Going with the flow

When he discovered yoga, he fell in love with the exercise and started teaching others.

But he didn't quit his job; instead he learned to focus his mind.

When he started hatha yoga in 1990, Tam found it too slow and thought the practice had been invented for old people. A few years later, he was introduced to vinyasa yoga, a more dynamic form of exercise.

It all started at a meditation retreat, where he was asked to teach a group of fellow students.

He combined vinyasa yoga with gigong and tai chi practices into what he calls "Flow Yoga". Based on vinyasa yoga, his techniques often include soft movements. This was when Tam found his true calling.

In 2000, he became a full-time yoga instructor and now runs his Jiva Yoga centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"My class has specifically been created to cater to gym people," says Tam, who understands keep-fit enthusiasts are used to doing continuous steps in classes.

Therefore, his yoga postures are designed to fit into a one-hour session that aims to increase the flexibility and balance of the body.

Classes are divided into three levels: gentle flow for beginners and those who want to reduce stress; dynamic flow for advanced practitioners; and hot flow, which is practised in a room set to a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.

Tam regularly flies to Bangkok to hold his classes at Fitness First. He has now trained 20 body balance instructors from the gym who are able to teach members when he is not there.