Celebrating International Day of Yoga Is Made Easier With Apple Fitness+

In this day and age, amidst our busy working schedules, it’s easy to say “I don’t have time” for a lot of things – from hanging out with friends to watching a new series, going for a well-deserved pampering session and uh, exercise. Back in 2013 (yes, a decade ago!), there was a period when I was very much into “living a healthy lifestyle”, so I signed up for a 30-day yoga course at a yoga academy near my workplace then. I remember looking forward to a 45-60 minute class after work every day, as it was always a different experience each time, complete with different instructors and routines. Some classes were easy to follow, while others stretched me beyond what I was comfortable doing.

Although most classes trained me to listen to my body and attempt all the different asanas on my own, there were times with I had to find a partner to work with – and all I can say is that it was definitely harder than working solo! I would feel rejuvenated after a yoga session on most days, but there were also times when I fell asleep at the end of class when we were told to “close our eyes and allow for an uninterrupted mind-body connection to take place”, only to open my eyes and find out that almost everyone else had left!

Would I sign up for another one of those sessions? Probably not, but as times have changed and technology has advanced, I’m so grateful that today, Apple Fitness+ exists for me to log in whenever I feel like doing yoga – whether it’s in the comfort of my own home or during a holiday – any time of the day. All I need are my iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods Pro and yoga mat, and I’m good to go!

Now in its ninth year, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated every 21st June by yoga practitioners and enthusiasts around the world. To mark this special day, Apple Fitness+ is focusing on unity, togetherness and connection with a new first-of-its-kind 11-minute slow flow led by Jonelle Lewis featuring the Yoga team (Dice Iida-Klein, Jessica Skye and Molly Fox) and nearly the entire Fitness+ trainer team across every workout type including Cycling, HIIT, Meditation and Strength. Shot at the Fitness+ Studio in Los Angeles, USA, and designed for everyone and any level – whether you’re just starting your Yoga journey or embracing a regular practice – the flow with chill vibes offers Fitness+ users a supportive community and chance to move with the inspiring team of trainers.

Think simple sequence of classic yoga poses such as mountain, chair, cobra, warrior 1 and downward-facing dog punctuated by breathing exercises throughout the short session – not only is it quick and easy to start the day with, but it’s also perfect for days when you’re feeling a little lazy but still want to do some stretching. The best part? Only for today, if you’re a Fitness+ user with an Apple Watch, you can earn a Limited Edition Award for practising Yoga for 10 minutes or more (PS They’ve made it easier than the previous years, which required you to clock in 20 minutes or more for this reward!).

In addition to the Award, as a Fitness+ user celebrating International Day of Yoga, you can enjoy existing Yoga workouts in Fitness+ that meet the time you’ve got – whether it’s 10, 20, 30 or 45 minutes, and that follow the Trainer (one of the four mentioned above), type of Music (Chill Vibes, Hip-Hop/R&B, Latin Grooves or Throwback Hits) or Flow Style (Slow or Energetic) you like most. You can also peruse Collections such as ‘Perfect Your Yoga Balance Poses’ and ‘YogaThat’s Easy on Your Knees and Wrists’ to help you take your yoga practice to the next level. On top of that, you can try Workout Programs like ‘Yoga for Every Runner’ as well as '(Yoga) Workouts for Beginners' and '(Yoga) Workouts for Older Adults' too.

Whatever your preference is, doing Fitness+ Yoga can make you feel strong, stretched and centred with the selection of uplifting workouts based on flow yoga. Not only will the sessions help you increase overall fitness and improve balance, they will also encourage mindfulness as you focus on your breath. All you’ve got to do now is lay out your yoga mat, set an intention for your practice and be prepared to breathe, move and stretch. This International Day of Yoga, it’s time to celebrate your body, breath and mind!

Apple Fitness+ is available as a subscription service for RM19.90 per month or RM119.90 per year, and can be shared with up to five other family members. It is also included in the Apple One Premier plan.

Featured image: Apple