Yoga is a timeless practice. The principles of yoga never changes except when we are talking about the recent trends from Broga, HIIT yoga to goat yoga etc. The list goes on and sometimes I think if it's worth it. I think as yoga innovators pick different interests and try to thread it with yoga it becomes a new trend which is fun as well as interesting.
Just like vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga or even power yoga were just names once upon a time, they have become a known form of yoga practice. I wouldn't be surprised that someday Goat Yoga would become popular as well.
Here are some recent Yoga Trends that's gaining popularity off late.
1. BROGA
Short for Brother-Yoga, and you may have guessed it right by now that Broga is specifically for males and their male best friends. This term is used to bring Yoga more accessible to men in general and I am loving every part of it. My husband prefers gym over yoga except when he pulls his muscle and prefers asanas to stretch his hamstrings.
Yoga has more feminine touch to it whether its on social media or even yoga teachers- most of them are females and Broga is meant to bring more masculine approach to it and make it more interesting to the other gender.
2. GOAT YOGA
I was surprised at this one too when I watched a video of couple trying this trend. I don't think I would be able to focus on my practice if there's a baby goat trying to reach my back in downward dog position.
Goat yoga is known as a sustainable yoga trend as its hard to maintain your pose and focus when a baby goat is standing on your back. The practice was introduced by Lainey Morse, a photographer from Albany, Oregon. And it's not just goats that we are fascinated with, there's cat yoga, dog yoga, horse yoga, and bunny yoga.
3. YOGA HIIT
I have tried this and trust me my body was so tired and confused at the end of the practice. One minute I am in Warrior II and the other minute I am doing push-ups and squats at a higher pace. Some liked it and some like me didn't enjoy it at all. May be I prefer more traditional way of practicing yoga. To each their own, if you tried this class and liked it or didn't liked it let me know in the comments below.
The way it works is it combines a series of short sharp bursts of HIIT combined with dynamic yoga poses and ends with all over body yoga stretches. Supporters say it helps in burning calories faster than normal pace of yogasana and it strengthens and lengthens the muscles.
4. AERIAL YOGA/ANTIGRAVITY YOGA
I have tried this too and I have never before been more thankful Sir Isaac Newton and Gravity for that matter. My first time (and my last time too! Don't judge!) suspended through fabrics hanging from ceiling performing one-legged king pigeon pose was not easy at all.
Its been reported that Aerial Yoga improves your core as well as strengthens your mind as you learn to trust yourself and let go of control. It is also known to be a good option for rehabilitation yoga as it does not put too much pressure on your joints and allows you to gain strength.
Developed by Christopher Harrison in 2007, caught on swiftly and is becoming more widely available in specialized studios and fitness clubs. It requires the use of a patented fabric swing, suspended from the ceiling, called the AntiGravity Hammock (natch). With the support of the hammock, you are able to stretch and strengthen without overworking your weak joints.
5. ACROYOGA
Now this is something I don't think I can try with my partner as I don't trust his balancing skills and I love myself in one piece unbroken. AcroYoga involves one person performing yoga poses while the other person is on top of the person performing the asana.
AcroYoga is not typical yoga. It is a whole new world of connection, awareness and possibility. The definition as described on AcroYoga.org is “AcroYoga blends the wisdom of yoga, the dynamic power of acrobatics and the loving kindness of healing arts. These three lineages form the foundation of a practice that cultivates trust, playfulness and community.”
This method which is said to be developed by founders Jason Nemer and Jenny Sauer-Klein in 2003-2004 providing class protocols and other details on how to practice it in a safer way.
6. SUP (Stand-up paddle boarding) YOGA OR PADDLEBOARD YOGA
Love paddle boarding and yoga? This one is for you. You need to be able to change yoga postures while standing on a paddleboard in the middle of the lake. This yoga is an excellent workout for your core as you use your muscles as well as balancing yourself through the pose while holding the pose.
Make sure you know how to swim as that's a requirement before taking this class. And learn how to maneuver paddleboard too.
7. CHROMA YOGA
Chroma Yoga is a new approach to practicing yoga. It combines light therapy and color psychology techniques and other brain stimulating soundscapes to create a multi-sensory yoga experience.
Supporters mention that the healing properties of light and color, addresses conditions such as insomnia and anxiety. It could also change your mood, leaving you refreshed after a morning class, or calm and relaxed after an evening session.
So, after learning about different types of yoga trends, which one are you most excited to try? I for sure want to try Chroma Yoga as I have never done that before although I am not sure how the color effects will stimulate my brain. Guess, I have to try it to know it!
Sometimes, the traditional way works best for me but we live in different times and the pandemic has changed our world completely. Its the virtual yoga practice for me as of now. Let me know if you want me to make a list of my favorite online yoga apps.