Ringing in the new year comes with new trends — be it fashion, beauty, wellness, sex or yoga.
Yoga has always been a popular activity for the mind and body, but the pandemic has changed some of the ways we approach yoga.
Those who haven’t tried yoga before (where have you been?) may think that yoga only consists of stretching, while those who have done yoga will know that there are a plethora of yoga styles and classes.
In this article, we’ll explore the yoga trends we’ll be seeing more of in 2022, with insights from a 200h Registered Yoga Teacher.
As countries ease up on Covid restrictions and more fitness studios reopen, new and avid yoga practitioners alike will be looking for a little something extra.
According to Mind Body Online, the interest in yoga covers all generations, but Gen Z has an added acrobatic streak, and is interested in gymnastics, aerial yoga, and pole.
Yoga teacher says: “More than 50 per cent of yoga practitioners I know regularly do other complimentary workouts such as pole or aerial. People are looking for a change in their routine, and want to be more athletic overall.”
“Although aerial yoga and other circus skill classes have been around for a while, it is only recently that more and more people have been giving them a go,” Me Time Away reports.
Pole fitness, aerial skills and aerial hoops are some of the popular class types, reports URBN Playground.
During the pandemic, the number of online fitness classes — ranging from HIIT to barre to yoga — has increased exponentially. Online classes offer more customisation (live, on-demand, pay-per-view, membership) and integration (live and in-studio, apps, heart rate monitor), and the quality of classes have only continued to increase in this competitive market.
Fitness and retail analyst Randy Konik told CNBC that “virtual and hybrid workouts work because they’re convenient”. People are going to realise they can work out at a gym three days a week, and then three or four days a week just do something at the house or in the basement,” he added.
Yoga teacher says: “In the past, many yoga students were simply looking for slow-paced beginner-friendly classes, but now, even beginners know what they want, whether it’s a splits-, backbend-, or hips-focused stretch class.
People are seeking more knowledge, and the number of yoga teachers in Singapore has been steadily growing, even among those who don’t plan to teach. They take the teacher training course to learn more.”
What this means for studios: They will need to have a unique edge in order to stand out from the endless options.
As people return to their yoga practice, they may require more guidance with regards to alignment and their stiffer bodies post-Covid restrictions.
Yoga teacher says: “Although I’ve only been teaching since mid-2020, I’ve seen a surge in enquirers and students in 2021, and I think it’s going to continue to increase. Practitioners are looking for more specific classes that are personalised to suit their bodies, needs, and goals.
With the reduced travelling and spending due to Covid restrictions, people are also more willing to spend money on health and wellness.”
Working up a sweat and gaining strength through yoga isn’t new, but with the rise of home workouts during Covid lockdown and restrictions, people are looking for more ways to build muscle and lose fat under time constraints from home.
“As fitness shifted indoors, users lacked the space and equipment otherwise available in physical gyms,” URBN Playground offers.
Yoga teacher says: “Yoga students are not only using yoga to stretch, but also to get stronger, improve body awareness, increase control, and work on specific skills.
Take flexibility, for example. Many students do not just want flexibility, but active flexibility, where they can use their mobility with strength and control.”
Strength training is increasingly recognised as essential for a well-rounded workout, as it helps to build muscle as well as make us feel strong and confident.
Even though yoga was first created by men, for men, it has been more popular amongst women in the modern world.
However, in recent years, you’ve probably seen more men in your yoga studio. Mind Body Online also says that more men are interested in pain management, for which yoga is a helpful tool.
Yoga teacher says: “I’ve definitely seen more men doing yoga. Although it differs from studio to studio, I’d say that I used to see one man in every three classes. Now, a single class can have almost 40 per cent male attendance. My online yoga students are 60 per cent male — most of them play sports and have specific goals to meet.”
Carissa Wong is a 200h Certified Yoga Teacher who focuses on alignment, mobility, and strength. She started practising yoga in 2016, and has been teaching since mid-2020. Currently, she teaches private 1-on-1 yoga classes (online and in person) and creates personalised stretch and strength plans.
You can find Carissa on Instagram (@MovewithCarissa), and her e-books “Form & Alignment” and “Banishing Back Pain” here.