Yogis everywhere are trying to put a new spin on yoga. The ancient practice of yoga is getting new lease of life with some of these up and coming trends. A variety of alternative classes, boutique gyms and experimental fitness classes are popping up across London, and we’d like to share the latest crazes with you.
Social media has been flooded with pictures of the latest fads from dog yoga and emoji yoga to Voga (Voguing + Yoga) and even naked yoga (not for the fainthearted) are now popular. Take a look at the new yoga trends we’re excited to try in 2016:
1. Laughter yoga (Hasyayoga) is a practice involving prolonged voluntary laughter, what's not to love? Practiced in groups with eye contact and playfulness encouraged between participants, the aim is to recreate the physiological and psychological benefits that result from spontaneous laughter. Watch out, many participants report the sessions as contagious...
2. Power yoga – focuses on developing your strength, balance and flexibility. Although it varies on the teacher, it offers an intense workout, with roots in Ashtanga Yoga, its quick pace will ensure you break a sweat.
3. Partner yoga – is not one for beginners, it involves a series of moves in which you rely on your partner (friend, spouse, fellow yoga-enthusiast) to complete each posture. There are many poses on the internet that range from easy to difficult and can be tried at home. Follow @laurasykora on Instagram for yoga inspiration.
4. Anti-gravity yoga – invented by former gymnast, Christopher Harrison, AntiGravity Yoga uses exercises inspired by yoga and pilates being performed in a special hammock, which acts like a swing. This allows you to practice yoga without putting strain or stress on your joints. Watch out for moves such as the ‘the awesome possum’ and ‘the chandelier’.
5. Snowga – performed outside in freezing temperatures, #snowga has taken Twitter by storm. Ski instructor and yoga teacher Anne Anderson started the craze to help skiiers master their skills and confidence in the snow. Popular in America and Canada, snowga is being used by novice and expert skiiers alike. Best for keen Instagramers looking to impress, follow @snowga on Instagram for beautiful shots.
6. Yoga + Dance - why not try the Temple Goddess Workout? Created by an acclaimed Indian dancer and yoga teacher Revital Carroll, this fun and captivating workout is a fusion of yoga and Indian dance that slims the waist, tones the abs, bottom, and thighs, and switches on the goddess glow!