Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and wonderful world of yoga
Canada: $6 billion leggings
Yoga and athleisure wear brand Lululemon reported record net revenues in 2021 — surpassing over $6 billion for the first time. In recent financial statements, the Vancouver-based company reported that its net revenues had increased 42% to $6.3 billion for 2021 compared to 2020 — an amazing achievement given the economic upheaval of the past couple of years and all the uncertainties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. CEO Calvin McDonald said it reflected “the enduring strength of our brand.”
UK: Love levitating
English singer-songwriter Dua Lipa is the latest celebrity to showcase her yoga skills. The superstar recently shared a video of herself practicing yoga while on a break from her Future Nostalgia Tour. And it looks like she has a natural talent for the ancient mind-body practice, sporting a trendy lime green outfit while stretching out on the mat. Dua Lipa has scored a string of hits in recent years including Physical, Break My Heart and Levitating, which reached number one on the US year-end chart in 2021.
UK: International yoga day
Don’t forget: June 21 marks the UN-endorsed International Day of Yoga, a global celebration of all-things great about yoga. Celebrations to mark the day are being held across the planet so be sure to look out for classes near to where you live. In the UK, it also means there’s now just four months to go until the OM Yoga Show in London’s Alexandra Palace, which takes place from October 14-16, 2022. It will be the first show since 2019, so make sure you’re there for one incredible weekend of yoga fun.
Saudi Arabia: Yoga education
Schools in Saudi Arabia could be set to introduce yoga as part of the sports curriculum because of its mental and physical health benefits, according to reports. It follows the recent success of the country’s first ever yoga festival, organised by the Saudi Yoga Committee. The Committee is now building cooperation and links with the Saudi School Sports Federation in a bid to introduce more schoolchildren to the health and wellbeing benefits of a regular yoga practice.
India: Doctor school
Under new proposals, medical students in India might need to undertake an hour of yoga 10 days a year, as well as take a nationwide exit test ahead of final graduation. That’s according to new curriculum changes recommended by India’s regulatory body for undergraduate medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC). It reflects the increasing importance of yoga and Ayurveda in modern India. Potentially, the first graduates to take the national exit test could be in April 2026 if the changes are adopted.
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
