Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and wonderful world of yoga
USA: Yoga Ace
Tennis ace Novak Djokovic is the latest sporting superstar to show his fondness for a yoga stretch. He was spotted limbering up for a recent tournament in the US with a few familiar poses out on the grass, including downward-facing dog and a relaxed revolved side angle pose. The Serbian is currently gearing up for the US Open in August, the last of the so-called Grand Slam tennis tournaments of the calendar year. Scotland’s Andy Murray is also a big yoga fan, attributing it to some of his success on the court.
UK: Cost of Living
What do yoga mats, air fryers, vinyl music, gluten-free bread and VR headsets have in common? They’ve all been included in the this year’s basket of goods the Office for National Statistics (ONS) uses to measure the UK’s cost of living. “Our inflation basket of goods shows how consumer spending has evolved over the years,” said Stephen Burgess of the ONS. “Yoga mats limber up as a new addition due to their increased popularity since the pandemic.” And for all you random fact seekers out there wondering what got dropped from the list in 2025, out go local newspaper adverts, DVD rentals and fresh minced turkey!
Japan: Visit Yōga
Who knew that there is an actual place called Yoga — or Yōga to be precise? But if you want to go there you’ll have to book a flight to Tokyo first. Yōga is actually a neighbourhood in Setagaya City, located within the vast Japanese metropolis, and has its own railway station (Yōga Station, of course!), which is surrounded by a large and vibrant residential area. Naturally, there’s plenty of yoga to be found in the wider Setagaya area, which boasts a number of studios where you can roll out your mat after all the travel. If you go there, please send us a photo!
UK: House Mates
Finding a flat is tough right now, especially in hotspots like London, but new data from SpareRoom suggests yoga fans might have an edge. One in 10 flatsharers surveyed cited yoga as one of their favourite things to do, and with half of rental rooms on the market being offered by those who live there, and not landlords or agents, it’s important to show your personality and interests when applying for a new place. “Finding like-minded flatmates is so important,” said Matt Hutchinson, a director at flatshare site SpareRoom. “Leading with interests is a great way to break the ice. It’s worth mentioning at a viewing.”
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.
