From rail yoga to doga and snowga, 5,000-year-old Indian practice takes many bends and twists
- Championed by everyone from celebrities to fitness coaches, today’s yoga includes rail, goat and dog yoga, which are among the latest versions of this ancient practice
- International Yoga Day, on June 21, shows that the exercise can get your goat, or even your screaming inner child, to calm down
Over the past three decades, yoga’s many permutations of hot, yin, ashtanga and many more have embedded themselves into the fitness vernacular.
Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, we look at the latest and most unconventional adaptations to the 5,000-year-old exercise regimen, as it continues to reach all manner of audiences – human or otherwise.
Get rail
For the first time, travellers will be able to learn yoga on a moving train. A specially themed trip launched by India called “Bharat Gaurav” (Pride of India) debuts on June 21, led by two designated coaches, with instructors and trainers to help yoga fans master different asanas and mudras.
The train has a capacity of 600 passengers and, over 18 days, will transport travellers to places across India and Nepal linked with the life of Hindu god Lord Ram. Its all-inclusive ticket of about US$800, comes with food and hotel stays in both countries.
In addition to exploring exotic destinations, those who have signed up are thrilled at the prospect of trying “rail yoga”. Delhi-based garment exporter Mahesh Sharma, 48, who was among the first to book a place, said: “I’m a huge yoga fan and have been doing asanas for over two decades. But I’ve never done yoga on a moving train. So I’m very excited about this experience.”