HATHA MEETS HIP HOP

The latest from Yoga Worldwide

We all know that yoga is an ancient practice—AND you’re bored already. Deep breaths…1, 2, 3, and let’s start over.

The evolution of Yoga through the years has uniquely altered it. Ever heard of Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga? Have we piqued your interest now? We’re talking glow-in-the-dark downward dogs, hip-hop hatha, aerial ashtanga and yoga classes for anyone whose mind races ahead of themselves and is looking for some more excitement. These modern twists will surely make you see yoga in a whole new light. From yoga with baby goats to yoga on paddleboards, prepare to have your mind(fullness) blown by yoga’s wildest reinventions.

We’ve been conditioned to think of yoga in very specific and stereotypical ways. Most of us like to enjoy music during our workouts but we never associate yoga with head banging or the energy-boosting workout playlists Spotify makes for you. Maybe that’s why yoga has some connotations of being boring and slow. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

At its real essence, Yoga is about mindfully moving your body. It’s about a harmony between the mind and body where every movement is made with intention. That’s it. You get to be creative with how you do it, where and when you do it and can also change up the sounds that accompany it.

How about some hip-hop Hatha to the groove of this playlist or this rock & roll playlist that the Yoga Journal has curated for you. 

Anyone who claims that yoga hath no fury hasn’t tried Metal Yoga with its unique physically demanding poses set to heavy metal music. 

If that’s not your jam, try letting your furry friend inspire you! Dog Yoga just opened up a studio in Mumbai, and Pawga is active in multiple cities in India. 

Light up your life, party in the dark with Glow Yoga and discover new ways to glow. Turn the lights out and have fun with glow sticks, glow body paint and neon clothes. 

If you’re a water baby, but can’t escape to the beachside often, try Yoga in a swimming pool! 

Get funky with all your Broadway favourites and vibe to Hamilton, The Greatest Showman & Mamma Mia in a show-stopping Vinyasa flow! 

Or attempt a fitness craze from Germany: Beer Yoga. That’s right, combine an ice-cold beer with traditional yoga poses and see if you find that refreshing. 

If you’re laughing right now at the sound of this, maybe you should check out Laughter Yoga and laugh your way through the stiff muscles, stretches and body bends. 

During the pandemic, Animal Flow workouts that combine yoga, gymnastics and breakdancing also gained popularity globally. Learn the moves and practise the routine in your living room, at the gym, at a park, or anywhere you want. 

You can also immerse yourself in a multisensory yoga experience incorporating sound healing and aromatherapy into your workout. 

Too much screen time burning your eyes out? This time, exercise your eye muscles with Eye Yoga to keep them just as fit as the rest of your body. 

Whether you’re daring enough to drink and exercise or love belting your heart out to your favourite songs, simply find what works for your mind and body and helps you achieve mindfulness. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to YOU. So grab your mat and give this ancient, yet unique and flexible practice a shot! 

Only this time, try YO(U)GA your way.