Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and wonderful world of yoga
USA: Yoga 600
Many yoga teachers dream of one day owning their own studio. But how about looking after 600 of them? Boutique fitness brand YogaSix recently announced that it has now exceeded more than 600 signed franchise agreements across the USA. It’s testimony to the popularity of yoga and great news for the brand itself, of course. “It’s been an incredible year of growth and overall prestige for our brand within the fitness and franchise space,” said YogaSix president Lindsay Junk. “Signing more than 600 agreements is a milestone for us that shows mind[1]body wellness has staying power and truly is more important than ever.”
USA: Birthday girl
Yoga makes you feel younger — now there’s proof! Vera Punke of Arlington, Virginia, recently celebrated her 108th birthday telling reporters yoga helps keep her fit and feeling like she’s just 98 again! She enjoyed a big party with her name written in gold balloons at the senior living centre where she lives. She told WJLA that as she ages, she’s grateful for every day and looking forward to future birthdays. But she doesn’t dwell on the past — looking to the future is part of her secret to living a long, joyful life. “You look ahead and try to be happy.”
UK: Yogi Tamzin
Television actress Tamzin Outhwaite enjoyed some time on the mat during a yoga retreat in Spain recently, sharing photographs and wisdom with her Instagram followers. The former Eastenders star, 52, flew to Marbella for a week at the Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat and shared a series of snaps including some impressive moves on the plush yoga deck. She also shared some beautiful inspiration and insight, including: “Staying open, free and positive in this world is a daily mantra” and “Hurt people hurt people but healed people heal people.”
UK: Puppy problems
There are calls to ban puppy yoga after undercover filming in an ITV News investigation revealed puppies as young as six weeks being denied access to water or worked for hours at a time. MPs have been alerted to the issue with experts from the RSPCA and The Kennel Club expressing concerns during an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee meeting. PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, Dr Sean Wensley, said the sessions raised “issues of respecting animals and commodifying cute animals for human gain.
India: Ayush visa
India has launched a new visa category designed for people who want to visit the country for yoga or Ayurveda. The New Delhi government recently unveiled its so-called Ayush visa scheme for foreign nationals seeking treatment under traditional Indian systems of medicine. “This initiative will strengthen our endeavour to accomplish our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for making Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
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.
