ingredients while accentuating, if not maintaining, its original flavours. Be prepared to experience a lot of fusion food here with layers and familiar yet unfamiliar tastes.

Cosy setting at Rimba and Rusa

Making everyday a Sunday

Their two-tiered restaurant makes it aesthetically more appealing

High ceilings and plenty of glass windows for natural light

Rimba and Rusa labels their crockery for a more exclusive touch

Weekend Special- available on Saturdays and Sundays only
Laksa Rimba with Soft Shell Crab RM36

I must say that their Rimba Laksa is worth trying as the broth is not only flavourful but at the right thickness. It is the classic nyonya laksa with cucumber, tofu puffs, hard boiled egg, fish cake but served with spagetti. The soft shell crab explains its price. However, it became quite forgivable after having it dipped in its gravy.

Slurping up some Laksa Rimba

Left- avocado and mango salad RM26
Right- Roasted pumpkin salad RM20

Rimba & Rusa is also keeps up with the healthy trend with its appetizing salads that gives different dimensions of textures. Their individually prepared ingredients put together like caramelised plum and roasted pumpkin adds a hefty quality to their salads.

Kacang Phool Jiddah- RM18

Those who are not into whole heavy meals can opt for their all-day breakfast like this Kacang Phool Jiddah.

Spicy seafood linguine RM34

Salted Egg Prawn RM36

Beef Lasagna RM32

Their Italian job meets expectation with prominent chunks of meat and seafood, garnished with fresh basil or parsely.

Charred Pineapple Roasted Chicken RM29

The combination of the refreshing pineapple and the heavy-textured chickpea is a delight to have, creating wonders of how creative the chef can be.

Beef Harissa Flatbread RM25

Orang Butter Sea Bass RM30

This dish of a 2-piece sea bass doubles as a table topic as it is orange butter manages to pull all sweet, sour and savoury in a beautiful balance over the pan seared fish.

Spicy Butter Chicken

Braised Short Ribs

Children play area for a piece of mind for parents

A pretty little place

Rimba & Rusa
D-GF-01, Ground Floor
2, Jalan PJU 5/14,
Sunway Nexis
47810 Kota Damansara,
Selangor

Opens every day except Friday

Tel: 03-6151 3022