Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and wonderful world of yoga
USA: See you in court
Billion dollar yoga pants corporation Lululemon is suing American retail giant Costco alleging that it has infringed intellectual property rights and patents that protect its apparel and designs. It filed a lawsuit in California on June 27, 2025. The Canadian yoga fashion firm is reportedly seeking damages and a court order to stop the sale of the allegedly infringing items. “We take the responsibility of protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights very seriously,” Lululemon told CNN in a statement. Costco denies any wrongdoing and insists it has acted in good faith.
UK: Yoga for insomnia
Yoga could be as powerful for a good night’s rest as sleeping pills, it seems. Recent scientific findings suggest that yoga and other forms of exercise offer an effective — and natural — alternative to medication for those suffering from insomnia, according to analysis published in the online journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine. “Among the various exercise interventions, yoga, Tai Chi and walking or jogging are more effective than other exercises,” the research notes. The review also examined other exercises, such as strength training and aerobics.
Malaysia: Calm in command
An air training school in Malaysia recently completed an inaugural mindfulness course called ‘Calm in Command’ to help pilots deal with the pressure of their job. In June, the Centre for Mindfulness (Singapore) teamed up with Asia Aeronautical Training Academy in Melaka for what it claims to be the world’s first structured mindfulness informed training tailored specifically for cadet pilots. The initiative integrates emotional intelligence, mental clarity and leadership under pressure into traditional flight instruction.
Thailand: VIP Retreat
Would you pay $380,000 for a yoga retreat? That was the price for a seven-night retreat this summer at your choice of Capella destinations (which comprise various properties in Asia, including Bangkok) and guided by wellness advocate, Liv Lo Golding. ‘A Journey Through the Capella Constellation’ included business class flights for two, with Golding personally accompanying guests. Expensive, yes, but all net proceeds went to Every Mother Counts, a global charity supporting maternal healthcare.
USA: Yoga bandits
Watch out for any yoga bandits out there, people! American actor and TV show host Jerry O'Connell recently stated that his wallet and phone were stolen from a Los Angeles yoga studio. The actor — whose past movie credits include Stand by Me and Jerry Maguire — joked that a “yoga bandit” was responsible for the crime, which is believed to be connected to similar thefts at other studios in the area. Not very yogic, unfortunately, but be sure to keep an eye on your valuables when you’re stretching out on the mat.
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.
