International Day of Yoga

Stay in the loop and join the Virgin Active mailing list

International Day of Yoga was first celebrated in India in 2015, with over 35,000 people performing 21 asanas in New Delhi, India.

Yoga is an ancient practice, originating c.5,000 years ago in India. It was developed to connect the mind, body and soul to reach enlightenment. Today, Yoga is a worldwide practice and is still growing in popularity.

The physical part of Yoga that we all know is only 1 of 8 parts of Yoga, known collectively as “limbs”.

The 8 limbs of Yoga are:

1. Yama (Community ethics)

2. Niyama (Personal observances)

3. Asanas (Postures)

4. Pranayama (Breath control)

5. Pratyahara (Inner awareness)

6. Dharana (Concentration)

7. Dyhana (Meditation)

8. Samadhi (Enlightened living)

What’s in it for me?

Yoga is a wonderful exercise which is great for both body and mind. Here are some of our favourite reasons to come to a Yoga class:

• Stress relief
  Yoga helps you relax and reduce stress. The movements calm your mind and body.

• Flexibility
  Regular yoga practice improves your flexibility, making it easier to move and stretch in your daily life. You'll be surprised how quickly you can touch your toes!

• Better posture
  Spending a lot of time sitting? Yoga can improve your posture by strengthening your back and shoulders, helping you stand taller and sit straighter.

• Better Sleep
  Practising Yoga can help you sleep better. The relaxation techniques used in Yoga can help calm your mind and prepare your body for a good night's rest.

• Community
  Joining a Yoga class can be a great way to meet new people and be part of a community. Sharing the Yoga journey with others can be incredibly rewarding.

• Strength
  Yoga isn't just about stretching; it also helps you build strength. Many poses use your body weight to strengthen muscles.