Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and wonderful world of yoga
USA: Yoga v politics
Yoga was listed among ways US voters could ease their election anxieties last year, alongside other activities like gardening, dancing and walking. The EoS Fitness Study revealed that as many as 83% of Americans were feeling election-related stress — luckily, most also recognised the importance of physical activity to manage it. “Our survey finds that exercise is a healthy and effective way to manage anxiety,” said EoS Fitness chief marketing officer Shilpi Sullivan. Other stress-busting activities included swimming, weightlifting, running, strength training, cycling and meditation.
UK: Elite level
Wealthy individuals are turning to yoga as a way to beat the stress. A recent study from the Saltus Wealth Index shows that health is a major priority for high net worth individuals (HNWIs), a group that is now more inclined to try alternative medicines, take up yoga or hire a personal trainer. A third of the group surveyed said they had started yoga classes in the past year, the report states, cited by Private Banker International. Meditation, buying organic food and taking regular therapy sessions were also increasingly popular, it reported.
Germany: YogaSix Frankfurt
America’s biggest yoga franchise brand has arrived in Germany. YogaSix announced its arrival in Europe with its first studio opening in Frankfurt — the brand’s first location outside US borders. The franchise is expanding into Germany through LifeFit Group, led by Christophe Collinet and Daniel Hoffman, who successfully introduced sister brand Club Pilates to the local market. “Yoga is more popular than ever, precisely because it strengthens physically but also mentally, relieves tension, and reduces stress,” said Collinet, CCO of LifeFit Group.
UK: Blind yoga
Blind yoga is helping people with sight loss. Sight Scotland recently recommended its first-ever yoga class designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among people with visual impairments, the BBC reported. The seated 60-minute classes include elements of meditation, breathing techniques and mindfulness, alongside ‘eye yoga’ to help students relax and reduce stress. “The chair yoga is very gentle but very powerful,” it quoted 78-year-old Carolyn Wightman as saying. “It's helped my fitness level.” She says being surrounded by others who have been through similar experiences has also helped.
India: By royal appointment
If yoga is good for the King of England then it must be good for the rest of us! During a trip to India, King Charles made time for a secret stop at wellness retreat, Soukya, an international holistic health centre on the outskirts of the southern city of Bengaluru. The retreat combines yoga with ayurveda and other holistic practices, set in a lush 30-acre organic farm. Soukya – derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘harmony’ – has previously attracted the likes of the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the actor Emma Thompson. King Charles was travelling with Queen Camilla on his way back from a tour of Australia and Samoa.
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.
