Chris has lived permanently on Alonnisos since 1996, first
building
a house there in 1990. He has spent 14 years
guiding walks and boat trips around Alonnisos and the
surrounding islands of the marine
park, helping to open up the traditional footpaths which
later became the marked hiking trails that now
criss-cross the island.
He founded
Alonnisos Walking Club in 2005 with the aim of encouraging
both residents and visitors alike to better appreciate and enjoy
this outstanding island environment. Chris is also the
author of the walking guide “Alonnisos through the souls of your
feet”.
"Long recognised as a haven for wildlife lovers and
walkers, the island of Alonnisos has previously had no
comprehensive guide to its countryside and flora and fauna. This
glaring omission has now been filled with Chris Browne’s
excellent new guide to the island and its three neighbouring
islands in the Sporades Marine Park. Also including guides to
the best beaches and snorkelling sites, this guide will be
essential reading for anyone visiting this jewel of the
Sporades."
Before settling on Alonnisos Chris worked for many years in the
Middle East and Africa and has trekked in South America twice to
raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust of the UK. He has also
explored the Western Ghats mountain range of southern India on
foot and studied yoga there.
Lee Hamblin
Lee has been practicing Yoga since 1995, teaching since
2001.
"It was suggested to me to try as a release from
a career as a songwriter and producer in the music business. I
immediately found something was working for me with this
science. I always left the mat with a sense of peace after the
class, I had no idea why but accepted and acknowledged my
feelings. I know my intent and effort brings focus and self
discipline to my life and find I give thanks every day for this
wonderful life."
Self control, wisdom, love and compassion for yourself and
others grow with the practice of Yoga. Of course we only get out
of the practice what we put in, think of the quality not the
quantity of the practice, of the breath, for there is so much to
explore in every posture.
Lee practices Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Hatha Yoga and
teach classes in both these styles with a deep breath and a
flowing exploring attitude.
His Ashtanga classes follow the Vinyasa system and method
as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. Hatha classes will incorporate
asana (posture), a little pranayama (breath awareness), a little
savasana (relaxation) in a flowing class.
"All are welcome to class, remembering that there is
no-one ‘better’ than anybody else, we leave competitiveness
outside. It is your practice to explore and I hope you find a
little freedom on your mat….and harmony in your life."
Dinah Sinclair's Aqua Aerobics
Dinah holds a Speedo qualification to
teach Aerobics in the water at shallow depth, this means that your feet
are on the bottom of the pool and the water is between waist and chest
height.
Water aerobics is a great all round exercise using most
muscles in the body in a vigorous but fun workout to music.
Anyone can take part and you don’t have to be super fit or
athletic as you simply work at your own pace guided by the
instructor.
The classes
are 45 minutes long and starts off gently warming up the
muscles and moving into an aerobic session using foam woggles
and webbed gloves. These assist muscle tone working using the
resistance of the water and helping to burn fat.
The class then works into a cool down session and finishes
by stretching out the muscles. It is not essential to be able to
swim as there are only a few exercises that require floating and
the foam woggles act as buoyancy aids.
It is essential that any medical conditions or injuries are
disclosed to the instructor prior to the session beginning, as
exercises may need to be adapted to suit individuals.
Class sizes are usually between 10-15
