Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and wonderful world of yoga
USA: Emo Yoga
For all you emo fans out there, The Rock Box in San Antonio is the place to be to get your yoga fix. It’s now running classes that combine the ancient practice of yoga with a modern subculture of rock known for its emotional or introspective lyrics. Emo yoga teacher, Chey Horner, created the class to blend these two mismatched practices to help people cope with stress in a healthier way — and it’s proven very popular. “When I first had the idea about Emo Yoga I didn't know that people wanted it as much as I did,” she was quoted as saying in local press. “I thought, 'Who wants to do yoga to My Chemical Romance?' Turns out a lot of people do!”
USA: Hot stuff
Hot yoga could help in the fight against depression, a new study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has shown. In a randomised controlled trial, adults that were given access to regular hot yoga classes showed fewer depressive symptoms compared to those who were placed on a wait list for classes. The yoga group performed 90 minutes of Bikram in a 105-degree Fahrenheit room at least twice a week for eight weeks. The study, reported by CBS News, showed that nearly 60% of the yoga participants had a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms compared to only 6% of the waitlist participants.
China: Glamourous gran
Dubbed China’s ‘most beautiful yoga grandma’ there are few people out there as inspirational as the wonderful Bai Jinqin. The 78-year-old woman from Tianjin municipality in northeastern China, attributes her healthy physique and positivity to a disciplined fitness regime that includes yoga, weights and resistance training, which she began 18 years ago after going through a battle with cancer. The key thing is perseverance. “I strongly believe that what’s most important is to keep trying,” she was quoted as saying by South China Morning Press.
UK: London calling
American yoga clothing group Alo Yoga has opened its first UK store on London’s King’s Road, with more outlets to come. The US fashion brand, popular among yoga-loving Hollywood stars, is looking to open two more London stores this year, including a flagship location on Regent’s Street, and another on Brompton Road, as it gears up for further European expansion. “There is an incredible yoga and fitness scene in London,” said Alo Yoga founder and CEO Danny Harris, “and we’re looking forward to connecting with our community.
Australia: Downward Dec
Fresh out of the jungle after filming the latest season of ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’, we now know how TV presenter Declan Donnelly maintains his youthful looks and sprightly energy — yoga! The celebrity, now aged 48, was spotted leaving yoga classes at a fitness centre during his time filming the show in Australia, carrying a rolled up yoga mat under his arm. Donnelly forms half of the UK’s most famous TV presenter double act alongside Ant McPartlin, 47.
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.
