And if you think that’s stretching belief, then how about THESE?
THEY say yoga is so versatile that all you need to bring to class is your body, your mind and a mat. But some versions involve equipment that’s almost as hard to get hold of as a goat. Here are some examples:
UNDERWATER YOGA:
Yoga 12 metres under water with scuba gear and an oxygen tank. Popular in Bali, it is said to arouse the sensation of being in the womb.
SUP YOGA:
Another water-based activity, SUP (stand-up paddleboard) yoga, requires a paddleboard
and a waterway (some classes are held on London’s Paddington Basin). Those who have managed yoga poses on top of the slippery boards report a sensation of floating, while remaining very still, which is apparently very soothing for the mind.
AERIAL YOGA:
This involves dangling from stretchy hammocks like an acrobat and is popular at Virgin Active gyms nationwide.
TANTRUM YOGA:
Participants are encouraged to act as if they’re a toddler and scream, stomp and pound their chests for an hour. Afterwards, a feeling of calm is said to descend (although a sore throat is an unfortunate side effect).
EQUINE YOGA:
This requires a calm and well-trained horse. American yogi Angela Nunez says the horse keeps still because it enjoys the experience – which is, she says, like getting a massage.
GOLF YOGA:
Designed specifically to help golfers ‘play better, play stronger, and play longer’. It started off in – yes, you guessed it – the US. Golf clubs aren’t necessary.
DOGA:
Yoga with your dog – it’s said to build stronger bonds between a pet and owner and can relieve tension and stress in both.