Novelty Yoga Trends: A Critical Review and Practical Guide for Physical Trainers

Introduction

Yoga, rooted in ancient spiritual and physical traditions, has evolved significantly within the Western fitness landscape over the past few decades.

Traditional yoga styles maintain a dedicated following, but an array of “novelty yoga” trends has emerged.

These innovative approaches infuse classical yoga with entertaining, unconventional, or hybrid elements—examples include goat yoga, beer yoga, rage yoga, aerial yoga, SUP yoga, and themed sessions.

Such formats have captured broad public interest, appealing particularly to younger demographics and those seeking experiential fitness.

For physical trainers aiming to expand their class offerings, understanding these novelty trends—their origins, health implications, popularity, challenges, and sustainability—is essential for effective portfolio integration.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of major novelty yoga practices and compares them with traditional yoga regarding health outcomes, participant engagement, and market viability.

It concludes with evidence-based recommendations tailored to professional trainers.

I. Leading Novelty Yoga Trends: Origins, Features, and Popularity

Goat Yoga, which emerged in Oregon in 2016, combines traditional yoga postures with the presence of playful baby goats that roam and interact with participants.

The livestock’s warmth and spontaneity promote laughter, relaxation, and stress alleviation.

Goat yoga has achieved global visibility, often set in outdoor or farm environments, appealing to clients who enjoy animal-assisted experiences and social charm.

Beer Yoga originated in Germany and merges moderate beer consumption within yoga sessions.

Participants drink small amounts throughout the practice, blending physical exertion with social conviviality.

These classes attract a younger, urban audience, especially in locales with vibrant craft beer cultures, creating a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.

Rage Yoga presents a contrarian take by encouraging participants to express pent-up emotions such as yelling and swearing alongside traditional breathing and stretching.

This cathartic method targets emotional release and stress reduction, drawing individuals seeking alternative stress coping strategies.

Though niche, rage yoga exemplifies the broadening yoga ethos in modern fitness.

Aerial Yoga is a fitness-focused innovation developed within the last decade, utilizing silk hammocks suspended from ceilings to support mid-air yoga poses.

Demanding considerable core strength and balance, aerial yoga blends Pilates and dance influences and has grown popular particularly across Asia and urban studios worldwide.

Its technical and strength-oriented nature necessitates well-trained instructors.

Themed/Pop Culture Yoga includes glow-in-the-dark sessions, Harry Potter-themed classes, holiday celebrations, and decade-specific music/yoga fusions.

These creative formats enhance the client experience through imaginative settings, music, and community participation, often functioning as special events.

SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Yoga combines yoga practice with balancing on paddleboards amid natural aquatic settings.

It emphasizes core strength, balance, and mindfulness, attracting adventure-seeking clients primarily in warm, scenic locations.

Hybrid or Fusion Yoga trends integrate yoga with sports, surfing, detox regimens, diving, or wine tasting.

These multisensory formats increase engagement and appeal, particularly to social and health-conscious younger adults aged 18–34.

They have significantly contributed to growing yoga enrollments worldwide.

II.

Health Benefits and Risks: Novelty versus Traditional Yoga

Both novelty and traditional yoga provide foundational benefits, including improved flexibility, muscle strength, posture, mental clarity, stress relief, and enhanced mood through body awareness and breath control.

Extensive studies confirm yoga’s efficacy in mitigating anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, while promoting cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Novelty yoga formats often incorporate psychosocial advantages.

For instance, the laughter and interactive nature of goat yoga trigger oxytocin release and endorphin surges, further reducing stress.

Social components in beer and hybrid yoga foster community connection and reduce social inhibitions.

Aerial and SUP yoga offer additional physical advantages through enhanced core engagement and proprioceptive challenges.

Yin Yoga, a slow, restorative form that surged in popularity post-pandemic, differs by targeting deep connective tissues and inducing parasympathetic nervous system activation.

Its therapeutic benefits include reducing anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, and promoting emotional balance through meditative stillness.

However, novelty yoga also carries intrinsic risks.

Animal-assisted classes present potential hygiene and injury concerns, demanding strict safety protocols.

Alcohol use in beer yoga can impair coordination, increasing injury risk during physical poses.

Rage yoga’s cathartic approach may not be suitable for individuals with emotional trauma or mental health vulnerabilities.

Physically intensive formats such as aerial yoga require rigorous instructor certification and client screening to prevent musculoskeletal injury.

Critically, some novelty trends risk diluting yoga’s meditative depth and mindfulness focus, potentially diminishing long-term psychological benefits.

Prioritizing entertainment over anatomical precision may elevate injury risk over time.

Expert consensus underscores that novelty yoga can safely complement—though not replace—traditional yoga, particularly when delivered by credentialed professionals emphasizing client safety and progressive skill development.

III.

Popularity, Demographics, and Retention Patterns

Data from industry reports reveal explosive growth in novelty yoga participation since 2015, driven by social media trends, event marketing, and celebrity endorsements.

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) cites younger adults (18–34 years) as the primary consumers of novelty yoga, favoring its experiential and informal nature.

Nonetheless, novelty classes predominantly function as episodic events—occasional bookings for special occasions or corporate team-building dominate attendance.

The Yoga Alliance Market Survey (2022) documents significantly lower retention rates compared to traditional yoga, where clients tend to cultivate progressive, long-term practice.

Demographically, novelty yoga attracts urban socially oriented novices, while traditional yoga retains a broader age range, including clients seeking physical rehabilitation or meditative depth.

IV.

Practitioner and Client Perspectives

Clients frequently describe novelty yoga as fun, approachable, and less intimidating, lowering barriers for new participants.

Trainers value it as a recruitment tool and a means to diversify client bases and foster community.

Conversely, experienced instructors and long-term practitioners express concerns about commodification and the potential erosion of yoga’s traditional values and integrity.

Safety within novelty formats—particularly involving animals or alcohol—remains a professional priority.

Clients sometimes report truncated well-being benefits absent sustained practice.

Trainers emphasize the importance of integrating novelty yoga within a broader, structured yoga education program for optimal client outcomes.

V. Best Practices and Recommendations for Physical Trainers

Physical trainers should leverage novelty yoga strategically, framing it as an engaging introduction or social complement rather than a sole offering.

Key guidelines include:

- Employ certified, experienced instructors, particularly for high-risk formats like aerial yoga or animal-assisted sessions.
- Incorporate client interest assessments and pilot classes to tailor offerings.
- Enforce rigorous safety, hygiene, and liability protocols tailored to novelty class specifics.
- Design blended programming that connects novelty experiences with traditional yoga to foster continuity and depth.
- Regularly solicit and analyze client feedback to refine class design and maximize satisfaction.
- Utilize social media and event marketing to amplify novelty offerings while promoting their complementary relationship to traditional yoga.
- Monitor client progression to recommend appropriate transitions towards sustained, mindful yoga practice.

VI.

Market Growth and Demographic Trends

The yoga market continues its global expansion, with the yoga apparel sector alone expected to exceed $70 billion by 2030.

Participation growth is strongest among women aged 18–34, driven by diverse yoga styles, wellness trends, and social media influence.

Hybrid and novelty yoga formats have played a crucial role in market vitality, appealing to younger, socially engaged demographics who desire fitness with entertainment and community.

Conclusion

Novelty yoga trends offer dynamic, engaging avenues to enrich a physical trainer’s portfolio, attracting diverse clienteles through creative, social, and physical innovation.

While these trends do not supplant the holistic benefits and retention strength of traditional yoga, they function effectively as gateways and community builders.

Trainers who prioritize safety, evidence-based practice, and structured pathways to sustained yoga engagement can successfully incorporate novelty yoga to enhance client recruitment, experience, and retention.

Balanced integration of novelty and traditional yoga supports both business growth and client wellness—forming a robust foundation for modern fitness professionals.

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Novelty Yoga Trends: A Critical Review and Practical Guide for Physical Trainers

Introduction

Yoga, rooted in ancient spiritual and physical traditions, has evolved significantly within the Western fitness landscape over the past few decades.

Title:

Content: Flow yoga is the key to balance and energy.
Basic practice of 9 asanas
,
Comments
This style can be practiced by both beginners and experienced athletes.
One of the popular varieties of yoga practices – flow, translated from English means “in the stream ”.
This style appeared in the 20s of the twentieth century, and now has become the basis in the arsenal of many yogis.
How is it different from other species?
Why should he give preference?
We will not only tell you about the theory, but also help you make the first practice.
yoga instructor
“It ’ s quite a dynamic style that will suit even people with minimal experience in yoga. ”
What we will tell you about:
More about the types of yoga here:
What are the types of yoga?
6 most popular destinations
Essence and benefit
This style has become very popular in our time.
With the help of classes you will get simultaneously relaxation and a charge of energy for the whole day.
At the same time, flexibility, strength and endurance develop, in parallel you work with breathing.
The healing and restorative effect of classes is manifested quite quickly.
Training helps to keep the musculoskeletal system in good shape.
Due to the fact that some of the asanas apply twisting, the correct execution can have a mild therapeutic effect on the condition of the spine.
Slopes and deflections will reduce fat deposits and stimulate the digestive system.
Standing asanas help to cope with rheumatic pain, make the joints more mobile, strengthen the ligaments and muscles.
During the practice of flow yoga, your body as a whole will become physically more hardy and attractive, and the mood after each lesson will undoubtedly improve.
Flow yoga has a separate mission - to warm up the body, develop blood flow, increase sweating and accelerate the movement of lymph.
This allows you to remove the clamps and remove edema, also reduces the risk of injury, even with intense training.
The practice consists of smoothly alternating poses.
Often, a change of movement occurs for each inhale and exhale, which allows you to enter the state of flow and trains the conscious perception of the body.
It is very important during the execution of asanas to synchronize movement and breathing.
Photo: istockphoto.com / AnnaStills
Contraindications
Yoga is a fairly calm type of training that does not have a wide list of contraindications, but they are still there.
You can not deal with it to people with hypertension, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, problems with the respiratory or circulatory system.
After operations or severe diseases, it is also worth waiting with practice.
For pregnant women and recently gave birth there are separate complexes of yoga, it is better to give preference to them.
Yoga or Pilates, that ’ s the question:
What is the difference between yoga and Pilates?
Detailed analysis of sports directions
Flow Yoga in Practice
Classes for beginners are built from simple to complex, the main focus is on balance.
The whole practice is wave in nature: there is an increase in the load, and then complete relaxation, the emphasis is on revealing the hidden resources of the body.
In the first practice, no one will offer to perform complex asanas.
Experienced teachers will take into account the level of training.
While you are at the initial stage, it is best to limit yourself to a 45-60 minute session.
We're going to do a sequence of nine asanas.
Each one flows into the next and is performed on both the right and left leg.
Watch your breath, it's synchronized with movement.
Tadasana
Technique of execution
• Stand straight, stretch your hands along the body, turn your palms towards the body.
The feet are next to each other.
• Spread your shoulders and look forward.
From the heel to the top, the body is one vertical line.
• Keep your head up.
Take deep breaths and exhalations with your nose.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / fizkes
Uttanasana
Technique of execution
• As you exhale, begin to lean forward slowly with a straight back due to flexion in the hip joints.
• Then set the extension vector: the crown extends to the floor.
Place your palms on the floor, on both sides of the feet.
• Try to deepen the slope with each exhalation.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / millann
Chaturanga Dandasana
Technique of execution
• Take a step with your right and left foot back.
• Move to the position of the bar on the outstretched hands, with an emphasis on the palm.
The legs are on the toes, the palms are strictly under the shoulders.
Do not round or bend your back.
• Try not to clench the neck with your shoulders, reach for the crown forward.
Keep a straight line from the heel to the head.
• From this exhaled position, bend your arms at the elbows to the right angle, elbows pointing backwards and moving along the body, legs extended at the knees.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / fizkes
Urdhwa Mukha Shwanasana or "Dog Face Up"
Technique of execution
• From the previous asana, push the body forward as you inhale, place your fingers wide and press your palms against the floor with effort.
Put your feet on the floor.
• Stretch your back and straighten your shoulders, reach up with the crown, push your shoulders down, do not clamp your neck.
• Continuing to push your palms away from the mat, feel the stretching in your hands and the opening of the chest.
The pelvis stays on weight.
Feet pressed.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / fizkes
Adho Mukha Shwanasana or "Dog Face Down"
Technique of execution
• Put your feet on the floor.
The palms are located on the width of the shoulders, the fingers are directed forward, tightly pressed to the floor.
• As you inhale, lift your buttocks up, stretch your coccyx to the ceiling.
Head down, neck relaxed.
• Try to straighten your knees, but do not tear your feet off the floor.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / fizkes
Virabhadrasana 1
Technique of execution
• When inhaling, take a wide step forward with your right foot, bend it in the knee.
The angle between the thigh and the shin of the right leg is 90 degrees or a little more.
Taz is looking forward.
• Pull out the left leg and place it on the sock.
Lift the body up, stretch your hands above your head along the ears.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / fizkes
Virabhadrasana 2
Technique of execution
• From Virabhadrasana 1, turn the pelvis to the left, stretch your arms to the sides, look at the right hand.
• The angle between the right thigh and the shin remains 90 degrees.
The left foot is pressed and the leg is stretched.
Put your left foot on the floor.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / fizkes
Uttita Triconasana
Technique of execution
• As you exhale, straighten both legs and turn your left foot inward 30 to 45 degrees.
Hold your hands parallel to the floor and, stretching forward with your right hand, begin to descend to the right foot.
• Place your right palm on the right foot.
• The left hand rushes up, forming a line with the right hand.
Look up at your left hand.
Do a few breathing cycles.
Photo: istockphoto.com / SergeyChayko
Parivritta Triconasana
Technique of execution
• Without changing the position of the legs, turn the torso to the right, changing the position of the body and hands.
• The left hand lies on the right shin, and the right - stretches upwards.
A look at the right hand.
• Do not bend the knees, do not lift the fingers of the right foot.
The outer part of the left foot is completely located on the floor.
Do a few breathing cycles.
As you inhale, bend your right knee and return to Virabhadrasana 1.
Step with your left foot and repeat the ligament of the last four asanas on your left foot.
Photo: istockphoto.com / boonsom
Staying healthy and morally stable is a difficult task in the modern world with its fast pace and swiftness.
But if you begin to listen to yourself and help your body, you will become one step closer to physical and mental balance.
Learn how to make a complex asana from yoga:
How to learn to stand on elbows?
Step-by-step instructions from the coach
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Comments

Traditional yoga styles maintain a dedicated following, but an array of “novelty yoga” trends has emerged.

Title:

Content: Yoga Clothing Market Expected to Reach $70,291.0 Million by 2030-Allied Market Research

Yoga Clothing Market

PORTLAND, OR, UNITED STATES, November 23, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Recent years have seen increased traction toward hybrid form of yoga. For instance, yoga & sports, yoga & surf, yoga cruises, yoga & diving, yoga & detox, and yoga & wine along with the more popular yoga & meditation and yoga & Ayurveda programs are trending among the practitioners. These programs are highly engaging, interactive, and full of fun, which, in turn, has resulted in increase in enrollments for these programs. This trend is likely to prevail in the upcoming years with the relaxation of lockdown and social distancing norms. Therefore, the increased participation in yoga is propelling the global yoga clothing market demand.

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Yoga Clothing Market by Product Type, End User, and Distribution Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2030,” the global yoga clothing market size is expected to reach $70,291.0 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2021 to 2030.

Yoga is a combination of spiritual, physical, and mental discipline originated in India. It is a holistic discipline based on an extremely subtle science, majorly focusing on bringing harmony between body and mind. Yoga is well-known for promotion of health, management, disease prevention, of many lifestyle-related disorders. In addition, practicing yoga improves strength, flexibility, breathing & lung capacity, and posture. It thus aids in managing anxiety, stress, depression, and other chronic diseases. The rising awareness regarding the mental and physical health benefits of practicing yoga is compelling the population to increasingly join yoga classes, thereby increasing the number of yoga participants. The rising number of yoga participants is a significant driver of the global yoga clothing market.

Download Sample Copy with TOC, Graphs & List of Figures: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/14563

The yoga clothing market growth is propelled by alarming surge in incidence of obesity and health-related diseases. In addition, consumers are increasingly following fitness practices such as yoga and are engaged in purchasing accessories for the same such as yoga clothing, blocks, and yoga mats, which boost the growth of the global yoga clothing market. Furthermore, governments of various countries and yoga & fitness clubs have been actively engaged in promoting yoga worldwide, which has resulted in increased awareness of benefits of yoga globally. For instance, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014. This encouraged people worldwide to practice and get involved in yoga and Pilates. Moreover, in 2016, the Indian Prime Minister asked his ministers to make Yoga a mass movement. All these factors collectively are anticipated to increase the number of yoga practitioners, which, in turn, will propel the demand for yoga clothing, thereby driving the growth of the global yoga clothing market.

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased participation in yoga and other fitness activities. People became more health conscious and started practicing yoga by learning on online platforms. However, the manufacturing plants of apparels were halted during the initial phase of lockdown restrictions and there were significant disruptions in the supply chain. This resulted in certain loss to the yoga clothing industry.

According to the global yoga clothing market analysis, the market is segmented on the basis of product type, end user, and distribution channel. On the basis of product type, the market is segregated into top wear and bottom wear. On the basis of end user, it is classified into men and women. On the basis of distribution channel, the yoga clothing market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, e-commerce, and others.

On the basis of region, the yoga clothing market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and rest of LAMEA).

According to the yoga clothing market forecast, on the basis of product type, the top wear segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment owing to the growing number of yoga practitioners owing to the rising prevalence of obesity among the global population.Upsurge in investment in R&D to enhance characteristics, usability, effectiveness, and comfort of yoga clothing is anticipated to propel the market growth.

Extensive analysis regarding how the COVID-19 outbreak affects the Yoga Clothing Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/14563?reqfor=covid

On the basis of the end user, the women segment accounted for 60.9% of the overall market share. The increased awareness among the women regarding the body aesthetics is propelling the women participation in yoga. Further, female celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Demi Moore, Madonna, Shilpa Shetty, Kareena Kapoor, and BipashaBasuencourages the female population to indulge in yoga activities.

As per the yoga clothing market trends, on the basis of distribution channel, the specialty stores segment accounted for 60.8% in 2020 due to their increased penetration in the developed markets like North America and Europe.

Players operating in the yoga clothing market have used a variety of developmental strategies to expand their market share, exploit the yoga clothing market opportunities, and boost market profitability. The key players profiled in this report include Nike, Puma, Asics, Under Armour, Inc., Adidas, Lululemon Athletica, Manduka, Prana, Hugger Mugger, and Aurorae Yoga, LLC.

Key findings of the study

The yoga clothing market was valued at $33,680.0 million in 2020, and is estimated to reach $70,291.0 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period.
By product type, the bottom wear segment is estimated to witness the fastest growth, registering a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.
In 2020, depending on end user, the women segment was valued at $20,520.7 million, accounting for 60.9% of the global yoga clothing market share.
In 2020, the U.S. was the most prominent market in North America, and is projected to reach $5,855.5 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.

Interested to Procure The Data? Inquire here at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/14563

David Correa
Allied Analytics LLP
+1 800-792-5285
email us here
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These innovative approaches infuse classical yoga with entertaining, unconventional, or hybrid elements—examples include goat yoga, beer yoga, rage yoga, aerial yoga, SUP yoga, and themed sessions.

Title:

Content: Yoga | Want to do Coffee Lin Qianyu 2.0? Which way is right for yourself?
See your own practice.
Author: The Doctor Easy
Published: Updated:
More and more people pay attention to health and exercise in their spare time.
In addition to outdoor sports such as hiking and running, many indoor sports have also emerged, of which yoga is the most popular.
Some simple yoga exercises can also be practiced at home.
In fact, there are many types of yoga, in addition to the usual air yoga, there are detox yoga, gentle yoga, etc., suitable for different people.
This article will introduce a variety of common types of yoga, help readers to choose the right type of yoga according to their physical condition and spiritual needs, and learn how yoga centers can help users training.
In fact, there are many types of yoga, in addition to the usual air yoga, there are also detoxification yoga, gentle yoga, etc., suitable for different people. (Photo: Courtesy of the respondent)
Aerial Yoga and Yoga Wheel Exercises Need Assistive Tools to Improve Urban Pain
Let ’ s introduce two types of yoga that have emerged in recent years and require assistive devices, namely “Aerial Yoga ” and“ Yoga Wheel ”.
When it comes to the most popular type of yoga, it must be Aerial Yoga.
Aerial yoga, also known as “anti-gravity yoga ”, practitioners suspended their bodies through a hanging cloth hammock hanging from the ceiling, allowing the body to maintain balance and stay in mid-air under the influence of gravity. It is suitable for people who want to train core muscles, balance, improve the body ’ s sense of coordination and softness, and enhance hand grip and muscle strength.
Aerial yoga can significantly increase blood circulation, and the practice process will often "burst sweat", which is quite relaxing; among them, the movement of air inversion has a traction effect, which can have a physiological effect on the spine.
The practice of aerial yoga tends to "sweat", which is quite relaxing; it is also suitable for women who want to improve their posture to put out a variety of beautiful positions in the air.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Yoga Wheel is a class of yoga classes conducted on the ground. The yoga wheel is like a hollow wheel, which is used to expand the stretching space, assist the balance of the back bend, and so on.
The use of yoga wheels for posterior curvature allows the spine to get more space for stretching, strengthening the stretching of the chest muscles and waist muscles, thereby increasing lung capacity and enhancing cardiopulmonary function.
The biggest attraction of yoga wheels is the ability to specifically improve shoulder and neck pain, camel back, and waist tightness.
The use of yoga wheels for back bending allows the spine to get more space to stretch, which can specifically improve the shoulder and neck pain, camel back, waist tightening and other problems.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Hatha Yoga focuses on breathing and extends many branches
Hatha Yoga is the oldest and most widely practiced form of yoga. “Hatha ” is Sanskrit, meaning“ power ”.
Hatha Yoga is a combination of breathing, dark thoughts and asanas. The purpose of the practice is to purify the spirit by mastering the body, and ultimately connect to spirituality.
Different body styles can effectively coordinate different parts of the bones and muscles, and help promote blood circulation throughout the body, while breathing can effectively increase lung capacity.
Practice Hatha Yoga with an emphasis on controlling your breathing and focusing on feeling each position without having to obsess over making the perfect posture.
The practitioner calms the mind, calms the mind, and boosts the spirit.
Various types of yoga extended by Hatha Yoga, such as gentle yoga, yin yoga, detoxification yoga, yoga therapy, etc., have more targeted effects.
Practice Hatha Yoga with an emphasis on controlling your breathing and focusing on feeling each position without obsessing over making perfect postures. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Various branches of Hatha Yoga, from mind to physiotherapy, suitable for different needs
Gentle Yoga focuses on stretching and breathing, not on extreme flexibility or strength.
Body style includes sitting stretching, standing posture, forward bending and low impact back bending exercises.
For people with zero basics, gentle yoga is the best starting choice.
Yin Yoga, which focuses on meditation and meditation, is a “passive ” practice. The essence is to“ give in ”, learn how to let go of the struggle and allow things to happen naturally, so that the practitioner can calm his mind and gain more powerful mental energy.
Each session lasts about three to five minutes, which is longer than other types of yoga, and assistive devices can be used to support the longer session.
Since there is no standing posture in Yin Yoga, the practice focuses on the pelvis, hip, lower abdomen, spine and other parts, which can enhance the softness of the lower body and promote blood circulation, especially for women and pregnant women.
Yin Yoga focuses on meditation and meditation, and each style lasts about three to five minutes, which is longer than other yoga types.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Detox yoga focuses on systematically stretching and compressing every part of the body.
The body consists of pushing, pulling, twisting, squeezing and stretching.
These actions can stimulate some organs with detoxification function. They help the body to expel toxins and unnecessary substances to achieve detoxification and slimming effects.
Detox yoga focuses on systematically stretching and compressing every part of the body, which can stimulate some organs with detoxification function, helping the body to expel toxins and unnecessary substances to achieve detoxification and slimming effects.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Yoga Physical is the application of yoga practice to treatment, by combining the human meridian and yoga movements, thereby promoting blood circulation, adjusting metabolism, improving the function of body parts, and achieving the purpose of relieving pain.
Depending on the area you want to improve, such as shoulders and neck, pelvis, legs and hips, the posture of each yoga session may vary.
TriAngel Yoga was founded by experienced yoga instructors.
Some of the types of yoga mentioned above can be practiced on their own, but if you want to focus on the types of yoga, you need to have professional guidance. TriAngel Yoga is founded by experienced yoga teachers and has a variety of learning modes, suitable for different levels of practitioners.
Take Aerial Yoga as an example, although there are many challenging styles, but the teacher will gradually guide the beginners, with ease, pleasure, stress reduction, and self-confidence as the focus of the class.
In terms of Hatha Yoga, the classes at TriAngel Yoga will arrange different types of mats to suit different needs, such as strengthening muscles, increasing body coordination, improving poor posture, improving flexibility, improving concentration, reducing stress and relaxation, detoxification, and increasing self-confidence.
With professional guidance, you can avoid injury and learn the correct posture.
For Hatha Yoga, the classes at TriAngel Yoga will be organized according to different types of topics, with different styles of mats to suit different needs. (Photo: freepik)
You may be interested

Such formats have captured broad public interest, appealing particularly to younger demographics and those seeking experiential fitness.

Title:

Content: Fashionable directions of group training, which have recently appeared
Fashionable directions of group training, which have recently appeared
1: 20
In the fitness industry, new equipment and types of group training are emerging.
About the most popular of them told fitness coach Yuri Averyanov.
“The emergence of new types of fitness is necessary to involve more people in an active lifestyle.
This also allows you to maintain interest in training in experienced athletes, ” the coach quotes “Championship ”.
Yuri Averyanov called new types of fitness training.
Hyrox is a fitness direction that includes both functional training and endurance training: running for eight kilometers and performing eight types of exercises.
These are ski races, pushing and pulling sledges, burpees, "farmer's walk", throwing a heavy ball and lunges.
Bikram yoga or hot yoga is the direction of "calm" fitness.
Such classes are carried out in specially heated to 40 degrees rooms, the humidity level here reaches 60 percent.
Kalaripayattu is a fitness area that is based on traditional Indian martial arts.
It includes jumps, turns and slopes.
His teachers consider kalaripayatta an excellent way of spiritual and physical development.
Author Elena Galabaeva
Elena Galabaeva – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

For physical trainers aiming to expand their class offerings, understanding these novelty trends—their origins, health implications, popularity, challenges, and sustainability—is essential for effective portfolio integration.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of major novelty yoga practices and compares them with traditional yoga regarding health outcomes, participant engagement, and market viability.

It concludes with evidence-based recommendations tailored to professional trainers.

I. Leading Novelty Yoga Trends: Origins, Features, and Popularity

Goat Yoga, which emerged in Oregon in 2016, combines traditional yoga postures with the presence of playful baby goats that roam and interact with participants.

The livestock’s warmth and spontaneity promote laughter, relaxation, and stress alleviation.

Title:

Content: Yin yoga, labelled ‘lazy yoga’ (you spend most of this yoga class lying on your mat – not a dynamic sun salutation in sight), is becoming one of the most requested classes in the city.

As London attempts to return to normal, it seems we are reaching for a movement practice that heals as well as invigorates.

Yin yoga is helping us release the trauma and tension of the past two years and find a sense of ease again and people are flocking to these classes,’ says yin teacher Dirish Shaktidas, who runs regular yin yoga sessions at Yogarise studio, in Streatham, London, which now provides daily classes due to the dramatic increase in demand.

It’s the same story, city-wide, with yin classes becoming the most booked class at gyms and studios across the capital since re-opening their doors post pandemic. Why?

‘We are all craving gentle yoga to help restore and nurture ourselves back to health after the constant and persistent stress of the past two years,’ says Paula Hines, whose new book Rest +Calm, about using the power of restorative yoga to heal our lives, launches this week.

Hines became a fan of yin and restorative yoga when she left a career in television over ten years ago and retrained as a yoga teacher.

‘I was burnt out but when I committed to a daily 20-minute practice of savasana (lying still and relaxed on my back) for a year,’ she tells Metro.co.uk. ‘It transformed my health and my life.’

In Covid lockdowns, Hines hosted yin and restorative yoga sessions online. ‘People who were completely new to yoga were signing up,’ she notes. ‘Intuitively, they knew yin yoga would help them through the pandemic.

‘But now they are continuing to practice because it helps them on a daily basis to feel good and less anxious.’

What is yin yoga and how will it help you?

Yin yoga is a slow and therapeutic style of yoga, in contrast to the more dynamic yang styles such as ashtanga or vinyasa, and is mostly done lying down on the mat.

The concept of yin and yang has its roots in Taoism/Daoism, a Chinese religion and philosophy, which states that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites. Yin represents the receiving force, yang the active. Neither pole is superior to the other but a balance between two poles is recommended in order to achieve ‘harmony’.

In yin yoga, postures are mainly passive versus active, held for three to five minutes, encouraging the body to relax into a posture, working deeply into the fascia, the connective tissues of the body.

Yin yoga is known for radically improving your flexibility and releasing any tension that you may be holding. By deep breathing and targeting the fascia, you increase blood flow and circulation which encourages every organ to function properly, helping wounds heal faster and keeping your brain sharp.

It also helps you feel better emotionally. Studies have proven that yin yoga lowers stress, anxiety and reduces the risk of depression – by activating our parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and slows your heart rate rather than stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers your fight-or-flight response.

‘Even though it might appear as though nothing much is happening, there is deep rejuvenation taking placing underneath the surface in a way that zoning out in front of Netflix or watching a back to back box does not achieve,’ says Hines.

Working on your inner energy pathways

Yin yoga is not just a feel-good exercise or relaxation class though, says Sarah Powers, one of the world’s best known and most respected yin yoga teachers and author of Lit from Within.

‘I often call Yin yoga a needle-less acupuncture session,’ she says. ‘Our body’s energy flow can densify, calcify, or stagnate when we don’t move our bodies outside of our more habitual ranges of motion.

‘Obviously, this is why we do yoga postures. But coming into a pose in a consciously slow yin way and staying for many minutes at a time helps us go into deeper energy corridors within and helps us creates a space to ventilate any kind of inner stuckness.

‘Yin teaches us to pause and to soften, to listen to ourselves and to observe and be mindful of our feelings and observe the physical and emotional resistances in our bodies.

‘As soon as we start observing versus resisting, our inner landscape begins to shift and morph. We are no longer stuck.’

Post-Covid, when the world is re-evaluating and reassessing our ‘yang ways’ of working too long and too hard, yin invites you to stop doing and start being, stop pushing and start opening up to new possibilities.

Powers suggests that we combine our yoga practice with journaling and powerful questions like: What if I didn’t tell myself that I wasn’t enough? What do I know about myself that only a wise person would see in me?

‘When we can listen more deeply to ourselves, we can listen more deeply to others, which creates more intimacy and humility, more connection,’ says Powers.

Shaktidas agrees. ‘We heal by slowing down and reconnecting to our sense of self.’

It can also help us process all the information that is being thrown at us, he suggests. In a week where we are been being bombarded by the 24/7 news about the war in Ukraine, it may be a good time to explore new ways of dealing with the constant stimuli.

‘Practising yin yoga quietens the noise and helps you release anxiety,’ he says.

Sarah Alice Lee was a photographer in New Zealand when she took her first yin yoga class: ‘I’m not being overdramatic, but yin yoga quite literally saved my life,’ she tells us. ‘I was living in New Zealand when the Christchurch Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 hit and I became highly stressed and my physical health and mental health declined rapidly.

‘No amount of running or consumption of wine seemed to achieve a state of relaxation or equilibrium in my body that I was so desperately needing.

Lee was diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants but felt like she ‘was surviving rather than living’. Yin yoga helped her turn her life around.

She says: ‘Rather than keeping busy, trying to sweep my emotions and stresses under the rug in order to get through each day, I gave myself permission to be still, to stop running, stop with the distractions, stop the numbing and allow myself to feel, truly connected to me.’

Lee found the process so transformative that she trained as a yoga teacher, moved back to the UK and now hosts workshops and classes.

‘I didn’t think I was going to change career and become a yoga teacher, but the practice was so transformative that I became evangelical and just want to spread the word,’ she says.

Hines is equally evangelical ‘Yin yoga is about making space and time to come back home to yourself.’

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Goat yoga has achieved global visibility, often set in outdoor or farm environments, appealing to clients who enjoy animal-assisted experiences and social charm.

Beer Yoga originated in Germany and merges moderate beer consumption within yoga sessions.

Participants drink small amounts throughout the practice, blending physical exertion with social conviviality.

Title:

Content: Log in to the mail
Yoga for beginners: seven basic exercises for the whole body
Yoga is often understood as physical exercise for stretching.
But that's not exactly true.
Yoga is a whole system of different practices that develops the body and spirit of a person.
In a broad sense, yoga is a way of life, behind which there is a certain worldview and philosophical knowledge about the principles of the world order and the place of a person in the world.
The basic concepts of yoga were formulated between the second and fourth centuries BC, but they do not lose their relevance today.
Even then, the father of modern yoga guru Patanjali compiled his famous Yoga Sutras - a set of 196 aphorisms that reveal the essence and philosophy of yoga.
This legendary treatise is divided into eight sections.
The first two talk about lifestyle, that yoga should lead a quiet life, be benevolent, take care of physical and mental hygiene and meditate.
Negative feelings need to be completely eradicated, as they do not bring any benefit.
The third and fourth sections deal with the physical side of yoga.
It contains a detailed description of asanas - exercises that contribute to increasing vital energy and improving the physical body.
The last four sections deal with the evolution of the mind and mental qualities of a person through meditation and training of mental abilities.
In the modern world, of course, yoga is considered rather as gymnastics, strengthening the body.
Doing yoga regularly, you can increase the overall level of health, adjust the work of individual organs, adjust the figure, “tighten ” muscles and skin.
Who benefits from yoga?
Yoga classes are suitable for almost everyone.
This is not a sport, but rather exercise therapy, so you can start practicing yoga at any age.
There is yoga for children, for the elderly and even for future mothers.
Starting to do yoga, do not worry that you may not be mobile enough.
Yoga is designed to develop flexibility and plasticity.
As a health practice, yoga is useful in the following cases:
problems with the spine; arthritis and arthrosis; chronic fatigue syndrome; anxiety; insomnia and poor sleep; internal stress, the effects of stress; asthenia; vascular dystonia; functional disorders of internal organs; PMS; and, of course, if you are just a person and have a body))
Do not lose sight of the fact that there are contraindications in yoga.
Do not engage in yoga without prior consultation with your doctor when:
• with mental disorders;
• exacerbation of diseases of internal organs;
• in the case of heart disease, joints;
• with colds and with fever;
• after the operation;
• Oncology.
What is Yoga?
There are many directions of yoga, but not all are suitable for those who are just getting acquainted with this practice.
Which one to choose?
For those who want to study at home, at a calm pace, hatha yoga is suitable.
All other forms of yoga originate from this direction.
Hatha combines meditation, pranayama (breathing technique), relaxation, and fairly simple exercises.
Classical hatha yoga is aimed primarily at the development of the physical body - the elimination of muscle blocks and clamps, the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, posture correction and strengthening of the muscular corset, the emancipation of all the joints of the body, the stabilization of the emotional and hormonal background.
For people with weakened health, during rehabilitation after surgery, the elderly, overweight people, pregnant people, as well as for completely new to yoga, it is better to choose Iyengara-yoga.
This simple direction introduces beginners to the course with exercises that are performed not on speed, but on stretching the muscles.
For the correct performance of poses in practice, supports are often used:
• blankets;
• blocks;
• belts;
• rollers.
For more mobile and restless, as well as for those who have already managed to get acquainted with yoga, ashtanga yoga is suitable.
It differs from hatha yoga in that there is necessarily a connecting element between asanas: movement and breathing, on which static poses are strung like beads on a fishing line.
Ashtanga yoga is quite dynamic and helps to direct excess energy in the right direction.
But such practices require good physical training, so it can hardly be considered as the initial stage of yoga at home.
For the most active people, power yoga is also suitable - a relatively new direction compared to other types of yoga.
It should be borne in mind that the load on the body is even more intense than in ashtanga yoga.
Strength yoga is not for beginners, but it is an ideal compromise for those who prefer yoga to functional workouts.
Power yoga helps to increase flexibility, develops endurance and quickly puts the body in order with minimal trauma.
Kundalini yoga will be especially interesting for those who focus on spiritual development.
This direction is based on meditation, asanas, chanting mantras, breathing exercises and concentration of consciousness.
The very practice of kundalini yoga does not imply special physical training, however, as home yoga for beginners, it will not work.
It is better to learn this direction under the guidance of an instructor.
Although it is a physical activity, but not intense, at a calm pace, does not require long-term muscle recovery, as, for example, after training in the gym or functional training.
For the practice of yoga, unlike many other areas, no special equipment or equipment is needed.
You only need a rug or any non-slip coating, comfortable clothes, a place for training and desire.
General recommendations for yoga classes: cheat sheet for beginners
Yoga, like any other physical activity, loves regularity and constancy.
2-3 times a week for 1-1.5 hours is ideal.
But it is quite possible to practice every day, especially if the training is short in time, such as the Surya Namaskar complex (greeting the Sun).
Any yoga session – at home or in the fitness center, for beginners or for advanced – always starts with warming up exercises.
This is to prepare the joints and muscles for the upcoming practice and prevent possible stretching or injury.
In yoga classes, it is necessary to include “standing ” static asanas.
They help strengthen the ligaments and muscles around the joints.
After deflections, it is necessary to perform compensating asanas, that is, alternate deflections with slopes.
It is important for the health of the spine.
These simple rules will help make yoga classes not only effective, but also safe.
And by doing yoga exercises conscientiously and regularly, you can achieve impressive results: the body will become flexible, and the mind – clear.
A set of asanas (exercises) for beginners
Mountain pose (Tadasana)
Stand straight, placing the feet on the width of the pelvis parallel to each other.
Pull up your knees, belly, buttocks.
Pull slightly up the crown, straightening, feel how the spine is stretched.
Straighten your shoulders, lower them down and take them a little back, bringing the shoulder blades to the center of your back.
Hands hang freely along the body.
Tune in to class.
Chair pose (Utkatasana)
From the previous asana, begin to squat slowly, moving the pelvis back, as if sitting on a chair.
At the same time, raise your hands up so that they become an extension of the side surface of the body.
Follow the technique of performing asana.
The knees and feet should be parallel to each other, the back is straight or has a natural deflection.
Reaching the angle in the knees 90 degrees, fix yourself in this position for 2-3 breathing cycles.
One breathing cycle is a calm inhalation and exhalation without pause.
If the asana is given to you easily, you can complicate it by adding a rise to the socks 6-8 times.
Then slowly return to Tadasana.
Deep tilt pose (Uttanasana)
You can perform from the basic tadasana or from the previous utkatasana.
Tightening the abdominal muscles, with a straight back lean forward by 90 °.
Then lean even lower, trying to touch the knees with your forehead.
You can wrap your hands around your legs.
Try to keep your knees straight and keep your heels from the floor.
The body is pressed to the hips as much as possible.
Feel how the muscles of the calves and the back of the thigh stretch.
Strap pose (Falakasana)
From the previous asana, lower your palms under your shoulders and step back first with one foot, then with the other foot, placing them on the width of the pelvis.
Twist the pelvis, smoothing the lumbar deflection, strain the muscles of the buttocks.
The back and legs should be a single line.
The elbows are slightly bent.
Try to distribute the weight of the body equally between the palms and feet.
Stay in the asana for several breathing cycles.
Dog pose face down (Adho Mukha Shwanasana)
From the plank, leaving the palms and feet in place, lift the pelvis up.
Try to keep your back straight, but the legs can be slightly bent in the knees and raise the heels to ease the situation.
Warrior 's pose (Virabhadrasana)
Standing in the pose of a dog face down, raise your right leg and step it forward between the palms.
Then lift the body, stretch your hands up.
At the back, the left leg remains straight on the sock.
Distribute body weight equally on both legs.
Stay in the asana for several breathing cycles.
Then repeat: plank - dog face down - step forward with the left foot - pose of the warrior.
Such circles can be performed 4-6 in a row.
Dead Man (Shavasana)
Lie down on the mat smoothly and comfortably, place your hands along the torso with your palms up.
Spread your legs a little.
Close your eyes.
Feel complete relaxation, try to get rid of all thoughts and just observe the sensations in the body.
This mini-complex takes only 15-20 minutes and can be performed every day as a morning charge.
Now you know that yoga is a great way to improve health and strengthen the body.
The practice helps to overcome stress, nervous strain, cope with various ailments, contributes to the formation of a beautiful figure and the correction of posture, develops flexibility and endurance.
Enjoy it and be healthy!

These classes attract a younger, urban audience, especially in locales with vibrant craft beer cultures, creating a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.

Title:

Content: • En
American Hot Air Yoga Taiwan English Friendly Space Den Yoga
The American style of hot flow yoga is perfect, with a flexible and dynamic style that makes young women fascinated. (Photo / Den Yoga)
(Taiwan English News / Chang Ya-chun, Taipei Interview Report) In recent years, Taiwan has become more and more healthy, and the emerging trend of sports in Taiwan has gradually won the favor of Taiwanese consumers with the all-around training of strength, core and heart.
3 years of epidemic has made the public pay more attention to health, and the long-lasting yoga movement has also been favored by various ethnic groups.
American style heat flow yoga is relatively new in the Taiwan market, with brisk pop music, less calm, more vitality of aerobic exercise; pay attention to the sense of flow, but also add strength and cardiopulmonary training, more comprehensive exercise, not boring, and hot yoga field and advantages, prompting the trainer to sweat a lot, accelerate the body metabolism and energy consumption, can be said to meet many wishes at once.
The sports industry has also undergone a considerable change in the way the annual pricing and full payment of membership binding customization is no longer favored by consumers. The studios that smell business opportunities have launched short-term plans. People can adjust their consumption plans at any time according to their needs, taking into account the economic and training benefits.
Not only that, but with the development of international tourism, business and education in Taiwan, English-friendly sports spaces have also become the latest trend.
Foreign consumers living in Taiwan can also find a relatively adaptable Western-style teaching style and communicate with the same people.
Yoga teacher Betty17 years to travel to and from the United States, Taiwan teaching, found that Taiwan 's special American thermal mobile yoga classroom is very rare, decided to set up his own studio in Taipei, Den Yoga, hope that everyone can return to the comfort of the corner of the home, relax and enjoy the joy of exercise while listening to music.
Compared with the use of geothermal and heating, Den Yoga introduces a far infrared heating system, so that students can still keep their breathing smooth and body active when training in a high temperature environment.
The studio provides the necessary training equipment, as well as professional cleaning and maintenance, plus the bathroom space such as a business hotel, which is very well received.
Blue lighting helps students calm down and improve exercise performance (Photo / Courtesy of Den Yoga)
The reporter visited Den Yoga, the low-key quality space is very clean and comfortable. From the course booking APP, the check-in counter and the cleaning and maintenance staff have provided English support. Many students began to greet and chat in Chinese and English when they entered the door.
The students are mostly young women, and there are also men and elderly people to attend classes, and some even have two classes, which can be said to be an English and gender-friendly sports space.
Entering the far infrared classroom for the first time, although it is warm, it will not be bored or breathless, and the pores feel opened, and the rigid body is more active, so that it can complete the action more in place.
People who experience it for the first time may be a little unaccustomed to the temperature in the first few sessions, but while sweating like rain, it seems that they have also experienced a spiritual detoxification, removing the troubles in life and the stress of work, which makes them feel refreshed.
Complete a dialogue with your body and mind under the guidance of your teacher. (Photo / Courtesy of Den Yoga)
Dark blue or red lighting allows people to immerse themselves in the corresponding atmosphere, without worrying about imperfections being noticed, and can be more relaxed and focused on exercise.
The elegant fragrance of essential oil in the room not only calms the mind, but also avoids the discomfort of smelling sweat. There are professional cleaning equipment and towels, and you can use them with peace of mind.
In general, just bring your own sports clothing and water cup to experience the course at a higher level.
Den Yoga ’ s five classes are all 1 hour long. If beginners need to re-establish the basics, it is recommended to start with D1 and learn the basic cat, upper dog, lower dog, etc., to start the body to prepare for advanced training. Or you can refer to DD, this is the first half of the yoga class, the second half of the course is based on soothing stretching, it is not too challenging. It is also the most popular course to achieve a balance between exercise and stretching.
The course is divided according to the needs of the students, and fully exercise various abilities and whole body muscles.
(Courtesy of Den Yoga)
Students who already have a foundation can choose D2, integrate a variety of yoga styles, flow with different combinations, and be more flexible and interesting.
If you like to change without fear of fatigue, you can choose DF or DB two comprehensive training courses, both of which combine yoga with dumbbell and elastic belt, and the strength, core, and cardiopulmonary exercise will be exhausted. The difference is that DB focuses on lower body sculpture, focusing on strengthening the lines of the hips and legs.
Betty laughs that some students have been to DF and DB, simply retired from the gym membership, because strength training, core training can be all covered, and some students will also take two classes, while meeting the needs of yoga and compound training.
In addition, the content-oriented curriculum design policy, not teacher-oriented, also ensures that students do not have to follow the progress of a specific teacher, as long as there are classes to connect.
If you want to find a friendly English exercise space, a yoga studio that is textured and clean, or you want to experience hot yoga with music, focus on mobility and comprehensive training, American thermal flow yoga is a good choice.
Den Yoga also organizes outdoor yoga, advanced workshops and related activities from time to time, so that students can have more experience.
(Courtesy of Den Yoga)
Updated: 2023-11-15 16: 25 GMT + 08: 00

Rage Yoga presents a contrarian take by encouraging participants to express pent-up emotions such as yelling and swearing alongside traditional breathing and stretching.

Title:

Content: International Yoga Day 2023 | Take the divinity out of yoga: When yoga gurus turn abusers

With another round of accusations of sexual assault against a yoga guru, India’s yoga establishment needs to realign its guru-as-god philosophy that gives the guru unfettered power over his students

June 21, 2023 / 11:09 AM IST

A panel from 'Yogabuse: The Illustrated Women's Guide' by Wandering Hands.

This week, I began an interim yoga practice with a new teacher while my regular guru is on a long break. I addressed her as “ma’am” like I do my guru of a long time, a teacher in her 60s, with impeccable strength and grace. “Please call me Minakshi,” the new teacher told me, much older than me not just in age, but also in practice, knowledge and devotion to yoga.

It was a liberating and refreshing experience. I felt a different kind of kinship with a yoga guru for the first time — an equality almost, both of us collectively trying to perfect a posture aligned to the limits and balances of my evolving body.

The culture of worshipping a guru or any yoga instructor to the point of divinity is outdated and needs to go. To watch and hear Joanna Michelle, a mobility and flexibility coach known on Instagram for her astonishing métier as a pole dancer, recount her experience of well-known yoga instructor Gunjan Sharma sexually molesting her at her own residence at the pretext of a collaboration, brings back ugly memories of serious sexual abuse accusations against revered gurus such as Swami Satchidananda (1991), Amrita Desai (1994), Bikram Choudhury (through the 2000s) and the father of Ashtanga Yoga, Pattabhi Jois. Allegations against Jois came out of the woodwork one after another after his death in 2009. Most of the accusers of these crimes are women from the US or Europe. In lasting memory, Michelle is the first Indian woman to speak up alone against sexism and abuse within the yoga world. A few years ago, a group of Bangalore women who called themselves ‘Wandering Hands’ brought out an online comic strip titled The Illustrated Women’s Guide to YogĀbuse (2018) — their way of speaking up about a yoga studio called The Practice Room in Bengaluru. Several women who were attending yoga classes at this studio alleged sexual harassment, including charges of being inappropriately touched, by Mohan Polamar, the yoga teacher who runs the centre along with his wife. The ‘Wandering Hands' is no longer active as a collective voice against sexual misconduct within the overwhelmingly male-dominated world of yoga, but what they did is unprecedented. Among all women who have expressed outrage at being inappropriately touched or abused by godmen-like yoga gurus — whose names inspire reverence and surrender — are from the US or Europe. The several allegations against Jois should ideally be admissible as criminal offence in a court of law: Of rubbing his genitals against the womens’ pelvises while they were in extreme backbends, laying on top of them while they were prostrate on the floor, and inserting his fingers into their vaginas, an action that fellow-students thought were meant to be adjustments to their mul bandhas, the body’s lowest chakra, which lies between the genitals and the anus.

Paying heed to Michelle’s complaint — based on the report she filed at the Khar Police Station last week, Sharma was arrested and was out on bail the next day — and at least putting in place an enforceable set of rules for yoga instructors while teaching is the least a court of law or government can do to correct the sexism and sexual misconduct that has thrived in yoga establishments for centuries.

Swami Satchidananda denied all claims of misconduct; Amrit Desai, the founder of the Kripalu Centre for Yoga, eventually admitted to having sexual contact with three women. Bikram Choudhury, the heavily blinged founder  of hot yoga, has faced several civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct, including one filed in 2013 by his own lawyer, Minakshi Jafa-Bodden, who said that he not only harassed her but also forced her to cover up allegations of misconduct against other women. His misconducts spanning more than a decade, Choudhury is the subject of the Netflix documentary Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019). He has so far denied all allegations. John Friend, founder of the US-based Anusara Yoga, and another American instructor, Rodney Yee, was accused of having sexual relations with students. Kausthub Desikachar, grandson of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga, who was the guru and mentor of both BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois,  was accused of sexual, mental and emotional abuse by several people.

Not all abuse in the yoga world is sexual in nature. Some are physical and verbal abuse. During his workshops, BKS Iyengar, the guru who founded Iyengar Yoga, and who died in Pune in 2014, was known to slap and kick his students if they didn’t get a posture right. He once told  the Times of India, “It’s not you I’m angry with, not you I kick. It’s the knee, the back, the mind that is not listening.” Both Iyengar and  The legions of gurus and instructors who have come out of the rigorous and demanding Iyengar school training under BKS Iyengar are known for their brusque and rude way of teaching — as if a lesson imparted gently is no lesson at all. Krishnamacharya himself was known to be abusive and severely critical of his students, especially his two proteges, Iyengar and Jois.

These gurus enjoyed overwhelming authority, which reflects a larger problem within the culture of yoga. In traditional yogic practice, as outlined by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, devotion to the guru symbolises devotion to the teachings, not to the man. But in practice, especially in the Western context, gurus become rock stars. And misuse of that power is easy.

For the government in power, yoga has been a cultural capital from day one, stressing its significance as an offshoot of Hindusim. Modi’s emphasis on the importance of yoga led to the UN passing a unanimous resolution making June 21 International Day of Yoga. The first International Day of Yoga celebrations in 2015 in India made history, creating the  Guinness World Records of the largest yoga session ever recorded - 35,985 people of 84 different nationalities on Rajpath, New Delhi. Referring to the importance of doing Surya Namaskar or sun salutations, a key element in Hatha Yoga practice, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, said in a speech said, “Those who abstain from the Sun God should drown themselves in the ocean or live in a darkened room for the rest of their life”. This year, International Day of Yoga is being celebrated in UP for a week, involving group events across the state involving celebrities, sports icons and gurus — and venues include madrassas and dargahs across the state.

This year, Modi is leading a congregation of his devoted expatriate fans in New York.

But the culture of guru worship continues. On one hand, most schools of yoga run on strict hierarchical structures, and most classes are not designed keeping a woman’s body in mind. On the other hand, new age yoginis, a glamorous tribe of mostly white women claim on Instagram that yoga leads to sculpted, thin bodies, besides mindful living. The Yoga Barbie has real-life inspiration (although it’s unclear why she has a chihuahua). And the establishment continues to belittle or sexualise women who pursue yoga as a committed practice. Addressing a yoga training programme for women in Thane, Maharashtra, last year, Ramdev Baba spoke to a shrill microphone: “Women look good in saris, they look great in salwar suits, and in my view, they look good even if they don’t wear anything.”

Kino MacGregor, Miami-based yoga teacher, author, entrepreneur and influencer, who learnt under Pattabhi Jois at his Mysore institution for several years before speaking out against his abuses during the #MeToo wave, has a singular way of looking at the gender divide that determine much of yoga teaching and practice. MacGregor, now in her mid-40s, writes in her blog, “For most of my life I have carried the residue of the 1970s feminism in my genes and on a subtle level fought and vied for male power while never really loving the men in my life. Yoga’s given me the gift of real and total self-adoration and in that sphere I rest as a strong woman with a sense of the beauty and power of my woman’s body. …In every handstand, arm balances, backbend, and gravity-defying lift-up I do not seek to replicate the male form, but instead to allow the flow of my female life to course through my veins, muscles, body, mind and soul.”

Equating yoga gurus to divine messengers make the yoga establishment less and less favourable for the blossoming of  the female form and female life the way MacGregor describes it. Thousands and millions congregating to perform the downward dog with our prime minister doesn’t take away the fact that the Indian yoga world is yet to be expansive and inclusive in the true sense.

Sanjukta Sharma is a freelance writer and journalist based in Mumbai. Views expressed are personal.

This cathartic method targets emotional release and stress reduction, drawing individuals seeking alternative stress coping strategies.

Though niche, rage yoga exemplifies the broadening yoga ethos in modern fitness.

Aerial Yoga is a fitness-focused innovation developed within the last decade, utilizing silk hammocks suspended from ceilings to support mid-air yoga poses.

Demanding considerable core strength and balance, aerial yoga blends Pilates and dance influences and has grown popular particularly across Asia and urban studios worldwide.

Title:

Content: If you want to play fancy punch power, you can't do small aerial yoga fairies need to practice muscle.
Post Date: November 02, 2021
Aerial yoga fever has swept Asia in the past two or three years, and many stars have been seen on social media wrapped around their bodies with silk cloths, hanging in the air like fairies to make a "beautiful mirror" stretching action, and fashionable ladies are also eager to try.
But these seemingly effortless movements, in fact, the difficulty is not small, must have a certain core muscle and upper limb strength to do, no expert guidance, should not be casually imitated!
New School Yoga Exercises All Body Muscles
Aerial yoga is the use of silk to create a suspended hammock (hammock) to support the body, or the silk wrapped around the body, to practice various yoga styles.
Ariel, a tutor with 3 years of experience in aerial yoga, pointed out that the traditional yoga done on the ground is also known as “Hatha Yoga ” and has a history of more than 1,000 years in India.
Aerial yoga has only begun to develop in the last 10 years and belongs to the new school of yoga.
When it comes to yoga, the first thing that people think of may be the beautiful stretching exercises that improve body flexibility and posture.
The word Hatha means “power ” in Sanskrit, and“ ha ” is the sun, and “da ” refers to the moon. Hatha yoga is practiced to better control the body and achieve physical, mental and spiritual integration, so meditation, breathing exercises, etc., are also important parts of yoga practice.
Ariel said: “Modern aerial yoga combines pilate and dance movements, and the movement is beautiful. ” Compared to the pursuit of spiritual fit, new yoga, such as aerial yoga, is closer to exercise and can exercise the muscles of the whole body, which is based on the strength of the upper limbs and core muscles.
Just because the history of aerial yoga is not long, Ariel said that there is still no specific set of "standard" actions and processes, and different instructors have different methods and styles of interpretation.
High strength, low muscle strength, foot shock.
The aerial yoga posture is very beautiful, so that the beautiful woman who loves to "punch" is eager to try, but it is absolutely not low in physical and muscle strength requirements.
The common action is to grasp the silk cloth with both hands, using the strength of the arm and back to lift the whole person. "People with zero movement foundation, when they first started school, they will be very hard, especially women's upper limb strength is usually insufficient, can not support the body, but men learn to have advantages."
Since the whole person is supported by a hammock, it is necessary to have strong core muscle strength to keep the hammock stable, otherwise it is impossible to shake around and complete the action.
She stressed that the fancy posture is supported by the arm and abdomen, and the intensity of the exercise is very high. Even if you practice a little or just do a punch, you will be panting after a while.
Ariel said that usually 1 hour novice air yoga session, the instructor will lead the students to do 40 minutes of warm-up stretching, thoroughly stretching the chest, back and leg parts to avoid injury; next about 10 minutes to train the core muscle group, the last 10 minutes to do some more difficult "punch" fancy action.
"For students who have no basic exercise, 10 minutes of fancy (movement) exercise is enough, for example, when beginners step on a hammock, some people will have a foot shock due to lack of muscle strength."
Therefore, Ariel believes that students have a foundation for exercise, which is helpful for learning aerial yoga.
Ariel says that beginners can start with simple stretching exercises. “Hanging bed is like an auxiliary tool to help you do things you can ’ t do in normal times, such as inverting. In traditional yoga, it is an advanced movement, but with hanging bed help, new hands can do 1 or 2 lessons. ”
It's not a good idea to watch a movie and learn by yourself.
In the era of Internet development, why not go online and follow the video content to teach yourself, save a tuition fee, and rent yourself a place to play? Ariel said, this idea is not advisable, "novice definitely not! Aerial yoga has a lot of action, especially fancy, once you do the wrong steps, tense hands will fall from high, the consequences can be very small."
She suggested that the trainees should have at least half a year of aerial yoga experience, and have a certain foundation to rent a venue for practice.
In addition, there are also some safety issues to pay attention to when playing aerial yoga, such as movement, "aerial yoga has a lot of movement of the body with silk cloth, but try not to tighten joints, such as wrists, elbows, ankles and other positions, otherwise it is easy to sprain."
In terms of clothing, it is advisable to wear yoga leggings or comfortable sports pants, "many actions will tighten the thighs and pelvis, to avoid excessive friction between the hammock and the skin, and it is best to have close clothing protection."
Text: Shen Qing
Editor: Lin Hsiao-hui
Facebook @ Ming Pao Supplement
Health Net: Health.
Mingpao.com
Copyright © 2019 Mingpao. All Rights Reserved.
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Its technical and strength-oriented nature necessitates well-trained instructors.

Themed/Pop Culture Yoga includes glow-in-the-dark sessions, Harry Potter-themed classes, holiday celebrations, and decade-specific music/yoga fusions.

These creative formats enhance the client experience through imaginative settings, music, and community participation, often functioning as special events.

SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Yoga combines yoga practice with balancing on paddleboards amid natural aquatic settings.

It emphasizes core strength, balance, and mindfulness, attracting adventure-seeking clients primarily in warm, scenic locations.

Hybrid or Fusion Yoga trends integrate yoga with sports, surfing, detox regimens, diving, or wine tasting.

These multisensory formats increase engagement and appeal, particularly to social and health-conscious younger adults aged 18–34.

They have significantly contributed to growing yoga enrollments worldwide.

II.

Health Benefits and Risks: Novelty versus Traditional Yoga

Both novelty and traditional yoga provide foundational benefits, including improved flexibility, muscle strength, posture, mental clarity, stress relief, and enhanced mood through body awareness and breath control.

Extensive studies confirm yoga’s efficacy in mitigating anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, while promoting cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Novelty yoga formats often incorporate psychosocial advantages.

For instance, the laughter and interactive nature of goat yoga trigger oxytocin release and endorphin surges, further reducing stress.

Social components in beer and hybrid yoga foster community connection and reduce social inhibitions.

Aerial and SUP yoga offer additional physical advantages through enhanced core engagement and proprioceptive challenges.

Yin Yoga, a slow, restorative form that surged in popularity post-pandemic, differs by targeting deep connective tissues and inducing parasympathetic nervous system activation.

Its therapeutic benefits include reducing anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, and promoting emotional balance through meditative stillness.

However, novelty yoga also carries intrinsic risks.

Animal-assisted classes present potential hygiene and injury concerns, demanding strict safety protocols.

Alcohol use in beer yoga can impair coordination, increasing injury risk during physical poses.

Rage yoga’s cathartic approach may not be suitable for individuals with emotional trauma or mental health vulnerabilities.

Physically intensive formats such as aerial yoga require rigorous instructor certification and client screening to prevent musculoskeletal injury.

Critically, some novelty trends risk diluting yoga’s meditative depth and mindfulness focus, potentially diminishing long-term psychological benefits.

Prioritizing entertainment over anatomical precision may elevate injury risk over time.

Expert consensus underscores that novelty yoga can safely complement—though not replace—traditional yoga, particularly when delivered by credentialed professionals emphasizing client safety and progressive skill development.

III.

Title:

Content: Yoga belt: why you need it
4: 10
The first mention of a yoga belt was found in ancient Indian sculptures and statues more than two thousand years ago.
In Sanskrit, the yoga belt is called "yoga patta."
In ancient times, belts allowed to fix long fixed sitting poses of gods, goddesses, monks and ascetics.
In the middle of the last century, belts began to be used in yoga as a means to stretch muscles, remove the body from a leaked, tired state.
About why you need a belt for yoga now, told readers Pravda.Ru yoga teacher, body practitioner, author of the Telegram-channel "Way to yourself" Alexandra Kandidova.
Yoga belt: pros
• For beginners, it is convenient to reach with your hands and feet where it is not yet possible due to weak stretching.
This reduces the load on the muscles and increases self-esteem.
• The belt makes it possible to connect the hands behind the back, evenly stretch the spine, perform twisted asanas.
• With the help of yoga patches, it is easy to fix the stretching of the legs in the pose of Lotus, Butterfly and others.
• The belt helps to keep balance in difficult poses.
• Comfortably teaches the body to the correct position in the asana.
• Allows you to evenly distribute the tension force on the muscles.
• The belt provides additional insurance against falling, abrupt exit from the asana.
• Allows you to gently return the body to mobility after illness, injury, period of immobility or inactivity.
What you should pay attention to when buying a yoga belt
Belts are made of cotton and nylon.
Preference should be given to natural fabrics.
The difference in price is insignificant, and the color palette is rich in any material.
It is not necessary to save on the length of the belt.
The rest can be wound on the wrist or left with a hanging end.
However, if you are short, do not buy a long belt: too long tails will interfere during practice.
The most convenient length of the belt is 2-2.2 m, the width is 30-40 cm. The wider the belt, the less it cuts into the body.
Plastic belt buckles are not durable, can break during exercise and lead to injury.
Metal belts are simple and reinforced.
For beginners, the first will suit, and advanced yogis with large power loads are more reliable to use a belt with reinforced buckles.
More experienced yogis should pay attention to the straps with loops.
They simplify the fixation of the limbs and make the practice safer.
The belt refers to affordable and budget yoga devices.
However, do not rely only on aids, allow your body to develop flexibility at the expense of its own capabilities and for the necessary period of time.
Do not rush to increase the load, even if you feel the effectiveness of the belt.
Try the same exercise, but without using the device.
Be careful when leaving the asana, especially if the limbs are fixed in loops or tied with a belt.
Refuse to use the belt if it rubs, injures or crashes into the skin.
Do not try to use the belt yourself, ask for help and explanations from the instructor.
Whether or not to strap in yoga practice is up to you.
Objectively, there are more pluses than minuses.
Consider your preferences, the desired speed of immersion in yoga, the possibilities of the physical body, the expected result from the practice.
The most important thing is the love and feeling of yourself, body, state and mood.
Allow yourself to be different and free from external settings and orders, and you will not go wrong!
The body will tell you where, when and how to help it.
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Author Irina Gusakova
Irina Gusakova — columnist of Pravda.Ru

Popularity, Demographics, and Retention Patterns

Data from industry reports reveal explosive growth in novelty yoga participation since 2015, driven by social media trends, event marketing, and celebrity endorsements.

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) cites younger adults (18–34 years) as the primary consumers of novelty yoga, favoring its experiential and informal nature.

Nonetheless, novelty classes predominantly function as episodic events—occasional bookings for special occasions or corporate team-building dominate attendance.

The Yoga Alliance Market Survey (2022) documents significantly lower retention rates compared to traditional yoga, where clients tend to cultivate progressive, long-term practice.

Demographically, novelty yoga attracts urban socially oriented novices, while traditional yoga retains a broader age range, including clients seeking physical rehabilitation or meditative depth.

IV.

Practitioner and Client Perspectives

Clients frequently describe novelty yoga as fun, approachable, and less intimidating, lowering barriers for new participants.

Trainers value it as a recruitment tool and a means to diversify client bases and foster community.

Title:

Content: Fashionable directions of group training, which have recently appeared
Fashionable directions of group training, which have recently appeared
1: 20
In the fitness industry, new equipment and types of group training are emerging.
About the most popular of them told fitness coach Yuri Averyanov.
“The emergence of new types of fitness is necessary to involve more people in an active lifestyle.
This also allows you to maintain interest in training in experienced athletes, ” the coach quotes “Championship ”.
Yuri Averyanov called new types of fitness training.
Hyrox is a fitness direction that includes both functional training and endurance training: running for eight kilometers and performing eight types of exercises.
These are ski races, pushing and pulling sledges, burpees, "farmer's walk", throwing a heavy ball and lunges.
Bikram yoga or hot yoga is the direction of "calm" fitness.
Such classes are carried out in specially heated to 40 degrees rooms, the humidity level here reaches 60 percent.
Kalaripayattu is a fitness area that is based on traditional Indian martial arts.
It includes jumps, turns and slopes.
His teachers consider kalaripayatta an excellent way of spiritual and physical development.
Author Elena Galabaeva
Elena Galabaeva – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

Conversely, experienced instructors and long-term practitioners express concerns about commodification and the potential erosion of yoga’s traditional values and integrity.

Safety within novelty formats—particularly involving animals or alcohol—remains a professional priority.

Clients sometimes report truncated well-being benefits absent sustained practice.

Trainers emphasize the importance of integrating novelty yoga within a broader, structured yoga education program for optimal client outcomes.

V. Best Practices and Recommendations for Physical Trainers

Physical trainers should leverage novelty yoga strategically, framing it as an engaging introduction or social complement rather than a sole offering.

Key guidelines include:

- Employ certified, experienced instructors, particularly for high-risk formats like aerial yoga or animal-assisted sessions.
- Incorporate client interest assessments and pilot classes to tailor offerings.
- Enforce rigorous safety, hygiene, and liability protocols tailored to novelty class specifics.
- Design blended programming that connects novelty experiences with traditional yoga to foster continuity and depth.
- Regularly solicit and analyze client feedback to refine class design and maximize satisfaction.
- Utilize social media and event marketing to amplify novelty offerings while promoting their complementary relationship to traditional yoga.
- Monitor client progression to recommend appropriate transitions towards sustained, mindful yoga practice.

VI.

Market Growth and Demographic Trends

The yoga market continues its global expansion, with the yoga apparel sector alone expected to exceed $70 billion by 2030.

Participation growth is strongest among women aged 18–34, driven by diverse yoga styles, wellness trends, and social media influence.

Hybrid and novelty yoga formats have played a crucial role in market vitality, appealing to younger, socially engaged demographics who desire fitness with entertainment and community.

Conclusion

Novelty yoga trends offer dynamic, engaging avenues to enrich a physical trainer’s portfolio, attracting diverse clienteles through creative, social, and physical innovation.

While these trends do not supplant the holistic benefits and retention strength of traditional yoga, they function effectively as gateways and community builders.

Trainers who prioritize safety, evidence-based practice, and structured pathways to sustained yoga engagement can successfully incorporate novelty yoga to enhance client recruitment, experience, and retention.

Balanced integration of novelty and traditional yoga supports both business growth and client wellness—forming a robust foundation for modern fitness professionals.

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