The rise and rise of yoga and holistic exercise

When Vogue tells you that one of the biggest trends in fitness is an all-encompassing holistic approach, you have to listen.

Up until recently, fitness meant cardio or weights. Now, our busy and stressful daily lives demand that we take a more balanced approach to wellness that includes the physical, mental and emotional aspects of how we live.

Today, tens of millions around the world regularly practise yoga, as much for its stress-busting and relaxation properties as its strength and flexibility-building, giving physical benefits as well as aiding mental health.

We look at some of the reasons that a holistic approach to fitness is the way forward.

In an always-on world, people are looking at ways to reduce stress. An incredible amount of research documents that more than 70% of those who practise yoga and pilates say it relieves stress, and the stats are backed up by tracking overall cortisol stress hormone levels both before and after participation and as a cumulative effect overall. All types of holistic exercise encourage people to take time to reflect, as well as teaching breathing techniques that can help to combat feelings of stress and anxiety. The opportunity for more ‘me time’ is one thing that makes activities like yoga such a good tool for combatting stress, and tending to maintaining good mental health.

Strengthening and building core stability for better performance. Men and women alike want exercise to make them stronger, not just mentally but physically as well. Holistic fitness is ideal for developing core strength and balance when practised regularly, given that many of the yoga and Pilates poses involve supporting your bodyweight. Many techniques add great dynamic exercises that work various muscles all over the body, including underused stabiliser and neglected supporting muscles. And just like any exercise, these benefits become greater by opening up progressively more challenging possibilities with regular practice. Get ready to discover power in your zen.

A 360° approach to training. People are becoming aware of the cutting-edge way that professional athletes train. Gone are the days when they focused solely on the direct movements of their sport: now, elite sports involve achieving a synergy between the muscles and actions that are used for a specific sport as well as strength in movements that aren't. Whether it’s football, dance or cycling, athletes are using yoga to lessen the chance of injury and increase their performance longevity. This is trickling down to the way in which the average person treats and trains with their body.

Earth+Sky are at the cutting edge of holistic wellbeing, offering classes that span strength, flexibility, relaxation, creativity and mindfulness. It’s the ultimate holistic programme that brings together all of your health needs in one place.