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Speaking of formats, there are also multiple different types of yoga – so if you’ve sweated through one Bikram class and didn’t love it, there’s still hope!
Even if you've never tried yoga, it's impossible to ignore its presence. From TV shows to billboards to conversations at the café, yoga is everywhere – and it's a worldwide phenomenon. If you've never set foot on a yoga mat (let alone try to pronounce ‘shavasana') you may be wondering what the fuss is all about. So, here are a few interesting things to know about the practice of yoga: its origins, its various forms, and its benefits.
Yoga is nothing new. In fact, it's more than 5,000 years old.
An ancient practice that involves different breathing exercises, postures and movements, yoga's origins can be traced back to northern India. Its name first appeared in sacred texts called the Vedas: a collection of over a thousand hymns and mantras written in Sanskrit, used by Vedic age priests. Yoga is also amongst the six schools of philosophy in Hinduism, and is a major part of Buddhism and its meditation practices. After finding its way to the USA in the late 1800s, yoga's popularity spread across the globe – and it has been embraced here in Australia from the 1950s.
Now, more than one million Australians practice yoga.
While yoga may have initially been seen as a little too ‘alternative' for the mainstream, there's no doubting its popularity now. Research by the Australian Sports Commission in 2023 found that 117 million Aussies aged 15 years and over now practice yoga – making it more popular than soccer, golf and tennis. The pandemic certainly made yoga a more practical option, given the fact it can be done in different places, in different formats, and even from the comfort of home.
There's more than one way to 'OHM'.
Speaking of formats, there are also multiple different types of yoga – so if you've sweated through one Bikram class and didn't love it, there's still hope! Some of the most commonly practiced forms of yoga are:
The most common style of yoga practiced in the west, with breathwork and postures designed to tone, strengthen and align the body (although this is true of most types of yoga).
- A style of yoga made up of six specific postures performed in order. This one is a very physical, flow-style of yoga suited to those who like routine.
- Bikram. A routine-based hot yoga class that's performed in a studio heated to 42°C at 40% humidity. Sessions are 90 minutes long and involve a series of poses that cannot be altered. Not for the faint hearted but great for clearing out toxins!
- Vinyasa. Sometimes called ‘flow yoga', this style links movement and breath into one continuous flow. It was adapted from Ashtanga, and is well suited to those who like to move.
- Yin. A slower, gentler style of yoga where poses are held for longer periods of time. This one is designed to increase circulation in joints and calm the nervous system.
You don't need loads of gear to begin – but there are a few things you'll appreciate.
Definitely bring a towel and a water bottle – even in gentle yoga classes, you can work up a sweat! A yoga mat is advisable, but if you're a first-timer you'll find that most studios have these available to borrow (just call to check if you're not sure). And, while you can find plenty of stylish and comfortable clothing made specifically for yoga, this isn't a necessity – just wear something you can move easily in, and make sure it's not too baggy (catching in folds of fabric can inhibit your movement between poses).
As for the benefits?
Muscle tone, balance, relaxation and general wellbeing… the reasons to rave about yoga just keep coming. Check out our article to find out more about why this style of workout is so good for mind and body. And if you're stepping into the studio for that first class, remember that, like all good things, yoga can take time to master… but we think it's definitely worth it.
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