[C]arlisle will stage its first ever free International Yoga Day, in Bitts Park, on Sunday 24th June 2018.
Renowned local Yoga Teachers are offering free classes to encourage anyone who is interested in giving yoga a go to come down in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
All levels of experience and ability will be catered for between 10am – 2pm with a mixture of pre-booked and drop-in sessions for the public to pop down on the day and get involved. Sessions include:
- Yoga for Beginners
- Mum & Baby Yoga
- Introduction to Meditation
- Yoga for Stress
- Relaxing Yoga
- Vinyasa Flow
- Power Yoga
Organiser, Caroline of Caroline does Yoga is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of the ancient practice. ‘Practicing and teaching yoga has been life changing for me; it was fundamental in my recovery from Anorexia Nervosa and as such the study of Yoga and Yoga Therapy is fascinating for me. Whether a student has a long-term illness, or just struggling with the normal stresses and strains of day to day life, it’s wonderful to see the difference week on week to their flexibility, strength, balance but more than that, overall wellbeing. Students report that they sleep better, are more comfortable, focussed, can concentrate for longer and find other sports such as climbing, running or cycling easier.’
The Yoga Studio Carlisle will be opening its doors as part of the celebration to offer free first-come-first-served sessions that require more equipment such as Aerial Yoga. Janet Richards, owner of the studio said ‘We are delighted to be opening our studio and offering free classes in support of Carlisle’s International Yoga Day.
We understand that everyone is different and as a result our yoga practice will also be different. With this in mind we have tailored a special timetable and are offering a mix of styles of yoga so people can find the one that suits them most.’
In September of 2014, India’s Prime Minister proposed the establishment of an International Day of Yoga to promote international peace and cooperation. His request was granted by the United Nations General Assembly in December, 2014 in an effort to highlight the benefits of yoga to physical wellbeing and to world peace and development.
On June 21st 2015, the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated worldwide, leading to a new Guinness Record for the largest yoga class, consisting of nearly 36,000 participants, in New Delhi.
Since then millions of people all over the world have come together to practice yoga on International Yoga Day, usually celebrated on 21st June, the day of the Summer Solstice. For practical reasons the organisers, Caroline Robinson and Martyn Blacklock, have chosen to celebrate on Sunday 24th June in Carlisle for 2018.
Carlisle City Council is supporting the event. Cllr Lee Sherriff, Portfolio holder for Health & Wellbeing said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Carlisle’s first International Yoga Day. Bitts Park is a great place to visit and is a beautiful setting for the event. Following the recent opening of our open-air fitness area in the park, this is another opportunity to improve your health and wellbeing. Sign up soon!”
To book your space, or for more information, visit the Caroline does Yoga website: www.carolinedoesyoga.co.uk
