Yoga, as a form of exercise, was first introduced in India. For centuries, it has been accepted all over the world as an effective practice for physical and mental health. It is an exercise that aims to achieve mind, body, and soul wellness all at once. When practised with the knowledge and under the guidance of a yoga therapist, it is known to even support the healing of certain illnesses. This traditional form of Yoga has evolved over the years and branched out into multiple variations. You've probably heard of Power Yoga and Hot Yoga, but did you know that many bizarre forms of yoga have been popularised as Yoga off-shoots, even though they may have very little resemblance to the traditional practice of Yoga? These may not be for everyone, but they could be worth a try. Here's more about them.
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Most Bizzare Yoga Practices That You May Not Know Existed
1. Goat Yoga
Goat yoga is exactly what its name implies. Bizarre, but true. Practising traditional yoga poses with the help of live goats is how this type of yoga plays out. The idea behind the concept is therapeutic. It focuses on helping patients recover from anxiety, stress, and depression. Goats climb your back, snuggle and cuddle on your mat or your back, and emit what could be considered unearthly, yet soothing noises as they accompany you throughout the yoga sessions. According to this Instagram post, "It may seem gimmicky, but goat yoga has deep meaning. Lainey Morse, the founder of Original Goat Yoga (OGY), was going through hard times when she realized her pet goats made her feel much better. She wanted to bring this feeling to others. Goat Yoga was born in 2016. Now, OGY's mission is to provide a joyful experience that improves mental and physical health through the healing powers of nature and animals. Additionally, OGY aims to boost the economic development of rural households and family farms worldwide through agritourism."
2. Beer Yoga
This yoga practice has been popular amongst yoga enthusiasts in many countries and was reportedly created in Germany and gained traction worldwide as per an article. The basic idea is to practice traditional yoga moves practices but, and here's the catch, while sharing a drink. Yoga to relax your mind and beer to relax your senses all without feeling the fear of gaining weight. Beer yoga sessions are usually arranged at breweries and taprooms. Last year, a gathering of people performed Beer Yoga in the Copenhagen Harbour and a tweet says this "class has been open for years." Unfathomable as this may seem to some this form of yoga has gained wide popularity.
VIDEO: Around 100 people gather to perform yoga by the Copenhagen harbour - cans of crisp, cold, refreshing beer in hand. The booze-fuelled class has been open for four years, and appears popular with its practitioners. pic.twitter.com/zM2kAlM9jg
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 2, 2023
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3. Heavy Metal Yoga
Heavy metal yoga might be a stretch for most traditional yoga enthusiasts, but for those who love and enjoy their music heavy and loud, this is a good one to explore. Meditation is conventionally associated with a calm environment, but some find their zen in it. According to an article in Men's Health, a typical day at a heavy metal yoga studio features punching, kicking, air guitar-playing, head-banging, and puddles of sweat, providing a space for release even for the most inexperienced yogis. A German-born Thode has been offering her courses since 2014 at Brooklyn venues, as well as at metal festivals and international cruises.
4. Yin Yoga
This is a slower-paced form of yoga where postures are held for longer periods than usual. Each pose may be held for over 45 seconds to 5 minutes. The main intention is to prepare the body to sit in one position during meditation sessions for longer to build endurance as opposed to the movement-oriented vigorous yang-style yoga. Ekhart Yoga mentions that Yin yoga usually consists of a series of long-held, passive floor poses that mainly work the lower part of the body that is the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, and lower spine. These areas are especially rich in connective tissues. Sometimes, Yin asanas may even have Yang elements.
5. Naked Yoga
The title is self-explanatory. This yoga practice involves practising yoga poses naked. Here, the concept is to remove not only the hindrances that your clothes provide but also those blocks to you connecting with your body and all its alignments. Another one that may be a bit extreme, but worth exploring for sure. There are many naked Yoga retreats in India and a 7-day session including meals costs anywhere between INR 28-88K.
6. Anti-Gravity Yoga
This type of yoga is for professionals, not for beginners. It is a kind of aerial acrobatics. It is difficult to execute and involves both pilates and acrobatics too. In this kind of yoga, a long piece of cloth is suspended from the ceiling and participants practice aerial poses using the support of the hanging cloth. Needless to say, it's best to try this under professional supervision. According to Yogapedia, Anti-gravity yoga or aerial yoga gently lengthens the spine, it can help with back pain and sciatica, while simultaneously improving core strength and flexibility.
7. Tantrum Yoga
Tantrum Yoga is for relieving stress. It aims to let you unleash your inner child and let your emotions flow. You have to lay on a mat and scream as loud as possible. This helps you reduce the burden of stress on your body and is meant to make you feel calmer.
Weird, interesting, creative, what are the words that come to mind after reading about these? How many are you ready to try? Tell us in the comments.
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