Yoga Trends to Try in 2019             

Yoga has taken the nation by storm. With the help of Triyoga and Flying Fantastic, TLL gives you the trends to watch out for this year.

From aerial yoga to inner axis, yoga for mental health to chair yoga, the list caters for all ability and knowledge levels.

For yoga newbies – as well as seasoned yogis – 2019 is the year to try something new.

Aerial Yoga

Source: Flying Fantastic

Great for core strength and alignment, aerial yoga was a big trend in 2018 and isn’t going away. We asked Flying Fantastic co-founder Edel Wigan why.
She explained aerial yoga uses lots of moves from floor based yoga, but uses the hammock like a strap or a block to assist alignment, deepen awareness and provide the immediate benefit of spinal decompression.

She said: “In ways it makes normal yoga more accessible because it allows you to get into different positions a lot easier. For example inversions – which take a long time on the floor – you can do very early on with a yoga sling because it supports your body weight and takes pressure off your neck.”

She added: “And because you’re in the air, it makes it more fun.

“It’s very versatile, so you can use it for moves on the floor, in the sling, with the sling closed, with the sling open, standing in it, lying in it – there are lots of options.”

Edel told TLL aerial yoga catered for all ages and ability levels, and explained she used the same moves in kid’s classes as she did with senior clients.

With its origins in early Hindu culture, aerial yoga will make a flying comeback in 2018.

Restorative Yoga

Source: Triyoga

Triyoga teacher Anna Ashby said: “Restorative yoga is a style which has evolved from the seminal work of BKS Iyengar. Poses are mostly lying down and supported with bolsters, blocks and blankets, and are held for longer periods of time with an emphasis on breath.

“The intent of the practice is to down shift the nervous system from ‘fight or flight’ into a relaxation response.”

TLL asked Anna why she thought restorative yoga would be big this year.

She said: “It’s become a viable and valued option – western minds are becoming more open to yoga practice which is internal, still and spacious, where the indices of success are based on slow, conscious presence, rather than ‘working out’.”

“Because the modern lifestyle lends itself to stress, information overload and fatigue, space, rest and relaxation aren’t particularly valued. Until now.

“Restorative practice can offer a safe haven where the teacher holds the space for quiet, conscious presence more in line with the essence of traditional yoga practice. It’s quiet, supported and alignment based.

“Students are invited to engage in a conscious dialogue with their bodies and state of mind in order to move into a more balanced and even state.”

She added: “Restorative yoga is a great counter-point to a regular more physical practice. All can benefit.”

Chair Yoga

Source: Triyoga

Chair yoga is of an easy difficulty level for those wishing to take part in a gentler form of the practice.

Triyoga yoga coordinator Kieran Baine told TLL: “Chair yoga is a gentle, accessible, therapeutic practice. The class is taught and practiced either sitting on a chair or using the chair as a support for simple standing postures.

“This class is beneficial for anyone wanting a gentle practice but particularly good for anyone recovering from injury or illness or with limited mobility.

It’s inclusive and accessible with less emphasis on form or technique and more on emphasis on ease of movement and simple presence.”

Inner Axis

Source: Triyoga

Founded by US teacher Max Strom, inner axis is known to transform your body, mind and emotions. The practice is a combination of mindfulness techniques, breath-based yoga and qi gong.

This interdisciplinary system helps with sleeplessness, stress and anxiety, and aims to produce a level of fitness that helps you function in your professional and personal life.

A breath-based exercise that was a Triyoga success in 2018, it is set to grow even more this year.

Adopted by corporations globally as a sustainable wellness programme, inner axis is designed to be accessible to almost everyone, and offers several levels in every class to accommodate particular abilities and needs.

Yoga for mental health

Source: Triyoga

2018 is all about self-care. Part of this can be achieved through mindfulness and meditative practices.

Yoga can help ease feelings of stress, anxiety and sadness through a reconnection of the mind-body link.

This year, mindfulness, breathing and relaxation techniques will complement gentle posture work in classes specifically aimed at improving mental health.