Ahmedabad: As the world marks International Day of Yoga on 21 June, yoga enthusiasts in Ahmedabad are taking their practice off the mat and into the water, embracing the growing trend of "Aqua Yoga" or floating yoga sessions.
Held at swimming pools and water parks, these specialised sessions combine traditional yoga postures with the natural buoyancy of water, offering participants a unique and refreshing wellness experience.
The practice has gained popularity as part of broader International Yoga Day celebrations across Gujarat, which this year featured a range of events, including mass yoga sessions at GIFT City, community gatherings and record-attempt initiatives.
Practitioners say Aqua Yoga not only adds variety to conventional yoga routines but also makes the practice more accessible to people seeking low-impact forms of exercise.
What is Aqua Yoga?
Aqua Yoga is a therapeutic variation of traditional yoga performed in a swimming pool or another warm body of water. The practice blends yoga postures, breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises with the supportive properties of water.
Classes are typically conducted in chest-deep, comfortably warm water. Instructors often modify traditional poses using the pool's edge, steps and flotation aids such as aqua noodles or kickboards to assist participants with balance and stability.
The water's buoyancy supports body weight, reducing stress on joints, the spine and muscles. At the same time, water resistance provides gentle strength training, helping improve muscle tone, flexibility and core stability.
Health experts say the low-impact nature of Aqua Yoga makes it particularly beneficial for older adults, people recovering from injuries and those experiencing joint pain or mobility challenges.
As wellness practices continue to evolve, Aqua Yoga is emerging as a popular alternative for those looking to combine relaxation, fitness and mindfulness in a cooling environment — especially during the summer months.
With interest in holistic health on the rise, floating yoga sessions are increasingly becoming a distinctive feature of International Yoga Day celebrations in Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat.
(Agency inputs from Reuters)
