Since time immemorial India has been making its mark in the world by contributing its various creations for the rest of the world to experience and use. One of India’s contributions struggle to withstand the test of time, such as the language Sanskrit, said to be the mother of all languages and the oldest language to ever be spoken is rumoured to be a dying one. While another one of the country’s contributions have successfully withstood the test of time and found its place in the present world, the creation of zero, the most powerful number in the number system and in people’s bank accounts.
But one of the contributions has not only steadily stood the test of time but also seems to be adapting with it, and that’s Yoga!
Yoga is the practice of mental, physical and spiritual discipline which was founded and practised in ancient India, which was passed down for generations. It is one of the key school of thought in the philosophical traditions of the Hindu religion. This practice was adapted into different forms under the teachings of other religions like Buddhism and Jainism. This ‘flexible’ practice serves as one of the most important methods of exercise in today’s world. The form of yoga actively practised today is termed as ‘Hatha Yoga’, which includes the practice of physical postures known as ‘asanas’
But don’t let this brief history lesson misguide you, yoga is flexible in more ways than one. It is being adapted into multiple different ways that make it more fun, engaging and equally quirky. Here is a list of some of the interesting yoga trends. From the weird yoga trends that came to light in 2017 to the cool yoga trends to look out for in 2019, you can find your fix down below:
Acro Yoga
Far more different than the trends you read earlier, Acro Yoga is not an easy one for those just starting out. Combining yoga with acrobatics and Thai massage, Acro Yoga is a far more rigorous trend that can lead to many injuries. This form involves three primary roles- base, flyer and spotter. The three roles work in unison to help execute the perfect poses and posture because even one slip up can result in an injury!
Antigravity Yoga
Get your superhero mode on and soar above the ground while you nail those asanas and build your sense of balance and flexibility. Also known as aerial yoga and closely associated with pilates, antigravity yoga (which sounds much cooler) allows you to use a hammock suspended from the ceiling to assist you off the ground while you work your muscles and mind.
Chair Yoga
Do you find yourself sitting in your office chair all day procrastinating over exercising because it requires you to get up and move? Fret no more, yoga has found a way to save you too! This gentle form of yoga is practised using a chair for sitting and standing for support. It is not yet recognized as an official form of the discipline but incorporates poses from Hatha Yoga creating an inclusive space for the least active people to the elderly folk.
Goat Yoga
Why should dogs have all the fun? There is nothing cuter than a farm animal joining you to do some stretches and connect with your inner peace of mind. Many establishments in the west started to incorporate cute baby goats into yoga classes giving their patrons an additional reason to relax. But be sure not to get distracted by the cuteness, should you open your eyes mid-meditation.
Beer Yoga
Yes you read that right! Yoga just gave you another excuse to crack open a cold one and get going. This practice got a soaring amount of mixed reviews from those watching it happen. Sipping off the beer regularly is incorporated with vinyasa yoga movements to combine the joys of drinking with the pleasure of internal balance.
Dog Yoga
If you are dog-lover, this practice is perfect for you. Your little fluff-ball gets to join you on the mat for all the asanas. This not only makes exercising a lot more fun but also as a relationship building exercise for you and your pet.
Be it with a bottle of beer, your favourite animal or cool tricks, yoga has found its way to be a common denominator and combine fun and exercise! So what is your pick, let us know below!
