20 Yoga Trends That Will Leave You Breathless

 So you think you've seen every yoga pose under the sun? Think again, yogi. The ancient practice of yoga has evolved into a creative outlet, with instructors and yogis around the world developing new poses, styles, and techniques that push the boundaries of flexibility and balance. Get ready to expand your mind and stretch your body with 20 yoga trends that will leave you breathless. From yoga raves to acro yoga partnering, these new styles of yoga will challenge your strength, coordination, and concept of what yoga can be. So grab your yoga mat and an open mind, because yoga's trending styles are set to blow your Zen.

Aerial Yoga: Reach New Heights

Have you ever wanted to literally rise above it all during your yoga practice? Aerial yoga allows you to do just that. By using soft silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling, aerial yoga helps you achieve spine-lengthening poses and inversions you never thought possible on the mat.

The aerial silks provide support while still allowing lots of freedom of movement. As you invert and spin, you'll experience weightlessness and decompression of your joints and spine. It's a thrill like no other yoga experience. Many beginners are surprised at how quickly they can nail poses like the split, bow, and scorpion in the air.

Aerial yoga requires an open mind and a touch of adventure. Don't worry if at first you feel uncoordinated or clumsy - everyone does in the beginning! The key is to start slowly, listen to your body, and have patience with yourself as you learn to move in a new dimension. An experienced instructor will guide you through proper form and alignment so you can build up strength and confidence over time.

While aerial yoga may seem intimidating, people of all abilities can participate. The silk hammocks provide as much - or as little - support as you need. And the benefits are well worth stepping outside your comfort zone: increased flexibility, balance, and range of motion. Take your yoga practice to new heights - your mind and body will thank you!

Beer Yoga: Om and Ale

Want to take your yoga practice to the next level? Then you have to try beer yoga. This trend combines your favorite brew with your favorite poses for a fun, social twist on traditional yoga.

The basics are simple: grab a cold one and flow through a gentle yoga sequence. In between poses, sip your beer. The alcohol helps loosen you up, making it easier to stretch into those challenging asanas. And the social aspect helps create a lighthearted, judgment-free environment.

• Start with a pint of your favorite ale, stout or lager and salute your fellow yogis. Take a few swigs to unwind before moving into your first pose.

• Focus on basic poses you can do without spilling your drink like cat-cow, seated twist or bridge pose. Leave the more advanced balances and inversions for after class.

• Take breaks to socialize and hydrate. Chat with others about the latest craft brews or your favorite yoga studios. No negative vibes allowed!

• End the class with a relaxing savasana and the last sips of your beer. Leave feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world.

While beer yoga may seem gimmicky, it has real benefits when practiced responsibly. The social interaction and laughter can help reduce stress and boost your mood. And the alcohol may help yogis who feel self-conscious relax into the poses. So give beer yoga a try—your mind and body will thank you! Namaste and bottoms up!

SUP Yoga: Paddleboard Your Way to Peace

Find Your Zen on the Water

Paddleboard yoga, or SUP yoga, is blowing up. If you love being out on the water and desire a truly unique yoga experience, SUP yoga is for you.

Standing on a paddleboard floating on a lake or ocean, you go through a series of yoga poses while balancing on the board. Sounds challenging, and it is, but that’s part of the appeal. Focusing on your breath and each movement helps clear your mind as you work to stay balanced. The gentle rocking of the board enhances your core workout and balance skills.

Some tips for your first SUP yoga class:

-Choose a board specifically for yoga that is very stable and has anti-slip padding. Regular paddleboards can be too wobbly and slippery.

-Start with basic standing poses before moving into more advanced postures. Tree pose and warrior I and II are great starter poses.

-Use a paddle, the board, or your instructor for support. Don’t be afraid to hold on as you find your balance.

-Start on calm, still water without waves for your first time. Small lakes and canals are ideal.

-Wear a life jacket, especially when you’re still learning. Safety first!

-Bring a change of clothes—you will get wet! And you’ll want comfortable, form-fitting yoga gear that dries easily.

SUP yoga is a fun new way to strengthen your practice in the great outdoors. The challenges of balancing on a floating board will push you outside your comfort zone, enhancing your focus and balance in a way that traditional yoga just can’t. If you’ve been curious about SUP yoga, go ahead—take the plunge and find your zen on the water. Your core and your soul will thank you!

Goat Yoga: Kids Not Required

Goat yoga is one of the latest yoga trends that is sweeping the nation. If you’ve ever wanted to do yoga surrounded by adorable baby goats, this is for you.

What is Goat Yoga?

Goat yoga, also known as goat vinyasa or jokingly referred to as goga, is yoga practiced in the presence of — you guessed it — live goats. The goats wander around, climbing on people, and generally causing chaos during a traditional yoga class. The goats’ presence helps people relax into their practice and not take the yoga too seriously. The playful, joyful energy of the goats can help people connect more deeply with their own lightheartedness.

• Goats enhance the experience. The goats walking around, nibbling on your clothes, and balancing on your back help create an amusing experience you won’t soon forget.

• It’s all about the ‘gram. Many people flock to goat yoga classes for the prime photo ops with the adorable goats to share on social media.

• You don’t need experience. Goat yoga is open to yogis of all skill levels since the goats can distract you from holding perfect poses. The environment is very lighthearted and judgment-free.

What to Expect

A typical goat yoga class looks something like this:

1. Meet the goats - You’ll start by meeting the goats that will be joining your practice. Give them a quick pet to get acquainted.

2. Do your thing - The yoga instructor will lead you through a casual yoga flow. Poses may be modified or cut short based on the goats’ interactions and interruptions.

3. Goats do their thing - While you’re focused on your yoga practice, the goats will wander around exploring, climbing on people, and looking for attention and cuddles.

4. Photo time! - After the yoga portion, you’ll have plenty of time to take selfies with the goats, give them treats, and shower them with love.

5. Optional extras - Some classes may incorporate additional goat-themed extras like a goat obstacle course, goat brushing station, or goat treats you can hand feed them.

Goat yoga is a quirky new trend that is more about the experience with the goats and less about a serious yoga practice. If you’re an animal lover looking for an amusing new activity, sign up for a goat yoga class near you!

Laughter Yoga: Giggles and Grins

Laughter yoga is one of the most uplifting yoga trends. This practice incorporates prolonged voluntary laughter with yoga breathing and gentle movement. The benefits are both physical and mental.

Release Endorphins

Laughter yoga triggers the release of endorphins in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters. Even forced laughter can lead to spontaneous, joyful laughter and an improved mood. Studies show laughter yoga can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Relieve Stress

Laughter yoga helps relieve stress and tension in both the body and mind. Laughing helps relax your muscles and decreases the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. It also helps shift your mind from stressful thoughts and negative emotions into a more positive state. This can lower blood pressure and heart rate, leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Strengthen Your Core

Laughter yoga provides a fun core workout. When you laugh heartily, your abdominal muscles engage, giving you a mini ab exercise session. Laughing 100 times is equivalent to doing 15 sit-ups. Over time, regular laughter yoga practice can help strengthen and tone your core muscles.

Improved Immunity

Laughter may help boost your immunity. Laughing increases the number of natural killer cells and antibodies in your body that defend against illness and disease. Laughing also decreases inflammation in the body and may help relieve congestion from allergies or respiratory infections. Incorporating laughter into your daily life could help reduce the frequency of colds and flu.

Laughter yoga is a refreshing new take on traditional yoga that provides both physical and emotional benefits. The simple act of laughing, even when forced, can lift your mood, reduce stress, relieve pain, and give your core a workout. Look for local laughter yoga classes or start a group of your own. Laughter, after all, is the best medicine.

Conclusion

After checking out these 20 incredible yoga trends, you'll never look at your mat the same way again. From aerial yoga to laughter yoga to acro yoga, there are so many exciting ways to twist yourself into a pretzel these days. Yoga has evolved so much over the years, there's now a style for every mood and ability. So grab your mat or harness or partner and get ready to zen out in a whole new way. Namaste!