International Day of Yoga Hong Kong – celebrate with a rooftop class or get your children to strike a pose
Yoga is a 5,000-year-old tradition that melds physical and mindful pursuits to promote inner harmony. Head to one of these events happening around the city this coming week as the world celebrates its practice
Yoga is known to relieve stress and anxiety, and is believed to help improve your quality of sleep, fight depression and reduce chronic pain – in other words, to boost your quality of life. That is why, on June 21, we celebrate the International Day of Yoga. The 5,000-year-old tradition melds physical and mindful techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation and strength work, to promote inner harmony.
Originating in India, yoga has spread worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly decided on the date four years ago, in line with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suggestion to have it on the summer solstice. It is believed, after the first moon following the summer solstice, the first yogi – Shiva – began to share his knowledge of yoga with the world. Now, more than 170 countries support the day of yoga.
A growing roster of celebrities now swear by yoga: former soccer player David Beckham and his fashion designer wife Victoria, pop stars Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, lingerie model Alessandra Ambrosio, comedian and actor Russell Brand, rocker Adam Levine and screen queen Drew Barrymore are among its converts. The growing number of studios, classes and teachers in Hong Kong shows that yoga’s popularity is only increasing in the city.
If you have not yet embraced yoga, but are curious to understand how people can bend themselves into astonishing poses, you may want to try a class and join in the yoga celebration. Here’s a sample of some of the varied classes available in Hong Kong, for people of all ages. Even if you’ve never done an asana – a yoga pose – or tried pranayama – breathing exercises – you will find a welcoming smile and a kind and patient coach.
Rooftop yoga with a foam roller
Ce La Vi Hong Kong presents “Release”, a combination of yoga and trigger-point foam rolling, to align the body and mind. Charlotte Johnson has been practising yoga for over 15 years and studied with venerable yogi David Swenson. Expect a fun and dynamic experience that combines breath work, poses and a foam roller. Bring a mat, or rent one for HK$30, and a towel to have a shower at neighbouring Torq fitness centre (3F, Abdoollaly House, 20 Stanley St, Central). Take home a goody bag valued at more than HK$1,000 that includes a trial voucher for one free Torq class, discounts for Ce La Vi dining, and samples and offers from other wellness groups.
